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Art may truly be in the eye of the beholder. What some experts deem “art” leaves those less educated in art history scratching their heads. But one thing is certain: art has become an integral part of interior decorating for the home. From throw pillows featuring exotic fabrications and finely crafted baskets to hand painted silks and children’s hand-painted furniture, art in the home is here to stay.

Hand painted silks are especially appealing, and can add elegance and sophistication to interiors. Silk paintings for wall displays use high quality dyes on luxurious silk that look gorgeous in frames. Hand painted silks can also be used for screens, giving an exotic and highly appealing theme to a boudoir. Similarly, abstract silk scarves draped over chair backs or nightstands add a subtle beauty to a dressing area. Decorative hand painted silk pillowcases can also provide a colorful contrast to solid color bedding and walls.

Hand painted silks and dyed silks have a rich and ancient tradition. Experts speculate that silk was first developed between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago in China, and was used as an elegant fabric for garments and, eventually, as an important component of the country’s trade. Indeed, the 5,000-mile “Silk Road” connected China to Persia, India, Egypt (where mummies were sometimes wrapped in silk), and Rome.

In India, Kanchi silk was and is woven and hand-dyed, and treasured for its superior craftsmanship and vibrant colors. Silk played an important role in the Roman Empire, and used to clothe emperors and as diplomatic gifts.

Most people are familiar with batik, a silk painting method that dates back more than 1,800 years. Batik is termed a “resist” technique because wax is applied to the fabric to make it “resist” penetration by the dye. Often, a fabric is waxed and dyed many consecutive times in order to incorporate many colors into the fabric.

Another “resist” method utilizes “gutta,” a derivative of the Indonesian Palaquim tree that is a natural latex. Gutta is most often used with the French Serti silk painting method. The consistency of gutta is similar to that of rubber cement, and is not as easily removed as wax or water-based gutta.

Today, artists use a variety of silk dyes and paints to achieve breathtakingly beautiful contemporary art. Those that produce the most vivid colors are dyes that require steaming in order to bond with the fabric. Paints used for hand painted silk are often the consistency of watercolors, and are set by using an iron.

When decorating your home, keep in mind that not all hand painted silks incorporate Asian themes. Contemporary images and colors abound, and you’re sure to find silk scarves, silk framed art, silk pillowcases, and silk panels that complement your decorating scheme.

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Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

By the China Foreign Trade Center (Group) and the top repute Limited, known as “Asia’s First International Footwear Exhibition” of the 17th Session of the International Shoes, Leather and Industrial Equipment Exhibition (referred to as Guangzhou International Footwear Exhibition ), 2007 May 30-June 2 (series 4 days) in the Chinese Export Commodities Fair Pazhou Complex (Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre) was held. More than 30 countries from five continents and regions, more than 900 companies joined the exhibition, the exhibition will reach the historical record breaking 50,000 square meters.

Show an increase over the previous scale

The exhibition attracted more than 30 countries and regions from the more than 900 exhibitors show competing with Taiwan. Last year the total exhibition area of more than 40,000 square meters to 50,000 square meters on the basis of. This exhibit includes the world’s advanced shoe-making machinery and equipment, tanning machinery and equipment, innovative shoe materials, various raw hides and finished leather, leather garments, furniture leather, synthetic leather, leather chemicals, and footwear industry, a variety of materials, parts, accessories, etc., a full range of the series complete, covering the whole industrial chain, middle and downstream products. In order to facilitate more targeted visitors choose to visit, the first time the shoe will be the domestic Museum District, Leather District, footwear and leather machinery equipment, mechanical equipment zone area. Bullish on China’s shoe market and the strong development of space radiation on the world footwear market, powerful features, including Brazil, Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, Turkey and the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, 14 countries and regions to exhibit a large scale.

“Trend corridor” interpretation of the trend of national dress

During the exhibition will be held in a number of special topic seminars and invite experts and scholars and business face to face communication, providing access to the latest information on the latest technologies and policies to enhance the competitiveness of the enterprises themselves an important platform. In particular, continue to introduce the same period, “the trend corridor”, Asia-Pacific region will be invited shoes, designer shoes deduction carry forward the national characteristics of culture in the latest trend in clothing. To get rid of the past, simply copy and imitate, identify foster confidence in the Asian original shoe styles, creating their own brands and increase value-added products.

The world’s top ten countries to visit our shoes

Footwear Association of European development group, said people now held in Asia, the international shoe show shoe show at best, while the Guangzhou International Footwear Exhibition of buyers and sellers are shoes from the world’s major countries. Therefore, including China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, the world’s top ten producers of shoes, footwear Association Chamber of Commerce representatives to visit this exhibition. Among them, the China Leather Association and China accounted for 9 percent of footwear production in China’s five major footwear industrial area?? Guangdong, Fujian, Wenzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing Association of Footwear Association, will send a large delegation to attend the meeting to visit buyers. Tooling Department to include Vietnam, Thailand, Leather Products Association, the Indonesian footwear industry trade unions, Footwear Manufacturers Association of Malaysia, the Philippines, Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs, India, Council for Leather Exports, China Taiwan shoe industry guild, the U.S. distributor and retailer of footwear association China Hong Kong Leather Shoe Material Merchants Association, the German Leather Association International Chamber of Commerce has sent representatives will visit the exhibition.

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Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

City life is very chaotic and monotonous. The very thought of having to wake up early and to go for work is so boring to some people but Bali can refresh the mind of even a jaded person. We normally wake up to the noise that prevails in the hustle and bustle of city life. When we look out of the window, we can see the roads, trees, vehicles and buildings. A well deserving vacation is the need of the hour. A change in our routine lives will be a great break for us and it can be none other than a splendid vacation at a Bali resort. Luxury will be at your disposal when you choose to stay in a five start resort. Vacations are always exciting and if you choose Bali as your destination, then the fun gets doubled.

Luxury finds its true meaning if the Bali resort in which you stay is mounted on a hilltop overlooking the crystal clear blue sea. Enjoy the fresh breeze of the sea along with your family members near the long white sandy beach. An international spa, plunge in swimming pool, chic bar and multi cuisine restaurants are the main highlights. The luxurious rooms are built with modern amenities blending perfectly with the Balinese tradition and style. These rooms hold gorgeous fabrics, wooden furniture and antiques sprinkled around the room. Whether you choose to stay in your room or by the side of your private pool, complete relaxation is guaranteed. There‘s no limit to excitement and adventure in the Indonesian island.

The services provided to the clientele of a luxurious Bali resort are pre defined and personalized. Apart from providing top notch amenities, the resort also makes arrangements for its visitors to explore the magic of Bali. This is an island which caters to the needs of shopaholics, photographers, nature lovers, water sports lovers etc. Balinese people are prominent for their natural generosity and you will be treated in a royal way right from the time you enter Bali. The days which you spend in your favorite Bali resort will be an everlasting memory for eternity. Bali has the power to attract people from any part of the world due to its heritage and tranquility. Holiday retreat at Bali will leave you enthralled and the excitement will be consistent throughout your stay.

The subtle lighting and calm ambience in a Bali resort will leave its visitors spellbound. In the evening time, you can enjoy your dinner listening to the soft gushes of the sea. Various cuisine styles are available catering to the tastes and preferences of visitors from different parts of the world. When you are not staying in your Bali resort, do not miss the fun filled water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Enjoy your vacation, honeymoon, wedding, or anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in luxurious, all services villas at a Bali Resort in the serene and enchanting islands of Nusa Lembongan. Happily married couples and families can rent a full service and luxurious villa and spend a glorious vacation to remember forever. Contact or call us now for reservations – http://www.nusalembonganresort.com/

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Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

1.  11108 E Harris Hawk Trail

LIVE ABOVE THE BOULDERS…in this latest Masterpiece by Sever Design Group. Enter the gate and drive up the motorcourt alongside the Art Form Pool supported by pillars extending a full story above grade. The entire main living area floats above undisturbed natural desert. Access the main entry via a sweeping stairway that looks out over thousands of acres of open space or enter by private elevator. Full window walls including 15 ft cantelivered exercise rm extending over massive boulder outcropping.Detached guesthouse,4 car garage and more accompany this 1.8 acre one of a kind estate. Views of Pinnacle Pk,City Lights and Preserve Land.

2.  10614 E Hedgehog Place

SHORT SALE! REDUCED $1,405,000 OFF ORIG LIST PRICE! SENSATIONAL VIEWS & OUTSTANDING QUALITY describe this MASTERPIECE by M & N homes. Unwavering dedication to detail & authenticity. Welcomed by beautiful courtyard w/gas fireplace & security gate. Warm & inviting living spaces with LUXURY finishes incl. custom inset cabinetry, marble, wood & travertine flooring. Extensive use of Cantera stone fireplaces & columns. Listelles & Venetian plastered walls & impressive gourmet kitchen & great rm are the focal point of home. Large game rm w/full bar, wine rm & theatre rm define the elegance & comfort of this home. Expansive bk/yd w/pebble-tec pool/spa, numerous water features, outdoor kitchen, extensive landscaping & fabulous mtn & sunset views. Short Sale Package Submitted-48 Hr turn around.

3.  10885 E Candlewood Drive

Casa de Arcos-a home conceived and crafted to honor the mountain & valley that was the inspiration. On 3+ mountainside acres with 180 degree views of the valley and inspiring views of Troon Mtn rising behind the home, nature has provided your art work. Arches and curves pull your eye from room to ceiling, from patio to pool and beyond. Five fireplaces grace Great Rm, Kitchen-Gathering Rm, Master Retreat, Guest Family Rm, and patio. Library/Den has abundant built-ins & room for sofas and chairs. Laundry/Craft Rm. is an artist’s dream. Steam shower, jetted tub,his/her clsts & exercise area in the Master Suite. Hand carved doors. 5 car garage.

4.  11323 E Yearling Drive

Incredible 180-degree PANORAMIC VIEWS! Custom 7300+ sq ft hillside home on 2.7 acres of Troon Mtn. All the extras you can imagine with custom-designed home theater, 4 gas fireplaces, elevator, retractable glass wall for true indoor/outdoor living, 284 bottle wine closet, luxurious master suite, bonus game room/library, oversized 3-car garage. Outdoors includes heated infinity pool and spa, BBQ and canterra decking. You’ll be swept away by the views!

5.  8096 E Whistling Wind Way

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION !!!! One of the most unique custom homes on a corner lot w/attention to detail in every direction!4 Bed.+4.5 Baths including Casita + Media Room.Built in 2001 on a 33,000 sqft homesite that borders the Raptor Golf Course in Grayhawk. Moroccan clay plaster walls,hand distressed cabinetry,indonesian wood built-ins and surrounds.Very sophisticated great room floorplan w/courtyard entry w/fireplace .Property has tongue and groove pine ceilings,moss rock stone walls,arched solid custom doors and fiber optic star ceiling in a Home Theater/Bonus Room. The backyard feels like being in a resort.Oklahoma Blue flooring,pool,spa,water features and beautiful lush landscaping that brings you to relaxation.

6.  10074 E Troon North Drive

REDUCED $421K. Experience the Extraordinary in the Elegance of this Keller Custom Home located in the prestigious Golf Community of Talus in Troon North. On 1.12 Acres. Extremely Private. Enter thru a Private Courtyard thru a Wrought Iron Glass Door to a wall of windows with Breathtaking Views of undisturbed Desert & Mountains. 4 bedroom, 4.5 Bath includes Private Guest Casita. Open Living & Dining Rooms w/Canterra Fireplace, Pillars & Wet Bar. Spacious Gourmet Kitchen w/custom Cherry Cabinets, Granite & professional grade Appliances. Large Family Room & Office w/built-ins. Bonus Room Great for Media Room. Motorized Shades, Central Vac & attention to detail thruout. Resort style Backyard w/covered Patio, saltwater Pool/Spa, Water Feature, Stone Fireplace, outdoor Kitchen & Putting Green

7.  11023 N Saint Andrews Way

Now bank owned and unbelievably priced, way under replacement value! New in 2006, European villa on the Orange Tree Golf Course. 1.3 acres with expansive views, lush grounds and room for a guest house. Rich hardwoods, artisan quality stonework, furniture quality cabinetry, exquisite lighting and chandeliers set a scene of soothing indulgence. Master suite with exercise room, second laundry, separate elegant baths, private outdoor spa, cabinet-lined closets. Inlaid mosaics & fountains in the heated pool & spa. Beautifully built out office and media room. Gated, pavered parking court & garage space can house RV or boat/extended height & tandem!

8.  10040 E Happy Valley Road #625

The style & sophistication of this Desert Highlands soft-contemporary home creates an architecturally unique radial residence w/ features including taupe polished concrete floors accented w/ slate tile, & cherry wood cabinets. Designed around a Great Room w/ two-way fireplace & wet bar adjoining Dining Room, Kitchen, Office (or 3rd Bedroom), Family Room & Wine Room create a Zen-like flow. Kitchen has top-of-the line appliances. The Family Room has a built-in entertainment center, fireplace & Pinnacle Peak views. Private Master Bedroom. Master Bath: double sinks, Roman-style tub with travertine surround, walk-in shower & two large walk-in closets. Lower level has Office, Guest Room & Craft Room. Backyard & patio w/a fire & water fire pit, & built-in BBQ . Citywide views from rooftop deck.

9.  9810 E Thompson Peak Parkway #814

QUALITY CRAFTMENSHIP & ATTENTION TO DETAIL are the features that delineate this home from all in DC Ranch. Warmth & Welcome exude from this great room floor plan w/breath taking MOUNTAIN & CITY LIGHT VIEWS! It has all..3 bed, 4.5 baths,den/bonus room and office,4 CAR OVERSIZED GARAGE, great room, exercise rm off master bath, fml dining rm, office w/ Alder wood built-ins & space for a GUEST HOUSE!. The den/bonus rm can easily be made into a 4th bedroom. The master bedroom is upstairs capturing the CITY LIGHT, MOUNTAIN VIEWS. Finishes: Kohler fixtures, T&G Ceilings w/ Exposed wood beams, Wood clad French doors, Hand-forged Pewter faucets, Rain shower heads, Travertine, Marble, Oak plank Hardwood flooring, Alder Wood cabinetry, 4-Masonry fireplaces, 2 Surround Sound SYSTEMS, & much more.

10.  12255 E Paraiso 5 Drive

This exquisite home sits on the finest view lot anywhere in North Scottsdale.  Perched on 3+ stunning acres at an elevation of 3000+ feet and surrounded by the McDowell Mountain Preserve, this special location is nothing short of breathtaking! To appreciate this property and its setting, it must be experienced not just seen in photos. Boasting a South facing back yard with every possible amenity including large pool, spa, water and fire features, outdoor covered seating with infrared heating and large areas for sunning or taking in the wildlife and scenery this special home offers. The property is as beautiful inside as it is out. Every room offers unobstructed views and was built to the highest of standards including state of the art security.

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Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

The main reason for deforestation is the demand for fuel, wood and paper products, cattle ranching, farming, mining and road construction. Half of all the trees cut down in the world are used for fuel. Burning wood is common in developing countries where there are often no readily-available alternatives. This in itself may not a huge problem; only, most of these trees are not replaced, which is a problem. The use of wood and paper, mainly in developed countries, is a huge factor driving deforestation all over the world. Hardwoods like mahogany are sought after for furniture and are consequently very valuable. In every square kilometer of rainforest, there are probably only half a dozen mahogany trees, yet the whole area is often cut down for those few trees, with other trees left to rot, even if they are useful for something. Areas of rainforest, generally in developing countries, are cleared by cutting down all the vegetation and then burning it. Pastures of grass are then grown and used for grazing cattle. As soon as the cattle are a certain age, they are slaughtered. Although some of the meat goes to the locals, a lot goes to the cheap meat industries giving products such as corned beef and burgers. Huge areas of rainforest have to be cleared to support several hundred cattle. After a few years, all the nutrients have been removed from the already poor soil and the land is useless, so another area of rainforest has to be cleared. Rejuvenation of the soil is possible, but it takes a lot of time and energy. Large areas of rainforest are cleared for farmland all over the world. In developing countries there are two main types of farming: ‘Slash and Burn’ and ‘Subsistence Farming’. In Slash and burn forming areas of forest are cleared to grow crops for a couple of years, and then left for a few years for the rainforest to recover, and then the process starts again. It is the most sustainable of the farming methods, but only if the population in the area is low, because as soon as you get more people in an area, there is less land available for each person and areas of land don’t have enough time to recover, so the soil is quickly exhausted. Slash and burn also increases air pollution. In Subsistence Farming, small areas of land that have been cleared are farmed. The produce is used to feed the family and provide a small surplus to buy other goods. The problem with this method is that the soil is quickly exhausted of its few nutrients and they are not replaced. This means that the farmers have to rely increasingly on fertilizers before eventually being forced to move. Rare minerals such as gold, bauxite and iron ore are often discovered in areas of rainforest. To mine them huge portions of rainforest are cleared, not just the area where the mine is, but also routes for roads and areas for storage of equipment and housing for men. Examples include gold-mining in the Amazon Basin and tin-mining in Indonesia. In places where there are large rivers running through rainforest, deforestation often takes place in order to build hydroelectric power stations. The resulting dams cause enormous amounts of flooding behind the walls and large areas of drought downriver. The world population is increasing. With this increase the amount of land needed for humans to live on also increases. More and more areas are being cleared to provide living space. This is known as urbanization. In developing countries people are moving into previously undisturbed areas of rainforest to log, mine or farm. For example, on the Indonesian island of Java, the population has grown so rapidly that people are encouraged to move to other less densely populated islands where they cut down the rainforest for farming and homes. Immediate effects of deforestation include the washing away of soil in the monsoon season. This is because trees are no longer anchoring and binding the soil and so mud slides take place. The earth is leached of minerals by the large amounts of water. The lack of vegetation also means that there will be very few animals in the area. The lack of decomposing vegetation and animals means that the nutrients are not replaced and the area quickly becomes infertile. Rivers often silt up as soil is moved downriver and deposition takes place. Fish and plants relying on clear water die as the river becomes more and more clogged. This has a knock-on effect through the entire food chain. If large areas of rainforest are cleared, the pattern of precipitation may change. This is because less evapotranspiration takes place due to the lack of trees. Water is also not delayed before making its way through the ground because of the lack of trees, shrubs, and leaf litter. Another very worrying effect of deforestation is global warming. The Earth is made habitable by a process called the greenhouse effect. Gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and water vapor (H2O), are found in the atmosphere. When light rays from the sun come into the Earth’s atmosphere, they are absorbed by the Earth, and then emitted as infra-red rays; the greenhouse gases trap some of them in the atmosphere, warming the earth. The greenhouse effect is essential for life to be able to live on earth because without it, it would be too cold. Current scientific theory suggests that when the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, more of the heat rays are trapped in the atmosphere, gradually warming the Earth. This increase in temperature might seem quite nice, but it isn’t good. The effects of global warming are already showing themselves; the polar ice caps are melting and if this continues we are set for a significant rise in sea level, flooding many places. Places which are now full of life could become deserts if rainfall patterns change with the temperature increases. Deforestation may account for part of the rise of greenhouse gases because trees have a large store of carbon in them, they take in CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and although a lot of what they absorb comes out through respiration, some of it stays in the tree in the form of carbon. When trees are cut down, and especially when they are burned, this carbon reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere and becomes CO2.Less trees mean more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and an increased greenhouse effect, which in turn means more global warming. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are also rising because of the increasing burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are made from dead organisms, which have gradually been compressed over millions of years, so they contain a lot of carbon. This means that when they are burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This increased use of fossil fuels contributing to global warming led 160 nations to come together in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, to try to reduce emissions. In 2001, the then newly elected president of the USA, George W Bush, declared that the USA would not sign the Kyoto Protocol because it would be economically damaging for the USA. Without the backing of those of the nations that have the highest emission levels in the world, however much all the other nations may try, there are remote chances reducing global warming, which, if not reduced, will have disastrous effects for all Many countries have a forestry management Commission, a governmental department that is set up to protect and increase the size of woodlands. For example, the forestry commission of U.K. and the National Forest Service of USA. Sustainable forestry is the act of managing a forest so that it continues to grow and the ecosystem is undisturbed. For every tree cut down, two more young ones are planted. Sustainable forestry is a good idea because even though trees are being cut down, if they are replaced, the amount of CO2 that can be absorbed and stored in the trees will stay roughly the same, thereby not contributing to the greenhouse effect. Land is set aside for trees with agreement from the owner and the local community that the region of land should be a woodland area. Grants are given to help with costs of planting etc. Pine trees are often planted as opposed to oak and other deciduous trees because they are fast-growing and there is a high demand for pine furniture and products.

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Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

International Cost of Living Rankings

International cost of living rankings are the result of comparing the cost of an expatriate’s personal budget, using the local prices for the same defined quantities of the same goods and services in each country throughout the world.

Our findings show that the compound impact of the multifaceted global economic trends that impact each country in one way or another, are contributing to rapid substantial changes in the relative cost of living of countries around the world. The changes in relative cost of living are large and have occurred in a relatively short period of time. The reason for this is due to the fact that so many economic crises are occurring simultaneously. 2008 saw the housing bubble burst followed by the failure of a number of global fund / asset management, insurance and banking giants. Some have been liquidated or taken over; others have been bailed out with government funds. In 2009 we have seen the continued fall in house prices which many believe have yet to bottom out. Stock prices and market indexes are down to levels last seen a decade or more ago. The trend towards decreased inflation and lower interest rates continues in developed and developing markets. We are also experiencing exchange rate volatility with a number of large economies seeing their currency weaken considerably in the past year. The economic impact is continuing to spread around the globe. We are currently seeing a truly global recession with reduced demand for manufacturing inputs and outputs as well as reduced energy demand and large scale job losses.

This study of 276 global locations covered every country in the world. The study comprised the cost of several hundred items that expatriates typically spend their pay on, grouped into 13 Basket Groups. The findings as at 1 April 2009 have been compared to the previous findings of 1 December 2008.  The Index uses New York as the base (New York = 100).  An index greater than 100, means that the cost of living is higher than New York, an index less than 100, means that the cost of living is lower than New York.

Geneva has a cost of living index of 110 for example. That means that on average, goods and services that cost $100 in New York, cost $110 in Geneva. Each city is ranked according to their overall cost of living index which includes the cost of all basket groups.

A cost of living index increases or decreases based on the local price of the goods and services used in the study and the ruling exchange rate. As a general principle, a country with a currency that has increased against other currencies (stronger currency) and which has relatively high local inflation (rapid/large price increases), will generally experience an increase in cost of living compared to other countries. On the other hand, a country with a currency that has decreased against other currencies (weaker currency) and which has relatively low local inflation will generally experience a decrease in cost of living compared to other countries.  It is important to note that we are talking about relative changes. Take London as another example. As recently as December 2008, London was still ranked the 6th most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live. As at April 2009 it is the 23rd most expensive place in the world for expatriates. That does not mean that the local cost of living for expatriates living in London has decreased. What it does mean is that relative to other places in the world, London is no longer as expensive as it was last year.  What makes London’s cost of living relatively lower than it was is mainly due to the increase in the cost of living elsewhere together with the weaker British Pound.

These relative changes have a substantial impact on expatriate employees. An expatriate working in a high cost of living – strong currency country such as Hong Kong where the Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar illustrates this point. The high cost of living makes it difficult to save due to high local prices; Household (Accommodation including utilities) in particular is very expensive. However, an expatriate working in Hong Kong will now likely find that remitting money back home provides greatly increased spending power at home.  In the past year the Hong Kong Dollar has increased 15% against the Malaysian Ringgit, and 30% against the Indonesian Rupiah and the Australian Dollar.

 

The Top 10 Most Expensive Places for Expatriates to Live

Tokyo has retained its status as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live. The cost of living index for Tokyo has increased from 126 in December 2008 to 143 as at 1 April 2009, and the Yen has strengthened against the US Dollar. At the other end of the scale, Harare has retained its status as the least expensive city in the world and is ranked 276 with an index of just 17 and a currency which is still in free-fall. Tokyo is ranked 1st for Healthcare expenses, 2nd for Groceries and 2nd for Household (Accommodation including utilities).

Hong Kong is now ranked 2nd overall having climbed from 33rd place in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 121 and is ranked 1st for Household expenses and 2nd for Healthcare. It is interesting however to note that Hong Kong is not expensive in all categories. It is ranked 202nd for Alcohol & Tobacco, 226th for Recreation & Culture, 227th for Education, and 247th for Furniture & Appliances.

Lagos is the 3rd most expensive city in the world for expatriates, having previously been ranked 11th.  It is ranked 1st for Groceries and for Furniture & Appliance expenses, 6th for Healthcare, and 18th for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels. 

Caracas has moved substantially up the rankings to 4th, having been ranked just 32nd in December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Education expenses, 5th for Healthcare, and 6th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities).

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea is the 5th ranked overall most expensive city for expatriates due to most goods and services being imported from Australia. Port Moresby is ranked 6th for Recreation & Culture, 7th for Communication and for Healthcare, and 8th most expensive for Clothing.

Geneva has dropped slightly to 6th, having been ranked 4th in December 2008.  It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Transport expenses, 11th for Recreation & Culture, 15th for Healthcare, and 20th for Clothing.

Dubai has moved into the top 10 most expensive places in the world for expatriates to live for the first time. Dubai is now ranked 7th, substantially up from 34th in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 109 since December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Restaurants Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 6th for Clothing, 11th for Healthcare, and 16th for Groceries. Dubai is currently ranked 4th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), however evidence is emerging that this will decrease significantly in the next quarter as it has been hit relatively hard in the property sector with falling property prices and rentals.

Doha has moved up in the global rankings faster than any other city. In December 2008, Doha was ranked the 45th most expensive city for expatriates, it is now 8th. The overall cost of living index has moved up from 101 to 109, equal to that of Dubai.  It is ranked 2nd for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 3rd for Clothing, 7th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), 8th for Groceries as well as for Recreation and Culture, and 10th for Healthcare.

Denmark has dropped slightly to being the 9th most expensive place in the world for expatriates, having been ranked 3rd in December 2008. It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Groceries, 5th for Transport, and 15th for Furniture and Appliances.   

Hamilton in Bermuda completes the top 10 moving from 26th in December despite the overall cost of index remaining 108. Hamilton is ranked 4th most expensive for both Education and Healthcare, 10th for Personal Care, 11th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), and 15th for Groceries.  

The full overall cost of living ranking list, sourced from xpatulator.com as at 1 April 2009 is as follows: 

Rank and Location

1 Japan, Tokyo

2 China, Hong Kong

3 Nigeria, Lagos

4 Venezuela, Caracas

5 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby

6 Switzerland, Geneva

7 United Arab Emirates, Dubai

8 Qatar, Doha

9 Denmark, Copenhagen

10 Bermuda, Hamilton

11 Angola, Luanda

12 Switzerland, Zurich

13 Russia, Moscow

14 Solomon Islands, Honiara

15 Cameroon, Douala

16 Chad, N’Djamena

17 Taiwan, Taipei

18 Liechtenstein, Vaduz

19 USA, New York NY

20 New Caledonia, Noumea

21 Greenland, Nuuk

22 Ireland, Dublin

23 United Kingdom, London

24 France, Paris

25 Norway, Oslo

26 Italy, Milan

27 San Marino, San Marino

28 USA, San Francisco Calif

29 Monaco, Monaco

30 Austria, Vienna

31 Bahamas, Nassau

32 Central African Republic, Bangui

33 Nauru, Yaren

34 USA, Boston Mass

35 Finland, Helsinki

36 Italy, Rome

37 Kazakhstan, Almaty

38 Cote D’Ivoire, Abidjan

39 Bahrain, Manama

40 Micronesia, Palikir

41 Isle of Man, Douglas

42 Haiti, Port-au-Prince

43 USA, San Jose Calif

44 Cameroon, Yaounde

45 Djibouti, Djibouti

46 Palau, Melekeok

47 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau

48 Azerbaijan, Baku

49 Benin, Cotonou

50 Slovakia, Bratislava

51 Belgium, Brussels

52 Netherlands, Amsterdam

53 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome

54 Jersey, Saint Helier

55 Mali, Bamako

56 Gabon, Libreville

57 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

58 Croatia, Zagreb

59 Singapore, Singapore

60 Ghana, Accra

61 Spain, Madrid

62 Ukraine, Kiev

63 USA, Philadelphia Pa

64 Cayman Islands, George Town

65 Sierra Leone, Freetown

66 Germany, Berlin

67 Czech Republic, Prague

68 USA, San Diego Calif

69 Jordan, Amman

70 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain

71 USA, Los Angeles Calif

72 USA, Washington DC

73 Estonia, Tallinn

74 USA, Baltimore Md

75 Falkland Islands, Stanley

76 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

77 Guernsey, St Peter Port

78 Comores, Moroni

79 Sudan, Khartoum

80 Germany, Bonn

81 Vatican City, Vatican City

82 Canada, Toronto

83 Timor-Leste, Dili

84 Hungary, Budapest

85 USA, Seattle Wash

86 Brazil, Brasilia

87 Lebanon, Beirut

88 USA, Miami Fla

89 Vanuatu, Port Vila

90 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

91 Jamaica, Kingston

92 Australia, Sydney

93 Kuwait, Kuwait City

94 Moldova, Chisinau

95 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa

96 Germany, Frankfurt

97 Tuvalu, Funafuti

98 Iceland, Reykjavík

99 Barbados, Bridgetown

100 Portugal, Lisbon

101 Mozambique, Maputo

102 Senegal, Dakar

103 Canada, Vancouver

104 Niger, Niamey

105 China, Beijing

106 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

107 Turkey, Ankara

108 Togo, Lome

109 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo

110 Martinique, Fort-de-France

111 Armenia, Yerevan

112 USA, Chicago Ill

113 Liberia, Monrovia

114 Gibraltar, Gibraltar

115 Sweden, Stockholm

116 Somalia, Mogadishu

117 USA, Portland Ore

118 Israel, Jerusalem

119 Malta, Velletta

120 Puerto Rico, San Juan

121 Canada, Calgary

122 Rwanda, Kigali

123 Guam, Hagatna

124 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou

125 Zambia, Lusaka

126 Andorra, Andorra la Vella

127 Cyprus, Nicosia

128 USA, Las Vegas Nev

129 Samoa, Apia

130 Saint Helena, Jamestown

131 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

132 Greece, Athens

133 Poland, Warsaw

134 Maldives, Male

135 Malawi, Lilongwe

136 Thailand, Bangkok

137 Indonesia, Jakarta

138 USA, Jacksonville Fla

139 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint John’s

140 Gambia, Banjul

141 United Kingdom, Glasgow

142 Lithuania, Vilnius

143 Belarus, Minsk

144 USA, Dallas Tex

145 Australia, Canberra

146 India, Mumbai

147 Australia, Melbourne

148 USA, Denver Colo

149 Algeria, Algiers

150 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi

151 Honduras, Tegucigalpa

152 USA, Atlanta GA

153 USA, Cleveland Ohio

154 Canada, Montreal

155 USA, Milwaukee Wis

156 Congo, Brazzaville

157 Guinea, Conakry

158 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre

159 USA, Detroit Mich

160 Panama, Panama City

161 Latvia, Riga

162 Uganda, Kampala

163 Korea Republic of, Seoul

164 USA, Charlotte NC

165 Marshall Islands, Majuro

166 Australia, Perth

167 USA, Phoenix Ariz

168 USA, Columbus Ohio

169 USA, Austin Tex

170 Madagascar, Antananarivo

171 USA, Tampa Fla

172 United Kingdom, Birmingham

173 Afghanistan, Kabul

174 Grenada, Saint George’s

175 Vietnam, Hanoi

176 USA, Indianapolis Ind

177 USA, St Louis MO

178 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown

179 Peru, Lima

180 Syria, Damascus

181 USA, Fort Worth Tex

182 Slovenia, Ljubljana

183 Mauritania, Nouakchott

184 USA, El Paso Tex

185 Philippines, Manila

186 China, Shanghai

187 USA, Memphis Tenn

188 USA, Pittsburgh Penn

189 Belize, Belmopan

190 India, New Delhi

191 Romania, Bucharest

192 Guatemala, Guatemala City

193 Iran, Tehran

194 Cape Verde, Praia

195 India, Chennai

196 USA, Houston Tex

197 Canada, Ottawa

198 Costa Rica, San Jose

199 Dominica, Roseau

200 Nicaragua, Managua

201 Guyana, Georgetown

202 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo

203 Bulgaria, Sofia

204 237 Suriname, Paramaribo

205 Cuba, Havana

206 Oman, Muscat

207 India, Calcutta

208 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar

209 Tajikistan, Dushanbe

210 India, Hyderabad

211 Burundi, Bujumbura

212 USA, San Antonio Tex

213 Myanmar, Yangon

214 Uruguay, Montevideo

215 Paraguay, Asuncion

216 Albania, Tirana

217 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan

218 Mauritius, Port Louis

219 Fiji, Suva

220 Egypt, Cairo

221 Australia, Brisbane

222 El Salvador, San Salvador

223 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang

224 Laos, Vientiane

225 Mexico, Mexico City

226 Morocco, Rabat

227 India, Bangalore

228 Saint Lucia, Castries

229 New Zealand, Auckland

230 Kiribati, South Tarawa

231 Kosovo, Pristina

232 Kenya, Nairobi

233 Serbia, Belgrade

234 Bangladesh, Dhaka

235 Pakistan, Lahore

236 Bolivia, La Paz

237 Colombia, Bogota

238 Botswana, Gaberone

239 Sri Lanka, Colombo

240 Pakistan, Islamabad

241 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat

242 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

243 Macedonia, Skopje

244 Pakistan, Karachi

245 Australia, Adelaide

246 Montenegro, Podgorica

247 Chile, Santiago

248 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

249 China, Macao

250 Eritrea, Asmara

251 Iraq, Baghdad

252 Argentina, Buenos Aires

253 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

254 Uzbekistan, Tashkent

255 Ecuador, Quito

256 Nepal, Kathmandu

257 Tunisia, Tunis

258 Yemen, Sanaa

259 Bhutan, Thimphu

260 South Africa, Johannesburg

261 China, Shenzhen

262 Tonga, Nuku’Alofa

263 China, Dalian

264 South Africa, Pretoria

265 Lesotho, Maseru

266 China, Wuhan

267 Namibia, Windhoek

268 Libya, Tripoli

269 South Africa, Cape Town

270 China, Guangzhou

271 Seychelles, Victoria

272 South Africa, Durban

273 Cambodia, Phnom Penh

274 Swaziland, Mbabane

275 China, Tianjin

276 Zimbabwe, Harare

Popularity: 2% [?]

Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

International cost of living rankings are the result of comparing the cost of an expatriate’s personal budget, using the local prices for the same defined quantities of the same goods and services in each country throughout the world.

Our findings show that the compound impact of the multifaceted global economic trends that impact each country in one way or another, are contributing to rapid substantial changes in the relative cost of living of countries around the world. The changes in relative cost of living are large and have occurred in a relatively short period of time. The reason for this is due to the fact that so many economic crises are occurring simultaneously. 2008 saw the housing bubble burst followed by the failure of a number of global fund / asset management, insurance and banking giants. Some have been liquidated or taken over; others have been bailed out with government funds. In 2009 we have seen the continued fall in house prices which many believe have yet to bottom out. Stock prices and market indexes are down to levels last seen a decade or more ago. The trend towards decreased inflation and lower interest rates continues in developed and developing markets. We are also experiencing exchange rate volatility with a number of large economies seeing their currency weaken considerably in the past year. The economic impact is continuing to spread around the globe. We are currently seeing a truly global recession with reduced demand for manufacturing inputs and outputs as well as reduced energy demand and large scale job losses.

This study of 276 global locations covered every country in the world. The study comprised the cost of several hundred items that expatriates typically spend their pay on, grouped into 13 Basket Groups. The findings as at 1 April 2009 have been compared to the previous findings of 1 December 2008. The Index uses New York as the base (New York = 100). An index greater than 100, means that the cost of living is higher than New York, an index less than 100, means that the cost of living is lower than New York.

Geneva has a cost of living index of 110 for example. That means that on average, goods and services that cost $100 in New York, cost $110 in Geneva. Each city is ranked according to their overall cost of living index which includes the cost of all basket groups.

A cost of living index increases or decreases based on the local price of the goods and services used in the study and the ruling exchange rate. As a general principle, a country with a currency that has increased against other currencies (stronger currency) and which has relatively high local inflation (rapid/large price increases), will generally experience an increase in cost of living compared to other countries. On the other hand, a country with a currency that has decreased against other currencies (weaker currency) and which has relatively low local inflation will generally experience a decrease in cost of living compared to other countries. It is important to note that we are talking about relative changes. Take London as another example. As recently as December 2008, London was still ranked the 6th most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live. As at April 2009 it is the 23rd most expensive place in the world for expatriates. That does not mean that the local cost of living for expatriates living in London has decreased. What it does mean is that relative to other places in the world, London is no longer as expensive as it was last year. What makes London’s cost of living relatively lower than it was is mainly due to the increase in the cost of living elsewhere together with the weaker British Pound.

These relative changes have a substantial impact on expatriate employees. An expatriate working in a high cost of living – strong currency country such as Hong Kong where the Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar illustrates this point. The high cost of living makes it difficult to save due to high local prices; Household (Accommodation including utilities) in particular is very expensive. However, an expatriate working in Hong Kong will now likely find that remitting money back home provides greatly increased spending power at home. In the past year the Hong Kong Dollar has increased 15% against the Malaysian Ringgit, and 30% against the Indonesian Rupiah and the Australian Dollar.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Places for Expatriates to Live

Tokyo has retained its status as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live. The cost of living index for Tokyo has increased from 126 in December 2008 to 143 as at 1 April 2009, and the Yen has strengthened against the US Dollar. At the other end of the scale, Harare has retained its status as the least expensive city in the world and is ranked 276 with an index of just 17 and a currency which is still in free-fall. Tokyo is ranked 1st for Healthcare expenses, 2nd for Groceries and 2nd for Household (Accommodation including utilities).

Hong Kong is now ranked 2nd overall having climbed from 33rd place in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 121 and is ranked 1st for Household expenses and 2nd for Healthcare. It is interesting however to note that Hong Kong is not expensive in all categories. It is ranked 202nd for Alcohol & Tobacco, 226th for Recreation & Culture, 227th for Education, and 247th for Furniture & Appliances.

Lagos is the 3rd most expensive city in the world for expatriates, having previously been ranked 11th. It is ranked 1st for Groceries and for Furniture & Appliance expenses, 6th for Healthcare, and 18th for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels.

Caracas has moved substantially up the rankings to 4th, having been ranked just 32nd in December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Education expenses, 5th for Healthcare, and 6th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities).

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea is the 5th ranked overall most expensive city for expatriates due to most goods and services being imported from Australia. Port Moresby is ranked 6th for Recreation & Culture, 7th for Communication and for Healthcare, and 8th most expensive for Clothing.

Geneva has dropped slightly to 6th, having been ranked 4th in December 2008. It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Transport expenses, 11th for Recreation & Culture, 15th for Healthcare, and 20th for Clothing.

Dubai has moved into the top 10 most expensive places in the world for expatriates to live for the first time. Dubai is now ranked 7th, substantially up from 34th in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 109 since December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Restaurants Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 6th for Clothing, 11th for Healthcare, and 16th for Groceries. Dubai is currently ranked 4th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), however evidence is emerging that this will decrease significantly in the next quarter as it has been hit relatively hard in the property sector with falling property prices and rentals.

Doha has moved up in the global rankings faster than any other city. In December 2008, Doha was ranked the 45th most expensive city for expatriates, it is now 8th. The overall cost of living index has moved up from 101 to 109, equal to that of Dubai. It is ranked 2nd for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 3rd for Clothing, 7th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), 8th for Groceries as well as for Recreation and Culture, and 10th for Healthcare.

Denmark has dropped slightly to being the 9th most expensive place in the world for expatriates, having been ranked 3rd in December 2008. It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Groceries, 5th for Transport, and 15th for Furniture and Appliances.

Hamilton in Bermuda completes the top 10 moving from 26th in December despite the overall cost of index remaining 108. Hamilton is ranked 4th most expensive for both Education and Healthcare, 10th for Personal Care, 11th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), and 15th for Groceries.

The full overall cost of living ranking list from Xpatulator as at 1 April 2009 is as follows:

RankLocation

1 Japan, Tokyo
2 China, Hong Kong
3 Nigeria, Lagos
4 Venezuela, Caracas
5 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
6 Switzerland, Geneva
7 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
8 Qatar, Doha
9 Denmark, Copenhagen
10 Bermuda, Hamilton
11 Angola, Luanda
12 Switzerland, Zurich
13 Russia, Moscow
14 Solomon Islands, Honiara
15 Cameroon, Douala
16 Chad, N’Djamena
17 Taiwan, Taipei
18 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
19 USA, New York NY
20 New Caledonia, Noumea
21 Greenland, Nuuk
22 Ireland, Dublin
23 United Kingdom, London
24 France, Paris
25 Norway, Oslo
26 Italy, Milan
27 San Marino, San Marino
28 USA, San Francisco Calif
29 Monaco, Monaco
30 Austria, Vienna
31 Bahamas, Nassau
32 Central African Republic, Bangui
33 Nauru, Yaren
34 USA, Boston Mass
35 Finland, Helsinki
36 Italy, Rome
37 Kazakhstan, Almaty
38 Cote D’Ivoire, Abidjan
39 Bahrain, Manama
40 Micronesia, Palikir
41 Isle of Man, Douglas
42 Haiti, Port-au-Prince
43 USA, San Jose Calif
44 Cameroon, Yaounde
45 Djibouti, Djibouti
46 Palau, Melekeok
47 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau
48 Azerbaijan, Baku
49 Benin, Cotonou
50 Slovakia, Bratislava
51 Belgium, Brussels
52 Netherlands, Amsterdam
53 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
54 Jersey, Saint Helier
55 Mali, Bamako
56 Gabon, Libreville
57 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
58 Croatia, Zagreb
59 Singapore, Singapore
60 Ghana, Accra
61 Spain, Madrid
62 Ukraine, Kiev
63 USA, Philadelphia Pa
64 Cayman Islands, George Town
65 Sierra Leone, Freetown
66 Germany, Berlin
67 Czech Republic, Prague
68 USA, San Diego Calif
69 Jordan, Amman
70 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
71 USA, Los Angeles Calif
72 USA, Washington DC
73 Estonia, Tallinn
74 USA, Baltimore Md
75 Falkland Islands, Stanley
76 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
77 Guernsey, St Peter Port
78 Comores, Moroni
79 Sudan, Khartoum
80 Germany, Bonn
81 Vatican City, Vatican City
82 Canada, Toronto
83 Timor-Leste, Dili
84 Hungary, Budapest
85 USA, Seattle Wash
86 Brazil, Brasilia
87 Lebanon, Beirut
88 USA, Miami Fla
89 Vanuatu, Port Vila
90 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
91 Jamaica, Kingston
92 Australia, Sydney
93 Kuwait, Kuwait City
94 Moldova, Chisinau
95 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
96 Germany, Frankfurt
97 Tuvalu, Funafuti
98 Iceland, Reykjavík
99 Barbados, Bridgetown
100 Portugal, Lisbon
101 Mozambique, Maputo
102 Senegal, Dakar
103 Canada, Vancouver
104 Niger, Niamey
105 China, Beijing
106 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
107 Turkey, Ankara
108 Togo, Lome
109 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo
110 Martinique, Fort-de-France
111 Armenia, Yerevan
112 USA, Chicago Ill
113 Liberia, Monrovia
114 Gibraltar, Gibraltar
115 Sweden, Stockholm
116 Somalia, Mogadishu
117 Portland Ore
118 Israel, Jerusalem
119 Malta, Velletta
120 Puerto Rico, San Juan
121 Canada, Calgary
122 Rwanda, Kigali
123 Guam, Hagatna
124 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
125 Zambia, Lusaka
126 Andorra, Andorra la Vella
127 Cyprus, Nicosia
128 USA, Las Vegas Nev
129 Samoa, Apia
130 Saint Helena, Jamestown
131 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
132 Greece, Athens
133 Poland, Warsaw
134 Maldives, Male
135 Malawi, Lilongwe
136 Thailand, Bangkok
137 Indonesia, Jakarta
138 USA, Jacksonville Fla
139 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint John’s
140 Gambia, Banjul
141 United Kingdom, Glasgow
142 Lithuania, Vilnius
143 Belarus, Minsk
144 USA, Dallas Tex
145 Australia, Canberra
146 India, Mumbai
147 Australia, Melbourne
148 USA, Denver Colo
149 Algeria, Algiers
150 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi
151 Honduras, Tegucigalpa
152 USA, Atlanta GA
153 USA, Cleveland Ohio
154 Canada, Montreal
155 USA, Milwaukee Wis
156 Congo, Brazzaville
157 Guinea, Conakry
158 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre
159 USA, Detroit Mich
160 Panama, Panama City
161 Latvia, Riga
162 Uganda, Kampala
163 Korea Republic of, Seoul
164 USA, Charlotte NC
165 Marshall Islands, Majuro
166 Australia, Perth
167 USA, Phoenix Ariz
168 USA, Columbus Ohio
169 USA, Austin Tex
170 Madagascar, Antananarivo
171 USA, Tampa Fla
172 United Kingdom, Birmingham
173 Afghanistan, Kabul
174 Grenada, Saint George’s
175 Vietnam, Hanoi
176 USA, Indianapolis Ind
177 USA, St Louis MO
178 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
179 Peru, Lima
180 Syria, Damascus
181 USA, Fort Worth Tex
182 Slovenia, Ljubljana
183 Mauritania, Nouakchott
184 USA, El Paso Tex
185 Philippines, Manila
186 China, Shanghai
187 USA, Memphis Tenn
188 USA, Pittsburgh Penn
189 Belize, Belmopan
190 India, New Delhi
191 Romania, Bucharest
192 Guatemala, Guatemala City
193 Iran, Tehran
194 Cape Verde, Praia
195 India, Chennai
196 USA, Houston Tex
197 Canada, Ottawa
198 Costa Rica, San Jose
199 Dominica, Roseau
200 Nicaragua, Managua
201 Guyana, Georgetown
202 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
203 Bulgaria, Sofia
204 Suriname, Paramaribo
205 Cuba, Havana
206 Oman, Muscat
207 India, Calcutta
208 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
209 Tajikistan, Dushanbe
210 India, Hyderabad
211 Burundi, Bujumbura
212 USA, San Antonio Tex
213 Myanmar, Yangon
214 Uruguay, Montevideo
215 Paraguay, Asuncion
216 Albania, Tirana
217 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan
218 Mauritius, Port Louis
219 Fiji, Suva
220 Egypt, Cairo
221 Australia, Brisbane
222 El Salvador, San Salvador
223 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang
224 Laos, Vientiane
225 Mexico, Mexico City
226 Morocco, Rabat
227 India, Bangalore
228 Saint Lucia, Castries
229 New Zealand, Auckland
230 Kiribati, South Tarawa
231 Kosovo, Pristina
232 Kenya, Nairobi
233 Serbia, Belgrade
234 Bangladesh, Dhaka
235 Pakistan, Lahore
236 Bolivia, La Paz
237 Colombia, Bogota
238 Botswana, Gaberone
239 Sri Lanka, Colombo
240 Pakistan, Islamabad
241 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
242 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
243 Macedonia, Skopje
244 Pakistan, Karachi
245 Australia, Adelaide
246 Montenegro, Podgorica
247 Chile, Santiago
248 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
249 China, Macao
250 Eritrea, Asmara
251 Iraq, Baghdad
252 Argentina, Buenos Aires
253 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
254 Uzbekistan, Tashkent
255 Ecuador, Quito
256 Nepal, Kathmandu
257 Tunisia, Tunis
258 Yemen, Sanaa
259 Bhutan, Thimphu
260 South Africa, Johannesburg
261 China, Shenzhen
262 Tonga, Nuku’Alofa
263 China, Dalian
264 South Africa, Pretoria
265 Lesotho, Maseru
266 China, Wuhan
267 Namibia, Windhoek
268 Libya, Tripoli
269 South Africa, Cape Town
270 China, Guangzhou
271 Seychelles, Victoria
272 South Africa, Durban
273 Cambodia, Phnom Penh
274 Swaziland, Mbabane
275 China, Tianjin
276 Zimbabwe, Harare

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

More video showing RD Imports show room in Las Vegas World Market.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

RD Imports showroom in the Las Vegas World Market Center last January 2008. This video give an example of the Indonesian furniture and accessories we import.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips

Once used on the decks of luxury cruise ships to give passengers the ultimate in comfort, style and grace, the steamer chair continues to be highly sought after due to its comfortable design, classic style and durability.

Made with durable and beautiful teak, the steamer chair is elegantly curved in all the right places to create a truly relaxing and luxurious experience. Whether you are lounging by the pool, sunbathing in the garden, or simply taking a nap on your porch, the teak steamer chair is unsurpassed by other outdoor furnishings when it comes to comfort. Even if the teak steamer chair was not so luxuriously comfortable, it would still be worth a second look due to its durability and natural beauty.

Often called the premium wood for outdoor furnishings, teak has an average lifespan of 75 years, is durable and requires very little or no maintenance. Teak grows in the region of Southeast Asia, mainly in Java, Indonesia, and is harvested from the surrounding forests and teak plantations by the locals and the Indonesian government. The wood of the teak tree is naturally resistant to insects, warping, splintering and the elements, which makes it an ideal wood for creating a steamer chair.

With teak steamer chairs, there is no sealing, no staining, and no finishing. Left alone, the teak weathers to a gorgeous silver color, but if you want to keep the rich, warm color of new teak, you can do so with a seasonal application of a teak protector.

When shopping for your teak steamer chair, you will have several options to choose from, but the basic design and style of the steamer chair almost always stays the same. The chair of the steamer is contoured for optimum comfort, and the back of the chair adjusts to four different positions which makes the steamer chair perfect for just about anything.

And if you want to make your teak steamer chair even more luxurious and comfortable, you can add a cushion. Most teak steamer chair cushions are made with Sunbrella fabric and will do much more than create more comfort, they add a splash of color and design element to your outdoor space that will not go unnoticed by guests.

The steamer cushions can also be purchased to match or coordinate with existing teak furniture. Sunbrella fabrics are made with a woven acrylic material. They are water repellent, mildew resistant and colorfast. They are UV treated to not fade for three or more years, and they are guaranteed to remain beautiful summer after summer with little maintenance on your part.

There are well over 42 colors of Sunbrella teak steamer chair cushions to choose from including textured fabrics such as Limelight, Dots Meadow and Autumn; eye-catching colors like Tangerine Periwinkle and Parrot; and classic colors such as Navy, White and Camel.

So if you want to create a truly stylish and luxurious outdoor space, perhaps you should consider doing so with teak steamer chairs. You can use them poolside, in the garden, on the porch, or in simple furniture groupings in the yard. But no matter where you put your teak steamer chair, it is guaranteed to quickly become the favorite piece of furniture in your home.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sir Henry Taylor~ The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means. Quote of the week by Healthy Tips