contributed by Jen Reed


What's Up | fun and festivities
December 1, 10 a.m. Nutcracker Holiday Market | Beau Rivage Golf & Resort, Wilmington | More than 35 vendors, a visit from Santa (2:30 to 6pm), swag bags with goodies from local businesses, raffles to raise money for the local Children's Hospital, and a craft table to make cards for the children spending the holidays in the pediatric unit.
December 7, 8:30 a.m. Breakfast with Santa | KBT Realty Group | Come join us in welcoming Santa to our office at 1724 Gardner Drive, Suite 120. There will be pastry and beverages along with pictures and holiday cheer!
December 7, 2 p.m. Christmas By the Sea Parade | Oak Island Town Hall | Features a 2.4-mile route from Oak Island Drive to McGlamery Street. The event highlights businesses and organizations in the community, and includes a float decorating contest.
December 8, 1 p.m. An 18th Century Christmas | Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Sit ...

There's something about Fourth of July celebrations close to the water. Add a splash of historic backdrops and loads of tradition, and you've got Independence Day parties, fireworks, and observances that draw both locals and visitors.

Whether you are a creature of habit, and head for the same spot with your beach chair, blanket, and picnic to watch the pyrotechnics, or if you are always up for something different, we've got a list of the best southeastern North Carolina Independence Day celebrations.


June 29
4th Annual Freedom Fest
Sat 2-6 pm, Waterline Brewing Company, Wilmington NC


July 1
NC 4th of July Festival Beach Day
Mon - Tues Middleton Park, Oak Island NC
Oak Island Parks and Recreation invites you and your family to the annual Beach Day on July 1st. Beginning at 9am with the horseshoe tournament, there will be live entertainment, dozens of family contest and inflatable rides at Middleton Park. There will also be a corn hole, bocce, sand castle, and volleyba ...

What better way to celebrate National Chili Day than with a pot of a certified, award-winning chili?

Becky Brown, Broker/Realtor, is generously sharing her recipe for Venison Chili. Becky's chili, which she adapted from a classic Better Homes & Gardens recipe, won first place in January 2011's Keller Williams Chili Cook-off.

"I wish I could say that there was a large cash prize," Becky laughs, "but I had bragging rights for a year."

The recipe below yields plenty to serve a group of 12 to 15, depending upon appetites.


Venison Chili Recipe
1 pound ground venison (you may substitute beef, chicken, or turkey)
1 pound venison sausage (you may substitute with beef, chicken, or turkey)
2-1/2 cups chopped onion
1-1/2 cups chopped bell pepper
2 fresh jalapenos, chopped (may omit)
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 15 oz. can of dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15oz. can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 15oz can of black beans, rinsed and drain ...

Christmas shopping can be a challenge. What to get dad? What would grandma love this year? Which of the twenty items on the kids' Santa lists are the gifts they really, really want?

Expert gift shoppers suggest that you concentrate on hobbies, and think about what a person is interested in, what they really need, and what makes them unique. You can go the "experience" route, and give tickets, a dinner, or a class. You can be direct and just ask.

One of the easiest ways to decide on a Christmas gift that will be especially meaningful is to think about what defines the recipient in this moment. 

If the answer to that question is, "new homeowner," you are in luck, because people who are settling into a new home are especially easy - and fun - to shop for.

The perfect Christmas gifts for new homeowners on this list are all great options.


Seven Perfect New Homeowner Christmas Gifts
1. Spa Accessories for the Bath

An electric towel warmer delivers the luxury of to ...

Often, sellers decide to postpone listing their house until after the holidays. People who have their house listed for sale prior to the holidays often take it off the market for a "break."

This house-selling strategy might not work your best advantage. Listing your house for sale during the holidays make actually be the best time to sell your property.

Wouldn't you love to have your house keys appear in an excited buyer's Christmas stocking?


Ten Reasons to List Your House For Sale During the Holidays

10.  Use the end of the year to your advantage. Some people must purchase real estate before the calendar year end for tax reasons.

9.  Buyers may have more time to house hunt during the holidays, and potential buyers may be vacationing or visiting family in their desired location during the holidays, which means they are not house hunting from afar.

8.  The number of listings often increases in January, so the competition for buyers will tighten up. Mor ...