27 minute read
The Accidental Landlord
By Rosheen Venables
Louise Burke knows how to juggle. When life gave her lemons, she made lemonade. At 19, she bought her fi rst property, with the fi nancial help of her mum, and then in her twenties she bought her own fl at. However, not long after, her mum was diagnosed with cancer and so Louise moved back into her childhood home to nurse her mum and look after her younger brother.
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She rented her fl at and unwittingly became a landlady. Life was hectic; she had to quickly learn the responsibilities of looking after her tenants, maintaining the property whilst juggling her mother’s care and being a stand-in parent for her younger sibling.
Fate then conspired against her. She lost her job and with it her fi nancial security, her beloved mother passed, and all this at a time when she embarked on her own journey as a fi rst-time mum. Looking after both her sibling and her own child, whilst grieving for her mum, and realising that the family home was not adequate for her family’s need, meant that she needed to look for alternative accommodation. Taking a deep breath, she decided to take the brave decision to rent the family home and move into rented accommodation so that her brother and her child had access to a better life. After settling into one property, and then being told that it was to be sold and hence they had to leave, Louise quickly learnt how unsettling it can be when the tenure of a property, and hence your future, is uncertain.
What she did not realise at the time was that being a tenant gave her an invaluable insight into how important rented accommodation can be when providing a home for those that you love, and with two properties let ‘accidentally’ she understood too the fi nancial security it off ers.
Together these experiences made her an empathetic landlady and with it came a passion for property management, and a career in the Property Management industry beckoned.
Louise then met her fi ancé Douglas, and at their kitchen table Reka Property Management was born. Douglas was a safe pair of hands as he already had knowledge of developing HMOs (Homes of Multiple Occupancy) for clients, and through their experience they both understood the needs of both tenant and landlord. It made perfect sense to build on this passion. They bought their fi rst property and developed it into a HMO. It was a big step for a single mum with dependent children – lots of sleepless nights and concerns followed, had she done the right thing? But fortune favours the bold and now 12 years later the company has gone from strength to strength, building on that fi rst HMO property to include a portfolio in double fi gures.
When asked why HMOs, Louise said:
Reka now off er a bespoke property management for landlords, HMO landlords and shrewd investors across London. They cover everything from converting properties into HMOs, fi nding the right tenant, marketing the properties and the legal compliance requirements that come with such a commitment. Relied on by local authorities, to ‘accidental’ landlords, they are considered experts in their fi eld. Following requests from their clients, they also now manage property license applications for landlords. They are a one-stop shop ensuring that their clients maximise the earning potential in their properties. Having all these services under one roof is rare in their industry.
The ethos of their company is still the same as when they set it up on the kitchen table – provide a service rooted in integrity, accountability and client satisfaction. This is always underpinned by the memory of being a tenant in rented accommodation and the importance of having a place to call home. Louise and Douglas care and this is the reason why each year they donate a percentage of their profi ts to the homeless charity Shelter.
Louise still pinches herself when she thinks how far her 19-year-old self has come. When asked she says, “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my ups and downs.” However, she’s still juggling all the plates – running a successful business (she is still very handson), looking after her children, ensuring that properties are let, managed and compliant across London, and like most mums, ensuring everyone’s happiness before her own. There’s no doubt that her mum would be proud of the businesswomen that she has become.
Sometimes life has a funny way of taking you down a path that you did not plan, but as the old adage says, when life gives you lemons…set up that lemonade stand.
Follow Louise on @managethislou
More information about how Reka helps landlords, HMO properties and their licensing application service can be found at www.rekaproperty.co.uk.
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EatHappyFeelGood
One Pot Chicken, Veggies & Rice
Full of fl avour and so easy! The perfect weekday dinner winner.
Ingredients
• 2 cups uncooked long grain rice • 6 skinless & boneless chicken thighs • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs • 2 tsp paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 onion, chopped • 1 large can sweetcorn, drained • 1 cup peas • 3 cups chicken stock • Salt and pepper to taste • Parsley to garnish
Method
1. Put the paprika, herbs, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. 2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl of the seasoning and combine till the chicken is well coated. 3. Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan on medium / high heat, and cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until slightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. 4. Add the 2nd tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and cook the chopped onions until soft and lightly caramelised. Add the rice, seasoning and mix into the onions making sure it’s all well combined. Also add the vegetables and pour in the chicken stock. Stir a little to make sure it’s all combined. 5. Arrange the chicken thighs into the rice.
Bring to a gentle simmer, lower the heat and cover. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes till the water is fully absorbed and the rice and chicken are cooked through.
Walnut & Cinnamon Granola
Ingredients
• 5 cups rolled oats • 3 cups walnuts, roughly chopped • ½ cup olive oil • ½ cup honey (this quantity gives a subtle sweetness. If you want it a little sweeter
add ¾ cup honey) • 2 tbsp vanilla • 3 tbsp ground cinnamon (add less for a more subtle fl avour) • ½ tsp fi ne salt
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a baking tray with nonstick baking paper. I use a 29 x 41cm tray. 2. Add the oil, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt to a large bowl.
Whisk till all ingredients are well mixed. 3. Add the oats and nuts. Make sure it’s all thoroughly mixed. 4. Put the oat mixture onto the lined baking tray and spread out. Press the mixture fi rmly into the baking tray. This will help form clusters. 5. Bake for 30 minutes in the centre of the oven. Take out of the oven but leave the oven on, as you will need it again soon. 6. Let it cool completely at room temperature. 7. Break it up into clusters - start from the outside edges. If the centre is still a little underdone and bends rather than snaps, you can return to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes to crisp up. Again, let it cool fully. 8. Store in an airtight container and enjoy with yoghurt or milk.
Banana & Carrot Muffi ns
Ingredients
• 1 ¼ cup plain fl our • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1 tsp baking powder • ¼ tsp salt • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 2 eggs (room temperature) • ⅓ cup olive oil • ⅓ cup maple syrup • 1 cup mashed banana (2–3
bananas) • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup grated carrots (2-3 peeled carrots) • ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional) • ½ cup raisins (optional) • Oats and fl ax seeds for the top
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a muffi n tray with paper cases. 2. Put a sieve over a large bowl and sieve in the fl our, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside. 3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Add the banana. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the carrots, walnuts and raisins (if using). 5. Divide between the muffi n cases. I like to use an ice cream scoop. Bake for 26 to 28 minutes till an inserted knife comes out clean. 6. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delicious and a perfect summer meal, picnic food or meal prep dish.
Ingredients
• 4 skinless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning • 3 garlic cloves, grated • 1 onion, fi nely chopped • 2 red peppers, chopped • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 200g butternut squash cut into very small cubes (1cm max) • 1L chicken stock • 500g dried pasta • 4 tbsp light cream cheese • Salt and pepper to taste • Fresh parsley to serve
Method
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and put it in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, the Cajun seasoning and mix together. Set aside. 2. Add the 2nd tbsp of olive oil to a large pan. Add the chicken and cook over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 3. If the pan looks too dry, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Add the onion and pepper to the pan and cook for fi ve minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Add the browned chicken, butternut squash and chopped tomatoes and mix well. 5. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. 6. Add the pasta, stir well to mix all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Partially cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, till the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced. Make sure you stir a couple of times during cooking. 7. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and parsley. 8. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. 9. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Are We There Yet?
By Ian Pilbeam
Imagine quitting your secure job right before a recession to backpack around the world with an 8 and 10 year old. Who would do that - quit life for a whole year, pull the kids out of school for a year, pack the house up, throw a few items in a couple of rucksacks, and go travelling for a year?
Well, that’s what this irresponsible (or inspirational) Dad did back in 2008/09. I will let you decide which of those adjectives is most appropriate.
How on earth did that happen? How did we come up with the idea and what turned it into a reality? Well, it started during a typical family holiday one summer in Turkey.
“Where would you like to go next, kids?” Little did I know, but this simple question was about to change our lives forever.
The List
The answer took me by surprise.
“Can we have a think about that, Daddy, and come back tomorrow with some ideas?” Fast forward 24 hours. The kids smiled sheepishly and brandished a folded-up sheet of paper.
“Daddy, we’ve been thinking, and these are the places we would like to go to next please.” They may have said “please”. Let’s assume they did. I would like to think we brought them up properly. Intrigued, I opened the sheet of paper to find a list of countries they would like to visit. But not any old list, because next to the name of each country was an animal. It went something like this:
Madagascar – Lemurs Australia – Kangaroos Canada – Polar bears Africa – Cheetahs China – Pandas Peru – Llamas Galápagos Islands – Iguanas
Why animals? No one knows. They can’t remember and I never asked. I guess they were children, and most kids love fluffy and furry animals. I had resisted requests throughout their childhoods to buy them a puppy. Perhaps this was their way of wreaking their revenge on me?
We looked at the list agog. “Wow, what a list. We would love to go to those places as well. They sound amazing.”
Making the decision
I looked at Anne and asked, “Should we do it? Should we take the kids around the world?” I expected her to put me in my place with retorts such as “get a grip” or “don’t be ridiculous”. But she replied, “Why not, what’s the worst that can happen, we have to sell the house and downsize.” Those were the words I needed to hear. The impulsive part of my personality was in overdrive. In my head I thought “I want to go to Madagascar. I want to go to Peru.” Since childhood, I had dreamed of going to Deepest Darkest Peru, home of Paddington Bear and his Great Aunt Lucy. “I want to go to Australia,” home of Kylie Minogue.
We had inherited some money which we could have saved for later but I said to Anne, “This investment will have a longterm impact on all of us, collectively and individually. I don’t know what that means yet and we will find out maybe in ten years’ time, but we will find out.” They were prophetic words.
We were walking to school one crisp late Autumn morning, hand in hand. The kids were still at an age where it was cool to hold Daddy’s hand.
“Hey kids, remember that list of countries you came up with on holiday this summer? Well, we are going to go on a big trip and see them all.”
Roonagh replied, “Will we be able to go to them all in two weeks, Daddy?” Bless, the innocence of a child. I explained they would miss a whole year of school to go around the world. I am not sure they really understood, but what kid would turn down the opportunity to skip class for an entire year?
Roonagh believed she would sleep every night in a Premier Inn. During her fi nal term at school, she studied earthquakes and had nightmares about us all dying in Japan. Much reassurance was needed. We certainly didn’t tell her about the massive earthquake in China just a few weeks before we left, a natural disaster that would have a signifi cant impact on our trip, in ways we could not foresee.
This little family had a plan. It was a plan that would hold us in good stead, although as with all good plans, it was subject to frequent change as challenges occurred or opportunities arose.
I often thought that our friends must have wondered “Are you mad?” I don’t think a lot of them got it. My least favourite question had to be “Did you enjoy your holiday?” Believe me, travelling for a year with your kids is many things, but it most certainly is not a holiday.
How on earth do you choose which places to go for an entire year? Before long, as I immersed myself in travel guides and the internet, I was wondering “Why is it only a year, could it not be longer?” Several factors infl uenced where we ended up going.
The fi rst was the kids list. The list they produced in that bar in Turkey.
We went to all but one of those destinations, but it was also clear that wherever we would go needed to be somewhere the kids would enjoy, be child-friendly and safe. That helped to narrow things down. In the end we visited 20 countries in four continents, crossing Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America.
I loved that we could visit places that were an impossibility when I was younger. South Africa, the scene of the horrors of apartheid during my formative years. Cambodia, which I had seen through the grisly prism of the book and movie The Killing Fields. Vietnam, the setting for Oliver Stone movies and Springsteen songs, and Chile, former domain of the Dictator General Pinochet and land of Los Desaparecidos which I had studied at University.
A route soon emerged. Before long we had approximate timings and a list of potential highlights: The Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat, Macchu Pichu and the Great Barrier Reef to name but a few. Little did we know that these would be supplemented by the Paralympic Games in Beijing, New Year’s Eve fi reworks in Sydney Harbour, parasailing in New Zealand and many more once-in-alifetime experiences, all enjoyed together as a family. Each of us would end up with favourite countries: Rory - New Zealand perhaps because it felt a little familiar, Roonagh - Madagscar thanks to those ever so cute lemurs, Anne - Japan because it felt like nowhere else and me - Peru, because Paddington Bear can’t be wrong.
Education
We are often asked about the kids’ education. Would they miss out on learning by not being in school? No is the short answer - the world became their classroom. From an educational point of view, this was the perfect age for them to skip school. They were not yet into a full curriculum. There were no exams nor qualifi cations to worry about. They could read, they could write, and had a basic grasp of numeracy. They observed and assimilated learning from their surroundings.
The Book
Last year I fi nally got around to putting down our adventures into a book so that other families could also be inspired to travel more, even if not for a year. From the feedback I have had I know that this was a great decision; being able to educate, inform and infl uence children other than my own has been a privilege. In the book, called ‘Are We There Yet?’, for reasons all parents will understand, our adventures explain not just what happened, warts and all, but also the lessons learnt and long term impact. The book is inspired by the blogs written at the time with one eye knowing that those back home, who worried about us, would read them. They were therefore ever so slightly sanitised and didn’t capture all the lows and scary moments we experienced. For example, in the blog about our wonderful time in the Galápagos Islands, you won’t fi nd the story of how one of our children nearly drowned. Or the episode when we believed we had been kidnapped by the Chinese mafi a. But these and many other stories feature in ‘Are We There Yet?’
Top Tip
My top tip for surviving a year together as a family on the road? Remember why you are doing it. For us it ultimately wasn’t about all those dream destinations. We were seeking quality time together as a family. Hanging out each day, especially the down days when diaries had to be written, clothes washed and plans made were special times that we would have missed out on in the humdrum of life. We have a special bond and a thousand memories that will stay with us forever.
‘Are We There Yet?’ by Ian Pilbeam can be bought from Amazon and all mainstream/independent booksellers. Ian can also be contacted via Instagram @originalfamilytrippers or Facebook @ianpilbeamauthor. Signed copies and an audiobook are also available directly from Ian.
10 Fun Things To Do In Dubai With Kids
By Kenwood Travel
Theme parks, water parks, dazzling light shows in the dark – with so much to keep the whole household entertained, it’s no surprise that Dubai is one of the top destinations in the world for a family holiday. It’s just a short 6.5-hour direct fl ight from the UK, meaning that it’s extremely accessible for families given that there are no pesky stopovers to worry about. So, what are the best things to do in Dubai with kids? Our Kenwood Travel Experts share their recommendations for the ultimate family getaway.
1. Discover the desert
It simply wouldn’t be a holiday to Dubai without taking time to explore the undulating desert scenery that the UAE is famed for. Glide down towering dunes as you try your hand at sandboarding, experience a quintessential camel ride through the Arabian Desert, or spot oryx grazing in the distance on an unforgettable desert safari.
2. Experience theme park thrills
With over 35 theme parks to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice for an actionpacked day out. Be sure to visit at least one of the following during your stay:
IMG Worlds of Adventure: around the size of 28 football fi elds, this mammoth indoor theme park has everything from hair-rising rollercoaster rides to chilled-out cinema screenings. BollywoodParks™ Dubai: catch spellbinding performances and enjoy cinematic rides at the world’s fi rst and only theme park dedicated to all things Bollywood. Motiongate Dubai: the largest Hollywoodinspired theme park in the UAE brings you entertainment from the iconic motion picture studios DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. Legoland® Dubai: fi lled with awesome attractions and wonderful workshops, this indoor/outdoor theme park is the perfect place to build memories.
3. Savour a sun-soaked day at the beach
Coming in at number three on our list of the ‘best things to do in Dubai with kids’ is hit the beach. Beaches in Dubai are truly in a league of their own, boasting pristine, clean sands and epic play areas. Kite Beach in particular is a family favourite, with a
host of activities to keep the little ones entertained from motorised water sports to trampoline parks. Many resorts in Dubai have their own private beaches too, so be sure to mention to your Kenwood Travel Consultant if it’s a stay beside the sands you’re seeking.
4. Make a splash at a waterpark
What better way to cool off from Dubai’s glorious sunshine than by diving into one of the many waterparks on off er? Thrillseekers will be in their element hurtling down the world’s highest and fastest slides, and for those who prefer a bit of soft adventure, there’s also plenty of lazy rivers and wave pools to enjoy too!
5. Gaze out at the city from the top of the world’s tallest building
Standing at an impressive 2,722 ft, the Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic sights in all of Dubai and an absolute must-visit during your stay there. Step out onto the scenic outdoor observation terrace on Level 124 or experience a thrilling stroll along the see-through glass fl oor of Level 125 – each boasts an unforgettable view of the city’s stunning skyline.
6. Catch a show at one of Dubai’s dancing fountains
Dubai Fountain bursts into a symphony of music, colour, and light. Witness the powerful jets shoot water 900ft in the air and marvel at the majesty as they move to the beat of popular and classic tracks from around the globe – this is one of the best free things to do in Dubai with kids.
7. Enjoy a cruise along Dubai Creek
For a taste of traditional Dubai, hop aboard one of the authentic Abras, a mode of transport that is half-boat, half-raft, and explore the gently winding riverways of Dubai Creek. Be sure to stop off at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Bur Dubai for a glimpse into the city’s historic past.
8. Shop ‘til you drop
It’s no secret that Dubai is one of the best destinations in the world for shopping. From mega malls selling the latest couture to streetside souks trading in Arabic tea and spices, this glitzy Emirate is a shopaholic’s paradise. You could truly spend days exploring the city’s extravagant shopping centres, many of which are home to not only shops, but ice rinks, aquariums, and trampoline parks too.
9. Discover a world of underwater wonder at the aquarium
Dubai’s aquariums are out-of-this-world, and in our opinion, you simply cannot go wrong with whichever you decide to visit. One of the most notable is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a 10 millionlitre tank at the heart of the Dubai Mall. You can admire the marine life for free, but for a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend paying to stroll through the 48m long walkway to witness the sight of sharks, rays, and giant grouper fi sh shoaling above your head.
10. Hit the slopes at an indoor ski centre
Though it seems hard to imagine skiing in a city surrounded by desert, Dubai continues to prove that dreams are never just limited to your sleep. Found in the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, a 22,500 squaremetre wonderland of powder-white snow and 85-metre-high slopes. All abilities are catered for at this resort, so whether you’d like to enrol in a day at ski school or tear up the world’s fi rst indoor black diamond run, there’s something for each member of the family. And whilst here, be sure to head to the Snow Park to catch a glimpse of the daily ‘March of the Penguins’ show!
Book your Dubai family holiday today. Call Kenwood Travel’s UAE Experts on 020 7749 9276 or enquire online at kenwoodtravel.co.uk, and one of the team will be happy to give recommendations on the best Dubai hotels for families.
kenwoodtravel.co.uk 020 7749 9276
5Minutes with Olga Thompson aka Big Fat Greek Mother
The woman that delights our phone screens on a daily basis with her wonderful characters and makes us LOL so hard a little bit of wee comes out. I give you…Olga.
Your bedside reading at the moment is…
Miriam Margolyes’ “This Much Is True”. Complete joy in a book! Love her so much and her infectious energy. I want her to be my bf!
Favourite podcast when you have fi ve minutes’ peace?
I’m in love with the Playful Den Podcast right now! I recently recorded for them. They celebrate playfulness in motherhood. So refreshing!
Three things you always have in your glove compartment?
Tissues (may or may not have been used), RnB classics in CD format (yes I’m old skool on both accounts) and ropey-looking masks from lockdown.
If you had to pick your favourite character you play, it would be…
Androulla, the orange beautician, because she says the most shockingly true things and gets away with it as people think she isn’t very bright.
Ultimate food weakness?
Dark chocolate and my mum’s trahana. If you know you know.
Coff ee or tea?
Coff ee to go with my banshee-screaming high-octane hangry mum-of-three-boys lifestyle.
Favourite holiday memory?
Actually, last Easter with my husband and three sons in the Canary Islands. It was our last holiday together before my eldest left home to play pro football. They are all my favourite people with the absolute best bants. I remember thinking, “I don’t want this time to end together.”
Olga will be performing El Greco live online.
Reserve your tickets at Eventbrite.co.uk Search - El Greco of Hornsey
Which album will you have on loop and never be bored with?
George Michael, Faith. It’s sacred. My fi rst ever LP from Woolworths (that’s a prehistoric Wilko to you kids). I loved George growing up and wanted to marry him. Interestingly I knew his Aunty back in the Palmers Green ‘80s hood days.
A house full of boys - when do you make time for you?
After I have fed all the animals in the zoo I like to lie on my bed in the evenings and watch dark comedies. My fave right now is Physical on Apple TV! Outrageously dark and set in the ‘80s. My bed is my happy place. It’s also where I get most of my sketch ideas!
A wow moment in your life so far?
Performing my show ‘El Greco of Hornsey’ at the Edinburgh Fringe to 4-star acclaim. A close call though to be fair between that and seeing Sylvester Stallone outside Planet Hollywood in Leicester Square when I was 11.
What gives you instant calmness?
Listening to gospel music. I have a deep faith in God that has carried me through a lot of life’s diffi cult times.
The next destination on your list is…
I want to go to America as I’ve never been. Also, I’m keen to visit Aldi soon as we have run out of food. Again.
If you needed to hear a voice of comfort, who would you call?
My husband, straightaway. He knows me better than I know myself and is always right. However, I don’t want him to know that ok!
If you could choose one superpower…
To be invisible! Imagine the tricks you could play on people.
What language would you love to learn?
Italian. I blame Cher in Moonstruck. I fell in love with the language from that movie…damn you ‘80s nostalgia. We had our honeymoon in Rome and we want to go back for our 20 (we’re ancient) year wedding anniversary next year.
How would you describe yourself?
A small, loud, wig-wearing bearer of joy.
The mantra you live by.
Be kind to everyone. Nothing else matters in this life. Not money or fame or followers. I want to be remembered as someone who made others feel good about themselves.
