Real Estate Blog - west brighton

FLAG DAY - 2016

TODAY, 6/14, IS FLAG DAY!

Since early childhood, an American Flag has flown each morning from my home and brought in each evening.  I continue this tradition of my parents. Wouldn't you think that after the terrorist attacks on 911, in Orlando this weekend and around the world, AND with this year's historical Presidential race, people would be proud to be a citizen of the United States, where all are FREE to speak their mind and write about what they believe.  Isn't this the reason why so many immigrants are flocking to our shores?  Why isn't our great American flag flown with pride everywhere?  Shouldn't people want to show their patriotism? 

The 4th of July Parade takes place on Victory Blvd. in Travis every year.  I walked around that…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (7/15 – 7/19/15)

Thanks to all our friends/customers/clients for stopping by at the Gillani Homes booth at “Back to the Beach” on Saturday and Sunday!  The bands played at both ends, there were many booths and many new attractions.  I had a blast making new friends.  One of my gentle readers and a friend, Susan, crossed off the Family Camping Staten Island from her bucket list.  She had a great time but was uncomfortable sleeping on rocks!  How did those cowboys do it on the range?  How do you “campers” keep comfortable in your sleeping bags?  Any hints would be appreciated. You still have time to get in on the adventure.  Visit: www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register.

I want to congratulate the Liedy family and Liedy’s Shore Inn, 748 Richmond Terrace, New Brighton, on its…

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WEEKEND EVENTS ON STATEN ISLAND (2/26-3/1/15)

This Saturday, 2/28, girls (I prefer to call them young ladies) ages 16 to 18 years old can participate in a free day-long conference on “Girls Empowerment”.  Beginning with a light breakfast and check-in at 8:30 a.m., a who’s who of female power hitters will be speaking and leading these young ladies to explore their talents, strengths and learn from these inspirational leaders of our community.  The program will conclude with a fitness session on yoga and zumba. The conference takes please at CSI High School, 100 Essex Drive.  To pre-register call 718-370-6900, ext. 2401, or e-mail Annette Lentini at alentini@schools.nyc.govhttp://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/02/girls_empowerment_to_be_focus.html

The Parkside Boot Camp takes place at Silver…

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COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT- WICKED STITCHES - 2015

Another snowy week embraces Staten Island and the Northeast (How many weeks has it been?), and we look for ways to enjoy life and stop kvetching about the weather!  I stopped in to visit my friends at Wicked Stitches at 840 Castleton Ave. in West Brighton during a brutally cold day. 

These two charming ladies, Nancy Nix and Carolyn Buckheit, welcome their customers as friends.  Are you looking for a unique anniversary gift? Wicked Stitches should be your first stop.  How about a wedding gift, birthday, bridal party, house warming gift?  You will find it at Wicked Stitches.  They custom embroider every gift.  You will see sweatshirts with neighborhood names embroidered on them.  Who isn’t proud of their neighborhood?  Westerleigh, New Brighton,…

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Four Neighborhood Cafés To Cure Cold Weather Blues

As the cool winds pick up and our noses begin to run, we find that fall is currently in session and Old Man Winter is just around the bend. A hot cup of Joe can combat the harsh seasons, but instead of the usual big-name shops, try one of these local cafés to warm you up.

Beans & Leaves in West Brighton is the quinessential, cozy café. This snug shop on Forest Avenue opened its doors in May of 2012. Customers keep coming back for the relaxed atmosphere, warm service, and free wi-fi. Grab a seat at a table or in a comfy lounge chair. Beans & Leaves serves a full coffee and tea menu, as well as Coffee of the Day, with mouthwatering flavors such as toasted marshmellow, graham cracker, and cinnamon bun. The shop also serves snacks and desserts with gluten…

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT - "BOUTIQUE 840"

Last week, I wrote about a business on the North Shore that had recently opened up.  Today, I want to tell you about their neighbor at 840 Castleton Ave. 

What can I say about “Boutique 840”?  The owner of this unique boutique is Michael Spence, an affable gentleman who has been in the fashion biz for quite some time.  He began his business on Staten Island over ten years ago as Michael’s Pocketbooks.  I discovered him the week of Christmas over five years ago in a store that brightened up the neighborhood.  I entered only to find gorgeous pocketbooks at reasonable prices, jewelry that was unique, scarves, hats, and other winter items and an invite to have a glass of wine with him.  Wow!  I purchased earrings and returned later on…

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT - "WICKED STITCHES"

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the proprietors of the “Wicked Stitches” at a Realtor trade show.  While having my nails done recently on Castleton Ave., I noticed “Wicked Stitches” was directly across the street.  I walked in and was thrilled at what beheld me.  A beautiful store front, artful displays of a variety of personalized embroidered gifts for simply every occasion and a counter with two comfortable chairs to leisurely look at everything these two terrific women have to offer. 

Nancy Nix and Carolyn Buckheit, the co-owners of “Wicked Stitches” and native Staten Islanders, welcomed me into their store as if I was a friend or a sister--I felt like I have known them forever.  They custom embroider anything you can imagine—gifts for…

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ARE YOU AS OLD AS YOU FEEL!

How many of you made resolutions for the new year 2014 to get in shape, to feel young again? How many of you feel OLD?  Around Staten Island there are a multitude of sites to help you keep your resolutions.  Silver Lake Park on the North Shore of Staten Island is perfect at any time of the day. The sun rise and sun set on the water and throughout the park is breathtaking. Bloomingdale Park on the South Shore boasts scenic trails, a great play area for the children and a dog run for the pooches among other features.  Snug Harbor is a gem--the Botanical Garden, the Art Lab, galleries, the Children's Museum, the duck, fish and goose pond where you can sit and meditate. The boardwalk at South Beach is a perfect place to walk, run, meet people and breathe in…

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Cooking Up Culinary Acclaim on Staten Island

Staten Island has been making headlines in the culinary community of New York City. NYC is home to thousands of restaurants and where two popular Island eateries rank is quite impressive.

Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern in Port Richmond has been a staple in the community since 1937. Highly reputed as the best pizza on Staten Island, the family-friendly establishment claimed the number 64 spot on the Zagat top 100.  The menu includes about 30 different varieties of pizza and other traditional Italian-American favorites like fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, and rice balls.

Bocelli’s Italian restaurant in Grasmere comes in at number 95 on the Zagat top 100. The restaurant guide describes Bocelli’s:  “With "delicious" seafood specialties that "aren't…

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