Island Life

Lemon Crush Belize

Sunday, February 21st, 2010 | 4 Comments

Look who is in prestigious “Islands Magazine“  our Lara Lennon from San Pedro Ambergris Caye . Lemon Crush Belize is a new swimwear bikini line from our island !

To the moon! (Or Ambergris Caye) < CLICK- Read article by Islands (found link)
Life gave her lemons, so she moved to Belize and made a better bikini
by Matthew miller ( based on interview-pictures mine   )

having lost her corporate dreams and her beloved husband, lara lennon found herself at a Sac o Subs in Atlantic City, asking her boxing sparring partner, “How much money do you really need to live on a tropical island?” His answer — less than you think — set her new life in motion. She flew to Belize less than two weeks later to check it out. And two weeks after that, she was living her dream on Ambergris Caye. Now she runs an island-based business designing beach-wedding-appropriate bikinis. Four years later, does Lara and her island still get along?

Q: What was your very first impression of Ambergris Caye?

A: True love. Where other people might have seen dirt roads, I saw an island that watered the streets to keep the dust down. Instead of “traffic,” I saw a charming parade of golf carts buzzing around “town.” I saw lots of water. I checked into my hotel and saw no TV, no phone, no clock. Then I turned around and saw why — the ocean literally steps outside my beachfront door. Why would you want a TV or a clock when you can look at the reef instead!
Q: Your husband died in a plane crash when you were 32. Can you describe how that tragedy combined with professional circumstances to make living on Ambergris Caye make sense?
A: My final corporate job was with a company we’d grown from 2,500 to 14,000 people. Then we got a new COO who promptly began tanking our company. I decided the next idiot I’d work for would be me! I opened an antique shop, and my husband Tom, 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, was my moving man. After he died, my heart had just nothing in it. I was just done. Life had handed me lemons, and I had to figure out what to do with them. Then Central America came up. It was as if I said, it would be awesome to go to the moon, and someone said, “You can do that!” I just happened to do it in Belize.I pay $65 a year for property taxes here versus $7,500 in Philadelphia. I pay $50 for golf cart insurance, versus $2,500 for car insurance. I didn’t have to work anymore. Any objection I’ve had, Belize has answered. And when I finally wanted to do something again, my swimwear company Lemon Crush Belize was born.

Q: You saw a need for a dressier bikini?
A: We  live in bathing suits here. I get up and put on a bikini every single day. But when I get invited to a party or onto one of the yachts that pull up here or to a wedding, I want something a little more dressed up. Just like in the states I’d put on a pretty dress. But there was nothing for me! So I started making them myself. Then realizing I’d be out-dressing the brides at these weddings, I knew there was a bigger need for these. Think of the suits as “Jimmy Choos for your boobs!” (I don’t know how Jimmy Choo would feel about that.) If I can make a woman feel fabulous about herself while she’s mostly naked, I’ve done what I intended. The single most attractive thing on anyone is confidence.
Q: Suddenly I feel left out. Is there formal swimwear for men? Can I rent?
A: Every man asks me this! But yes, I’ll be expanding the line, adding wraps for the ladies, and eventually shoes. For men, I have a whole idea how to go about that. With the trend being smaller almost Speedo-style suits — Yuck — I need to come up with something for you guys to wear.

Q: Besides the launch of your business, what’s changed on the island?? Lemon Crush Belize catalog
A: Well, we have a road now. We have a lot more “part timers,” people who own condo and come down a couple times a year. Prices have gone up on some things, but we can get foods now that we couldn’t get when I moved. I don’t think the vibe has changed much. Ambergris Caye and Belize have such a strong energy, if you try to change it, it shakes you off fast!
Q: What do you mean?
A: Belize is who she is, and just like the personalities here, the sooner we accept each other, and her, for what we are, the better everyone will get along. This ain’t Texas, and it ain’t Philly. It’s Belize. Be malleable or Belize will break you, not the other way around.
Q: How has Ambergris changed you?
A: Molecularity. You don’t notice how it happens, but it definitely changes you. All the skills that helped you survive in the States, they don’t apply here. You learn to tune in to the island, the people, what’s going on. That’s pretty crunchy granola, but it’s true. I’ve become much more sensitive. I go to the States to eat and shop, and I quickly come home to get a hug from my island.
Q: Where do people dream about when things get too hectic on Ambergris Caye?
A: Everyone loves to “get off the rock” from time to time. Caye Caulker is close. Mainland Belize is an awesome escape. It’s completely different over there. The topography of Belize, the diversity, really, it’s amazing. I adore Guatemala. Of course, Playa del Carmen is a quick bus ride too. Belize is in the perfect location!
Q: Do you think you’d ever leave?
A: Not to be flippant, but I learned many lessons the day I got the call that Tom was dead, and one is that I have no idea where I’ll be in a couple weeks, let alone a couple months. Having said that, I just can’t imagine not having something here. I might move to a more remote part of the island at some point, but for now there’s no reason to think about moving.
Q: What advice would you give people considering a move to a place like Ambergris?
A: I’d lose my voice answering this one! The biggest thing is to look at yourself and ask what you need. Know that it isn’t the States: The power goes out sometimes. And it’s a very small place. Who you are shows through, so if you can’t be your true self, you’ll struggle. But the people here are amazingly accepting of each other, and that’s very heartwarming. All that said, if you think you wanna try it, then jump right in! The water’s fine! Even on my very worst day here, I know it’s at least 10 percent better because it’s here. END OF ARTICLE

This was Lara’s Launch party that went flawless , congratulations

Tim sure loves the Caribbean-This lifestyle is not for everyone

More pictures of the launch party CLICK HERE

you must see , this was the most fun Tina and I attended . Thanks for the invitation Lara

As Ralph says “we are not getting younger”

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 | No Comments

This fiberglass pool cost $15,100. BELIZE Dollars with all the hardware (filter, ect) . This would be perfect for an apartment complex that has, not so good occupancy . This small investment , could turn a property into a $ maker . While tourism is down ,  Apartments are in more demand, this asset will keep occupancy up . Imagine adding this to a selected home and making your own bed and breakfast , you will save a fortune by starting your own. Sometimes businesses are hard to find at competitive prices .  Folks you make your $ on the BUY,  not the sell .  You are looking for undervalued property , if you have $ now,  you did well with your investments over the years , you are no dummy . You took control before ,  it is about time you look into Belize . DID you know every 8.5 seconds a baby boomer retires , that is 7.1 per minute .  Where do you think they will go FLORIDA , ARE YOU MAD . Belize is 2 hours from Texas and about same distance out of Miami , get a passport and come visit . Don t come to buy , soak yourself in the community and have fun and see if you want to fit in .   Then see me Belize makes sense .

Lets say I have a $300,000. dollar condo in ft. Lauderdale on canal you would pay about  $9,000 property taxes per year (based on my Dads condo that he dumped) . Now that same 300K  property would be about $4oo U.S a year . Did I mention trash pick up and public services are mostly free . My golf cart insurance is $31.50 a YEAR coverage is for up to $100,000 U.S.   If you had a Major Cart pile up on the coconut drive thruway it wouldn’t be 5 K in damages . We dont have ambulance chasing lawyers here , actually if you sue me and lose YOU pay my expenses  . We dont have that crap here , not saying we have flawless system , at all .

This kind of life is not for everyone

Since we are talking being sued and liabilities , that is precisely why you may want to talk with us about cheap asset protection . We will direct you to the oldest and best Law firms . This is not really expensive ($1,300 U.S.) That is cheaper than a insurance policy . Most businesses operate under a Belize Company and don’t bother with insurance.  What do you pay in insurance ? What would you save in taxes if you moved assets ? What do you pay in insurances that you could drop once you have allocated them properly . Add all this up and divide this with your lifespan . My friend Ralf says “I look at life as a football game Timmy, there are 4 quarters in a game and time runs out .  Based on my age this is my last quarter” .  I really liked that because being from Boston I have a work ethic problem , best to admit I AM A WORKAHOLIC  ( aaahhhh……………………Glad that is out . My Doc told me I would be dead by now because of the stressful life I was putting myself threw, trying to climb the ladder of success (glad that was one I proved wrong) . That was 1 deciding factor of first moving here to Belize and the stress gets too me here too but not like up there . The Belizean people will teach you alot , they live to around 100 years old (hope it is the rum    . I learned many things from my fellow Belizeans after 5 years you would qualify for citizenship .

As  a Realtor we face all sorts of issues from one property to the next . Why are they selling , how can I make a profit if seller could not . Should I take ownership of property in a Local Company or should I  put title in my name . This is not Florida , take advice from your Local MLS service  (Ambergris Caye MLS ) .  These professionals have been working on island since the early days . The big names mean nothing here , Burger King , Walmart , Subway .

By choosing an agent from the mls above will give you the security you need when coming to San Pedro . The above companies have the networking to make your relocation easy and fun. The members of the association have been operating with the best Lawyers , Bankers , surveyors and Government officials since the beginning . When purchasing , think Ambergris MLS to help stream line your tropical dream into a reality. Tina and I or our trusted MLS  associates would love to help you with all your Real Estate needs .

This Pic should have made it to the editing floor , here is some payback for some of you that didn’t make the editing floor .

Since we are talking being sued and liabilities ,that is precisely why you may want to talk with us about cheap asset protection . We will direct you to the oldest and best Law firms . This is not really expensive ($1,300 U.S.) That is cheaper than a insurance police . Most businesses operate under a Belize Company and don’t bother with insurance.  What do you pay in insurance ? What would you save in taxes if you moved assets ? What do you pay in insurances that you could drop once you have allocated them properly . Add all this up and divide this with your lifespan . My friend Ralf says “I look at life as a football game Timmy, there are 4 quarters in a game and time runs out .  Based on my age this is my last quarter” .  I really liked that because being from Boston I have a work ethic problem , best to admit I AM A WORKAHOLIC  ( aaahhhh……………………Glad that is out . My Doc told me I would be dead by now because of the stress I was putting myself threw . That was 1 deciding factor of first moving here to Belize and the stress gets too me here too but not like up there . The Belizean people will teach you alot , they live to around 100 years old hope it is the rum    .  If you wont listen to me listen to Ralph , “what quarter of your game are you in” , when will the game be over ?  Love ya man , Ralph that was perfect .

US$$339,700 Furnished

Beachfront Condo

First floor beachfront condo with magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea and reef from the large private veranda. Tranquility House Condo located 2.7 miles south. 1400 sq. ft. with 2 bedroom and 2 bathrooms. The large master bath has a Jacuzzi bathtub separate shower. This condo is ready to move in comes fully furnished and includes the washer/dryer, and new stainless steel appliances. All new faucets throughout and new ceiling fans. Beautiful mahogany wood throughout. Laundry closet with washer and dryer. New swimming pool and new roof. All the wood in this condo is Mahogany. All the shutter, cabinets, doors, the ceilings in the bathrooms and French doors or Mahogany. There are only 6 condos in this complex. All concrete construction. This condo is right on the beach and has a pool. Maintenance fees are only US$400 per month.

For more pictures click here

Island Pictures

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 | 2 Comments

CART POOl Tina took this pic

We hope you enjoy the Blog , I will be talking more about construction, laws  , Real Estate, immigration , schools , working , children and pets (maybe not in that order)  ,banking and financing . We  live on one of the top ten best islands ( Islands Magazine) and forced to work under these conditions ,  ITS OVER . Ya got to love negotiations , everyone wins if your good  .

now that is service

NOW that is service , try this at Hole Depot

Riding out some bad weather

Riding out some bad weather , veggie boat gonna be late in the a. m.

Its just the tail, let it drag , they only cost 100 k

Happy Valentines Day HONEY

Happy Valentines Day TINA

veggie boat Tues a.m.

Veggie boat Tues A.M weather provided, or get from Maria.

Christine's 60th B-Day Blow out , going for dinner. Ohh yeaaa-THX Luvya

Christine’s 60th B-Day Bash , Dinner , Drinks laughed so much . Ate everything , and Denise picks up whole tab. They are the most generous folks we know and love. Thanks for help w/schools         XX

That has to be a mistake , not our table.

That has to be a MISTAKE , our table ???

The 2 most generous, thoughtful, selfless people i am proud 2 know.

Christine Happy 60th Birthday and many , many ,  more .

We had a blast, Denise picks up the tab , wow was i FAT and Happy

Fat and Happy , yup thats me

What an amazing week , off to Rachel’s b-day party.  This will be fun and have to go .  Hope you enjoy the blog , we have had a compromise that we think you will enjoy too . I agree not to be cheesy on condition ;  I do 0ne less articles a month, so we all win !  The next article will focus on living and working here on island, no pre-arranged questions- RAW From restaurateur (yup) .

Above we celebrate our new friends moving down . Hmmmmmmm , Bet it is  a little chilly in Chicago right now . Hope you enjoy the newer blog, I will .   I just can’t live like this  anymore   . Thanks Phillipa , you’re Right I work waaay too much .

Full Disclosure

Sunday, February 7th, 2010 | No Comments

There has been some legal cyber talk about blogging , for the most part disclosure .  I know our readers are going to be SHOCKED , this Blog is to promote and sell Belize ! Sure I can be cheesy and my grammar and spelling…. MY teachers MUST be real proud (NOT) with my gift  and all- lol .

Let me start off by saying this blog is not mine (Tim) , it is owned and operated by Invest In Belize Ltd . This Blog was created and is still operated by Tina and myself to increase education about our island, therefore the company would continue  to prosper  .

I TRY not to BEAT you over the head with real estate with the blog, we give you a glimpse of our lives . We have bad days and would rather not re-live them , it can be counter productive .

We are trying to live the island life , sometimes you just have to turn off  CNN , CNBC , news in general  .  Good example, early in the week our phone lines went DOWN  (somehow/ maybe rain ?) . Our friend Shelly called (cell) me to give me the info. on the telephone otherwise wouldn’t have known .   Not only were they down but they got crossed with the post office , and BOY , they can be friendly . I tried to call San Pedro Post Office # and funny thing it wasn’t working , DUhh . After-brainstorming called Invest In Belize # and sure enough Post Master picked up , (funny stuff-now ) I could hear him,  but he could not hear me.

Kinda freaked at first, but; then started problem solving. Tina and I do this in a unique way, much like cats and dogs . First we Begged telephone company , 2nd chilled out for a bit . Took a good look at that pretty view and started unraveling my prearranged day , it worked out fine.  Funny thing was we had conference calls and topic was discussing how great the telecommunications (sorry Brian and Ted) were here in Belize . Well after they got the main system up and we were sending information and pictures doc ect. to the real decision makers via phone .  We fortunately were able to work it all out fine  (1 telephone # was down over a day  , fortunately we had DSL without a flaw ) , we  have other telephone lines  which helped.

Quote of the week is ” Tim ya know your phone rings at the post office ”  . Its a good thing we didn;t lose cable TV ,Tina would have their heads ( sarcasm) .

Actually had a GREAT week , Tina and i were social bugs all week . Dinner/sunsets with friends specially with N.&T.  , Trivia at B.C. ’s , been fishing , Christine’s 60th Birthday Party Blow out .

Friends  Ted and Brian came for a quick visit , we had fun .Thanks for the wonderful gift, see you shortly .

Phillipa and Lynn and Tina and I teamed up for Trivia , (note to self -go with Phillipa’s answer ) . It turns out with little debate I am a better team member for BINGO (how many tentacles does a squid have ?) , NO Google-ling  !

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