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Strictly Homebuyers ... November Edition Hello and welcome to our November newsletter, I hope you enjoy the features this month ...
Winter is certainly on its way; the clocks have gone back and the frost has started to appear in the mornings and there was even snow in some places this week!
We're all starting to put our heating on and worrying about the bill! For some useful tips on saving energy, read our guide
Eco-Friendly Tips
For those of you having a bonfire party, have a great time but don't forget about your pets.
Read our guide below ...
Features this month:
A Brief Encounter with ... Robert Franks
Fireworks Night ... not fun for some
Fancy a holiday? ... Luxury Spanish home for rent
Regular Features:
Poppy Appeal ... Remembrance Sunday falls on 9 November with Armistice Day on 11 November, when the Nation pauses for a two minute silence.
The Poppy Appeal takes place for the two weeks prior and is being launched in Basra in Iraq this year. Last year funds of £30 million were raised for the British Legion, who support thousands both serving, and ex-Service people and their families.
Donating to the Poppy Appeal
A Brief Encounter with ... Robert Franks
Robert has recently joined us at Land & Brand New Homes, based in offices in
London, sourcing land in the Home Counties and in the north.
He lives in Stanmore, North London with his wife Rochelle and their two children, Bradley and Sophie.
London, sourcing land in the Home Counties and in the north.He lives in Stanmore, North London with his wife Rochelle and their two children, Bradley and Sophie.
We asked him some questions about his work and interests, so read on to find out more ...
Q:What would you consider your biggest achievement in your career to date?
A: The development of a mixed use scheme in Kings Cross (London) which was over 100,000 sq.ft.
A: The development of a mixed use scheme in Kings Cross (London) which was over 100,000 sq.ft.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The variety and spontaneous opportunities that arise from property transactions and closing deals!
A: The variety and spontaneous opportunities that arise from property transactions and closing deals!
Q: Which business man or woman do you most admire?
A: Bill Gates! Incredible foresight and brilliant mind
Q: Which guests would you invite to a dinner party?
A: Simon Cowell for entertainment factor, Warren Buffett amazing business mind, Eva Longoria because she is clever and very attractive, Roger Federer because he is the best tennis player on the planet
If you need to discuss land acquisition in this area, please email Robert at robert.franks@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk
With the stagnant housing market and credit crisis affecting our nation, it’s no wonder why many people don’t have the option to move house at the moment. So … why not learn to love the home you're in?
Where to start …
Over the years,
Land & Brand News Homes have been producing home-related guides, from painting to gardening and DIY to making the most of your box room.
Maybe it’s time you took a second look and get some inspiration to “Love the Place you’re in” …
Do it Yourself … not Destroy it Yourself - help and advice for home improvements if you decide to take on the challenge yourself
“Reading up on the work is one of the first processes of DIY. Make sure that you're ready and prepared for the job in hand”
Spice up your life – top tips on decorating and advice on colours
“What do you use the room for? Tailor the colour to the rooms use. Once you have acknowledged what the room is used for, your choice in colour could have changed drastically”.
Lively lounges – a guide to accessorising your lounge with personal touches.
“Take a look for a little inspiration, but if you are keen to keep the walls the same colour, there are alternative ways to lift your lounge with a boost of personal touches”.
Beautiful bathrooms – making the right decisions for a dream
bathroom, with ideas on baths, showers and flooring
bathroom, with ideas on baths, showers and flooring“A place to wake you up in the morning with a quick shower and to calm you down in the evening with a relaxing steamy bath.”
Killer kitchens – advice on how to give your kitchen a face-lift or a major spruce.
“Create a haven in which to bring together a fabulous, exquisite dish or even just a unique lunch time snack”
Delicious dining room – our take on lighting, colour, space for all types of dining areas.
“What we all want though are light, bright, open living and dining areas to suit our modern lifestyles”.
The box room – tips on making the most of the smallest room in your house.“... home owners should consider the potential use of a box room.”
De-clutter your home – therapeutic tips on clearing out the junk and creating space.
“If we de-clutter our homes, we de-clutter our minds”.
Other useful guides …
UKTV Style has launched a new 10 part series called “
Love the Place You're In” which started
on 13 October. The programme is fronted by Zoe Lucker and features her property which needs a revamp before the imminent arrival of her first child.
on 13 October. The programme is fronted by Zoe Lucker and features her property which needs a revamp before the imminent arrival of her first child. She is joined by interior designer Gordon Whistance from Changing Rooms and the two bring insight and advice, following homeowners who have outgrown their current property due to numerous reasons, where renovation and re-decoration is the only way forward.
Are you thinking about making changes to your home? Why not watch the programme and pick up tips of what to do and what not to do. We also have some tips so check them out in our Guides section.
Fireworks Night ... not fun for some
I hope everyone enjoys firework night this year, my advice is to go to an organised event ... it's safer, cheaper and more spectacular than doing it at home.
Fireworks seem to go off for many days before and after bonfire night. I know us pet owners are well aware that most animals find fireworks frightening but here's a simple guide to looking after our pets ...
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Keep cats and dogs inside the house once it gets dark, but remember some people set off fireworks before nightfall. Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off
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Cover aviaries and hutches so should the noise disturb the animals, at least they are in a natural-like habitat where they will feel more secure. If possible bring them indoors or put them in a shed to give extra protection
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Feed and exercise your pets well during the day, this will lead to a calmer animal once the noise starts. Give dogs pasta or potatoes with their meal, this will make them feel full and sleepy
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Close curtains, play music or have the television on as a distraction
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If your dog or cat runs for its bed, or under furniture, leave it there to follow its natural instinct. Don't try and tempt them out as these could lead to further stress
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Do not try to acclimatise your dog to the noise by insisting it faces the noise, they may never get used to the noise and you may be causing damage
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Make your cat or dog comfortable; give it a blanket, some water and a toy to make it feel secure
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Suprisingly your dog may jump into the bath! This shows its instinct to run into holes when danger is present
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You may find that your dog starts to dig, this is following the same hiding instinct.
If your dog shows any tendency to hide, let it
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Make sure dogs and cats are microchipped and/or have a collar and tag in case they bolt and get lost
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If you are building a bonfire don't forget to check it for hedgehogs just before you light it, they hibernate this time of year. Disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give them time to escape - they maybe in torpor (a deep hibernating sleep which takes them a long time to wake from).
Fancy a holiday? Make it sunny Spain ...
We've a fabulous holiday home available in Marbella on the Costa del Sol ...
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Spacious house - 1800 sqft
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Sleeps 6 people (3 x double rooms)
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Large living area
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Communal Swimming Pool
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Views across Rio Real Golf Course
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Fully equipped kitchen
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3KM from Marbella Town
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10 minute walk to the beach
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Only £100 per night
We also have an apartment in the same location ...
For further details, please call Mel at Callaways on 01273 735237.
Dubai ... a good place to be?
Dubai is currently the fastest growing country in the world and it comes as no surprise that world class luxury and world firsts have been added to its blossoming title of excellence. Twenty years ago, only two sky scrapers filled the desert space with scatterings of smaller properties and shops. Today, it has a totally different landscape.
In 2002 properties became available in the freehold market for expatriates and since this time, some lucky investors have seen a 300% price rise in their properties.
But why are so many looking to relocate or invest?
There are many benefits to reap which include:
• glorious weather
• sandy beaches
• fantastic shopping facilities
• an indoor snow dome with an après ski bar
• pristine golf courses
• low crime rate
• tax free incentives
… with the vision of future plans in Dubai, it’s one of the most exciting places to be.
The Latest
Show Home Review ...
"Show Home Hannah" has been at it again, this time she took
a look at Crest Nicholson's new development,
Bridges Bank at Shoreham by Sea.
a look at Crest Nicholson's new development,
Bridges Bank at Shoreham by Sea. Get an honest review of the product, the value for money, the location and the Sales Consultant's knowledge and persona.
All Hannah's reviews can be found on our blog, Show Home Show Case.
All Hannah's reviews can be found on our blog, Show Home Show Case.
Bonfire Nights & Firework Displays in and around Sussex ... and other events in November ... check our
our website
What's in Season ... NovemberNovember brings a favourite seasonable vegetable of many is beetroot, which has become fashionable, with many top end restuarants adding it to the menu.The Romans were the first to cultivate it and bring it to the table.
Beetroot is no longer just used to brighten up a salad but can be used in a variety of ways. Boil, steam or bake and rub skins away when cool enough to handle. Pan fry baby beetroots in olive oil with other baby vegetables to serve as an accompaniment to meat or fish. Mix hot beetroot with sweated garlic and onions for a fabulous side dish. It's great for making soup such as borsch due to it's earthy and sweet flavour. Larger beetroots are older and take longer to cook, so opt for the smaller ones. Try this recipe ...
Beetroot and Horseradish Relish
Ingredients: 2 lb (900 g) beetroot, 2 oz (56 g) fresh horseradish, 2 oz (56 g) sugar,
1 pint (570 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pickling spice
Method:
Cook, peel and chop the beetroot. Grate the horseradish and pack into hot, clean, sterilized jars with the chopped beetroot. Put the sugar, vinegar, salt and the pickling spices (tied in a muslin bag) into a pan. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove the muslin bag and pour the boiling vinegar over the beetroot and horseradish.
Cover and seal immediately. Label when cool.
Cover and seal immediately. Label when cool.
This will make about 2½ lbs of relish - all ready for Christmas!
There's no question that November is the start of winter and the good news is the frost bring out the sweetness of parsnips, and also sees the arrival of chesnuts and cranberries, just in time for Christmas!
Other fruit and vegetables in season this month include: apples, blackberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, leeks, marrows, onions, pears, pumpkins, raddish, runner beans, spring onions (why not the Spring?) swedes, turnips and watercress.
Check out your local fishmonger for black bream, brill, cod, dover sole, haddock, John Dory, monkfish, mussels, oysters, plaice, red mullet, scallops, skate wing, turbot.
For poultry/game goose or teal duck are now in season.
Local Farmer's Markets in Sussex:
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Brighton/Hove George Street, 4th Saturday (10.00 - 15.00)
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Hailsham Cattle Market, 2nd Saturday (9.00 - 12.30)
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Lewes Cliffe Pedestrian Precinct, 1st Saturday (9.00 - 13.00)
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Uckfield, Luxford Car Park, 1st Saturday (9.00 - 13.00)
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Arundel Town Square, Jubilee Gardens 3rd Sat from August (9.00 - 13.00)
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Burgess Hill Church Walk, 2nd Thursday (9.00 - 14.00)
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East Grinstead High Street (South side), 1st & 3rd Thursday (9.00 - 14.00)
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Horsham Carfax, every Sat - Feb to Dec (9.00 - 16.00)
I hope you enjoyed reading this month's edition and you found the features of interest ... We want to hear from you!
Check out the news, views and features on our BLOG and send us your comments.
Check out the news, views and features on our BLOG and send us your comments.
Alternatively, email at nicki.keeley@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk
your ideas, views and opinions are always welcome ... good or bad!
Best wishes to all our readers ... keep warm!
Nicki Keeley, Editor
