Easter Events on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend there will be Easter bunnies, egg hunts, Peter Cottontail and so much more hopping down North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you already live here or are just visiting, be sure to visit one of the following events for a weekend full of Easter fun.

Beaufort Historical Association Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 11 AM

Cost: FREE

Hop over to the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street and join the fun at the Beaufort Historical Association’s Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 30 at 11 AM. Children ages seven and younger are invited to search for hidden eggs filled with candy and enjoy light refreshments.

The BHA Easter Egg Hunt is fun for the whole family. Children will be divided into age groups and sent to different areas of the Historic Site to search for eggs. All you need to bring is your Easter basket and arrive early for the start of the hunt.

Morehead City Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 9:30 AM

The Annual Morehead City Parks & Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 AM at Rotary Park— 2200 Mayberry Loop Road in Morehead City. The egg hunt activity areas are divided into the following age groups: 4 and under, 5 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Thousands of eggs will be in each age section and kids tend to snatch these up at supersonic speeds, so please plan to arrive early! The eggs are sometimes even collected in under two minutes! You won't want to be late for this event.

Pine Knoll Shores Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 10 AM

Cost: FREE

The Easter Bunny always finds his way to Garner Park, located on Oakleaf Drive, to hide hundreds of eggs for the kids. Although the hunt is geared toward children 12 and under, this Easter event is fun for the whole family! 

Wishing you a very hoppy weekend in the Coastal Carolina area!

Gena Gilbert

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6 Common Tax Mistakes Coastal Carolina Homeowners Make

As you prepare your tax returns this year, consider each and every home tax deduction and credit you are (or are not) entitled to by owning a Coastal Carolina home. By overlooking these common home-related tax mistakes, you may end up paying more out of pocket than necessary. Below are six common tax mistakes for you to watch out for and avoid.

Property Taxes— Deducting the Wrong Year
You only take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year that you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some tax authorities work a year behind— meaning you are not billed for 2013 property taxes until 2014.

Enter the amount you actually paid in 2013, no matter what date is listed on the tax bill. In the past, homeowners mix up payments for different years and end up claiming the wrong amount.

Escrow Amount— Confusing for Actual Taxes Paid
If your lender escrows funds to pay your property taxes, don't just deduct the amount escrowed. The amount you pay into escrow each month to cover your North Carolina Crystal Coast property taxes is most likely a bit more or less than your total property tax bill. The lender will adjust the amount every so often to realign them. Deduct only what the actual amount is. For instance, if your tax bill is $1,200, but your lender collected $1,100 or $1,300 in escrow, deduct only the $1,200. Don't just add up the twelve months of payments.

Refinancing— Deducting Points Paid
This deduction is complicated and often doesn't amount to much of a deduction. It also has to be recaptured if you turn a profit when you sell your Coastal Carolina home. Be sure to only claim it if it's worth those drawbacks.

Home-related Expenses— Failing to Track
The truth is, many homeowners forget to track their home office, home maintenance, and repair expenses. Remember to file documents as you go and as you purchase them. This way, you won't be scrambling when the IRS comes knocking at your door.

Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction— Claiming Too Much
You can only deduct mortgage interest of up to $1 million of mortgage debt. If you have more than that, only deduct the mortgage interest up to the first $1 million.

Energy Tax Credits— Filing Incorrectly
If you installed improvements like energy-efficient windows and doors in 2012, or will in 2013, you may be eligible to take a 10% tax credit up to $500. But if you claimed the credit in recent years, you're done. For this, fill out Form 5695.

By paying close attention to these common tax mistakes made by the owners of Coastal Carolina homes, your tax return should go as smoothly as possible.

Gena Gilbert

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Coastal Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend and where better to celebrate the occasion than along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina? The Emerald Isle is the perfect place to don your green attire and indulge in the traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. Below are a list of events in the area for you to attend this weekend. Know of any more? Be sure to let me know which you love most!  

Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival

March 16th, 9 AM-5 PM

Emerald Plantation Shopping Center

Admission and parking are FREE for this festival sponsored by the Emerald Isle Business Association. With over 75 arts and crafts vendors, amusement rides, face painting, and food (corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hot dogs, hamburgers, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy, and even a beer garden), you will not want to miss this Irish-inspired local event in Emerald Isle, NC. Also, starting at 11 AM is this Little Mr. and Ms. Leprechaun Contest where children ages 2-3 and 4-5 are judged on the creativity of their costume and stage presentation.

1st Annual Shamrock Run

March 16th, Registration begins at 8 AM at First Citizens Bank (Corner of Turner and Front Streets); Race on the Beaufort Waterfront at 9 AM

This race includes a 5K and 1 mile distances with all proceeds going to aid the Carteret County Domestic Violence Shelter. Entry fees: $15 for adults, $7 children 6-13, FREE for children under 5. Special pricing of $40 for families of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids under 13).

Kelly's Running of the Leprechauns and 24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 16th and 17th

Nags Head, NC

Saturday begins the Running of the Leprechauns race with an 8K/5 mile course complete with road and trail. On Sunday, come watch the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in North Carolina as it travels along the greenest mile in the Tarheel state. With over 10,000 spectators in attendance and 1,500 participants including floats and marching bands, live music, and more. Parade begins at 1 PM rain or shine and travels along the NC 12 beach road in Nags Head between mileposts 10.25 and 11.25. 

Gena Gilbert

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Spring Updates for Your Coastal Carolina Home

Update your Coastal Carolina Home with these ideas that will transform any space that may need a touch up.  It’s almost spring time in beautiful Carolina and what better way to add to your spring cleaning by sprucing up some rooms.  You can spend a little or a lot with these ideas.  Even the smallest addition can make a room a brighter place. 

Redo the Curtains!

A great way to update your space is to change the curtains or add them!  Spruce them up with some colorful ones or add a fun print.  Chevron is a very popular print this year.  To make the area look larger bring in long curtains and hang them close to the ceiling to give the illusion of tall windows.

Give the Furniture a Paint Job!

A creative solution to add color or interest to the room is to grab a paint brush and paint furniture you already have! Some colors that are trending this year are emerald, navy, grey's and yellow's.

Use a Room Divider!

Not only can a room divider make a larger space feel warmer and more put together but it can also hide those area’s that may seem too much of an eye sore.  Have an old radiator that isn’t covered up?  Place a room divider in-front of it and use it as a decoration piece.

Add shelves or bookcases!

Take advantage of your blank walls by hanging shelves or adding bookcases to an empty space.  You can rotate the décor you put on the shelves to adapt to any room or use it as you would a cabinet and store things on them.  

Incorporate some Rugs!

Often there aren’t much texture items to a room or color.  Adding an area rug or a runner to a space can help bring in textures, color and warmth to a space.

Go to some Garage Sales!

Since, it’s getting warmer Carolina what better way to get some updates to your home then heading to your local estate, garage or yard sales. You never know what you will find!  I found some great antique furniture that I added some paint to and looks great in my kitchen as a storage space. 

Carolina Home Owners let me know how you added some color, provided extra storage or moved around some items for extra space.  I’d love to see it!  Let me know if you have some ideas you would like to add; comment below! 

Gena Gilbert

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Valentine's Day & Weekend on The Crystal Coast of Carolina

We are going to hit 60 degrees this Valentine's Weekend here in The Crystal Coast. What do we have in store for you to celebrate?  Not only will a great walk on the beach be romantic and refreshing there are many things you can do to enjoy the outdoors with the one's you love. 

23rd Annual "Art from the Heart"

The Arts Council’s 23rd Annual Art From The Heart will be held February 15 to March 2, 2013 at the Morehead City Plaza, units 6 & 7. The show will open with a public reception on Friday, February 15, with the show gallery open free to the public seven days a week through Saturday, March 2. The Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, February 21. Art From The Heart is one of the region’s largest exhibitions of fine art by artists from Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Onslow Counties.  Arts Council’s website  

Delbert McClinton in Concert

The Morehead Center for Performing Arts & Events, 1311 Arendell St., Morehead City, presents “Delbert McClinton in Concert” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 16. Tickets are $45 & $35. Call 726-1501 or go to their website.

Mardi Gras on Middle Lane

Grab your beads, put on your best mask or festive costume, and head to downtown Beaufort on Saturday, February 16th!  Sister cities, in conjunction with Middle Lane businesses, invites you to Mardi Gras on Middle Lane on February 16th from 2:00PM to 6PM.  Enjoy New Orleans sounds and succulent Creole cuisine at this afternoon street carnival.

Low country and fiddle music by Gumbo Lily will welcome party-goers beginning at 2PM on the outdoor stage.  Gather your friends in a costumed “krewe” and parade Middle Lane in competition for prizes at 3PM.  Bring the kids along for the face painting and mask making experience under the tents.  Stop in to visit Madame Wendy at her fortune-telling booth.  Challenge your “krewe” to a round of boules or cornhole in the gaming area.  As the festivities continue, All Night Long will be playing a signature blend of jazz, blues, and dance music throughout the afternoon.  Quench your thirst from all the dancing and gaming with a frosty New Orleans-inspired beverage like Bourbon Street Punch made by Cru Wine Bar.  Come hungry and enjoy roast oysters at the Backstreet Pub, gumbo and king cakes from Beaufort Grocery, muffuletta and shrimp po’boys from Spoons Catering Company, and barbecued seafood from Aqua.  

2013 Escoffier Chef's Dinner Series

Carteret Community College presents the 2013 Escoffier Chefs Dinner Series. Advance tickets only. The cost for the full series of three dinners and one luncheon is $150 per person. Three dinners are $125 per person. Luncheon only is $30 per person. Dinner dates are January 22, February 18 and March 19. The luncheon is April 17.

If you want to do something romantic or enjoy a day with the kids there are many ways to spend time together in the lovely Crystal Coast. 

I would love to know what you did this wonderful holiday weekend!  Feel free to comment below!

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Gena Gilbert

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Too Cold for the Beach? See what Coastal Carolina has in store for you!

North Carolina's Southern Coast invites you to sneak away for budget-friendly events this winter. Enjoy all that the Southern Outer Banks has to offer with the winter blues saving, representing more than 40% off peak season rates. Get out of the house and go enjoy some of the beach without getting your feet wet or sinking a hole in your bank account.

Enjoying the coast during the winter months is one of the Southeast's best values! There are tons of wallet-friendly adventures for the entire family. Visit these local attractions for under $10!

Fort Macon State Park - FREE

Beaufort Maritime Museum - FREE

Cape Lookout Ferry - Round trip $10

Shackleford Banks Ferry - Round trip $10

Beaufort Double Decker Tour Bus - Adults $8/Children $4

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - Adults $6-8/Children $7-8

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum - All $5

Beaufort Historic Site Homes Tours - Adults $8/Children $4

Old Burying Grounds - Adults $8/Children $4

Grab your jackets and head on out for an eventful weekend!  The North Carolina Coast can't wait to see you!

WATERFRONT AND WATER VIEW PROPERTIES GREAT DEALS -GOING-GOING-GONE!

Short Sales & Foreclosures Inventory is Becoming Llimited on the NC Crystal Coast areas including #Pine Knoll Shores, #Emerald Isle, #Atlantic Beach, #Salter Path and #Indian Beach! Search 1000’s of Homes Instantly at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

SOLD!SOLDand SOLD

The buyers who have purchased properties during the past 3 years and have invested wisely are seeing the results of their investments growing now. Real Estate prices have risen; optimism is growing; consumer confidence is apparent. *Economic indicators: New orders for durable good...UP 4.6% in December. Construction increased 0.9% in December Home building residential UP 24% year over year Commercial construction...UP 8% year over year Sales/%...Orlando, FL +19.9 Media Price/% +12.2 Sales/%...Phoenix, AZ +9.8 Media Price/% +31.9 Sales/%...Miami,FL +4.9% Media Price/% +15.4 Sales/%...LasVegas -7.7 Media Price/% +24.3 SIMPLE RULES OF SUPPLY & DEMAND: Since 2004 historically built homes ~ 1.6 million new homes per year Shortage will creat demand! RATES HAVE REMAINED AT HISTORIC LOWS! FACT: Real Estate sales are improving and when it does the general economy improves! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS CONTACT EITHER GENA OR HAROLD at 252-240-0259 or www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

SEARCHING FOR BANK OWNED OR SHORT SALES?

Are you searching for Bank Owned properties or Short Sale Properties?
Contact us today!  We are experienced and ready to assist you in your search and puchases now.

www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com   With one click you can search 1000's of listings and reach experienced REALTORS!  Not sure which REALTOR(R) to contact in a particular area?  We can help you with that too!  Practicing as a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) since 1998 Gena has been trained by the BEST and continues to be proactive with training in the field of real estate.  There are over 1,000,000 REALTORS in the USA.  Only 4% have earned the CRS designation showing their desire to learn and continue to keep learning about this ever changing profession to service your real estate needs in the most professional manner possible.  Ask to be referred to the BEST REALTOR in your area by Gena. 

Do  you want Exclusive Buyer Representation?  With one click on www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com you can be in contact with an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) whose fidicuary duty is to YOU, the BUYER!  Ask for Gena or Harold and know the feeling and experience of your own Exclusive Buyer Representative.  Look for the ABR logo!

Care proven experience and testimonials of past clients who have worked with Gena & Harold Gilbert, 'Your Coastal Sales Team'.  Click on www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com and check almost 20 years' worth of proof from satisfied customers and clients under http://www.genagilbertrealestate.com/custom10.shtml.  We encourage you to read the following quote of one of our most recent testimonials:

"I sold my house and moved into my new home in November 2011 and the only thing I can say is was because of the great Realtors I had. 

Gena and Harold Gilbert are awesome. When we met, they had already done a comparable of my house that I was selling and the others in the neighborhood.  The first week, they showed my house twice and the house showed at least twice a week for the duration. After each showing, Gena and Harold sent me a report and comments from the people who looked at my house.
Since I was moving, Gena and Harold set up a custom home’s search for me where only those homes with my specification were sent to me.  That was a fabulous service and saved me a lot of time.
The service and personal attention I received from Gena and Harold was exceptional. They did a lot of advertising on my home and kept me up-to-date. They always took my calls and were available when I needed them. They are professional and very knowledgeable about the local market. Because I listened to their advice – my house sold!!  
I feel that I got the best offer for my previous home and Gena and Harold fought to make sure that I didn’t pay more than I needed too for my new house.

Whether you are selling or buying, I highly recommend Gena and Harold Gilbert. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. 
Cindi B. Hamilton
Morehead City, NC"

Dealing in Real Estate market today is definitely not dealing in the real estate market of yesterday.   

Staying on the cutting edge of technology by maintaining membership with "TOP Agents Changing Real Estate with Technology" http://cyberstars.net/; continually networking with groups both private and public who have years of OJT (On the Job Training),learnng new up-to-date ideas, making new connections,being actively involved in continuing education and in the local communities are just a few of the reasons Harold & Gena Gilbert stand out above others in the real estate profession.

We appreciate your business and are here to assist you in your real estate needs with only a click of the button at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

WATER FRONT LOT OFFERED FOR SHORT SALE $40,000 (with lender's approval)

DO NOT TRICK YOURSELF INTO BELIEVING THIS ONE WILL STAY ON THE MARKET VERY LONG!

DIRECT WATER FRONT LOT 1.18 ACRE

SITUATED ON THE NEUSE RIVER

LEADING DIRECTLY INTO THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN 500+/- FEET!

Owner has slashed the price to get a SHORT SALE offer. Offer subject to lender approval. Steal this Direct Water Front Lot in Merrimon Bay SD with Sandy Beach. It is being offered $136,000 below  purchase price. Owner wants it sold NOW!

305 GARBACON DR, BEAUFORT, NC 28516
*Link will only be available through 1-3-2012

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS CONTACT:
Harold Gilbert at:
NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate

Christmas on the Crystal Coast and Southern Outer Banks of NC

What a wonderous time of year! Christmas has always been and will always be for me the most recognized holiday throughout the entire year.  It is the time of year we all 'get down to the basics of life itself'.  It is the time when our  thoughts and hearts are focused on family and the basic needs others around us.  Life consists of 365 days a year.  What we do, how we give, how we open our hearts during the Christmas holiday ALWAYS makes us feel good!

What does Christmas mean to you?  Here is my short list of what it means to me:
Celebrating the birth of Christ my Saviour.
Spending quality time with my family.
Watching and listening to my husband, children, grandchildren and close friends smile and laugh.
Christmas trees all lit up brightly and Christmas decorations I only see and enjoy once a year.
Enjoying the warm, satisfying feeling I get each time I give of myself to others.

Stopping and taking notice of all the beautiful things that surround me and bring me joy.  Little things such as witnessing a simple kind gesture from one person to another.  Being given the opportunity to snap and capture a special moment on film of my family or a moment in time that will never be repeated of the waters splashing on shore or a bird flying through the air.

Natural Beauty of Carteret County Unique Photography


Searching for that 'Proven' Coconut IceBox Cake Recipe?  Here it is.  I prepare this delicious coconut delight once a year, twice if my family has been really good!

NANA’S COCONUT ICEBOX CAKE 2011

INGREDIENTS FOR CAKE:

Solid vegetable shortening for greasing the pans

• Flour for dusting the pans
• 1 package (18.25 ounces) plain white cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as canola, corn, safflower, soybean, or sunflower
• 3 large eggs

INGREDIENTS FOR FROSTING:

·         2 cups of sugar

·        2 cups (16oz) sour cream
·         1 package (12 ounces, 3 1/2 cups) frozen unsweetened grated coconut, thawed
·         (Fresh coconut can also be used.  If so, use the milk from the coconut as part of the water required for the cake above.)

1.       Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease two 9“ round cake pans with solid vegetable shortening such as Crisco, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pans aside.  This is essential to keep cakes from sticking to pan.

2.       Place the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed. The batter should look well blended. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the pans in the oven side by side.

3.       Bake the cakes until they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 25 to 30 minutes (depending on your oven).

4.       In the meantime, prepare the frosting. Combine the sugar, sour cream, and thawed coconut in a medium bowl. Let the mixture rest, covered in the refrigerator until the sugar dissolves completely for approximately 1 hour; stirring occasionally.

5.       Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each layer and place each layer onto a rack, be sure the cakes are right side up before frosting. Allow them to cool completely, 30 minutes more.

6.       When the sugar has dissolved in the frosting, begin assembling the cake. Carefully slice each of the cake layers in half horizontally, using a large, sharp serrated bread knife or a long piece of unflavored dental floss. You will now have four layers. Place the bottom half of a cake layer on a serving platter, cut side up. Spread with some of the coconut frosting. Top the bottom half with the matching top of the layer, cut side down. Spread with frosting. Next, add the bottom half of the second layer, cut side up, and spread with frosting. Top the bottom half with the matching top of the layer, cut side down. Spread the top and sides of the entire cake with all of the remaining coconut frosting, using clean, smooth strokes. The frosting should be nice and thick and not run off the sides.

7.       Chill the cake, uncovered, until the frosting is firm, 1 hour.

 KEEP CAKE IN REFRIGERATOR AFTER CUTTING!  CAKE WILL KEEP UP TO ONE WEEK IF PROPERTLY STORED IN SEALED CONTAINER

START YOUR CHRISTMAS OR THANKSGIVING TRADITION TODAY AND ENJOY FOR YEARS TO COME

GENA A.K.A. ‘NANA’

Halloween on the Crystal Coast

HALLOWEEN ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC is a wonderful time of the year. The weather is still warm during the day and cooling down a little at night. The sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous. Trick or Treat is still scheduled during longer daylight hours so lots of cute little goblins are out with their parents and knocking on doors to receive delicious treats from neighbors and friends. The beaches are still nice and there is a lot to discover on the barrier islands of our National Seashore at Shackelford Island, Core Banks (home of Cape Lookout Lighthouse), Harker's Island, Carrot Island and many other islands within a short boat ride from the main land.

Every holiday and every day on the Crystal Coast of NC is a wonderful day! Join us today and enjoy all the nature, wildlife, events and highlights of Carteret County, NC!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CRYSTAL COAST "EVENING WRAPPED IN CHOCOLATE"

THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL IS COMING TO MOREHEAD CITY FEBRUARY 3rd-5th, 2012!

PAST EVENTS OF "AN EVENING WRAPPED IN CHOCOLATE"

"An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" kicks off the three day annual Chocolate Festival that takes place in Morehead City February 3-5, 2012.  This year will be the 8th year the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina will host and receive benefits from the event.  Chef Charles Parks of Shepard's Point Restaurant will prepare a 5 course meal with specially chosen wines with each course and an abolutely decadent chocolate dessert to finish off this wonderful meal.  "An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" will take place at Shepard's Point Restaurant in Morehead City beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. and continue Until.

This year we again offer a sponsorship for all those individuals and companies interested in helping the Boys & Girls Clubs and gaining visibility for companies.  The following are the tiered sponsorships that are available.  For full details of the benefits of each sponsorship please contact me at Gena@GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

$750 - TRUFFLE SPONSORSHIP
$500 - GANACHE SPONSORSHIP
$250 - FUDGE SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorships need to be confirmed before December 15, 2011

SUCCESS IS SUCH A SWEET THING! Especially when it involves Chocolate and Especially when it comes to generously donating funds for our future leaders and securing the personal, controlled involvement and training for them to BE GREAT! It takes a strong community to nurture and help create strong future leaders! Carteret and Craven Counties, NC certainly proudly recognize their fair share! 

"An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" is always a great success and an event to remember. Much appreciation goes to all the Sponsors listed on the Board above! Chocolate desserts created and donated for raffle items by Chef Wendy delight and reward the palates of all the winners and those chosen by them to enjoy such sweet chocolate delicacies. I can attest personally to the Raspberry, White Chocolate Cheesecake! It was an awesome birthday cake for me one year! Thank you Chef Charles! The personal, monogrammed Morehead City Marlins Jersey along with the season tickets provided the winner of that year's live auction item a chance to enjoy and watch that good old American favorite to past time to 'Play Ball'!

The winners of the live auction of A Rhapsody in Food and Wine donated by NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate, Inc. have experienced the ultimate culinary personal experience for the past two years.  The guests of the lucky winners will enjoy another one in 2012. The diners will be served by a sophisticated and charming ensemble in full regalia, i.e., depending on next year's theme, with the Chef, complete with the classic chef's jack and toque, your personal wine sommelier and waiters/waitresses in full dress. All will be served in their own personal venue and will experience an evening that is traditionally reserved for those blessed with an extraordinary palate and resources to match.

A Black Tie Affair with a Twist Perhaps?

These are only a portion of the delicious, always exciting and delightful items won either by live or silent auction at the"An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate"  event benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina.   This just goes to prove how supportive our community members are in taking care of the future leaders in Carteret and Craven Counties. The highlight of one past evening (and definitely the most heart warming) of "An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" was indeed the opportunity to hear a special group of kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Coastal Carolina - Sunshine Lady Club singing to the guests with the accompaniment of Jay Conner, Pianist.

One never knows what surprises lie in store.  Make your plans now to attend "An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate" and proudly and generously support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina with your Sponsorship!!  Please, on behalf of our kids!

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

CHRISTMAS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST

OUR YOUNGEST GRANDSON JUST CAN'T BELIEVE ALL THESE HUGE CANDY CANES ARE FOR HIM! How will he ever eat them all by Christmas? Guess he will just have to share them with his brother and sister and all of his cousins! What a wonderful season Christmas can be. It is so full of wonder and love for one another and people sharing from their hearts to help others. Why can't the spirit of Christmas be experienced each and every day?! CLAWSON'S PUB & RESTAURANT IN BEAUFORT, NC hosted its 12th Annual Sing Along! Free fun, great music for the holidays! What a great way to celebrate the season! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE SHINING REFLECTIONS OF LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP! The pictures above are very rare for our area of the Crystal Coast of NC and very, very unlikely to happen at Christmas. This snow storm came the day 'after' Christmas 2010. They make wonderful photos to 'edit' for the holidays and to share all family and friends. A large Sago Palm covered with snow is definitely a unique sight in Carteret County, NC. With the unusually frigid temperatures we are recently experiencing, it is also a sight locals do not like to see often. Our lowest temperatures normally do not reach below the 40's day or night more than a few days a year. It is not uncommon to be out on the many waterways during every month of the year, especially for our local fishermen both commercial and personal. The shrimp boats are still going out to sea, the game fishermen are still catching various types of fish and our local seafood markets still have fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and delicious crab cakes! And speaking of crab cakes, here is a great recipe for them! "DELICIOUS FRIED CRAB CAKES" 2 lbs. lump crab meat (adding more crab meat does make it better!) 2 egg yolk 2 tsp. salt Large dash of coarsely ground black pepper 2 tsp. dry mustard 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1/2 tsp. paprika 1.5 tbsp. melted butter Bread crumbs for coating cakes (Old Bay or Italian are best) Vegetable oil for frying Toss crab meat lightly and all other ingredients (except bread crumbs) in order listed. When well-blended, shape into cakes. Roll each cake in bread crumbs until coated on all sides. Heat oil in skillet to high. Fry crab cakes quickly in hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Be very careful to watch over while frying not to over cook crab cakes. Yield 6-10 servings depending on size of cakes.

INTEREST RATES FOR HOME MORTGAGES are rising! Rate sheets came in today (Dec. 28, 2010) at 4.75% from one lender. The older generation remembers interest rates as high as 12-18%. What are we thinking today? How high do the rates have to go before action is taken? Think about that! There are many true 'deals' on the real estate market today and those who are taking action are enjoying the benefits. For example: In Beaufort, NC; 1311 Live Oak St, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, over 2500 heated square feet of living space, approximately .45 acre in the city limits of Beaufort, NC is now being offered as a 'Short Sale' property at an asking price of $219,900 with lender's approval. There are also several bank owned properties in our area which could possibly sell for 60-65% of their actual real market value. Remember what our parents taught us when they said 'Don't ask and you will most likely not get an answer'? An experienced Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) is more valuable to buyers today than ever! Let Gena or Harold at NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate assist with your purchase or refer you to an experienced ABR in your area. Don't regret having to say 'I wish I had purchased my home or water front property while the market was SO good back in 2010-2011!' Do you need assistance selling the house you currently own? We can also refer you to an experienced Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS) in your area. Our sincere wish for the New Year is for all to learn the tough lessons of life we have had to learn for the past two or three years. Make 2011 the BEST year of your life! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC LAST YEAR - BUT IT DID! What is it about snow and Christmas? It looks so cold yet it is so beautiful! Well, unless the weather changes very dramatically within the next twenty days around here The Crystal Coast will not see anything like this this year. Instead, we see bright sun shiny days and above average warm temperatures thus far. SHOWING YOUR HOUSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS If your home is on the market during the holidays be sure to keep the clutter in tow and the decorations light and simple. Make your home a warm, inviting place to be that everyone will enjoy. If you are doing some holiday baking let the aroma fill the house, especially if it is going to be shown to a prospective buyer. Leave some of those home baked cookies out with a little holiday note that says 'Please have a cookie on us'. The buyer will definitely stick around a little longer and may see just the right thing about your house that seals the deal. Here is a HOLIDAY RECIPE to share that is always a winner! “MELT IN YOUR MOUTH” COCONUT ICEBOX CAKE Icing: Blend and refrigerate overnight 18 oz frozen or fresh coconut 2 cups sour cream Cake: Mix Duncan Hines Butter Cake Mix with a whole stick of real butter Cut into four (4) layers Spread Icing between each layer and all over the outside Cover and refrigerate four (4) days before eating KEEP REFRIGERATED! AND ENJOY! HERE IS A BONUS RECIPE AS OUR CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOU! Aunt Mildred’s Praline Cookies 1 c butter (2 sticks) 1 c chopped pecans 1 c brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1-1 ½ sleeves graham crackers Preheat oven to 350. Combine butter, pecans, brown sugar and vanilla in saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Place broken (at seams) graham crackers in a well-greased (or sprayed) 11 x 15 inch pan with edges (jelly roll type). Pour boiled mixture over top of crackers—don’t worry if it doesn’t spread over all completely. Place pan in oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from pan onto wax paper before they cool. Merry Christmas! I AM IN THE MOOD TO BAKE TODAY. HERE IS ONE MORE GREAT RECIPE! RECIPES: BUTTERMILK PIE! AWESOME!!! DON'T KNOCK IT TIL YOU TRY IT! 2 cups sugar 1 TB flour 3 eggs 1.5 Tsp real vanilla 1 stick of melted butter 3/4 cup buttermilk Dash of salt 2 'Deep dish' graham cracker pie shells Cream sugar and flour together; then add the rest of the ingredients Pour into pie shells Bake at 275 degrees 10 minutes; 300 degrees for 50 minutes REAL ESTATE TIPS: Today's real estate market offers the BEST deals, the BEST savings and GREAT interest rates! 1239 Nine Foot Road, Newport, NC 28570 MLS #10-4919 Asking Price: $135,000 Well maintained home with hardwood and ceramic tile in main areas. Priced below market for quick sale. Located approximately 10 miles from MCAS Cherry Point. This is a must see at this price will not last long. Being marketed as a Short Sale requiring lender approval. 103 Coachman Lane, Newport, NC 28570 MLS #10-4095 Asking Price: $174,994 This beautiful 2 story home is located in the heart of Newport on a Corner lot, just minutes away from the beach and Cherry Point. It has 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, and a bonus room which could be used as a 4th bedroom. There is a formal dining room, big living area, and large kitchen with breakfast area. Out Back is a nice 10X20 Deck and 9X17 Pool, all enclosed with wood privacy fencing. 191 Cedar Swamp Rd, Newport, NC 28570 MLS #10-3967 Asking Price: $184,900 Croatan School District) Want Elbow Room? This 4.7 acre property offers you privacy and space for Gardens, Horses,or farm animals. Major updating-Ceramic Master Bath, Covered Front Porch & Rear Deck. New Sunroom. approx 1/2 acreage cleared-Landscaped around home. Lrg Living Room w/Beautiful Wood Mantle Fireplace(Gas). Detached Garage & Carport & Storage. Must see to appreciate the Owner's Updating! CALL OR EMAIL GENA OR HAROLD TODAY AND ALLOW US THE CHANCE TO SHOW YOU TRUE PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF REAL ESTATE!