What does your Mailbox say about you?

Each morning as I drive to the office (yes, I go to the office everyday), I feel blessed that when I look to my left, I see the Atlantic Ocean and to my right are glimples of Bogue Sound.  Life on an island is pretty special (even in Hurricane season).

Many of the mailboxes I pass are a reflection of life at the Crystal Coast... Pelicans, Egrets, Sailboats, Flamingos (although I have never seen an actual flamingo here), Lighthouses, etc.  Yesterday, I drove around and captured a few of my favorites, and a few that are a little bit lacking.  Is your mailbox an extension of you or your home?  Maybe you couldn't care less?  I can definitely tell you that my mailbox is way over due for a makeover.... hmmmmm, what shall I do with it!?  I'm thinking I'll paint it to match my new front door!

If you are looking for the perfect address to get your mail, give me a call or visit our website at www.pineknollshoresrealty.com to view homes for sale on the Crystal Coast.

Secrets of the Crystal Coast!

I absolutely love living, working & playing on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina!  I hope it's obvious and I hope other folks living here agree with me.  I often share my favorite spots, my favorite "secret" hiking trails, some of the best views (unknown to most), and I feel great about sharing those things.  

There is actually a place that we locals call "Sand Dollar Island".  Every time I have had the pleasure of visiting Sand Dollar Island, I have been greeted by thousands & thousands of Sand dollars and other wonderful treasures from the sea! The island only appears at lowest of tides and always remains slightly underwater.  I was thrilled that My brother-in-law trusted me enough to share it with me and my family.  I wish I could share it with you, but he has told me in no uncertain terms, that if I tell anyone where it is, He will have to kill me (and I think he was serious)!  But... if you move to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, or maybe you just visit often, ask around..... Maybe you will catch a local in a weak moment, and they will spill the beans!  If not, I highly recommend exploring the Crystal Coast to discover your own secrets!

We definitely have the beauty, and the history, and sweet southern hospitality here on the Crystal Coast, and yes.... We have a few secrets too!  To find out more about the Crystal Coast, or to view homes for sale on the NC Coast, visit our website at www.pineknollshoresrealty.com.

Help me Paint my Front Door? 

We bought our house in 2005, and the day we moved in, it looked like this:

The wood siding was starting to rot in several places, so we had it replaced with a much brighter color of vinyl!  Now, it looks like this:

(please ignore the fact that I need to really spend some time in the yard, the driveway needs to be power washed,  and my shrubs are begging to be trimmed).  

Our problem now, Is..... what color to paint the front door!  I think the garage doors should be white to match the trim work, and the front door should be BRIGHT, maybe Red!  My husband doesn't like that idea (but if he had to choose, he'd go with the blue), so I thought you all could help me pick the color!  Even when the grass is green and my flowers and trees are bright, the house is just so BLAH!  

I have narrowed it down to 4 colors that I love.  Please, let me know which one you think we should go with (or maybe you don't like any of them)!   Oh, and should we stick with white for the garage doors?

If You Think Being a REALTOR is Tough.... try judging a father/son cake baking contest!

WOW! Last night was the Boy Scouts of America Pack 130 of Morehead City,  Bake Off.  Each young man was to bake a cake with his dad and decorate it for the pack meeting.  As my family and I entered the meeting, I was asked to Judge the Contest.  No Problem!  Well, it was a problem!  How do you choose between so many wonderful, creative and well.... Yummy looking cakes?  

The good news is that each cake won an award.  Tanner's Dirt Cake took the prize for the Greenest (or was it dirtiest) cake.  There was also a Gooiest, a Most Realistic, A Best Dressed, a Most Adventurous, The Yummiest, the Hootiest, the Sportiest, the Quackiest), the Fishiest, the Most Patriotic, etc.

And of course, a 1st Place Overall Winner:

Oyster Roast on the NC Coast

If you like Oysters, don't miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy them while helping support Communities in Schools!

On January 29th, 2012 from 3-6 PM, Jack's on the Morehead City Waterfront will host the 2nd Annual Communities in Schools Oyster Roast!  The cost is $20 at the door!  That's a great deal for good food, great company, gorgeous views of the MHC Waterfront, and you'll be supporting a great cause at the same time..... FABULOUS!

Jack's Waterfront Bar

513 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

I Guess Google Doesn't Speak Southern!

Being born and raised in the deep south, I have a little bit of a Southern Accent!  I can hear all my "Northern" friends giggling as you read this..... Okay, I have a lot of a Southern Accent, a drawl, a bit of a twang.  

A few days ago, I heard my husband talking in the other room.  When I asked who he was talking to, he answered "Google".  Apparently, my speech isn't the only thing that is slow about me ;-)  I never noticed that when you look at the Google search bar (on google chrome), there is a microphone to the right (according to my Yankee Husband, it's been there forever).  If you click on that cute little microphone, it records your search term and viola, no typing (My yankee husband may speak clearly, but his typing skills are lacking).  Well, for days now, I have been hollering talking to Google, and apparently, Google doesn't speak Southern!  I guess it's a good thing I am a proficient typist!  

Give it a shot and see if Google speaks your language!

Sound Front Home in Salter Path, North Carolina 28575

This beautifully Landscaped home has 3 bedrooms - 2 baths and has 200' on the sound.  The views are amazing and the location is perfect for anyone who wishes to be close to the beach, marinas, water sports, and some of the best & freshest seafood on the East Coast! Located in the center of Bogue Banks Island, Salter Path is close (within 15 minutes) to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, and schools.  

124 Headen Lane

Salter Path, North Carolina 28575

$749,000 

It's Not What's on the Outside that Counts.... Or is it?

We have all heard the phrase, "It's Not What's on the Outside that Counts"!  Well,  I hate to break it to you, but when it comes to selling your home,  What's on the outside counts just as much as what's on the inside.... If not more!  Remember, You never get a second chance to make a first impression!  You do not need to spend a fortune, but a little cash (and sometimes NO Cash) and a lot of elbow grease can go a long way when improving your home's curb appeal!

• A fresh coat of paint on the front door and a couple of Brightly colored flowers in pots can make a big difference.

• Replace the hardware on the front door to make it really shine.  

• Fix the broken fence, remove all debris & trash from the yard.  

• Keep the yard mowed and the shrubs trimmed.  

• A new door mat may just be the perfect touch.  

• What about the mailbox?  Make sure it is standing up straight, and paint it too!

• Pressure Wash!!!!!  You can make the driveway and vinyl siding look brand new in a couple of hours.  Use caution with wood or other painted surfaces and remember to use Low Pressure to clean those areas to reduce splintering & chipping.  If you do not own a pressure washer, they can be rented from most Home Improvement Centers.  

• Keep the windows squeaky clean!  

When placing your home on the market, Keep an open mind.  What are the first things you notice when you pull in the driveway?  Are the troll collection & other lawn ornaments in the garden a distraction?  Are the house numbers clearly visable? Are the gutters clean and properly installed?  Can you see the roof through the pine straw?  Are the weeds taking over? Are the shutters faded or worse.... Falling off?  Are the window boxes filled with dead flowers & stems?  Are the outdoor lights working properly? Try to look at your home as a potential buyer would.  

Once the outside looks fabulous, make sure the inside matches!  And yes, Sweat the small stuff.... It can make all the difference! 

MacDaddy's Birthday Bash!

My baby will be seven years old this weekend.  Having a winter birthday has been tough for his dad and me, because we can't just stick the kids in the back yard or have a pool party, beach party, etc.  We sometimes must be creative or we'll have a house full of little boys running around tormenting the kitties and the dog, and well, that's not fair to the cats..... and I can't deal with that!

This year, we did a lot of research on places around town that offer birthday parties.... Inside.  For such a small community, we were surprised to find many options.  Since Tanner is happiest with a remote control or joystick in his hand, we decided on MacDaddy's in Cape Carteret for a day of bowling & video games!

I don't think we could have made a better choice.  When they first quoted me the price, I hit the floor..... $255 for 10 kids.  But once I realized what was included, I felt relieved that I didn't have to worry about anything.  Considering that five days before the party, I had to rush to Alabama for a funeral, not to return until the day before the party, I was even more thrilled with the service they offer.  Seriously.... Everything was taken care of!  So, what do you get for $255?

o    Invitations

o    Pizza and Fresh Homemade Chips

o    Unlimited Soda Refills

o    Cake with decoration of your choice (Tan Man chose Phineas & Ferb)

o    One hour of bowling including shoe rental for each child

o    $10 Video Card for each child

o    Plates, Cups, Napkins, Hats, Birthday banner...

o    No set up, no clean up, no worries

o    Your very own birthday buddy and assistant 

Tanner enjoyed his party completely.  I enjoyed sitting back and relaxing while Austin, our birthday buddy, took charge and handled everything.  The kids absolutely loved him!  He was fun, organized and just plain wonderful!  Austin made sure that Tanner's day was as special as we could imagine, and I am so grateful for the wonderful birthday memory that MacDaddy's helped us create!

If you have a child or maybe you are a kid at heart, I highly recommend MacDaddy's for your next birthday bash (ask for Austin to be your Buddy)!  They have several different Party packages to choose from.  You can find MacDaddy's on Golphin Dolphin Drive in Cape Carteret or give them a call at (252) 393-6565.  Visit their website to find out everything they offer: www.mymacdaddys.com.

Macdaddy's

130 Golphin Dolphin Drive

Cape Carteret, NC 28584

(252) 393-6565

www.mymacdaddys.com

Getting Fit at Swinson Park in Morehead City, NC

The New Year often brings New Goals.  One of my goals (and I understand that it is most common new year resolution), is to get in shape.  I quit smoking 6 months ago, and replaced tobacco & nicotine with food & candy. The good news is that I recognize the direction I am going and am doing something about it.... Move More, Eat Less!

If you live in Carteret County there are a couple of Gym & Fitness Centers you can join, but you certainly don't have to be a member of a gym to get in shape.  Other than the Treadmill in my bedroom that offers me early morning walks while the family is still sleeping, I try to get outside as often as possible.  Riding my bike isn't too productive as I am usually riding along side my 7 year old who pokes along doing stunts.  Walking around my neighborhood is wonderful, but I find myself stopping often to either talk with neighbors or take pictures.

This past weekend, when my family and I decided to get some excercise and fresh air, we headed to Swinson Park in Morehead City, located at 4319 Country Club Road.  Not only does Swinson Park have lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, Adult & Youth baseball fields, a playground and picnic shelters with restrooms, You can find access to the Bridges Street Walking/Biking Trail there.  The walking trail is several miles long and runs parallel with Bridges Street Extention. Along the trail, you'll find trash cans, water fountains (bubblers if you're from Wisconsin), benches for resting, and they even have a wonderful area for stretching.

Playing and seeing your community....What a wonderful way to spend the day and get some excercise & fresh air in the process!  

For more information about Swinson Park and other Parks in Carteret County, North Carolina, please visit the Carteret County Parks & Recreation Website at www.ccparksrec.com