Military Discounts Available.....Just Ask by Leander McClain, Realtor My fellow Veterans, Thank YOU for your service to OUR Country. Serving in the military is not always an easy thing to do. Whether you are active duty or reservist, the same applies. All vets typically miss many birthdays, anniversaries, little league games, school plays, etc.  These thing are missed as the vet is serving to keep our country safe and free. A number of companies offer discounts as their way of saying Thank You For Your Military Service.  Many times, all you have to do is ask.  Below is a list of discounts which may be available.  If a discount is not available at one store, don't be afraid to ask at another store.  I know for a fact that my local Lowe's offers a military discount but Home Depot does not... 05/25/2010

NYC To Atlantic City Express Service Begins February 6 2009 The Atlantic City Express Service (ACES), a joint venture of Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, announced today that weekend train service between New York's Penn Station and Atlantic City will officially launch on February 6, 2009.   ACES will provide customers a safe, comfortable and convenient travel experience between New York and Atlantic City with a stop in Newark. The eight multi-level rail cars will offer passengers upgraded leather seating, a private lounge, custom-designed food and beverage kiosks and both first and coach class travel experiences. First-class seating is found on the upper deck of the train with servers available for food and beverage options. Introdu... 01/13/2009

The Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are wonderful places to visit with children.  I often suggest to my real estate clients in Burlington Township, Burlington County, New Jersey that a trip to these museums is something that you want to experience with your children.  A trip the museum may be out of reach for some families with limited income and several children.  NOT TO FEAR I am always excited to pass along a bargain that I come across and this is a biggie, especially for the Franklin Institute.  Free Admission to Franklin Institute will be offered from 5 to 8pm on the third Wednesday of every month.  The Please Touch Museum will remain open from 5 to 7 pm on the first Wednesday of each month charging $2 for Admission.  Costs of these programs... 12/21/2008

DO You Use Coupons?......YOU Don't? WHY NOT?? Yesterday I went grocery shopping.  Every week my wife & I clip coupons from the Sunday paper.  In fact, we only get the weekend newspaper.  You can see by my receipt on the right that I saved $38.90 on my shopping order or 24% of the total.  $38.90 I don't know about you, but if I see $38.90 laying on the ground, I am not going to walk over it and leave it lying there.  In these tough economic times coupons may be the way to go.  You Don't Need A Newspaper To Get FREE Coupons You heard me right.  I will share some of my favorite sites which allows you to print your own coupons at home.  Take a look at some of these sites: www.fatwallet.com www.couponmom.com www.coolsavings.com www.couponcabin.com www.utimatecoupons.com www.coupons.smartsour... 12/03/2008

Dad, What's That On The Grill? I must say that the very best turkey that you can eat is a Fried Turkey. I have been frying  turkeys for over ten years.  Fried turkeys have become popular and it seems that everbody is frying.  When I still want a juicy turkey, but don't feel like the work that goes into a fried turkey, I will inject my turkey and cover it with cajun spices and let it sit in the oven overnight. Then I throw that bad boy into the oven. When I really feel like kicking back and still having a good turkey, I will do a smoked turkey.  There is lot of information on the web about smoking a turkey, but I have found that the easiest set of directions are courtesy of Geoff Maw. Do  you need a special smoker and equipment? NAH? I throw that baby on my charcoal grill, put the coals ... 11/25/2008

It's The Holiday Season - We ALL Need COOKIES :) My buddy Calvin has really been giving me a hard time about these cookie recipes. I tried to hold back, but I couldn't do it. I know you guys are looking forward to the next cookie recipe.  So here ya go. This recipe comes to us compliments of Shannon Clarke of Starry Night Bakery Coffeehouse in Westminster, Maryland.  She tells us that it is a great cookie base and you can add the special extras - Whatever you have on hand!   Whatcha Got?  Cookies   Ingredients:  ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup shortening ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla (or whatever flavoring you have on hand) 2 ¼ cup flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg, cloves, ginger, curry, cayenne pepper, e... 11/21/2008

EVEN MORE COOKIES These wonderful cookies are brought to us courtesy of Alleghany College of Maryland culinary student Amber Mabry.  These cookies are like an upscale banana nut bread.  Try some in the morning with coffee.  Mmmmmmmmm Enjoy   Banana  Nut Cookies  Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 1 cup light brown sugar, packed ½ cup sugar 1 cup butter softened 1 large egg ¾ cup ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 tsp cinnamon   Glaze 1 tsp orange zest 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 cup powdered sugar   Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.  In a separate bowl, blend the sugars.  Add the butter and mix 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through.  Add the egg, banana, and... 11/17/2008

MORE COOKIES :) Chocolate and peanut butter may be a match made in heaven, but throw in some pretzels and things truly get divine.  This cookie recipe is courtesy of Sarah Brewer, a culinary student at Allegany College of Maryland.  Thanks Sarah.  Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Ingredients:  ½ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup smooth peanut butter ½ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour, sifted ¾ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 16 oz. mini pretzels, salted (coarsely chop 1 cup for the dough;  keep the rest whole) ½ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 16 oz milk or dark chocolate Powdered sugar   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  With a mixer, cream together the peanut butter, butter, salt and both sugars for approximately 1-2 minutes, scraping down the bowl halfw... 11/14/2008

COOOKIES!!! To all of my real estate clients in Burlington County New Jersey:  Now is the time to start thinking about what we are going to cook for our holiday meals.  I will share some holiday dessert recipe's that I have come across.  Enjoy.   Vegan Christmas Cookies  Solstice Cookies   Ingredients:  2 cups organic all-purpose flour 1 1/3 cups rolled oats 1 tsp baking soda ¾ tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg 1 2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons molasses 1 cup canned or cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease two cookie sheets.  Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and spices. In anothe... 11/13/2008

Today we stop to honor all veterans who have served to keep the United States of America free. This includes members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves. Members of all of these services have spent time away from their families while serving THIS country. I know because I have been there. We all have missed birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths, little league games, etc. But veterans do what they do out of a sense of service to this country. We serve in hopes that we can make things better for the next generation of Americans. So to all of my fellow Vets. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. HAPPY VETERANS DAY Leander McClain, Burlington Townships Top Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-... 11/10/2008

THE FRED FACTOR This is a wonderful book which really helped my outlook on life.  It is a short read and should only take you an hour or so to read.  At the end of that hour, if you are like me, you have the tools to feel better about your job....no matter what that job is.  Here is a quote from the book: "When your life is at low tide, when your professional commitment is wavering and you just want to get the job done and go home at the end of the day, what can you do? Here's what I do:  I think about the guy who used to deliver my mail.  Because if Fred the Postman could bring extraordinary creativity and commitment to putting mail in a box, I can do as much or more to reinvent my work and rejuvenate my efforts.  He is proof that there are no insignificant or ordinary jobs when they'r... 10/22/2008

Let me say this right up front,   I LOVE The Real Estate Industry.   I also suspect that there are tens of thousands of others out there that feel the same as I do.  While so many are focusing on the state of the economy and the crumbling real estate market, I choose to focus on why I got into real estate in the first place.   I LOVE The Real Estate Industry.   You see, no one ever promised that being in this industry was going to be easy. No one ever promised that I would be able to make a decent salary without putting in much effort.  Right now, things have gotten a little difficult.  However,   I LOVE TheReal Estate Industry .   In what other industry can you have such a positive affect on someone's life?  In what other industry can you help a family onto the road of financial indepe... 10/20/2008

Laugh A Little, Live A Lot A man joins a big corporate empire as a trainee. On his very first day of work, he dials the pantry and shouts into the phone - "Get me a coffee, quickly!" The voice from the other side responded, "You fool you've dialed the wrong extension! Do you know who you're talking to, dumbo?" "No," replied the trainee. "It's the CEO of the company, you fool!" The trainee shouts back, "And do YOU know who YOU are talking to, you fool?!" "No." replied the CEO indignantly. "Good!" replied the trainee, and puts down the phone.   Have a Great Day Leander McClain | Realtor & Real Estate Consultant | EXIT Buyers Plus Realty| Burlington| NJ | 08016|609-505-6578 10/17/2008

This is posted for all of my brothers & sisters serving in the United States Air Force   The Airman's Creed I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation's call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation's Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger. I defend my Country with my Life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, And I will not fail.   God Bless You all. Leander McClain, Realtor, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578 09/29/2008

The Show Saturday September 27th in Philadlephia @ Club Polaris, My oldest daughter Ashley will be modeling in The Show.  The show will include hair, fashion as well as the 2nd annual Philly's Next Top Model Competition.  Her mother and I are both very proud of her and wish her well.  I have included a copy of the flyer below for anyone who may be interested in attending. Have a Great Day Leander McClain, Exit Buyers Plus Realty, Burlington, New Jersey 609-505-6578 Subscribe to Leander McClain, Burlington County New Jersey Luxury Homes by Email 09/18/2008

An Evening With The Diva's Enjoy an evening with the diva's as they perform soul, r&b, fun and jazz.  The show will open with Val Morman followed by headliner Barbara Walker.  These ladies will electrify the audience with their voices and stage presence.  The concert will be held at the Burlington County Ampitheater which is located off Woodlane road on Pioneer Boulevard adjacent to the Burlington County Library.  the concert starts at 6:30pm Directions to the Burlington County Amphitheater Via Route 295To Exit 45A - Willingboro/Mount Holly Exit. Toward Mount Holly on Rancocas Road.Turn Left onto Irick Road at traffic light.Turn Right onto Woodlane Road at traffic light.Turn Left onto Pioneer Boulevard at traffic light. Follow Road to the Amphitheater. Via New Jersey TurnpikeTake Turnpi... 09/04/2008

Joe Vadala & The Burlington County All Star Jam Band Joe presents an evening of Rock & Roll at the Burlington County New Jersey Ampitheater.  Get ready for a full-throttle Rock & Roll Production. Best of all......It's Free. The concert begines at 7:00 PM Directions to the Burlington County Amphitheater Via Route 295To Exit 45A - Willingboro/Mount Holly Exit. Toward Mount Holly on Rancocas Road.Turn Left onto Irick Road at traffic light.Turn Right onto Woodlane Road at traffic light.Turn Left onto Pioneer Boulevard at traffic light. Follow Road to the Amphitheater. Via New Jersey TurnpikeTake Turnpike to Exit 5 - Route 541 - Burlington/Mount HollyTurn Right onto Route 541 at traffic lightTurn Right onto Woodlane Road at traffic lightTurn Right onto Pioneer Boulevard at traffic lightFoll... 09/04/2008

The county's Corner Store in the Moorestown Mall is seeking new or used books, CDs and DVDs for troops deploying from McGuire Air Force Base. Administrative Clerk Valerie Torelli, who runs the store, which is an extension of the county Clerk's Office, said she has collected DVDs and CDs for troops in the past through a program organized by state legislators. When that program concluded, she decided to contact McGuire about making future donations and to start collecting books as well. "We're all big readers here at the store," she said. "You buy paperback books, you pass them along and then, what do you do with them when you're done?" Now, used books collected at the store will be sent to McGuire where departing troops can select books from the collection before they are deployed.   The... 08/12/2008

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recen... 08/11/2008

A low interest mortage is the fondest desire of every potential homebuyer. How do you get a low inerest rate mortgage? Well, while you can try to negotiate yourself with a commercial lender, you might also want to think about a mortgage brokerA mortgage broker will do some of the footwork on your behalf. A mortgage broker may know about smaller lending institutions which are offering a much more competitive interest rate than a big bank or finance company. However, mortgage brokers will not necessarily work with all potential lenders. They are also not completely unbiased because they my prefer certain lenders who provide them with the best commission. So, you will always have to do some checking of your own. Having said that, a mortgage broker may find some great opportunities for you ... 05/09/2008