“If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.”

Ciao,

This is the last X Factor Living for 2008. 

What an interesting, challenging, educational year it has been. Whether it has been a battle, or you have relished being able to make things go right regardless of what others are saying and doing around you, there is undoutbedly the gift of an opportunity in every hurdle, if only we are open to recognising it and seizing it.

It can only be the presence of a negative that makes us value the positive.

So instead of stressing about the material trappings of Christmas this year, remember to take the time to be grateful for those things in your life that are truly valuable. Loved ones, good friendships and having the courage to live by truthful principles.

It is these things that nurture us and make us stronger, it is the intangible that ultimately has more meaning than the tangible. So relax, enjoy. See you in 09.

Stay fabulous,

This Week's Holmwood Listings:

Lake Ohau

Glen Lyon Road
Every now and then a truly magical piece of land presents itself to the market, and this 12.08 ha site is exactly that. Set amongst a backdrop of complete seclusion with an outlook over Lake Ohau, it doesn’t get any better than this. The present owner is only selling due to unforeseen family reasons and will leave with an infinite sense of regret. Buyers over $700,000 should inspect. Contact Jackie for further details.

Avonhead Family Home

18 Hillcrest Place

A quiet location with all living areas overlooking an easy to maintain garden and north facing aspect. A good sized kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, a dining area flowing through to the lounge and outdoor entertaining area with large storage in the garage. This must be sold. $443,000 Contact Jackie for further details.

A passion for the authentic Tuscany

Fulvio Di Rosa does not agree with the recent trend of creating lavish, over-the-top projects for fractional ownership. "The cultural experience matters more than how many stars a place has," explained the Tuscan-based architect.
Buyers there pay from €60,000, or $76,200, for a one-tenth share of a one-bedroom apartment with a private outdoor area, which guarantees 21 days a year and additional time as it is available. A two-bedroom starts at €92,000.

Rental: 2 bedroom cottage on the edge of Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea Cottage is a 2 bedroom batch sitting on the edge of Lake Hawea. It has unrivalled views of the lake and of the mountains surrounding the lake.

Just $150 per night.

10 Great Places to Spend Christmas
- Kiwi Style

Get Christmas wrapped up!

A top stylist gives tips on wrapping Christmas presents so they really stand out under the tree.

London no longer most expensive city in Europe

Thanks primarily to the wild fluctuations in currency exchange rates, London and Seoul have fallen from the ranks of the most expensive cities on Earth for expatriates.

Annual Christmas pudding race held in London

The 28th great Christmas pudding race has been won by a bunch of university students wearing pink bath robes.
Judges include Simon Cowell and it raises money for the charity Cancer Research UK.

Ten last minute gifts for loved ones

You've waited until last minute to get your husband, wife, sister or grandmother the perfect present. Stores are crowded, the lines are long, inventory is low and, in a rush, you pick up the first thing that catches your eye.

What the...?

Tail gate dining

A team of Iranian designers came up with this brilliant cooking idea which actually isn’t as disgusting as it first looks. Your car's exhaust is used as a barbecue to grill your food! That still sounds…

Zero Gravity Recliners

Like you aren’t thinking, “If I pulled down real hard I wonder how far I could make him fly...” The Gravity Balans is touted to be the closest you can get to experiencing zero gravity.

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