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A Luxurious Obsession Hermes Temptation

Baker | October 22, 2020July 2, 2021

It is my duty to tell you about a book I am in love with (I know I am always saying I love things), but fashionistas, this book is a must read. The book is now a national best seller in Indonesia and the last time I went to Gramedia to get additional copies they were out (can you imagine?).

Well, if you want to get an idea of Jakarta’s love for all things luxurious and fashionable (not to mention expensive), you need to read Hermes Temptation. A book by two socialites who created a business around reselling Hermes bags in Jakarta.

Are you tempted by Hermes?

I first heard about this book last year while in New York. I could not wait to get back to Jakarta and get my hands on a copy of the book. I vowed to my Husband, “I must get a copy!”. (Laugh). Anyways, the next day, after my return, I went down to Gramedia to get the book. Fashionistas, I started reading the book from the moment the cashier placed it in my hand after scanning the bar code. I got so into the book, I could not put it down.

Alexandra Dewi and her business partner Fitria Yusuf wrote the book in an interesting way. Each chapter is written by either Dewi or Fitria. They talk about how they got into the business of reselling Hermes bags, the lengths they go to to get the bags authenticated, and the many trips they make to the Hermes store in Paris.

Who knew that selling Hermes bags was exhausting. I know that business generally is hectic, but I would expect that purchasers of high-end goods would be less hassle. Customers would nitpick, refusing to realise that they were buying often used bags, so minor wear and tear is normal. People are never satisfied, not even with a deal!

I kid you not, I could feel the exhaustion and frustration they endured, it was like their feelings reached out (like a hand) of the pages of the book and choked me (ha!). Just the same, I laughed out when they wrote about their obsession with their blackberries, where the Hermes bags were sold on BlackBerry Messenger.

The book is interesting because it also highlighted the process of buying a bag from Hermes. Did you know that it is not easy buying a bag from Hermes? Bags like the Kelly Bag and the Birkin have waiting lists. In fact, to get an exotic skin bag, you have to be a returning customer. Some persons “buy their way up” to such bags. For example, you might consider starting small, purchasing a belt, a wallet, tableware etc. before moving up to an exotic skin bag. It is all in the book, so you Hermes lovers can find out the insider tricks.

Really, this book is great. the writing style is good, it is written like two girlfriends talking to girlfriends (the readers).

For me, a vital element of the book was how it highlighted luxury profiling in Jakarta. Hermes bags are a status symbol and people go to great lengths to have one. Including stealing one from the ladies; and unscrupulous man ordered one knowing he could not pay. Everyday I walk around the city and see people with Hermes bags, and the bags never seem to be able to be closed. The Hermes label on the inside is always visible on the Birkin, just in case you were wondering what brand the bag was.

Then again I guess it’s the same obsession as Samantha in the Sex & the City Movie when she yelled, “you broke my Birkin!”. Noticed, she did not say “my bag”. Maybe, after all, the Birkin is not just a bag, it’s on a higher level. (Hmmmm).

The Joy Of An Ever Fluctuating Wardrobe

Baker | October 19, 2020July 2, 2021

My wardrobe is bulging with clothes. It seems like a normal amount to me but when I have friends over they usually gasp at the sheer volume of clothing that seems to take over the space in my bedroom. Not just clothing but accessories, shoes and yes, an entire wicker basket of scarves and belts. When I moved back to Canada for a year and thought I wouldn’t be back, I gave away 9 bags of clothing to friends and local charity shops. And I still had 5 large suitcases of stuff to lug back home. I was moments away from being head hunted for the show Hoarders, if only they caught me before my flight left Gatwick.

I’ve worked in fashion for the past 4 years and even before this, I have always really, really loved to shop. I don’t consider myself a shallow person – I have many interests that aren’t related to hanging out at the mall – but the rush of buying new things every season, finding the perfect pair of boots, or the most deliciously worn in vintage leather bag – it’s all a part of a beautiful collection of things that I really enjoy collecting.

But most of them are worn only a handful of times, not because of boredom or neglect, but because my weight has fluctuated up and down since I was 16 years old. I’ve gone up and down from a size six to a size 14 and back down again. I lose weight, buy a new wardrobe and then it doesn’t fit again within a few months. It’s an expensive habit that I can’t seem to break.

At the moment, the shops are heaving with summer sale items, most of which I am buying because my old clothes no longer fit so I have nothing to wear. Two of my best friends got married last year, one in October and one in December – I had gone up three sizes within those two months. And I’m not the only one – according to a 2010 poll by the Harley Medical Group, the average woman goes through four different dress sizes in her lifetime. I have been both extremely thin and chubby – often within the same year for over the past ten years. It’s affected the way I feel about my body, my relationship with food and the way I dress.

I love playsuits, shorts and skinny jeans but at the moment I can’t bear to wear any of them because I’m convinced I look awful – which means most of my clothes are collecting dust just as the English summer is heating up. Working in fashion means I can express myself with the way I dress on a daily basis but I don’t feel comfortable enough to wear whatever I want right now. This constant yo-yo dieting makes me feel bad about myself and lately I find myself only wearing sack dresses, long maxi skirts and silky pants that cover up my legs. I see women the same size as me who look great and wear whatever they want with confidence while I hide behind my baggy trousers. I look at thin girls with envy, and feel a deep sense of guilt about eating a few squares of chocolate for dessert.

I wish I didn’t feel this way. After all, it’s true that confidence is attractive in anyone. No one likes a whinging girl who counts calories as a hobby. But I would just love to just remain the same weight consistently – being neither fat nor thin, just normal and comfortable in my own body. My entire life has been an eternal quest to be a certain size – anything over that and I hide behind empire waist dresses, black opaque tights and tunics.

As my birthday approaches at the end of August, my goal is to finally make peace with my body, get into the best shape of my life by running a 10K in September and to stop obsessing about my weight and size once and for all. I want to lose the excess weight I’ve put on over the past six months, not just because I want to be thin but because I want to wear the 80% of my wardrobe that is hanging in my closet with no purpose. These shorts were made for walking – not for collecting dust while I spend another night eating chocolate digestive biscuits and lasagna. So I’m starting my diet tomorrow, not just for my health but for the love of my wardrobe.

Owner Occupied Vs Investment Homes

Baker | October 10, 2020July 2, 2021

There are more differences than you may think between Owner occupied and Investment owned homes. Below are the differences:

PROPERTY VALUES

Owner occupied homes are better maintained; both inside and outside. Since they live in the home, there is an automatic pride of ownership. Time and money were invested to provide a quality of enjoyment while at the same time, gaining equity. Owner occupied homes will have higher property values and lower property taxes (Homestead exemption)

Investors will provide the basics to attract a qualified tenant. Tenants are temporary and will not invest in adding improvements. Most Tenants will avoid maintenance if they must pay for it. Tenants get by with the basics and in many instances, will do the minimum requirements to keep the property looking good. Investors are known to paint over water stains, as well as hiding cracked or uneven subfloors with new carpet. Always be cautious of freshly painted interiors. Investment properties will have lower property values and higher property taxes (Non-Homestead)

SELLER’S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

Owner occupied homes ARE required to fill out a Seller’s Disclosure Statement when listing and selling their home. The theory is, since the owner has occupied the property, he/she will be very knowledgeable to its current condition. It is highly encouraged for owners to complete the disclosure to prevent possible lawsuits after the sale of their home. Honesty is the key when filling out this disclosure, so make sure the information is accurate. ALL KNOWN DEFECTS MUST BE DISCLOSED or the Seller could be sued for not disclosing something that could negatively impact the value of the property.

Investors are NOT required to fill out a Seller’s Disclosure Statement; however, the same rules apply when it comes to hidden defects. ALL KNOWN DEFECTS MUST BE DISCLOSED. The Seller could be sued for not disclosing something that could negatively impact the value of the property.

Your Realtor® will be able to help determine if a home has been used as an Investment property. Be aware of recent renovations (fresh paint, new carpet) as these could be covering up hidden defects. Ask for a maintenance report from the owner on A/C units. Hire a Licensed Home Inspector with infra-red equipment to see behind the walls for moisture/mold. It may be necessary to hire additional trades to inspect the house; such as a Roofing company, A/C company, Pool maintenance company, to obtain a a report of life expectancy for the unit as well as an accurate estimate of replacement costs. Most of the time, these trades will be more than happy to provide you with a free estimate.

ONE FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE

Have your air ducts cleaned and sanitized before you move into your new home. Regardless of new construction or a pre-existing home, it is important to sanitize the air ducts to get rid of mold spores, pet dander, dust mites and other air borne toxins within the home.

San Marcos Homes For Sale

Baker | September 29, 2020July 2, 2021

San Marcos is a thriving, medium-sized city located on the I-35 corridor. It appears roughly halfway between New Braunfels and South Austin. It occupies a beautiful location in the Texas Hill Country, by the San Marcos and Blanco Rivers. The city has a thriving business, cultural, educational and residential profile. It is home to Texas State University, many large firms and over 50,000 residents. San Marcos TX real estate is all about home to these residents. It includes many neighborhoods, single family, condos and townhomes. It includes urban, suburban and rural communities. Real estate comes with parks, play areas, green spaces, preserves, trails and perhaps best of all, waterfront. In fact, San Marcos homes for sale near the river come highly prized. Many include large lots and lush, shady yards. Wherever they appear, available homes come in a unique styles. They have an abundance of curb and price appeal. Homes for sale come in a wide assortment of styles, floor plans and price points, whether on the water, in town or out in the country.

A Closer Look at San Marcos Homes for Sale and Lifestyle

The community has a welcoming vibe and family-friendly focus. It also has a unique sense of culture. Residents like to call themselves San Martians. A blend of big city amenities and hometown qualities creates the cultural back drop. A blend of gracious living amenities and quality developments creates the back drop for San Marcos TX real estate.

Relaxed, countryside living comes with many of the neighborhoods and homes. Those northwest of downtown appear around wooded areas and beautiful natural preserves. Neighborhoods in that location include Hughson Heights, Sierra Circle and Greater Castle Forest to name some. In the Willow Creek westward, a number of newer, custom San Marcos homes for sale can be found currently.

By the San Marcos Spring and Spring Lake, the Aquarena Center appears. It is home to many unique species of plants and glass bottom boat rides. Other attractions include Wonder World Park. It has the nation’s only earthquake-formed caves open to the public. San Marcos TX real estate attractions include safe neighborhoods and great home choices. They come in everything from cozy bungalows to country estates.

The community hosts a fine educational system. San Marcos CISD serves the learning needs of residents. As a result, parents with growing children enjoy added peace of mind.

Great choices in neighborhoods and homes greet anyone interested in the community. They will find plenty of opportunities for gracious living, working and playing in San Marcos homes for sale. Homes prices start at around the high $100Ks and peek around $1M. Find out more. Browse our useful lifestyle and listings search. Contact Black Dog Real Estate for more info.

A Home Inspection Can Find Causes Of Sill Damage

Baker | September 25, 2020July 2, 2021

When you have a home inspected, your home inspector will look carefully at the structure of your home to check for signs of damage, which may include water damage, rot, or termites.

Rotting of sills often happens after years of water leaking into wood members. Wood rot in sills next to steps and slabs is very common. Unfortunately, this is because builders will often leave out metal flashing on the sill/wall/sheathing surface before the steps or slabs are poured.

In many cases it is impossible to tell if there is proper flashing where it should be. Material like “Ice and Water Shield” can sometimes be used. If you have an older home, asphalt paper may have been used, since many years back it was allowed. However, the paper can quickly deteriorate, which exposes sills to water. Your inspector may look under the siding with a mirror to see if there is some evidence of flashing.

Water stains and rot are often visible in the basement at sill areas next to steps and slabs. Sadly, there’s no way to tell how bad the rot damage truly is unless the stepss or slabs are removed. That’s why an inspector must look very carefully at these areas and do his best to assess the situation.

Another cause of weakened sills is termites. They often enter wood sill areas in a home at your outside concrete steps and slabs. Termite damage can cause structural failure and make expensive repairs necessary.

Termites can find their way into a home through gaps at the steps and slabs. That’s because steps and slabs are installed after the main foundation is poured and the grade is backfilled. This leaves just enough of a gap for termites to come in. In fact, a step or a slab is similar to a pile of dirt that’s in contact with your home. Such a pile of dirt creates an avenue where termites can sneak into a home and start eating the wood members.

A sure sign of termite damage is when you see a compressed wood member, such as the sill attached to the foundation. If the sill has weight on it, it will be mashed down like a wet sponge. That’s because the termites have eating away at the interior of the wood. That leaves holes and gaps that can collapse the sill to the consistency of cardboard.

Termites are like little building engineers. They’d rather sneak into your house than to build a termite tunnel up the side of the foundation. Therefore, an inspector must be very careful to search for termites in areas like the basement next to outside steps and slabs. Porches built on slabs are also common places for termites to get in.

If your inspector doesn’t know what to look for, he can miss evidence of termite damage. If termite damage is missed, the new home owner may be stuck with major repairs and bills after closing on the home.

While your home inspector should know about termites and the damage they cause, he shouldn’t be in the business of termite extermination and pest control. In other words, there would be a conflict of interest if he inspected the home and then got paid later to get rid of the termites. The ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) has standards prohibiting such conflicts of interest.

If termite damage is found in your home, It’s recommended that you get three estimates for repair. Negotiate before a closing or be prepared to absorb the costs yourself.

Creating Your Specific Wedding Day Time

Baker | September 19, 2020July 2, 2021

In your own twenties as well as thirties, weddings appear to come within waves. You’ll go months or perhaps a year with no weddings. The next thing you understand, you tend to be invited in order to three inside a row. Let’s say this period, your wedding ceremony is some of those three invites? How are you going to make your own wedding distinctive? Fortunately for you personally, there are many selections available.

Details are extremely important in order to you… as well as why shouldn’t these people be? The issue is knowing how to start. The wedding ceremony and wedding reception locations ought to be towards the top of your own list. As soon as chosen, you’re simply creating around which. Are you thinking about a space that provides a preferred ambience or perhaps a blank standing? Both kinds of locations offer the opportunity to include your very own touch. Modern wedding brides are definitely thinking away from box. Today’s locations include special choices for example art art galleries, libraries, zoos as well as industrial structures. Choosing an area simply depends upon your creativity …and manpower.

Weddings could take on the life of the own. There might be too numerous opinions (as well as options). You want to create the memorable occasion that displays your character and beliefs. (Nevertheless, your visitors should appreciate themselves as well! )#) Attempt thinking outside the box and getting a compromise. In addition, involve your mate! It isn’t any surprise that there’s typically anyone who regulates the reigns. This doesn’t imply you shouldn’t frequently check-in and also have the one you love feel included. Invite your lover to throw in certain ideas for that following:

The actual Ceremony

The ‘best associated with both worlds’ is definitely an option. Couples in many cases are exchanging their own I do’s within an intimate wedding ceremony, which is actually then then a luxurious reception. A conventional ceremony can typically be personalized. Religious couples may decide to include a common religious officiant. Let’s say one person isn’t as spiritual? For a few vow trades, modern couples are experiencing an extra officiant. Once again, it is the greatest of each worlds! Not really exceptionally spiritual? You may decide to consider asking a buddy or mentor being licensed for the special event.

Reception

Both of you have created the dedication. Now, it’s time in order to celebrate! Although it is your personal day, why don’t you offer your own guests the actual VIP remedy too? You can easily do having a few easy gestures.

In case your ceremony as well as reception aren’t in exactly the same place, you may decide to offer transport. Do you’ve rooms obstructed off in a hotel? Guests frequently expect transportation towards the actual location; this helps to ensure that everyone will get ‘home’ properly. Be sure to place someone responsible for filming the actual limo/party coach antics. There are certain to be a few laughs on the way! Overnight visitors would additionally certainly value a considerate gift tote with a few ‘essentials’ such as snacks, aspirin plus some information upon local points of interest. A nearby leading wedding ceremony resource indicates including present certificates. Don’t overlook a handwritten be aware!

Thinking outside the box? You’ll be surprised from what a few couples provide their visitors. Imagine your attendees appear by hayride…or a heat balloon? Before reserving something a little adventurous, be available to the indisputable fact that some people might not be comfortable together with your selection. If at all possible, allow them a while to select how they would like to arrive.

Customize your occasion space along with treasures. Photos, treasured mementos along with other keepsakes provide guests the peek in to your relationship. If feasible, try to incorporate some loved ones favorites as well as heirlooms. With one of these special bridal party, your guests are now being truly welcomed for your marriage. People like to feel like they’re part of something. And much more importantly, individuals love…love.

When picking out a bridal celebration, it is actually difficult to produce a ‘cut-off’. Most people are so special for you. For individuals not within the direct wedding party, why not really include all of them by asking for their assistance being an usher. It’s a way in order to involve all your family members with the easiest of duties. Plus, your guests will love not needing to walk close to aimlessly searching for their desk. Want to create it additional special? Provide your own ushers having a helpful guide plus some fun information about your visitors. This creates a simple, free moving dialogue between a couple that might not know one another.

Chances tend to be that a number of your wedding’s attendees curently have children. It’s your decision to possess children go to. However, you need to keep this in your mind when setting time and area. Some contemporary couples provide hired assistance to assist in looking after the children so mother and father may dance the night time away. Whether kids are near by or at the wedding, think about providing a few kid pleasant activities, healthy snacks along with a nap region.

As the night time winds lower, surprise guests having a parting treat. After a particular date, what are a number of your preferred go-to goodies? Something fairly sweet? Something tasty? Taco vehicles, warm dark chocolate chip snacks, ice cream…the choices are genuinely endless. And also you don’t need to pick only one! You might opt to possess a food pickup truck to focus on your guests’ tastebuds or deliver them home by having an individual deal with.

Once your own wedding offers passed, it doesn’t imply the memories need to stop. Wedding picture albums can take a moment to end up being developed. With regards to public picture sharing, you’ve many options so make use. Do you’ve got a wedding web site? Later upon, you could use this add images, movies and tunes. Combining each professional as well as candid pictures is a terrific way to showcase your own wedding.

How Sexy Is Too Sexy For The Workplace Indonesia Contemplates A Ban On Sexy Outfits

Baker | September 19, 2020July 2, 2021

7 days ago – Featured 1 Reply 7 Views

It seems like every couple of years, we have the “sexy outfit” controversy somewhere in the world. Some years ago it was the Brazilian university who was expelled from school for wearing a miniskirt. In 2010, an Iranian Cleric said that women who dress provocatively and tempt people in promiscuity are to blame for earthquakes. Well enter 2012 and Indonesia’s House of Representatives is discussing a proposed ban on “sexy outfits” worn by female staff members.

The House is currently split in two over this proposal, and each side has a vocal member, who is not afraid to speak on their behalf. On the one hand, there is House Speaker Marzuki Alie, who maintains that the ban would help to prevent rape incidents. Mr Alie is of the view that many rape and immoral cases occur because women dress inappropriately. On the other hand, there is Ruhut Sitompul of the Democratic Party and member of the House’s Commission III for legal affairs who maintains that the ban would violate women’s rights. While his point is valid, how he got to the conclusion leaves me a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Mr Sitompul suggested that women need to look sexy and are born to be beautiful.

The House’s Household Affairs Committee (BURT) is drafting the regulation. Everyone anticipates the scope of this legislation. Specifically, what type of clothing or outfit will be banned is unclear, however, there is no doubt that miniskirts will be banned. Also, whether the ban will be imposed only on staff members or on visitors to the House and office complex will need to be addressed.

In order to hasten the changes, the House Secretariat said that they plan to issue what would be equivalent to a code of dress for all female staff members. Mr. Alie said it would improve the image of the legislature.

Restrictions on dress in Indonesia are not new. In Aceh, Sharia Law is applicable and as a strict Islamic state, they banned tight pants and gave police officers the right to assess whether a woman’s clothing violated the dress code. Similarly, in Aceh, last year they arrested numerous teenagers they referred to as “punks”. Witnesses said the teenagers were wearing mohawks, tattoos and earrings and nose piercings, as well as dark clothing and tight jeans. They were made to undergo a “re-education process”, which entailed haircuts, shampooing and brushing of their teeth. They also received a new wardrobe consisting of clothing worn during prayers.

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