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An Introduction to Lifestyle Living in South Africa

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The idea of lifestyle living has redefined the South African property market in recent years. A concept that has numerous applications, it appeals to those who want the very best of life. This is because it arouses an emotional desire for true quality and a yearning to live a life of choice.

While not unlike lifestyle living in other countries, the concept has a special appeal within the African context, with South Africa offering a combination of raw scenic beauty, African adventure, an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, and world-class facilities and living standards. Gone are the images of lions roaming the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Instead the famous Big Five live in well managed game parks while the streets of South Africa’s top cities offer shops and restaurants that promise First World luxuries and treats at affordable prices – especially for those who visit from foreign lands.

So it is not surprising that lifestyle living is a concept that appeals to both foreigners and locals alike.

Nestled between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world, covering an area of 1,221,040 square kilometres or 471,446 square miles. It has a population of more than 47-million people from a wide variety of cultures and religious beliefs. There are nine official languages and nine provinces, making the country truly a rainbow nation.

Anyone looking for property opportunities within this southern-most country in Africa will find that property agents enthusiastically espouse the concept of lifestyle living. On the other hand, magazines published locally use the term loosely to describe just about anything that relates to quality gracious living: food and wine, health and beauty, and occasionally, property.

The beauty of the lifestyle living theory is that it can be adapted to meet almost every discernible desire. That is undoubtedly why the term is often used to promote property values and desirability. As such, lifestyle living has defined its own place in a very competitive industry. And to many, it is absolutely irresistible.

It is accepted that any type of lifestyle estate in this country will provide an exclusive home environment where you are secure and have easy access to the amenities you value. Thousands of gated communities in towns and cities across South Africa meet this basic definition. However quality lifestyle-living means a whole lot more than living in an upmarket housing estate densely packed with identical-looking mansions and triple garages.

Quality rural lifestyle living is the connoisseur’s prize; far removed from city stress. Savvy developers of successful country lifestyle estates link the needs of buyers to lifestyle desires such as game farms, private nature reserves, golf, wine, horses and “gentleman” farming, whether on a full-time basis or “get-away” retreat within a few short hours drive from the city.

Many international buyers want all the benefits of a “Farm in Africa” without the management worry or financial liability. For every buyer there is an environment that satisfies and soothes both the soul and the budget.

Once you understand your options, you can look for the place of your dreams, just like I did.

Home Furniture Design Software – The 3D Spacer

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There are currently more than just a few furniture design software in the market. However, one of the best in the business has got to be 3D Spacer. This interior design program is specially designed for furniture manufacturers and retailers who want to gain a competitive edge.

The software allows customers to design the interiors of their homes based on the furniture being offered. Instead of looking for furniture that will match one’s interior design, this program gives a higher importance to the furniture, and it is the design that is adjusted based on the chosen furniture.

From 2 to 3D

Created specifically for commercial design, this user-friendly application has the ability to display any piece of furniture, as well as any type of room layout in both 2D and 3D views. The result is a truly realistic and accurate interior design that is second to none. 3D Spacer works best for company websites of furniture manufacturers as it is an excellent means for customers to design their interiors based on the manufacturer’s furniture. Not only is this software unique and effective, but it is also quite fun and amusing.

When it comes to the 2D design, features include detailed descriptions of each item, a project budget estimator, and fully customizable room dimensions and shapes. This program also delivers excellent 3D visualization and some of the photo-realistic features included are rotating and resizing of the design, a 3D view of each item and the entire interior model, and printable layouts.

The 3D Spacer Edge

The addition of the software application one one’s website will definitely work wonders for the company’s revenues. Because it allows users to design their own homes or offices on the website, 3D Spacer has the ability to attract more customers, thereby providing a competitive edge. Its service can also go beyond that provided to the regular customers, and can extend to the company’s interior consultants as well. Best of all, the Spacer program establishes a company image that is technologically advanced in every sense of the word.

Tech Specs

The software relies on the powerful and advanced technologies provided by the likes of 3D and 2D CAD, XML, and Flash Macromedia. Although it is operated by a highly sophisticated engine, this program’s interface is as user-friendly as can be. In fact, it can even be used by amateurs or hobbyists that have very little experience in the industry of interior and furniture design. 3D Spacer is definitely an excellent addition to any furniture manufacturer’s website.

Get a US Passport Fast – Have Last Minute Travel Plans and Need a Passport Fast?

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Don’t give up on meeting your travel timelines because of an expired or lost passport! Get your new or replacement U.S. passport fast, and have it completed with a minimum of stress. Don’t rely on an overworked bureaucracy to try to meet your needs. You know how the government works — it works on its own schedule. Instead of trying to deal with this nightmare, depend on a method that will get the job finished within your timeline. Get that U.S. passport expedited.

Do you want to call for an appointment and stand in line for hours at a time under harsh, fluorescent lights and plead your case with an uncaring government official? Just imagine if something delayed your arrival, and you missed your scheduled time! Remember, this is a government process. and your problem has no more importance than the hundreds of others who are trying to accomplish the same thing. Also, don’t expect special treatment because of your special circumstances. Government doesn’t work that way.

Wouldn’t you rather turn everything over to an expedited passport agency to complete this job rapidly and efficiently — with no worry on your part? The choice is simple. Let a third party passport processor do the legwork and fix this problem rapidly. They are professionals at dealing with problems such as this. They have a system in place to ensure your documents are delivered to you in a timely manner to get your travel underway as soon as possible — get U.S. passport fast – even in as little as 24 hours.

Having a passport issued is just a procedural process that can be addressed without worry on your part. Give the problem to an expedited passport center to solve. They’ve seen all these issues before and know how to get around the complications that delay the return of these important credentials to you; and, they can get it all done in a period of time that you would normally not even expect. This paperwork is so important to you; don’t entrust it to government channels whose sole mission is to put a stamp in the right place when they want to get around to it.

A third party expedited passport agency has spent countless hours honing the necessary channels and learning many little known shortcuts to get your passport to you in the fastest time. Your choice is obvious – don’t let a small slipup spoil or delay your travel. This can be fixed. Make the decision to take control and choose a solution to your problem. Don’t let regulations, policies, and procedures overwhelm you. An expedited passport processor deals with these issues on a daily basis, and they know where to go, and how to go about it. Just imagine — you can get U.S. passport fast in as little as 24 hours this way!

Don’t let the government regulations and red tape force you to change your travel plans. An expedited passport agency specializes in such problems. They can normally get that all-important expedited passport in your hands within 24 hours! Contact a third party expedited passport processor today! Get this process moving now, so you can get U.S. passport fast!

Wondering About Financing Small Business Loans?

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Many small companies in the US expect some growth opportunities in the next year. That is the great news! The bad news? Financing opportunities are looking bleak, particularly if the business owner has less than great credit, or a new business. Why would you need to know about financing small business loans? The main reasons for small business financing are to receive working capital and funds for capital expenditures.

It used to be that applying for business cash for a smaller business was fairly straightforward. You’d pay a visit to your local friendly banker and talk about your business needs. You’d discuss what you needed and they would help with financing a business loan – yours, to be exact. Then, the financial crisis hit, and banks closed ranks and decided that loans for small business were too risky. Business cash almost dried up. The big losers? Small business owners.

Now, we see the result of lack of financing: many small companies are either struggling to stay afloat, or are finding it almost impossible to capitalize on upcoming opportunities. In a recent Year-End Economic Report published by the National Small Business Association, nearly 40% of small businesses report they are unable to acquire adequate means for financing small business loans they deem necessary for their business to continue and grow.

What are the options for companies to get the business cash they need? The large corporate bankers and small locally owned banks are not the alternative they have traditionally been. You may feel that your business is a captive being held by the current economic situation and credit crisis. What you may not know is that there is a great source of alternative lenders who can provide working capital for small businesses. It is possible for loans to be secured against cash flow or your accounts receivable. In addition things such as inventory and purchase orders can be considered. Do you own property, machinery or equipment? These things as well may be leveraged to secure loans for small business.

What happens when your long time banker tells you there is no money for your business? Don’t give up and think that all is lost. There is help just around the corner for you. Business lending has changed. It may seem a little different to do business on the internet, but that is the new way. You just may be able to get the financing you need when the bankers say “No way.” Asset-based lines of credit may be the way to go in this Brave New World.

Typical banks are just no longer willing to extend traditional financing to the small company owner. There are many reasons for this, some of which are tightened federal requirements, as well as skittish investors who only look at the bottom line. These factors combine to make it seem that any loans for business may seem quite impossible. But don’t believe that! There is a whole new world of private banks and small business lenders who welcome your business. Once the level of risk of the business being financed is determined, you may be pleasantly surprised by the rates and terms you may be offered. Take advantage of the growth opportunities for your business. Grow your business just as you’ve dreamed.