ALMOST A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN CARTERET COUNTY!

WE MISSED A WHITE CHRISTMAS 'DAY' BY LESS THAN 24 HOURS! North Carolina's Coast is beautiful regardless of the time of year but a white Christmas is very rare. So rare that we who live here believe it makes us appreciate it when we do get it EVEN MORE! This blog is dedicated to the wonders of Nature and the gifts it give us on rare occasions! Enjoy the pictures! The 2011 Chocolate Festival is scheduled to begin February 4, 2011 and end at 5 p.m. on February 6, 2011. Go to: http://www.visitnc.com/events/view/33497 for details. 'An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate' kicks off the festival with a delicious dinner at Shepard's Point benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carteret County 90-100 people, 6:30 PM Friday February 4 $32 Per Person, with a letter of gift in kind for labor and pastry donations. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets EARLY! CONTACT: Cynthia Barber 808-2286 or myself, Gena Gilbert 659-2367 Bring your Valentine to a delicious Festival Gala Dinner, live auction and silent auction for a wonderful evening of food, wine and chocolate! ARE YOU A CHOCOLATE LOVER? HERE IS A SIMPLE OLD FASHIONED CAKE & COOKED, HERSHEY CHOCOLATE ICING RECIPE! FROSTING: Cook On Double Boiler 2 Cups of Sugar 1 Small can of Pet milk ¼ Cup Hershey Cocoa 1 Stick of Butter **Pecans (chopped or whole optional-see cake recipe below) CAKE: TWO - Duncan Hines Butter Cake mixes Follow directions on cake box for each cake Grease and Flour each cake pan DO NOT add vegetable oil as directed on cake box!!! INSTEAD - Add: 1 stick melted butter per cake mix 2 Tablespoons of real vanilla per cake mix **Add chopped pecans in the cake mix OR place whole pecans on top of cake after frosting When cakes are done, place on cooling trays; cut each layer into two layers You should have 8 thin layers Drizzle the hot cooked icing on each layer, one at a time Drizzle left over icing over the top of the cake and let it run down the sides DELISH!!!! WE WISH A HAPPY, SAFE & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! Gena & Harold Gilbert "Your Coastal Sales Team" since 1994

1st Time Home Buyers Tax Extended to a LIMITED FEW UNTIL APRIL 30, 2011

UNDER $200,000 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC CLOSE TO ALL CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES! ARE YOU IN THE KNOW? ARE YOU IN THE MILITARY? Finally, a well deserved bonus for those who protect and serve our country abroad! Do you fit the governments definition of 'qualified service member'? 1. Are you a member of the uniformed services of the U.S. Military? 2. Are you a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S.? 3. Are you an Employee of the Intelligence Community? If you have answered 'Yes' to any of these questions visit www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com to find out additional information. "WHY" you may ask? Congress knows that many service members have been posted overseas and either unaware or unable to take advange of this $8,000 1st Time Home Owners Tax Credit or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit. If you qualify call Gena or Harold Gilbert, BROKERS/REALTORS(R) Toll-Free at 1-877-240-0259 and ask for either Gena or Harold. Let us help you find your dream 1st or 2nd home on the Crystal Coast of NC in Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Morehead City, Havelock or Newport. GREAT SOUTHERN RECIPE! "LOVE THAT MEATLOAF" 1 cup finely chopped onions (about 1 large) 1\4 cup of Zesty Italian Dressing 2 pds of meatloaf mix meat (or lean ground beef) 3\4 cup ketchup 1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing mix for Chicken 3\4 cup water 2 eggs 1\2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese Preheat over 375. Cook onions in large nonstick pan until golden brown stirring frequently - remove from heat Combine meat, 1\4 cup ketchup, stuffing mix, water, eggs and onions - mix well. Place meat mixture in 13 by 9 baking dish - shape into 10 by 5 oval loaf. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. Bake for 55 min to 1 hour or until cooked thru - Sprinkle with cheese, bake a few minutes more until cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings FRESH VEGGIE TIME AGAIN ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC! How much better can it get that to taste that FIRST home-grown tomatoe sandwich of the year with fresh bread, a little "Dukes" mayo, salt and pepper? YUM!!! Be sure to keep those 'Better Boys', 'Bigger Boys', 'Cherry' and 'Roma' tomatoes watered good with lots of sun and fertilizer. The peppers are all growing also including the "Hot Banana Peppers", the "Cayenne" and the "Jalapeños". They make awesome Chow Chow to use on beans, hotdogs, hamburgers and greens like collards and turnips. If you are not a true Southerner or have not tried greens with home-made Chow Chow you just dont't know what you are missing! The Morehead City Marlins Baseball's first game is May 28th! Fun for all, young and old alike! For details visit www.MHCMarlins.com. There are so many unbelievable sites to vist and enjoy on the warm, clean, sunny beaches and waterways that abound on the NC Crystal Coast. The primary focus here is to offer a wonderful and safe place for all to enjoy everything that nature and her bounties proudly display to family and friends. Did you know that Bogue Island here has one of the few 'Maritime' Forest, the Roosevelt Reserve and one of North Carolina's three Aquariums which is newly renovated and now has 93,000 square feet full of interesting, colorful marine and fresh water life. Did you know it is situated in a lovely new building at Pine Knoll Shores? Did you know that Carteret County has one of the largest 'Open Ground Farms' in the United States? Don't know about 'Open Ground Farms'? Go to http://www.manta.com/c/mm2lb3h/open-grounds-farm-inc . It is fascinating information! Come visit our BEAUTIFUL, FASCINATING Crystal Coast area and beaches of Carteret County, NC SOON! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION CONTACT US at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com Bye For Now Ya'll! Gena

A FEW MONTHS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

4 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME REDUCED TO $238,500 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

Call 252-659-2368 for Details! A few months, a few days ago over half the country was under that white powdery stuff. Today the grass is green and growing, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and new birth surrounds us. The Morehead City Marlins will play their first game on May 28th. The ball field is nearly ready and the countdown has started! Check out their website at www.mhcmarlins.com for additional information. Many boats are also getting a new fresh face provided by Swann Island Signs & Graphics. It will be fun to watch all the new Boat Graphics and signs on boats out on the water ways and in the ocean. REAL ESTATE NEWS: GREAT NEWS FOR A CHANGE! The housing market has improved on the Crystal Coast of NC and is up 6% in 2010 over 2009! There is still plenty of inventory and it is DEFINITELY still a 'BUYERS' market. There is only a week left to take advantage of the tax credits for first and second time home owners. BETTER HURRY IF YOU WANT THOSE TAX CREDITS! The end is getting near on April 30, 2010!

INTEREST RATES AS OF 4-23-2010 IN CARTERET COUNTY

Dropped back down to under 5%! Check with some of our local lenders for current rates!! Don't wait! (More information upon request) Take advantage of these low rates; they won't last forever! E-Z Mortgages, Jay Conner, Owner 1-877-288-8718 Eastern Mortgage, Larry Davis, Asst VP, 252-646-3737 Sound Bank, Betty Ann Lilley, Loan Officer, 252-727-2145 LOCAL BUSINESS AFFILIATES IN CARTERET COUNTY, NC Homan Company of NC - Office Supplies - 252-247-5766 Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina - 252-222-3007 Burnette Architecture & Planning - 252-726-5387 A+ Medical Business Services, Inc. - 252-726-2799 Groff's Artistic Tile & Flooring - 252-241-7579 Celebrity Services - 34' Hummer Limo - 252-622-0078 Chris' General Maintenance - 252-247-3633 Coastal Homeshield, Inc. - 252-247-5100 H. Curtiss Merrick, M.D. - 18 yrs & up - 252-222-5790 Creative Lighting & Bath - 252-240-2242 Accent Travel & Cruises - 252-670-1958 Eastern Heating and Cooling - 252-728-5999 E-Z Morrgages - 877-288-8718 Carolina Crawlspace Solutions - 252-659-2383 NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert RE - 877-240-0259 Scott & Stringfellow Financial Advisors - 252-222-0022 Ken Hillman, CPA - 252-240-1228 Culligan Water Conditioning - 252-726-6118 Rainmaker Irrigation - 252-393-9008 Rid A Pest - 1-800-PEST CONTROL or 252-240-2266 Stang Painting - 252-808-3652 Swann Island Signs & Graphics - 252-247-7446 Taylored Interiors - Interior Design - 252-725-4691 P.T. Jones Electric - 252-728-6656 ACN - Video Phone - 252-648-0071 Connectng Point Computer Center - 252-240-CPCC (2722) Community Yellow Pages - 252-633-7730 Clawson's & Aqua Restaurants in Beaufort, NC - 252-728-2133 Morehead City Marlins Baseball - Buddy Bengle - www.mhcmarlins.com ONE OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:(QUICK, EASY & DELICIOUS) DELICIOUS CRABMEAT DIP Four 8oz Packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Place in large bowl – soften in the microwave ADD TO CREAM CHEESE: ¼ cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1/8 cup milk Garlic salt to taste Dash of Worcesterchire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crabmeat (drained) Place in baking dish and cook 30-40 Minutes @ 350 degrees until brown and bubbly *NOTE: Can be frozen before cooking and bake when needed; can also put into individual containers for smaller portions AND HERE IS A GREAT WAY TO START AND END ANY DAY WITH A SMILE!

WATER FRONT REAL ESTATE ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

Here is a chance to own a magnificent home on deep water with a dock large enough to accommodate an 80' vessel and sit by your pool or lounge in your hot tub on a sunny summer day. Want to head out to Atlantic City, NJ or the Bahamas? No problem! You are less than a half mile to the ICW. This home is great for entertaining too. Located in Spooner's Creek, Morehead City, NC' Premier Water Front Subdivision, it is close to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants and the Crystal Coast Beaches. Asking Price? $1,499,000. Call NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate, Inc. and ask for Gena at 252-659-2367 today for more details and a private showing! TIPS ON CREATIVE LIGHTING! Challenged by low ceiling lighting needs? Low voltage track lighting can be a great solution - whether you are looking for stylish, decorative pendants or for functional light fixtures to highlight artwork or special items in your room. With high quality halogen or LED bulbs, you can create a great, energy-efficient (and cost-effective) look. On the Crystal Coast, stop in at Creative Lighting-Kitchen-Bath in Morehead City or visit our website: www.creativelkb.com THIS WEEK'S RECIPE! DELICIOUS CRAB MEAT DIP Four 8oz Packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Place in large bowl – soften in the microwave ADD TO CREAM CHEESE: ¼ cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1/8 cup milk Garlic salt to taste Dash of Worcestershire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crab meat (drained) Place in baking dish and cook 30-40 Minutes @ 350 degrees until brown and bubbly *NOTE: Can be frozen before cooking and bake when needed; can also put into individual containers for smaller portions AROUND THE CRYSTAL COAST Warm weather has finally arrived! Boaters are getting their boats ready for the Spring and Summer seasons for fishing and going to various Islands like 'Shack', Cape Lookout and Carrot Island. Last week and this week have been sunny, warm and gorgeous. Local restaurants have been able to open seating outside on the water to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Beach lovers are out and roaming the beaches from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle, NC. It is WONDERFUL!!! And it will only get better and better as the days get longer and the sun shines and the waves crash in the next several months to come. BEACH FEVER HAS ARRIVED!!!

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE CRYSTAL COAST INCLUDES 'SNOW'

SNOW MEN ARE NOT SOMETHING THE CRYSTAL COAST IS USED TO SEEING! Exactly what is an Allen Hainge CyberStar®? Good question! According to the dictionary there is no definition for the word 'CyberStar', however, when the term is used in connection with a trademark group such as the 'CyberStars 2.0' it is commonly associated with REALTORS(R) who work on interactive information sharing via the Internet and other networking and technical venues. As a 'CyberStar(R)member I am a REALTOR(R) who likes to Blog, Network on various sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In among others to stay in touch with my customers and clients and to market real estate in the most beneficial way in today's society. For a detailed description of an Allen Hainge CyberStar® go to: http://www.afhseminars.com/cyber.htm The Crystal Coast Hopsice House Board is hosting a Kick Off Wild Game-Seafood and Italian Wine Pairings event to support its mission to raise public awareness of the need for the construction and funding of an inpatient Hospice house in Carteret County. In order to help meet that dream the event will have food donated by local huntsmen and wine presented by Marco Laico, owner of Vino Vino in Charlotte. The fund raiser will be located at Bisto-by-the-Sea in Morehead City, N. C. at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 22 for a cost of $35 per person which includes an annual membershiop to the "Supporters of the Crystal Coast Hospice House." Please contact Libby @ bistro-by-the-sea.com or (252)247-7777 MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES and REALTOR(R) REFERRALS: Local mortgage rates remain strong and inviting at 4.750%+/- with 0 Points on a 30 years Fixed Mortgage to qualified buyers. Rates are subject to change day to day and sometimes even hour to hour. I have personally experience a Residential Mortgage interest rate exceeding 13.00% back in the late 1970's and I know that rates have exceeded 17% in the past. Unless you have experienced this yourself it is hard to believe rates can go that high but it is a fact. Enjoy the mortgage rates and terms available today if possible! Speak with an experienced REALTOR® to find out if they can refer you to qualified lenders. Don't know one in your area? Contact us at and we may be able to assist you in finding an experienced well qualified REALTOR®. TODAY'S RECIPE Smooth & Silky Mushroom Soup 1 package of mushrooms (8 oz - but I often put 12 oz if I have them) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1\2 teaspoon dried tarragon (or herbes de provence) 1\4 teaspoon ground nutneg 3 tablespoons butter 1\4 cup flour 2 cans (14 1\2 oz each) beef broth 1 cup sour cream 1\2 half-and-half cream 1\2 cup evaporated milk (if you don't have evaporated milk, just add more 1\2 and 1\2) 1 teaspoon lemon juice Dash hot pepper sauce Salt and pepper In a dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the mushrooms, onion, garlic, tarragon and nutmeg in butter until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour until smooth (at least 1 minute). Gradually add broth, bring to a boil, stirring constantly . Reduce heat to low, slowly add sour cream. Cook and stir until smooth. Stir in cream and milk. Add lemon juice, hot pepper sauce salt & pepper. Heat through but do not boil. Makes 6 servings. NOTE: I always double the recipe because it's still so good warmed up and everyone loves it and sometimes asks for seconds. REAL ESTATE FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK: 130 EDWARDS DRIVE, MOREHEAD CITY, NC Lovely upscale water front home on DEEP WATER canal leading straight out to the ICW in less than a half mile. Board your vessel from your own private back yard and go North to Atlantic City, NJ or South to the Bahamas! Or, stay home and lounge by the in-ground pool and enjoy the local waterways and many beautiful beaches in Carteret County. Sellers are motivated and ready to sell this magnificent home on the water in Morehead City, NC. Wet slip will accommodate up to an 80' vessel. Call 252-659-2368 TODAY for more details! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS REMEMBER TO EMAIL, CALL OR TEXT GENA & HAROLD GILBERT, YOUR COASTAL SALES TEAM ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC "ALWAYS PLACING YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1ST" FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS! 252-659-2368 or 252-659-2368!

MEMORIES SO CHERISHED

ATLANTIC BEACH BRIDGE

If you are lucky aging is inevitable! One great thing about growing older is developing memories of our own that nobody can take away from us. The photo to the right is the old bridge that connected us from the main land in Morehead City, NC to the Island we so cherish today, Bogue Island. The lure of the ocean has been a fascination among people for centuries. I pray it will remain the same for centuries to come.

Riding across this bridge as a child created excitement for the pleasures waiting once we touched on the other side. The Atlantic ocean with its white, frothy waves rushing on to the beach meant jumping the waves and the challenge of catching the tiny little bait fish that evaded my waiting hands. I remember building my incredible sand castles with my shovel and bucket only to see it disappear without warning as the ocean reclaimed it treasure of sand. Finding a shell, especially in one piece, a shark's tooth or skate's abandoned egg sack (a mermaid's purse as it is commonly called locally) was a rewarding prize to take back home and share with friends and family. Little did I know then it was a fascination that would last an entire lifetime.

The first sounds and visions of the rides as we came over the bridge and got our first peek at 'The Circle' in Atlantic Beach was enough to make a kid go nuts with the sheer joy! Just thinking about the rides that lay ahead once we could finally talk our parents into just throwing the suitcases in the house and take us to enjoy them was over whelming.

And don't even mention the fishing piers! It mattered not what you caught. Pulling whatever it was up on your fishing line for what seemed to be 'miles' was awesome!

Now my children and grandchildren are creating their memories of 'The Beach' but theirs will be full of the view from the newer high rise bridge with the view of the Atlantic Ocean at the very top of the bridge enticing them even more to get to the Ocean. My memories live on and are still developing and will continue I hope for many years to come. Bogue Island consists of Atlantic Beach on the far East end, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and ending up with Emerald Isle on the West end. Once you see it and enjoy the many pleasures of nature and camaraderie from locals and returning visitors the Island offers it is difficult not to return.

REAL ESTATE REPORT:

Per the Carteret County Association of REALTORS MLS:

57 Residential Properties have 'SOLD*' since January 1, 2010 through January 24, 2010 at the time of the writing of this blog.

871 Residential Properties are currently on the market offered FOR SALE (number changes daily)

Prices range from a low of $57,000 to a high of $1,000.000 *SOLD = ACTUAL SALES PRICE

As of Janury 22, 2010 some Mortgage lenders are still quoting FIXED rates as low as 4.75%/ 30 years/0 points with good credit. Take advantage of these and other great programs while they last!

THE 8th ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

COMING SOON! February 5-9, 2010 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center!

The time is growing closer to welcome and enjoy the delightful indulgence of CHOCOLATE! CREAMY, SWEET, WHITE, DARK, SEMI-SWEET, DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE! Taste, devour and experience all kinds of decadent chocolates from around the world ALL in one area -Carteret County, NC! Treat yourself to a 'Chocolate Facial', 'Chocolate Mini-Massage' or 'Hand Massage' while being pampered to the hilt and served sparkling champagne and gourmet chocolates! Make your reservations now and enjoy a fabulous time at the beach before it is too late.

VIEW DETAILS GO TO: http://www.carolinachocolatefestival.com/

REMINDERS!

Feb 5th seems to be a popular date this year. The Fund Raising Event for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Crystal Coast, 'An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate' the night before the Annual Chocolate Festival starts the weekend of the CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL in Morehead City, Carteret County, NC 28557.

February 5th this year is also NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN! Go to the American Heart Association's link at http://www.goredforwomen.org/ for more details!

AND, February 5th is 'MY' birthday! It becomes more special to me each year as I grow older.

RECIPE:

The Secret is Out!

CRACKER BARREL’S HASHBROWN CASSEROLE 2 LBS FROZEN HASHBROWNS ½ CUP MELTED BUTTER 1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP 1 PT. SOUR CREAM 1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION 2 CUPS GRATED CHEDDER CHEESE 1 TSP SALT ¼ TSP PEPPER 2 CUPS CRUSHED CORN FLAKES ¼ CUP MELTED BUTTER DEFROST HASHBROWNS COMBINE NEXT 7 INGREDIENTS AND COMBINE WITH HASHBROWN PUT IN 3 QT CASSEROLE DISH SAUTEE’ CORNFLAKES IN BUTTER AND SPRINKLE ON TOP COVER AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 40 MINUTES