Lisa Costa - June 2020 by thepropertycollection

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

JUNE 2020

BECOME A VIRTUAL TOURIST

TREK ALL OVER THE WORLDâ€¦ WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR ARMCHAIR HOW TO DIY! OUR HELPFUL GUIDE TO SOME LARGER DIY JOBS

FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE START STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

RAINBOW THEMED BAKES ENCOURAGING FAMILIES TO SUPPORT THE NHS BY BAKING

THE CINEMA RETURNS! REVISED RELEASE DATES FOR AFTER LOCKDOWN

CONTENTS COVER STORY

Become a virtual tourist Trek all over the world… without leaving your armchair

PROPERTY

FOOD

Rainbow themed bakes Encouraging families to support the NHS by baking

LIFESTYLE

Once upon a time Time never stands still, and with this collection of stunning clocks, neither will your style

Help with decluttering Fantastic ideas to create space you didn’t think existed

How to DIY! Time to try some DIY jobs that may be bigger than you would usually take on

Football poised to return Top-flight football could make its return this month but only if stringent guidelines are met

The return of the cinema! Many highly anticipated films have changed their release dates for after lockdown

HEALTH

Our first line of defence Now’s the time to start strengthening your immune system

WELCOME TO THE JUNE ISSUE!

pring is flying by! We have been blessed with warm weather throughout May and are all carrying on as best as we can in these strange times. With the property market open again, if you’re thinking about moving but haven’t started the process, we have put safety guidelines in place to ensure your safety. And with our expert local knowledge, we have all the tools you need to get you moving – including a FREE personalised website for you to share on social media. This month’s issue provides you with plenty of handy hints and tips to get your property in order. Offering step-by-step guides on DIY jobs big and small, the art of decluttering and some of

PROPERTY NEWS

the smartest-looking clocks on the market. Plus, if you are missing your days out, we have a guide to virtual attractions available online. And if you are missing football, we have all the details about ‘Project Restart.’ Looking to join in the support for key workers? We have some rainbow themed bakes. And to help you keep fit and healthy, we have some great tips to help boost your body’s immune system. Plus, we have an updated guide to when you will be able to catch some of the biggest blockbusters at the cinema. Till next time… Jonathan Wheatley Editor

AN IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER… A tidier home means a tidier life, and if the space you’re living in is neat and tidy, it will have a positive effect on your stress and anxiety levels.

PLAN YOUR ORGANISED ATTACK WELL

Go through everything – and I mean everything – and know confidently what you will and won’t be keeping. With a project like this, it’s good to be as organised as possible so to ensure a smooth process without needless stress or wasted time. Find some relatively out-of-the-way floor space and form three piles of all the stuff which is of issue in some way. One pile for all the stuff you want to keep, another for all the stuff you want to bin, and the other for things you want to donate or sell to others. Keeping a paper-based checklist can accompany this method nicely, making it easier to keep track of everything.

DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW

Remember, you don’t have to tackle it all in one day or even a week. Having a more casual approach can have its advantages. Doing just five or ten minutes each day of tidying up and decluttering will mean that your life and hobbies don’t have to stop during this process, but continue to work around the project, which can develop gradually. Working slow and steady like this could mean a lot less stress too. Day by day, as

THE ART OF

DECLUTTERING

There are some fantastic ways to create space you didn’t think existed – as well as gaining a tidier home

you adapt to your living space and its storage situation, you will develop a sense of what belongs and what doesn’t, so it might be better for you to judge things as you move through each day, rather than all at once.

Doing just five or ten minutes each day of tidying up and decluttering will mean that your life and hobbies don’t have to stop during this process

UNLEASH THE CHARITY IN YOU!

With most charity shops closed due to lockdown, it might be worth thinking about donating some of your items to friends and/or family. Knocking on their door and leaving the items on their doorstep whilst maintaining social distancing, for instance, would be fine. Or if the items are small enough you can drop them off in their post box. Since Royal Mail are still operating, posting items to people is still totally doable, so selling things on eBay could also be a great shout.

GET BRUTAL!

Enough charity! You might not have the time or patience to donate or sell

everything you don’t want, so it’s time to get tough with yourself. Sentimentality can cloud one’s vision of logic at times, and if there are certain things you know no one wants and will not sell for very much, just bin it!

dispose of these without having to do countless trips to the rubbish tip.

A constant question to ask is: ‘Do I need it?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then ask: ‘Why do I want to keep it?

However, some possessions hold special sentimental value, especially if you’ve had them for a long time and they represent much-cherished memories. Perhaps store these in your home somewhere sensible, but if your home starts getting clogged up with too much sentimentality, it’s time to get brutal. A constant question to ask is: ‘Do I need it?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then ask: ‘Why do I want to keep it?’ Force yourself to be logical and reassess your priorities like this and you’ll be creating new space in no time. If you have lots to get rid of, especially larger items, you can privately hire skips to

STORAGE UNITS Storage shelving units are a fantastic way of utilising the height in your home. Put in an appropriate place, a shelving unit can transform what was a mess, into a neat and orderly assortment of your muchcherished belongings. Storage chests can be equally useful; looking neat and presentable themselves, they can store a great many things to help your rooms maintain their refurbished look. Smaller storage boxes are another great option to keep things compact and neatly arranged and, when labelled, will help you keep things in well-organised categories.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

DIY

HOW TO

With many of us spending more time at home, why not try some DIY jobs that may be bigger than you would usually take on?

he great thing about doing it yourself, is the pride you get after finishing the job.

In this guide, we are going to show you how to do two of the largest DIY jobs: one inside and one outside. But remember, always consult a professional if the task at hand goes beyond your capabilities or involves electrics or gas.

TILING A KITCHEN OR BATHROOM

Tiling any room, whether it be a bathroom or kitchen, may seem like a daunting task. However, by following our easy to follow guide, you can have it done in no time…

MATERIALS NEEDED Wall tiles Filler l Tile adhesive l Tile spacers l Grout l Multi-purpose cloths l Tile trim l l

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TOOLS

Ruler l Tape measure l Trowel l Tile cutter l Grout float l Spirit level l

Step 1 – Fill any holes in the wall with filler, smooth and leave to dry. Step 2 – Starting from the edge of the wall, and at the lowest row, use tile adhesive to start attaching tiles. Step 3 – Between each tile place a spacer to ensure the gaps between are equal. Step 4 – As you reach the end you may need to cut a tile. Use an electric tile cutter with plenty of water and make sure you measure carefully and cut slowly. Step 5 – Move onto the next row up, again using spacers, and slide any tile trim into place at the end. Make sure to follow any decorative design you are using. Step 6 – If you come to any electrical sockets, measure carefully and cut the tile to shape before applying the tile to the wall.

Step 7 – Leave tiles to dry in situ for 24 hours. Step 8 – Once dry, apply a liberal coating of grout across the tiles, before then using multi-purpose cloths with warm water to wipe away excess grout from the tiles. Step 9 – Thoroughly wash down and polish the tiles to remove any dust and remaining grout and leave to dry.

Always consult a professional if the task at hand goes beyond your capabilities

Remember, with any DIY job, try to get the best tools possible, including the best materials you can afford. Equally important, keep your tools clean after every use and remember to have fun!

LAYING A PATIO With the warmer weather here, why not add another area to your garden in the shape of a perfect patio you have laid yourself. Usually a job you would get a professional in for, laying a patio isn’t actually as difficult as you might expect.

MATERIALS

Cement Sand l Aggregate l Water l Patio slabs l Patio grout l l

TOOLS

Shovel l Cement mixer (you can hire these) l Trowel l Wacker plate l Bucket l Long spirit Level l Wooden dowling l Rubber mallet l Large grout float l Outdoor brush l

Step 5 – Connect your cement mixer safely to your electrics. Use 1 part of cement to 5 parts of sand and slowly add water as it mixes until you reach the desired consistency. Step 6 – Using a shovel, pour mortar mix directly onto the base where the first slab is going to go. Lay the slab and using a spirit level, check it is even. Add or remove aggregate and mortar as necessary until it is level. This is your keystone. Step 7 – Follow this process again, adding mortar and laying the next stone next to the keystone. Use the long spirit level to ensure the second slab is the same level as the keystone. If it is a very small amount out, use a rubber mallet to knock it into place. Step 8 – Complete laying patio slabs in rows, following the previous slab, which should be level with the keystone, using the long spirit level. Step 9 – Clean your tools to ensure the cement doesn’t dry on them. Step 10 – Leave to dry for 48-hours. Once dry, apply patio grout using the large grout float. Wipe over the edges using a cloth. Once dry, use an outdoor brush to remove any excess dust.

Step 1 – Mark out the patio area after doing measurements on a piece of paper. Dig down 150mm for the entire patio trying to create as flat an area as possible. Step 2 – Lay builders aggregate until it covers the entire base area of the patio. Step 3 – Use a Wacker Plate to level down and create a tight base level for laying the slabs. Step 4 – Lay a corner slab without any mortar to check the level of the patio as this will be your keystone. If the height is perfect move onto mixing your mortar.

The great thing about doing it yourself, is the pride you get after f inishing the job

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ONCE UPON A TIME t

GREY METAL FRAME ROUND MIRRORED WALL CLOCK WITH STUDDED DETAIL

Time never stands still, and with this collection of stunning clocks, neither will your style

This large wall clock has a mirrored glass inner to reflect the light, simple studded detailing around the outer edge add a decorative touch to this simple yet stunning clock, hang on a plain wall to get the effect. £119.95 www.woodpeckerinteriors.co.uk

VINTAGE EFFECT METAL CLOCK t This pretty vintage clock is the perfect decorative feature for any room. £18 www.next.co.uk

KARLSSON BOOK TABLETOP CLOCK

Is it a book? Is it a clock? We are pretty certain it is a clock – but it does come well disguised. A fantastic finishing touch to an office or maybe the cookbook shelf in a kitchen. £36.50 www.aspenofhereford.com

PROPERTY NEWS

t Is there Life on Mars? While away the hours on one of life’s great mysteries with this Mars Wall Clock. This stunning timepiece features a copper mirrored face, with Mars planet landscape detail.

OVERSIZED MARS WALL CLOCK

GRANDMOTHER WALL CLOCK Large clock with drawer and shelf storage. £160 www.next.co.uk

£129 www.dwell.co.uk

Help your Children tell the time with this Personalised ‘What time is it’ Wooden Clock. £34.99 www.notonthehighstreet.com

PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

PERSONALISED EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CLOCK

PRESENT TIME FLIP CLOCK BOXED This retro styled flip clock in a boxed gun metal is a timeless and elegant piece. Ideal for a desk, work space or any room in your home. £160 www.jarrold.co.uk

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

RETURN OF

THE DUTIFUL GAME The English Premier League is poised to return this month, giving millions of fans the chance to get their first real football fix since The Beautiful Game was mothballed as the nation went into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although there have been TV re-runs of pivotal games – and even tournaments – at home and abroad during the weeks of isolation, the EPL has identified the 17th June for the return of the most-lucrative league on the planet. Possibly.

Since the decision to postpone the season, debate has raged over the viability of a return. Indeed, teams on the lower rungs of the football ladder have seen their leagues cancelled, campaigns expunged from the history books. Even League Two clubs decided to curtail their season while the European Championship was shunted back a year. Across Europe, governments of countries – such as France, Belgium and Holland – also decided the risks were too great and ended their seasons. However, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A have been working on plans to return this summer, while the German Bundesliga resumed last month.

If we’re lucky. If it’s safe. Because, although they face a potential £762million rebate on their broadcast income and the threat of several of their member clubs plunging into severe financial difficulties, safety has been on the agenda at their many meetings to decide when – or if – the game can resume this summer.

But any resumption of EPL, as well as Championship or League One, will have to satisfy criteria laid down by Public Health England and sanctioned by the Government. With nine or 10 games still to play, the Premier League has ploughed ahead with

‘Project Restart’, insisting their priority is the well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff and, most importantly, supporters and the wider community. There were plans for games to be at neutral venues, but only if safety protocol could be met. But such a scheme would rule out champions-elect Liverpool from staging any games. So, home and away games it is then. Or is it? And what about the FA Cup? Where does that fit in? Or for that matter the Champions and Europa Leagues? The only thing that is certain is that, when it does return, matches will be behind closed doors, largely because the Government is set firmly against any mass gatherings. Which leads to one small, but apparently not insignificant, conundrum. It is often said players stimulate the crowd to generate atmosphere to lift them, so what about crowd noise? Clearly, these professional athletes have never played Sunday League … Football. It’s never dull.

Top Flight football to return on the 17th June with 30 games on ‘Free-to-Air’ TV

PROPERTY NEWS

Share your bakes using #BakeARainbow and tag the NHS workers you know to show your support for them!

RAINBOW ROCKY ROAD READY IN: 15 minutes MAKES: 16 pieces

INGREDIENTS 450 g 26% White Chocolate (3 bars) 40 g Unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) 150 g Shortbread Biscuits (5 oz), broken into pieces 100 g Dried Apricots (3 1/2 oz), chopped 100 g Glacé Cherries (3 1/2 oz), halved 100 g Dried Cranberries (3 1/2 oz) 100 g Pistachios (3 1/2 oz), shelled 75 g Pink Mini Marshmallows (3 oz) 10 ml Madagascan Vanilla Extract (2 tsps)

METHOD 1. Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) square cake tin. Break the White Chocolate into pieces and place in a saucepan. Add the butter and put over a very low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Remove from the heat, transfer the melted mixture to a heatproof bowl and leave to cool for 10 minutes. 2. Stir in the biscuits, dried fruit, nuts, mini marshmallows and Vanilla Extract. Mix well to make sure all the pieces are coated in chocolate and spoon into the prepared tin; press the top down to pack the mixture into the tin. Cool and then chill for at least 2 hours until set. 3. To serve, stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then remove from the tin and peel away the lining paper. Using a large sharp knife, cut into 16 squares. Your rocky road squares are now ready to serve and enjoy! You can find this recipe and more at www.oetker.co.uk Images for illustrative purposes only

RAINBOW BAKES

RAINBOW SMARTIE CAKE READY IN: 40 minutes MAKES: 8 slices

INGREDIENTS 165g magarine or butter 165g caster sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 170g self-raising flour buttercream icing (either a 400g readybought tub or 600g icing sugar, beaten into 300g soft butter) 118g Smarties

METHOD 1. Pre-heat the oven the 180°C/160°C/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin. 2. Place the margarine or butter and sugar into a large bowl and mix together until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat together to form a smooth mixture. Sift the flour on top and fold into the mixture until just combined. 4. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until it looks lightly golden and a skewer, inserted into the centre of cake, comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then remove, and place on a cooling rack to cool completely. 5. Cut the cake half to create the rainbow shape. Spread a layer of buttercream onto one half of the sponge and then sandwich together with the other half. 6. Stand the cake on a cake board or serving plate with round edge up, so the cake looks like a rainbow. Cover the top and sides of the rainbow in a thin layer of buttercream. 7. Stick the Smarties onto the front of the cake in a rainbow pattern. 8. (Optional) Place the remaining buttercream in a piping bag and cut off the end to create a 1cm hole. Pipe blobs of buttercream around the base of the rainbow to resemble clouds.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE State of mind is a powerful weapon against infection

To stand the best chance of beating harmful viruses, now’s the time to start strengthening your immune system

f the Coronavirus pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that we have to be prepared. And that means getting in the best shape possible to deal with whatever life decides to hurl in our direction. The best chance we have of combatting any bacterial or viral onslaught comes from deep within, from a complex defence mechanism known simply as the immune system. Every minute of our lives, we are bombarded by viruses, fungi and bacteria that can make us ill and, simplistically, it is the job of our internal network to sift through the trillions of micro-organisms in the body, working out which are good, which are harmful and which can be nurtured. When it’s doing its job properly the immune system – comprising white blood cells, antibodies, the spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and the complement and lymphatic systems – ignores the good bacteria and targets the bad, remembering them in case they return. However, fighting these pathogens is hard work, and we can make it easier – or more difficult if you are a heavy drinker, smoke, use drugs, or are obese – for our immune systems to perform as it should. But there is no quick, easy fix. Despite what you may have heard, putting sage between your toes every night doesn’t really work. Neither does rubbing garlic into your eyes. And neither does the notion of increasing our immunity. That would mean increasing the number of cells in our bodies – and that can do more harm than good. What we need to do is maintain the immune system’s strength to enhance its ability to stave off infection, and the easiest ways to do that are having balanced diets, exercising, sleeping well, and managing our mental health.

PROPERTY NEWS

DIET Like any fighting force, the immune system army marches on its stomach and, like any worthwhile

Regular exercise is one of the pillars of modern living, so staying fit and active can lower your risk of falling ill and keep your immune system healthy

which is synthesised in the skin from UVB rays, is vital in helping to stave off illnesses such as respiratory infections. And, while you can get Vitamin D from some foods – such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks, fortified spreads and some breakfast cereals – the best way is to expose your skin to sunlight for between five and 15 minutes a day.

warrior, it needs good, regular nourishment. Scientists have long recognised that people who live in poverty are more malnourished and therefore more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Similarly, as we age our bodies need more help to remain robust. There is some evidence that deficiencies in zinc, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E can alter immune responses, so a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables will go a long way to keeping you healthy. Remember, experts recommend at least five different portions of fruit and veg a day – as well as plenty of fluids – to sustain ideal body weight. EXERCISE Regular exercise is one of the pillars of modern living, so staying fit and active can lower your risk of falling ill and keep your immune system healthy. Moderate aerobic activities – think a brisk walk, light aerobics, swimming and cycling or anything that gets you slightly breathless and your heart pumping harder – are the best choice, say experts. Because when the heart beats faster, circulation is increased, allowing the cells and substances to move freely through the body to do their jobs more efficiently. But, again, don’t overdo it. Over-vigorous training can dampen the immune system, inducing fatigue which is the body’s way of getting us to rest. And this is where a good night’s kip comes in: when you sleep, the levels of protective chemicals in your body increase, while inflammatory cells decline. In which case, the ideal solution is a nice, eventempo walk in the sunshine because Vitamin D,

MENTAL HEALTH State of mind is a powerful weapon against infection because stress and anxiety are debilitating and major factors in lowering the body’s immune response. It is often said that laughter is the best medicine – not only does not it lift the spirits and increase mental resilience but it gets the heart racing to nearly the same levels as mild exercise, helping you de-stress.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC – 21ST AUGUST

The world is, quite literally, at your fingertips as technology gives you the chance to trek all over the world… without leaving your armchair

he early-summer breeze is whispering through the tall, brooding trees fringing the vast expanse of the lake. The morning sun casts shadows over the lush, grassy bank and glistens on the gin-clear water as gentle ripples lap against the shore. Light, wispy clouds drift lazily across the powder-blue sky which is already taking on a cobalt hue over the distant hills.

and attracting the attention of ravenous ducks, jostling for position.

Yes, it’s going to be another beautiful day on Lake Windermere.

Filing the scene under idyllic holiday vistas in your memory bank, you pause and breathe deeply, ready to relish the sweet tang of the open water and freshness of a sultry Cumbrian morning… but the only whiff you’re getting is from last night’s takeaway, a faint hint of furniture polish and the none-too favourable aromas from the leftovers in the cat’s dinner bowl.

The first of the day’s visitors have arrived, chattering excitedly as they unhook their orange dinghy from the back of their SUV, their breakfast feast already spread over the picnic tables

Because, contrary to what your brain might want you to believe, you’re at home, sitting in a comfy chair having logged on to a virtual tour of the Lake District on your laptop.

PROPERTY NEWS

Already one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the Lakes have become something of a hit in the cyber universe too, as webcams at the likes of Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater bring the beauty and atmosphere of the national park to a computer screen. lakedistrict.gov. uk/visiting/webcams-videos-andphotos/webcams Webcams add a different dimension to the virtual tours of museums, galleries and landmarks which have become increasingly popular during days of isolation and self-confinement throughout the Coronavirus lockdown. And not only are they a welcome break from the tedium of those box

sets you were recommended but only waded through because you couldn’t think of anything else to do, they are also educational. For instance, while you are mooching around Buckingham Palace, enjoying the 360-degree tours of the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room you can click on information points to learn about their history. royal.uk/virtual-toursbuckingham-palace

For sheer spectacle, step out on the Great Wall of China where, with just a series of clicks, you can walk the stretch from Jinshanling to Simatai

Similarly, Stonehenge, where their virtual feature offers panoramic views from the centre of the iconic stone circle and an interactive feature which allows you to click on specific points to learn more about the history. It’s like having a personal tour without the accompanying howl of traffic from the nearby A303. english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/stonehenge/ Technology also helps to bring out the best in Bath where their most visited attraction, the Roman Baths, offers a virtual walkthrough where you can explore the Great Bath, heated rooms and plunge pools as well as visiting some of their exhibitions. romanbaths. co.uk/walkthrough And you can avoid the crowds with a panoramic tour – at sunset – of the Giant’s Causeway, in County Antrim (nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway/features/take-a-virtualtour-of-the-giants-causeway) as well as unlock the treasures at the National Gallery (nationalgallery.org. uk/visiting/virtual-tours) and the British Museum, where you can visit the rooms and wings, and zoom in

on most of the exhibits

(britishmuseum.withgoogle.com) But, in these digital times, the world is your oyster, and although foreign travel has been suspended, there is nothing to stop you taking in some of the world’s most culturally-important sites – all from your own front room. Always fancied trekking to Machu Picchu but can’t stomach the threat of altitude sickness as you climb through the Andes? No problem, you can take the virtual tour of the stunning Incan citadel with sweeping views and a detailed commentary. youvisit.com/ tour/machupicchu You may have to negotiate a few visitors, but Google Street View’s footage of the Taj Mahal takes you up close and personal with the beautiful domed monument to a love lost, while AirPano offers breath-taking aerial shots of the grounds and surrounding area. google.com/maps and airpano. com/360photo/Taj-Mahal-India/ For sheer spectacle, step out on the Great Wall of China where, with just a series of clicks, you can walk the stretch from Jinshanling to Simatai, taking in stunning views of the barren landscape. thechinaguide.com/ destination/great-wall-of-china And it may be one of the wonders of the ancient world, but the team at Petra in Jordan have embraced the digital age by offering a live feed from the jaw-dropping site – although, like the Lake District, streaming has been suspended while lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are in place. petralivecam.com/ But, as far as immersive experiences go, Angkor Wat in Cambodia takes some beating. There are 3D simulations of temples, plus 360-degree videos of the landmarks which, if you have a VR headset, almost places you in the middle of this mind-blowing complex.

virtualangkor.com/360

Already one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the Lakes have become something of a hit in the cyber universe too

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

E H T

N R U

T E R

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, many highly anticipated films have changed their release datesâ€Ś

hile some studios have chosen to release their new films straight to Video on Demand (VOD) others have changed the release dates in the hopes that the cinemas will reopen in the Summer. When lockdown is over, cinemas will be counting on the movie-going public to restart the movie business. With that in mind, here are the biggest movies of the summer and their new release datesâ€Ś

PROPERTY NEWS

E H T

A M

E N

I C

Disney continues to rollout live-action remakes of their classics

MULAN – 24TH JULY

A QUIET PLACE 2 – 4TH SEPTEMBER

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN – 7TH AUGUST

BLACK WIDOW – 6TH NOVEMBER

Disney continues to rollout live-action remakes of their classics. This time around is Mulan, the story of a young Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male warrior to save her father. Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro, director of McFarland, USA and The Zookeeper’s Wife, is the second female director hired by Disney to direct a film with over a $100 million budget.

Husband and wife team John Krasinski and Emily Blunt return with the follow up to 2018’s hugely successful A Quiet Place. After the events of the first film, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world and realise that the creatures that hunt by sound aren’t the only threats in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Joined by the always-great Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou, A Quiet Place 2 promises to be a bigger hit than the first film.

(SPOILER WARNING) Everyone’s favourite Sponge and his pals from Bikini Bottom return to the big screen in their first-ever all CGI For the first time since 2012, there is only one Marvel film motion picture. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary arriving this year – Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson. is Snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic There aren’t many people left who haven’t seen Avengers adventure to the lost city of Atlantic City to bring him Endgame, and thus know that Black Widow met a tragic home and prove there is nothing stronger fate in that film, which confirms that this film, Black than the power of friendship. With Widow’s first and probably last solo outing is an all-star cast including Keanu set in the past, between Captain America Civil Reeves, Snoop Dogg and Clancy War and Avengers Infinity War to be exact and Daniel Craig’s last Brown, this is the perfect film for kids deals with the unanswered questions we all outing as 007 and adults alike. have about the character’s history.

WONDER WOMAN 1984 – 14TH AUGUST

promises to be one to remember

Gal Gadot is back bringing girl power to the big screen in this sequel to one of DC’s biggest movies. Chris Pine returns and Pedro Pascal from Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian and Kristen Wiig join the cast as Max Lord and Cheetah. The film’s 80s setting gives director Patty Jenkins the scope to introduce an incredible throwback soundtrack and a funky colourscheme throughout the film.

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC – 21ST AUGUST

The long-awaited return of Bill and Ted from the cult classic movies Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey are back after nearly 30 years with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter resuming their roles. There is little detail about the exact plot, except we now know our heroes are middle-aged dads still trying to write the ultimate rock song. All that leaves us to say is, ‘Woah…’ (If you know you know!)

NO TIME TO DIE – 27TH NOVEMBER

Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 promises to be one to remember. James Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. Bond sets off on another treacherous mission after a mysterious villain. Craig is joined by Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Christoph Waltz once again, with Rami Malek added to the cast fresh from his turn as Freddie Mercury.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK – 23RD DECEMBER

It’s been 34-years since Tom Cruise made Aviator sunglasses sexy as Pete Mitchell in Top Gun. This year, joined by Val Kilmer as rival Iceman again, and Top Gun newbies, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Jon Hamm and Miles Teller, Maverick returns to the big screen. Dodging an advancement in his career that would ground him, Maverick is a courageous test pilot teaching a new generation which includes his dead best friend’s (Goose) son played by Miles Teller. Feel the need for speed this Xmas!

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Present your house for sale by de-cluttering... Maximise your home’s potential and create spacious rooms enticing potential buyers – simply by de-cluttering!

De-cluttering allows you to… maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important

f you are looking to sell your house, or have had your home on the market for a while now, then you probably want to get the maximum sale price in the quickest time. There are a few things you can’t control – but the one thing that is in your control, is the look and feel of the interior and exterior. While it’s worth spending time fixing and cleaning your house before potential buyers come and view, it’s also important to de-clutter. This creates spacious rooms and also allows you to decrease and organise your personal items before you move yourself. Of course it’s understandable that you don’t to want spend money, time and energy on a home you are about to leave, however, a lot of people are looking for a house in which they can move straight into. Maintaining your

property might even save you thousands of pounds; it could even reduce added expenses of living in your home whilst waiting for a sale. And it might even help avoid possible reductions in the asking price. The main reason in which people move house tends to be because they lack space in their current home. They want a home that is spacious and in which they can grow into. If a potential viewer comes to your home and sees that there is lack of space, then this will turn them away. De-cluttering allows you to remove any unnecessary items in an untidy or overcrowded place. It will help maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important.

So where should you start? You need to create a great first impression and focus on the rooms themselves. You will notice that the first things you see in each room are personal items. Where possible you want to create the look of a

them into things you want to keep and things you want to get rid of. You may even find that you have collected a cupboard full of paper work. Get yourself organised! Don’t just throw it all away, but file it and go through it thoroughly. This will also make it easier when you move.

De-personalising can also be a great way to declutter. Too many personal effects can be distracting to buyers. They want to see a house in which they can make their own memories rather than seeing yours. Again, personal items can be stored away. Remember

Where possible you want to create the look of a lifestyle that the potential buyers want lifestyle that the potential buyer want. This usually has a ‘show home’ feel, rather than a ‘lived in’ feel. Minimising your things is the quickest way to do this: you want to ensure that potential buyers can do simple things, like, open any doors easily, ensuring that there are no obstacles. So, what do we mean by clutter? There are two types: genuine clutter, and items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property. Genuine Clutter: You need to go through the space and sort out each item, categorising

You also want to focus on little things like DVDs, books and trinkets. These items may have some small value so sell them or donate them to charity. Get rid of any old shoes and coats that are lying about in your porch or hallway. You might want to hide away the coats and shoes you do currently wear. Store them in your wardrobe, while you have viewings. Items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property: You may want to consider putting some items in storage while you sell your home. Sometimes items are too large or even too small for some spaces and can make the room look odd. If you want to keep these particular items, then store them until you move into your new home.

that this is only a temporary way of living and hopefully it won’t be for long! If you find you are keeping more things than you are throwing out, then think about whether or not it’s in the right room or do you even need it now? As previously mentioned, you can attempt to sell some of the things you have acquired over the years. Use sites like eBay, Gumtree and social networking sites to try and sell items. You may want to even hold a house sale for the remaining items that you can’t sell. Failing that, why not donate to charity. The end goal is still the same and it’s important to help potential buyers envision your house as theirs. So remember, decluttering will make your home more spacious and entice potential buyers!

Top Tips! If you are throwing away paperwork, shred anything that is confidential

De-clutter before agents come and take photos of your property. This will help attract more potential viewers online and get that first good impression

Don’t spend too long on certain items and don’t get distracted. Keep yourself motivated and race against the clock!

Make it fun! Play some music or watch TV while you de-clutter

Your step-by-step guide to the conveyancing process

nce a sale has been agreed and is in the hands of your solicitor, it will go through the following stages. Sometimes additional work will be needed – for example, if the property is leasehold or is yet to be registered with the Land Registry. It is also important for buyers to discuss the availability of their deposit with their solicitor early in the transaction, and we strongly recommend that you contact your solicitor regularly so that they can keep you fully up-to-date with the progress and the latest timescales.

Seller’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain a copy of the Title Deeds (or office copies if the title is registered) • Obtain a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (if applicable) • The seller(s) will return a completed Property Information Form and a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form to the solicitors • Copies of the above documents, plus a draft contract – this is known as an ‘Information Pack’ – will be sent to the buyer’s solicitor • Answer the buyer’s solicitor’s additional enquiries (for example, specific questions about fixtures and fittings) and obtain copies of any planning consent documents • Agree the contract and arrange for the sellers to sign it in readiness of the exchange (below) • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged

Between exchange and completion • Obtain redemption figures from the mortgage lender and reply to requisitions on title • Approve the transfer and arrange for the seller(s) and buyer(s) to sign • Receive the agent’s fee account and seek the seller’s consent to settle this out of completion funds

Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards.

Upon completion • Receive completion funds and (only when this has been completed) instruct Lisa Costa to release the keys to buyers. Redeem mortgage and forward the financial statement. Forward any surplus funds (unless these are being used to fund an onward purchase). Ensure all outstanding bills are paid • Forward transfer documents and deeds to the buyer’s solicitors • Forward evidence of ‘discharge of mortgage’ to the buyer’s solicitors

Buyer’s solicitor’s steps • Obtain the Information Pack, including a copy of the EPC (if applicable) from the sellers’ solicitor and raise any additional queries • Initiate any specialist searches (for example: a coal search). Submit local, environmental and water searches and a chancel check. This takes about 10 working days in total, and enquiries are then usually raised from the results • Approve the contract when all enquiries are satisfactory and complete. (At this stage, a mortgage transfer deed will need to be signed and witnessed) • Receive a mortgage offer and instructions from the lender and deal with any conditions set out by them. Make sure that life cover and buildings insurance is being arranged • Request the deposit, report back to the buyer, and arrange for the contract to be signed. Place buildings insurance and life cover in force • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged

Between exchange and completion • Raise ‘requisitions on title’ and prepare the draft transfer deed • Report on title to mortgage lender and obtain funds for completion, including Stamp Duty (if appropriate) • Prepare accounts, obtain signature to mortgage deed and undertake final Land Registry and Land Charges searches

Upon Completion • Forward to the seller’s solicitors the balance of funds − it is only then that they can authorise the release of the keys. Receive from the seller’s solicitors, the transfer document deeds • Stamp the Transfer Deed, register the buyer’s ownership with the Land Registry and forward the deeds to the lender or client (where appropriate)

Contract - The agreement that sets out the main terms that have been agreed − for example: price, address, names, etc. Two copies are drawn up, and each party signs one in readiness for the exchange of contracts. Deposit - The part of the purchase price (usually 10%) which the buyer pays on exchange of contracts. Exchange of contracts - The swapping of signed contracts by the solicitors (together with the buyer’s deposit). After this, the contract is binding. Energy Performance Certificate - This contains information on energy use, energy performance, carbon dioxide emissions, and fuel bills. Land Registry - The Government department that records who owns what land, and under what conditions. Local Authority Search - A list of questions that are specific to the property and intended, for example, to discover if there have been any planning applications on the property, if the road to the house is maintained by the council, etc. Mortgage Redemption Figure - The amount required to repay the outstanding capital/ interest of a mortgage. Property information form/fixtures, fittings and contents form - Standard forms about the property that the seller answers for their solicitor (for example: what will be left behind, details of guarantees, etc.) Title Deeds - Legal documents that prove ownership of land/ buildings, and the terms on which they are owned. Transfer of Title - The document that passes the ownership from the seller to the buyer. Stamp Duty for buy to let investors and second home owners - An additional tax, paid by the buyer purchasing an additional property that is not their main residence. It includes buy to let landlords and those buying second homes and holiday homes. The higher rates will be 3 percentage points above the current rates of duty shown below. Requisition on title - An enquiry relating to the completion arrangements. Seller’s Pack - This comprises a Property Information Form, a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form, a copy of the title deeds and the draft contract. Stamp Duty - A tax paid by the buyer purchasing their main residence. It is calculated on the percentage rate applicable to each portion of the sale price. • 0% Up to £125,000 • 0% Up to £300,000 if purchased by a First Time Buyer* • 2% On the share from £125,001 up to £250,000 • 5% On the share from £250,001 up to £925,000 • 10% On the share from £925,001 up to £1,500,000 • 12% On the share £1,500,001 and over NB The new 3% rate does not apply to any transactions below £40,000

Moving house? From meter readings to removal companies, there’s so much to remember when moving house. Here’s our checklist of what to do and when

irst of all, congratulations on your new home! The excitement has probably now kicked in but moving home can also be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining things you can do. However, careful organisation and planning can help decrease the stress and anxiety of moving. This comprehensive and essential checklist will help you do just that.

Eight weeks – Research Ideally, you want to start packing away any non-essential items as early as possible. This includes any items stored away in the loft, garage and shed. If you are not using it, pack it. Looking into your new area is also important, try to do this around eight weeks before you move. You might need to think about transferring your children to different schools and ordering new uniforms too. At this point, ensure you are also documenting all your important information away: that includes contact details, dates, contracts and information regarding your solicitor.

Six weeks – Removal companies or do it yourself? Now would be the perfect time to decide on a local removal company. Or if you don’t have too much to move, you may want to do it yourself. You could even look into different van hire companies. At this point you’ve probably started packing away some bits, but if there is anything you decide not to take, then look into selling these items or donating them to charity. This will also give you an idea on the volume of items you have to move.

Four weeks – Notify utility companies This would be a good time for you to notify utility companies and inform them about your move to switch over. This includes gas and electricity, council tax, internet, phone rental and TV. You should also consider changing any car insurance, tax, memberships, phone contracts and inform your bank about the move. Now’s the time to also arrange a date to have your new house cleaned before you move

The buyers of our homes receive their very own property website to share via

Checklist Eight weeks Pack non-essential items Research your new area (transfer schools and order new uniform) Keep all important documents

Six weeks Decide on a local removal company Clear out any unwanted items Keep packing

Four weeks

It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! in, and start ordering any new furnishings for your new property. Start packing away more items, that being, out of season clothes, books, dvd’s and even bulky items, like TV’s that aren’t used often.

Two weeks – Confirm all details Confirm your move with your removal company or van hire, estate agents and schools. If possible, try to organise someone to look after your pets and children for the day of your move, as this can also be a stressful time for them too. If your removal company doesn’t disassemble any furniture or sort out the un-plumbing for the washing machine, then now would be the ideal time to organise these. Remember to also cancel any local services you receive: this could be window cleaners, gardeners and newspaper deliveries. You should now also think about re-registering to vote and getting your post re-directed after your moving date. Continue packing away more furnishings, kitchen appliances and crockery that you won’t be using for the next couple of weeks.

24 hours – Final check and walk round You now have only 24 hours before you move, so double check that everything is packed away and ready for transit. It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! You may want to create an inventory of your boxes and

furniture to help you keep track of what you have and to help you ensure it doesn’t go missing.

Moving day Today is the day! You need to be ready for when your removal company comes. Ensure that you let them know if there are any fragile boxes that need extra care when handling. If you’re moving yourself, then pack up your car or van and work out how many trips it may take. Before you leave, also take note of your final meter readings and send these off to your provider. Don’t forget to leave your keys for the new owners!

You have arrived at your new home! Give your removal company instructions of which boxes go in which rooms and make sure you are happy with everything that has arrived. Ensure you check for any damage before the movers leave. Read your new utility meters and send your readings of to your supplier. Taking photos of them will also ensure you have the correct reading if you need them again in the future. Unpack your essentials such as bed linen and clean towels. Don’t worry about the rest, it isn’t going anywhere! Order a takeaway, have a cup of tea and enjoy your first night with your family. Right, so now you’re all moved in, it’s time to settle down, unpack and enjoy your new place. Remember, planning is essential to ensure your move runs stress free.

social media with its address and personal message!

Notify utility companies Start preparation for your new house Keep packing

Two weeks Finalise all details Organise pet and child care Cancel local services Keep packing

24 hours Check every room and ensure everything is packed Pack a night bag so everything is to hand Collect your new keys Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get in touch with the estate agents or removal company

Moving in Prepare for the arrival of the removal company and give them directions/ your contact details Ensure everything is ready to move Record meter readings

On arrival Give removal company instructions of what goes where Check for any damage before they leave Read your new utility meters and send them off to your supplier Check if the previous owners have left anything behind Unpack essentials Order a takeaway and sit back and relax!

Page 7

Our Lettings Team Lisa Costa is one of Thornbury’s most well known and respected local agents. Our property team has valuable experience in all sectors of the residential property market, and we pride ourselves on knowing the area and its people like no other agent. We offer tailor-made solutions to make letting and management of residential property as easy as possible. Our experienced team specialises in providing a professional and personal service, offering information, help and advice to meet the needs of all landlords. Our aim is simple: to provide the best possible service, assist you from start to finish and communicate regularly throughout the whole process – whatever your property matter.

Conscientious, loyal + stubborn How long have you lived in the area? 17 years What do you love most about your job? Helping people find their first home Tell us something unique about you. I taught myself how to play the guitar What makes you happy? Food, food and food What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Treat others how you want to be treated

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Come visit our offices and have a chat with Sophie and Jemma to see how we can tailor our services to suit your needs.

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JEMMA MORTIMER Strong willed, loyal + hardworking

How long have you lived in the area? All my life What do you love most about your job? That no day is the same! Tell us something unique about you. I used to swim competitively What makes you happy? My family, food and the sunshine What’s the best advice you have been given? My dad always told me ‘do as I say not as I do!

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Charges and Fees Fully Managed 12% + VAT of the monthly rental Setup fee of £300 incl VAT

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Whether youâ€™re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Lisa Costa, you can be confident that weâ€™ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Selling your property A leading independent agent covering all of Thornbury, the name Lisa Costa is synonymous with trust, excellence and integrity. With decades of experience, specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients continually return to sell and buy through us. We also recognise the importance of marketing, so your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our window display. Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure. Sharing

your personalised website across the social networks widens the audience for your property, to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale. Our qualified database of home buyers will be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest possible time, providing you an outstanding service, with a personal and friendly approach.

Letting your property When it comes to letting, as Lisa Costa are members of certified accreditations, you can have peace of mind that your property is in safe hands as we ensure you are fully compliant with your landlord duties. We offer a comprehensive range of services for you to choose from including areas such as Tenant Introduction, Rent Collection, Gas Safety Checks, in-depth Inventory reports, Deposit registration, insurance-based Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies. As with selling, when you choose to let through us, your property will be advertised

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on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.

The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Lisa Costa in our area. In addition, our qualified database of tenants and buyers will also be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. We will make sure the the highest of standards are met to find the right tenant and buyer for you. By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.

When you choose to market your property with Lisa Costa, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly

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Meet the Team

Lisa Costa Residential Sales & Lettings is a friendly and independently run family business with over 20 years’ experience in the property market covering Thornbury, the villages of South Gloucestershire, Clifton in Bristol and Portishead. We are proud to offer a fresh, energetic and passionate approach to selling property. Here’s your chance to learn more about the team!

LISA COSTA

Tall, tenacious + creative How long have you lived in the area? 17 years What do you love most about your job? Working with people I love Tell us something unique about you. I was a croupier in a previous life What makes you happy? My woodburner, garden and my dogs What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Honesty is the best policy

EMILY COSTA

Sassy, smiley + exuberant How long have you lived in the area? 17 years What do you love most about your job? It’s something different every day Tell us something unique about you. I can touch my nose with my tongue What makes you happy? Wine, Harry Potter + burgers What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Never leave the house without your make-up on

SOPHIE COSTA

Conscientious, loyal + stubborn

HOLLY HODGSON

How long have you lived in the area? 17 years What do you love most about your job? Helping people find their first home Tell us something unique about you. I taught myself how to play the guitar What makes you happy? Food, food and food What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Treat others how you want to be treated

Daydreamer, funny + positive

How long have you lived in the area? All my life What do you love most about your job? Meeting new people every day Tell us something unique about you? I have an Everton FC season ticket What makes you happy? My husband, my family and prosecco What’s the best advice you have been given? Everything happens for a reason

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CAROLYNE KNIBBS Positive, determined + nurturing

How long have you lived in the area? Last 30 years. What do you love most about your job? Every day is different and I work with a great, supportive team. Tell us something unique about you? I trained as a classical ballet dancer. What makes you happy? Family and friends, prosecco and dancing. What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Look after number 1 – everything else falls into place when you’re happy.

LISA PEARCE

Positive, smiley + motivated How long have you lived in the area? All my life What do you love most about your job? I love the excitement of helping people purchase their first home Tell us something unique about you. I danced on stage at the hippodrome What makes you happy? My children, food and prosecco What’s the best advice you’ve been given? A negative mind will never give you a positive life!

EMMA THORNELL Loyal, Laid-back + competitive

How long have you lived in the area? All my life What do you love most about your job? No 2 days are ever the same Tell us something unique about you. I’m a keen athletic fan and competed for my school in the sprinting events. What makes you happy? My 3 boys, Clothes, New York What’s the best advice you have been given? Live each day as if it’s your last!

JEMMA MORTIMER Strong willed, loyal + hardworking

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I think the level of service we received from Lisa Costa was second to none! We were very impressed with the level of expertise. She was always there on the end of the phone or if you went into the office, she always available to answer any queries as were her girls. She knows the area, she knows the properties and she does tend to price the properties realistically. Not like some of the agencies that go way over the top and then hang around for months and months. Lisa prices to sell! There’s only one person we would go to and that’s Lisa Costa.

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We believe Lisa Costa differs from other estate agents and lettings agents particularly in their approach to things. They are confident, they are friendly and they are extremely helpful. We found the whole team at Lisa Costa very knowledgeable and very cooperative. It felt absolutely natural for us to go straight back to Lisa Costa and ask them to manage the second property for us and to date that has been very, very sucessful. We wanted simplicity and no other problems and our experience as such has been first class.

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We liked Lisa’s - not only her positive approach - but her engagement with the whole process. My husband and I would be very happy to recommend Lisa Costa agency to anybody we knew that was trying to sell their property. We’d tell them about the extra side of the service as many agents can give a good basic service but to feel really supported through the whole process, it’s a very good idea to come to Lisa Costa.

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Spending time with loved ones. Creating special memories. Or just cosying up by the fire. Itâ€™s the little things that matter. And when it comes to marketing your property, we promise to concentrate on even the little things that help make a big difference to your move.