Online Magazine
$ Priceless $
articles: How To Set a Table How To make Grits Can You Find The Gorget?
Contents From The Editor
5
Myrtle Beach Developments
10
Time To Purchase Real Estate
12
10 Reasons To Plan Trees...Now!
14
Investments, Second Homes And Condos
15
Pillows
16
Charleston’s New Arts Web Site
17
Bunker Shot Perfection
20
Wardrobes
25
Books
27
Chandeliers
29
Commerical Real Estate
31
Fans
33
Umbrellas
35
Baths
37
Time To Refinace or Buy!?
39
Beds
41
Can You Find The Gorget?
43
Carolina Girl Gear
44
How To Make Grits
46
Outdoors
48
How To Set A Table
50
Flags
54
Neighborhoods
55
About Carolina Forest
57 www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 3
www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 4
From The Editor Buy Local Promoting local business is as simple as having other company’s business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store. In an effort to promote your area, we are distributing decals that say “Check us out at www.Myrtle.sc,” in hopes that local shoppers will visit the site to find local restaurants, clothing, specials, coupons and more. We are doing our part, so please join us, and promote your local merchants, and everyone will benefit!
Buy
Top Ten reasons to Think Local Local - Be Local – Help Local Businesses
1. Buy Local -- Support yourself and Myrtle Beach. Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent, locally owned business in the your own area, rather than a nationally owned businesses, considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses. Local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community. These include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.
2.Support Local Area Community Groups:
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller Myrtle Beach area business owners than they do from large companies.
3. Keep Your Area Unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character. Local tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust.
4. Reduce Environmental Impact: Locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
5. Create Additional Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community, provide the most jobs to local residents. 6. Receive Better Service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer, and take more time to get to know customers. Cont. next page www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 5
7.invest
in your Community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, and they are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. put
your
taxes
to
Good use:
Local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area.
9. Buy What you Want, not What BiG advertisinG BudGets Want you to Buy: A South Carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, promises a much broader range of product choices.
10. promote LoCaL prosperity: An escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Larry Local Editor in Chief
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CeO Dennis Stewart eDITOR In CHIeF Larry Local CReaTIVe DIReCTOR Daniel Holliday aRT DIReCTOR Amy Coats WeB DeVeLOPeRS Allen Bayless Matthew Coats aDmInISTRaTIOn & maRKeTInG Vivi Morillo Angie Woods
carolina media carolina media SERVICES
WWW.mYRTLe.SC OnLIne maGaZIne
Copyright Š 2009 Carolina Media Services. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. 3290 Ashley Phosphate Road Charleston, SC 29418 Toll Free: (866)532-4725 Fax: (866)542-4725 Info@Myrtle.sc www.Myrtle.sc
Myrtle Beach Devlopments Plantation Lakes Plantation Lakes in Carolina Forest is a beautiful community of custombuilt homes situated among an expansive lake with over 15 miles of shoreline and natural areas. Enjoy boating through the stocked lake, or stop by the stunning Amenities Center with it’s swimming pools, fitness room, indoor and outdoor picnic areas, lighted tennis and basketball courts. Located in the heart of Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes is just minutes to downtown Myrtle Beach and has top-rated schools, shopping, restaurants, and is close to all of Myrtle Beach’s world class attractions. If you’re looking for the finest in Myrtle Beach real estate, please call or email today! Call Now 843-293-9959 or Mike at 843-222-3434.
Cypress River Cypress River Plantation, on the Intracoastal Waterway, is an upscale gated community with over 500 large lots and custom built homes. We are boat and golf cart friendly and offer amenities including an oversized swimming pool, kiddie pool, workout room, children’s playground, tennis court, basket ball court, and clubhouse with 2 fireplaces and large screened in porch area. The value of our community is not only in the real estate, but in the people who reside here. Our community has something to offer individuals and families of all ages. We are conveniently located minutes from the beach and major shopping areas. We are located in Horry County and are in the St. James School District. To be a part of this sophisticated community you may check out our link to homes/sites for sale. Call Now 843-293-9959 or Mike at 843-222-3434.
Tradition Club The Tradition Golf Club was elected “Golf Course of the Year” by the South Carolina’s Golf Course Owners Association for 2000. Tradition was voted “Top Fairways” for 1998 by Golf for Women and Nominated “Best New Public Course” by Golf Digest in 1996. Recently awarded 4.5 STARS by Golf Digest Located adjacent to the Willbrook community in Litchfield Beech, Tradition Golf Club brings to the Lowcountry a championship course that boasts the proud traditions of the great courses that stood the test of time.Amenities abound at the Tradition, form comfortable dining, to our elaborate practice facility. Come experience the serenity of the game amid unsurpassed natural beauty. Call for More Information 843-293-9959 or Mike 843-222-3434.
Prince Creek - Collins Creek Life on the river. Those who live here share a common love of manmade comforts, the wonder of the outdoors, and life along South Carolina’s coast. Collins Creek Landing has some of the only creekside home sites available in Prince Creek. These sites are approved for private docks on Collins Creek, which gently winds to the Waccamaw River. Tucked in, away from the hustle and bustle of beach traffic, yet just right-a-round the corner from civilization, Collins Creek Landing brings back the simplicity of living down by the river at a down right great price. Contact me any time at 843-222-3434 or email mike020@world-realty.net . www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 10
OCEAN BLU ESTATES 5014 S. Ocean Blvd. GENERAL INFORMATION: • Offered at $3,900,000 • Can be modified to be a single family home with 10 Bedrooms, 10 Bathrooms • ½ of Home comes Fully furnished with Hooker furnishings • Professionally Decorated • 4 Master Suites with balcony access from each • Wet Bar with wine cooler and ice maker • Community Beach access • Propane fireplace with thermostat and remote • Upstairs - 10’ ceilings, Downstairs - 9’ Ceilings • Oversized Crown Molding throughout • Oversized Pantry (9’ x 5’) • Custom Wooden Shelving in Every Closet and Pantry • Surround Sound, Intercom, Elevator • Oak Hardwood Floors • Tile in every Bathroom • Carpet in Every Bedroom • Parking - 14 Vehicle Capacity • Large circular driveway • 3 Circulation Pumps gives you Hot Water from any Faucet within 5 seconds!! POOL AND BACKYARD:
• Heated Pool • 2 Waterfalls • Platform in shallow end to set Lounge chair in the water • Fenced in back yard • Over 50 Palm Trees on grounds • 70 Lights throughout Landscaping • 2 Grills • 3 Buried Propane tanks - Each grill has 150 gallon dedicated tank and a 300 Gallon tank dedicated for pool and Jacuzzi • “Meditation Area” with benches and Pond surrounded by hedges for privacy • Gate in back of lot leading to marsh in back of the house (fishing?) • One outside shower under home for rinsing off after going to the beach, One shower by the pool • Lighting Package for pool includes multi-color bulbs SECURITY and ELECTRONICS: • 6 Outdoor security cameras linked to a URL to give owner access to see the house through the internet from anywhere around the world • Infrared Cameras to see at night • Computer in home to watch grounds with a split screen to allow viewing of all 6
cameras at one time • Surround Sound in every room CONSTRUCTION: • Windows are Anderson High Impact Glass • Stabilizers at the bottom of each window • Middle Locking device to reinforce center of windows • Decking and Siding have Full Lifetime Transferable Warranties • Decking is 2” thick Trex Decking KITCHEN: • GE Profile Stainless Steel appliances • Granite Countertops • Delta Faucets • 5 Burner Flattop Stove • Drawers in Kitchen have auto close to avoid slamming drawers (- not sure how to word this!!!) • Blue Glass Tile backsplash PLUMBING: • Delta Faucets throughout • Each Shower has Body Sprays
TIME TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE BUILD YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA World Realty of Myrtle Beach is a Full Service Company in which we identify and produce properties in the Myrtle Beach Area that will have a Break Even or positive return on properties with either a 30 year Mortgage as well as a 15 year commitment.
With Below Market value properties on the Market, Free and Clear Title Properties can be purchased and placed on a Rental program. Whether it is an Oceanfront property or a Subdivision Long Term rental, the numbers have moved to make it an advantage for the owner to build Wealth in Real Estate. Real Estate is a Tangible Asset that has a direct impact from New Construction, and there are properties in the Area that are Discounted up to 40% of an actual replacement cost or New Build. With respect to New Construction, We purchase lots in the area that are or below estimated appraised value and build sellable rental homes that are in turn sold to our broad
investor group base. Generally we complete a structure for around $84 per sq. ft. including all amenities and property. We achieve profits of over 50% and more in most cases. Call for Tom Beets More information at 843293-9959 and start building a diversified Real Estate Portfolio. Experts predict values to be on the increase starting in the Fall of 2009. Don’t miss this opportunity‌CALL TODAY 843293-9959
Thomas Beets Broker C.O.O. Tbeets@world-realty.net
www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 12
Kids Eat Free Applebee’s Kids meals are .99 with adult purchase. Tuesday’s after 5 pm (843) 678-9406
CiCi’s Pizza Children under 3 eat free with adult purchase Every Night (843) 413-0600 Fazoli’s Kids eat free every weekend in August. One free kids meal per adult entree purchase. Saturday & Sunday Florence: (843) 664-3062 North Myrtle Beach: (843) 249-6901 Surfside: (843) 477-1801
IHOP Good thru Sept. 13: Kids 12 and under get a free kids meal with purchase of adult meal. Daily 4pm-10pm North Myrtle Beach (843) 249-9742 Florence (843) 629-9999 Myrtle Beach (843) 626-0136
Moe’s Southwest Grill Kids under 12 with Adult purchase of entrée or 2 tacos. Same offer on Sunday if you present your church bulletin. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5pm-10pm (803) 743-9663 Western Sizzlin Children 4 and under eat Buffet for free Daily (843) 665-5965
the travel channel web sites to confirm to confirm. AARP the magazine has been referring to Myrtle Beach as one of the best places in America to retire to. This because the medical infrastructure is in place and the tax base is very low.
Investments, Second Homes and Condos. Advantages of 1031 Tax Exchanges The vast majority of the famous and extremely wealthy from the 20 century became RICH & WEALTHY in REAL ESTATE. The fact is they bought property when it appeared to be at it’s lowest and sold it when it’s value rose in some cases just months or a couple of years from the initial purchase. This may be why we are seeing some of the wealthiest investors in this area right now. What are they buying??? Condominiums in Ocean Front buildings. Why? The first reason may be that they are at a 10 year low in price. In fact the prices are so low, that not a single known expert predicted that they could go this low just 3 short years ago. Why the Myrtle Beach area? We are considered to have the LOWEST PRICED PROPERTY per heated square foot of any coastal property in America. We are generally on every TOP 10 BEACH list that you can find via the internet. Try Yahoo and
Myrtle Beach is a very strange mixture of people. Approximately 85% of the population are transplants from the northeast and upper Midwest. What that relates to is an area that is becoming very provincial while still maintaining the Southern Hospitality that the south is famous for.
delighted to explain it’s benefits to any that may call. For an easy to understand explanation go to www.MBIP.net and click on 1031 Tax Exchange. To have a list of properties with numerous photo’s emailed directly to you please call Mike (843) 333-1059 or Tom (843) 855-1062 or email us at mikejcostello@hotmail.com or Tom at trob1023@yahoo.com . Our Office Phone number is 843293-9959.
To illustrate just a little, I’ll show you 5 units with prices (None of these are “SHORT SALES”) and ask you to call if you would like to follow up. I will add a photo’ or two of the view that you would have from each of these units. The first is an efficacy in the Sand Castle Resort listed for $58,000. The second is a 1 bedroom in the Meridian Plaza listed $75,000. The 3rd is a 2 bed 2 bath Ocean front unit in Ocean Park listed for $222,900. The forth and maybe the best example of just how good buying has become for the investor is a 4 bedroom unit in the Spring Tower Resort listed for $325,000. This unit boasts 3000 + heated square feet a field stone fireplace and 60” of balcony. That’s just over $100. Per sq ft for a 4 bed 3 bath direct ocean front unit. I don’t believe this deal exists anywhere else in the country. Please keep in mind that we can broach the subject of a 1031 Tax Exchange with any of the properties listed in this area. As a company we are experience with capital gains saving procedure and I would be www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 15
Charleston’s Office Of Cultural Affairs launches www.CharlestonArts.sc, as thier new arts Web Site From: Charleston Currents The City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs has launched http://www.CharlestonArts.sc, a companion Web site to the OCA’s primary page at the city’s official site. CharlestonArts.sc will be updated daily with information and features, including an arts calendar that users can search by date, artist, presenting group or venue; social networking widgets; and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues. “We are hopeful that CharlestonArts.sc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader public,” said Ellen Dressler Moryl, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Other options for users at CharlestonArts.sc include the following: • Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs, submit events, update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations. • The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals, including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area. • Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations, with detailed information, including deadlines, application and contact information. • Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location, deadlines, fees and additional requirements. The new Web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the Office of Cultural Affairs and its projects: the Charleston Farmers Market, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, Holiday Magic, Happy New Year Charleston!, the Holiday Parade of Boats, the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Program, Piccolo Spoleto and the MOJA Arts Festival. The Web Site was developed and is being hosted by Carolina Media Services ( www.ONLY.sc) .
VILLAS at COASTAL CAROLINA CENTRE Conway, SC - Just 3 miles from Coastal Carolina University
This new GATED community is in the pre-construction phase with sales beginning this fall. It is very conveniently located off Hwy 544, just 3 miles south of Coastal Carolina University and 3 miles north of Hwy 31. This is a perfect location for students, hospital staff and all others who enjoy the more relaxing ride of Hwy 544, as opposed to the traffic of Hwy 501! We will be offering 2-bedroom townhome units as well as 3-bedroom condominium units. All 4-story condominium buildings will be equipped with elevators, for your convenience The Villas will have a community pool and cabana area and also a botanical garden with seating for your relaxation and enjoyment. You are invited to visit us in our onsite sales trailer when sales begin shortly. Until then, if you would like more information on this exciting new project, please give our office a call. (843) 238-8664 GENERAL INFORMATION: 2 and 3 Bedroom Units available Gated community with Card Accessibility Only 3 miles from Coastal Carolina University Some units are offered For Rent - Call for pricing Late September is first Closing Date Available On-Site Sales Center Opening late June Wireless Internet INCLUDED in HOA Fees Private community surrounded by trees Community Pool with Botanical Gardens
Both 2 & 3 bedrooms offer: Smooth top stoves Built in Microwaves Basic Cable and Water included with HOA Smooth Ceilings Washer/Dryer Connections Carpet with Ceramic tile in Baths, Kitchen and Foyer 2 BEDROOM UNITS: 2 ½ Baths Pre-Construction Pricing $139,900 Over 1100 Heated Square Feet Townhome Hardy Plank Siding Outside Storage Space 3 BEDROOM UNITS: 2 ½ Baths Offered at $159,900 Over 1400 Square Feet 4 Story Building with Elevator Crown Molding Tray Ceiling in Master
Bunker Shot Perfection: Blast Your Way to a Better Golf Score Bunker shots can be daunting but it’s really all in your head! Use these simple techniques the next time you’re in the bunker and blast your way to a better score. Golf ScoreFirst, don’t change your swing. Use the loft of the club and your back swing to determine your distance.
Of course this will take some practice so you know how to shorten your backswing to get the distance you need. You use your back swing to adjust your distance because you always want to accelerate through the ball. You never want to the club head to decelerate. Also open the club face if needed to decrease the distance the ball will travel. Use the “bounce” on the club to launch the ball out of the sand. Don’t worry too much about the definition of bounce but try this the next time in the practice sand trap. Take your sand wedge and swing at the sand. Vary the angle the club hits the sand. When you bring the club down steeply you’ll take a lot of sand and leave a large “divot” in the sand. Decrease the angle that
you strike the sand until you can feel the club almost bounce off the sand. Feeling that is more important than the actual definition of bounce. The key is to have this bounce feel when hitting the ball out of the sand. Open the club face and aim slightly right with an open stance with the ball forward in your stance, slightly off of your left heel for right handed golfers. When you swing follow the line of your feet. Keep the weight on your left foot and don’t try to lift the ball, let the club do the work; trust me the club will lift the ball. Hit about 1 inch behind the ball. The key is to get sand between the club face and the ball. This is where that bounce comes in to play. Also, expect more roll on the ball when faced with a down hill lie in the bunker because the ball won’t get as much spin and tend to roll quite a bit. Use and practice these techniques to get yourself off the beach and onto the green. For more helpful tips, advice, or to add some Golf Tips and Suggestions of your own - you are invited to visit the South Carolina Golfers Blog at www.Golf.sc/Blog/
www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 22
(866)532-4725
www.Golfing.sc Fax: (866)542-4725
Info@Only.sc
Call Us Today 866-260-7676 World Realty of Myrtle Beach LLC World Realty Of Myrtle Beach 4703 Potters Alley Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Office) (843)293-9959 (Toll Free)(866)260-7676 (Fax) (843)293-4832 Email: info@World-Realty.net
“Welcome to World Realty Of Myrtle Beach” Providing a superior level of Informed, Professional, Myrtle Beach Real Estate Services to Buyers and Sellers in the Greater Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market, North Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market, Surfside Real Estate Market, Socastee Real Estate Market, and Conway South Carolina Real Estate market area. OWNER FINANCING AND LEASE BACKS AVAILABLE ON OCEANFRONT AND PRIVATE PROPERTIES CALL TODAY!!! SELLERS! If you’re planning to sell your home in the next few months, World Realty of Myrtle Beach Agents offer this FREE service is designed to help establish your Home or Oceanfront Condominiums current market value compared to other Myrtle Beach real Estate. Simply choose [Market Analysis] and fill out the requested information. We will use comparable sold listings to help you calculate the fair market value of your Myrtle Beach Home. Also, be sure to visit our Newsletter to view other valuable information!Please feel free to call if you need immediate assistance. BUYERS! Automatically receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail. Early each morning we search the local MLS and find the homes that match your criteria and notify you immediately with the latest listing information!! Simply choose [Dream Home Finder] and fill in the requested information. Or, search for yourself at [Search For Homes]. History Since 2001, World Realty of Myrtle Beach has been selling and locating properties for its clients throughout the Myrtle Beach area. Our Team of experienced professionals can assist you with all of your Myrtle Beach Real Estate needs. World Realty of Myrtle Beach has assisted: “First Time Home Buyers”; “Building your Dream Home” through land acquisition in Myrtle Beach, selecting the right floor plan, and then the correct builder; “ Investment properties” the how too’s and the real world story. World Realty of Myrtle Beach has also developed a personal relationship with Lending Institutions in the Myrtle Beach area to help make the mortgage experience a friendly one. Our Myrtle Beach Real Estate, Specialists listen to the interests of our clients, matching them with their knowledge of the area, to locate the correct Home or property in Myrtle Beach, no matter what it takes. Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and we are motivated to be a consumer directed company. So no matter what you are looking for: a home to own and enjoy; an investment property or a ‘snow bird’ retreat, contact one of our Team Members. We look forward to making things happen for you!. Agents World Realty of Myrtle Beach agents in the office are high caliber professionals with diversed backgrounds.World Realty of Myrtle Beach Agents are committed to Quality Service when Listing and Selling Myrtle Beach Real Estate. Office and Staff World Realty of Myrtle Beach is fully equipped with an integrated networks of computer and communication systems. We have instant access to all the Multiple Listing Services, the Public Record Searches, and other tools and services that our agents need in order to better serve you in your search for Myrtle Beach Real Estate. We also have a full time staff to accommodate all your needs. They help coordinate meetings, set schedules, answer your calls when your agent is not available, and they are your personal couriers to ensure the timely processing and delivery of all your documents. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
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We help your business and you by: • Getting your voice heard by our state legislators through our Grassroots Network • Working to pass business-friendly legislation • Keeping you informed on issues and providing solutions for growing your business through our monthly magazine, South Carolina Business • Providing networking opportunities with legislators and other business owners • Training your employees on human resources, quality and management issues • Publishing a legal reference series
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Contact us today at 800-799-4601. Learn more at www.scchamber.net.
CommerCiaL reaL estate rentinG
in
today’s market
First make sure that the area you have chosen is right for your intended business. If you plan on expanding, take that into consideration. Do you need to be close to an expressway, or the local airport? Before you decide, think ahead, because you may be getting into a long term commitment. Make sure that any space you’re considering is big enough for both your current needs, and your foreseeable growth. Be realistic and never over-commit. Do your homework beforehand. Investigate traffic patterns; tour the area and building. Find out who the previous tenant was, and why the business left. Learn what kinds of marketing the location does in support of its tenants (if any) and whether co-operative marketing funds are available to you. Weigh the benefits of guaranteed foot traffic at a mall
location against premium rent. Some malls require that all tenants stay open during mall hours, and pay for common area usage as well as the store’s own space and upkeep. Stores may also be asked to pay a percentage of sales to the mall. Identify your closest competitors. Also check out neighboring businesses with an eye for complementary products or services. If you are locating in a mall, check the lease agreement for any guaranteed protection against competition. Evaluate whether the physical location and space is a good fit with your product line. Do you need a large, bright space or is an office warehouse sufficient? Investigate any restrictions on signage. Signs are vitally important to retail businesses, yet many landlords decide on what a store can and cannot do. The rules may be even stricter in a mall, which closely monitors its physical appearance. Negotiate the terms of your lease aggressively. Think about consulting a realtor that is familiar with the area. Never accept wording that’s confusing or that leaves you wondering who is liable for what. Ask for the right of first refusal on adjacent space in case you need to expand. Negotiate for free improvements, free rent, and other incentives before signing your lease. Hire a real estate attorney who not only specializes in lease negotiations, but knows your area and, preferably, has dealt with your kind of business before. A lease negotiation can cover tens, if not hundreds, of terms, and you want someone in your corner who has seen it all before. Know who is responsible for maintaining the heating, air-conditioning and other systems, as well as keeping up the parking lot and building exterior. This can be critical in older buildings. Who pays for the utilities and trash pick-up? The time has probably never been better to start a new venture if you have a business that is not being adversely affected by this economy. Just make sure you get the right location…… www.Myrtle.sc Online Magazine | 2009 31
“Welcome to World Realty Of Myrtle Beach” Candice Littlejohn I was born in Troy, N.Y. where I atttended Catholic Central High School and then received an Associates Degree at Hudson Valley Community College. I relocated to Myrtle Beach in 1995 where I continued my education at Coastal Carolina University where I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. I reside in Myrtle Beach with my husband Kris and daughter, Lyric. I am a past owner of a small business at Broadway at the Beach, and a current co-owner of a small business in Murrells Inlet. I look forward to assisting you in your Relocation or Purchase of a Home in Myrtle Beach. Please contact me at the Office 843-293-9959. Candice Thomas Beets Office: (843) 293-9959 (843) 293-4832 Fax I specialize in representing my clients in the purchases and sales of single-family residences and income property within the cities of Myrtle Beach, Garden City, Little River, Conway, Surfside, Socastee, Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, and Loris. I keep current of all transactions in these areas, and I’m also very knowledgeable with the local building codes. Michael J Costello 843-333-1059 I relocated from Westfield Massachusetts 4 year’s ago to Myrtle Beach where I started a New Career from Law Enforcement to Real Estate. My wife Sheila and I raised 2 very independent daughters who turned out to be the kind of adults that I enjoy calling friends. Having earned my Bachelors Degree from Westfield State College in 1985. For me, there is an excitement working with each new client that I meet. I take a Great Deal of Pride in finding just what the client wants and negotiating it to the most advantage price for the them. I look forward to assisting you in your search for a property in the Myrtle Beach Area. My Clients are my TOP PRIORITY!!!!! Mary Ann Garcia I Grew up in up-state New York in the town of Carmel. Moved to Surfside Beach 12 years ago in 1996 and have been in love with this area ever since. My favorite time of year in Myrtle Beach is the Spring and the Fall. I like Music, reading books, riding my jet ski, swimming, bike riding, playing golf, going to the movies and playing with my 12 year old daughter. I have 2 dogs a Boxer and a Bulldog. I look forward to helping you find your New Home. My Phone number is 843-997-7290..Call me Today!!!!
Michelle Williams Hi my name is Michelle Williams and I have been a licensed Realtor here in South Carolina since 2003. I am originally from Bucks County Pennsylvania where I retired my snow shoes and shovel to come down to beautiful South Carolina. I love to work with people and have been in sales for almost 20 years. My philosophy is quite simple. I listen to you the client and search for what your looking for. I hope that you will take an opportunity to give me a call and I will be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect home here at the beach. Dreams are only dreams until you make them come true. Feel free to call me direct at (843) 602-5219. John “Juan” VonAchen I was born in Cuba to a career Naval Officer and Cuban mother. I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science/Foreign Language. Upon separating from the service, I moved to Washington, D.C. and began working for the world’s largest Credit Union, The Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). I spent many years in the Mortgage Banking Division where I helped hundreds of people with all types of mortgage options (VA, FHA, Conventional, Fixed Equity, and Home Equity Lines of Credit).I welcome the opportunity to help make your dreams come true!
rate with the tax advantages of a mortgage, and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth, but you better act now.
time to reFinanCe Buy !?
or
Right now, mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971. Think about that. Twenty-five years ago, homeowners were paying as much as 18% on a 30-year fixed. Today it’s just a little over 5%.Combine that
Real estate guru Barbara Corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications – more than triple the average – and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well, she says. But that doesn’t mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market. It is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel, Corcoran says. Until that happens, we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess. “[Low interest rates are] a not a lifesaver,” Corcoran says. “This is just a helping hand.”
David Kittle, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance: Do it. Don’t get greedy searching for another quarter-point. Lock in rates now. He is seeing applications soar over 125% just since Thanksgiving due to the low rates. Of course, you should only refinance if it saves you at least 3/8 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years, Kittle says. Along with good credit, proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home, there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels.
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“The bed has become a place of luxury to me! I would not exchange it for all the thrones in the world� Napoleon Bonaparte
Can
you find
the gorget? The South Carolina State flag is immediately recognizable to native Carolinians, and if you’re spending some time out-of-State, it will probably bring a tear to your eye to see it whizzing by on a bumper sticker or rippling in the soft blue sky of a native license plate. Most folks, however, consistently confuse our flag for a simple representation of a moonlit palm tree. The truth it, the sliver of crescent suspended in the upper left hand corner is not a moon phase: it’s a piece of ornamental armour known as a “gorget”. A holdover from the days of knights in shining armour, the gorget was originally used to protect the throat and block blows from non-projectile weapons such as swords. Since the gorget originally rested
around the throat, the shape was that of a crescent. In formal armour, the gorget was placed beneath the breastplate and backplate set and supported the weight of the armour. They were often equipped with straps in order to attach some of the heavier armours. By the Renaissance, the gorgets had already achieved an ornamental status and by the American Revolution, it could be seen hanging from delicate chains and ribbons around the throats of officers, signifying their rank. The first South Carolina flag, designed in 1765, displayed the dark blue of the American troops’ uniforms and a large crescent with the word “Liberty” written within it. While most historians agree that the crescent is the representation of the gorget, which was also worn as a symbol on the caps of American soldiers, there is some argument that the symbol could also stand
for the river bend on which Charleston sits (the crescent was a common symbol used by early American settlements when their Town rested on the curve of a river), or it was a borrowed symbol from the crest of the Bull family, one of Charleston’s early settlers. The palmetto tree on today’s flag was not included until January 28, 1861, the day of South Carolina’s secession from the Union. The palmetto tree represents the defense of Fort Moultrie from British attack, as the Fort itself was made of palmetto logs: an unexpectedly brilliant construction, as the logs of the palmetto tree are incredibly resilient and absorbed the enemy cannon fire like a sponge. Either way we have a pretty cool state flag, and gorget is hard to pronounce!
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hoW
to make Grits
By now, you should know that grits are not only the starch of choice in South Carolina, it’s also the acronym for “Girls Raised in the South”; so if you don’t have your recipe down by now, it’s time to get boiling. Proper grits do not come in an easy to open, plastic-lined paper packet. As My Cousin Vinny put it, “Real grits take at least 20 minutes to cook”. In fact, they take a couple hours, but it’s worth every simmering second.So get rid of the Quaker Instant Grits and mosey on down to the rice isle. Grits can usually be found either here or in the baking isle. If you’re lucky enough to live near a local produce market or farmer’s market, 99% of the time you’ll find more than enough grits in stock. Some local favorites include Anson Mills grits and Charleston’s Favorite Stone Ground Grits.
filling the bowl with water until the water is an inch or so above the grits. Skim off the chaff and drain. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be completely dry, just get it as close as possible. Now, dump the wet grits into a pot and pour in twice as much chicken stock as grits. Bring this to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Now add equal portions cream and milk up to 2 and ½ times the amount of grits. So, if I was making this recipe for two, I would have used 1 cup dry grits, 2 ½ cups chicken stock, 1 ¾ cups cream and 1 ¾ cups milk. Add salt and pepper to taste, then sit back and let it simmer. The longer the grits simmer, the richer they’ll be. Typical time is 20-30 minutes, but some of the best grits sit for an hour to two hours at low to medium-low heat, just soaking up that cream and milk. Right before you serve the grits up, stir in a healthy pat of butter and, if you’re feeling a little wild, grate a handful of parmesan or cheddar cheese over the top. Play with and perfect this dish to your liking. The recipe is purposefully simple for the sole reason that it’s up to each southern girl to come up with her own special twist on this Southern Classic.
Now that you have the dry goods, make sure you have some fresh chicken stock, milk, cream and butter. Oh yes, you’re making these the way God intended. Measure out your dry grits (1 cup of dry grits makes roughly 2 servings) and clean them by placing them in a bowl and
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How
to set a
table As a lady of the Carolina’s, small shows of simple grace and etiquette should become as second nature to you. Now, this isn’t saying that you have to run out immediately and have visiting cards printed, or go buy a sterling silver tea set, but having knowledge of little things like place settings means a lot to locals and ultimately, shows that you truly care for and respect the civility which is the heart of South Carolina. Even at an informal dinner, it’s a good idea to create a centerpiece. This can be a week-long labor of love or, in most cases, a small setting thrown together about five minutes before the
guests arrive. A few snippings from the juniper tree for frilly greenery and aromatic scent, a handful of flowers arranged in a low bowl or small vase, a couple strategically placed pieces of fruit and a candle or two and your centerpiece is complete. A bouquet of flowers from the local florist or, better yet, a nearby farm, would also work, but no matter what, the point is that you have one. Another little pointer: don’t make the centerpiece taller than eye level. Guests would like to be able to see each other when they speak and it could mess up a lovely arrangement if you’re having to part the sunflowers every time you want to ask a question. As for your silverware, if you have sterling silver, use it. Even, and especially, if it’s your great
grandmother’s set that’s been passed down for generations. She never intended for you to keep it wrapped up in crumbling bags of velvet. Silverware and formal china, however pretty and expensive, were meant to be used and this is a great time to show them off. Even if you don’t have formal silverware, though, the point is to have the place settings properly arranged and in the end, no one will really care what the silverware looked like as long as there’s plenty of food and wine. With the dinner plate as the center, silverware should be placed in line, an inch from the edge of the table, and arranged from the outside – in, in order of use. On the right, salad fork (smaller fork), appetizer utensil (or another small fork or none at
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all if you aren’t having an appetizer between salad, soup and dinner), then dinner fork (your biggest fork) closest to the plate. On the left, soup spoon, spreading knife for the bread and the dinner knife closest to the plate. Be sure to turn the blade of the knives toward the plate, as an outwardly turned knife is a symbol of aggression toward the other diners (don’t you love these quaint little old world idiosyncrasies?). The dessert fork and spoon for after dinner tea or coffee should go across the top of the dinner plate, with the tines of the fork facing right and the bowl of the spoon facing left. Napkins should be folded either as simply or ornately as you like, and placed in the center of the dinner plate. Glasses are also placed an inch above the knives and in order of use starting from the far right: white wine, red wine, dessert wine and water tumbler. Dinner should be served from the kitchen and ideally, placed on each diner’s plate by the server/host instead of passing bowls and dishes around. If it is Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, none of the above applies.
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Neighborhoods 1. Neighborhoods are where we all grew up a long time ago. Today, because of golf courses, shopping areas, subdivisions, jobs, schools, and a transient society, a neighborhood means different things to different folks. 2. Neighborhoods can be as small as a dozen or so houses, and be as many as thousands of homes. 3. Neighborhoods are common, and perhaps close to universal, since most people in urbanized areas would probably consider themselves to be living in one. 4. Neighborhoods are convenient, and always accessible, since you are already in your neighborhood when you walk out your door. 5. Successful neighborhood action frequently requires little specialized technical skill, and often little or no money. Action may call for an investment of time, but material costs are often low. 6. With neighborhood action, compared to activity on larger scales, results are more likely to be visible and quickly forthcoming. The streets are generally cleaner; the crosswalks are painted; the trees are planted; a festival draws a crowd. 7. Visible and swift results are indicators of success; and since success is reinforcing, the probability of subsequent neighborhood action is increased. 8. Because neighborhood action usually involves others, such actions create or strengthen connections and relationships with other neighbors, leading in turn to a variety of potentially positive effects, often hard to predict. 9. Over and above these community advantages, neighborhood activity may simply be enjoyable and fun for those taking part. But in addition to these benefits, considerable research indicates that strong and cohesive neighborhoods and communities are linked –quite possibly causally linked – to decreases in crime, better outcomes for children, and improved physical and mental health. The social support that a strong neighborhood may provide can serve as a buffer against various forms of adversity. Sometimes a neighborhood isn’t a neighborhood until an event occurs, which draws people together, to become “neighbors”.
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About Carolina Forest Carolina Forest is one of the more popular communities for people living and working in the Myrtle Beach area in South Carolina.
Recent Development Carolina Forest boasts one of the top school districts in the state, and is an unincorporated town made-up of numerous neighborhoods communities and new commercial developments conveniently situated between the beaches Myrtle Beach and the historic city of Conway. The Carolina Forest community enjoys residential family-friendly neighborhoods and businesses, as well as top schools and preserved natural foliage and wildlife create a master-planned community in Horry County and a unique and sought after place to live.
Master Planned for the Communities Benefit Carolina Forest is an one-of-a-kind, master-planned, unincorporated area of Horry County SC that’s an example of how excellent neighborhoods, family-friendly businesses, and superior schools mix to form one of the most desirable places to live.
Golf! Residents are afforded with recreational opportunities in the Carolina Forest area. There are two golf courses in Carolina Forest, Man O’ War and The Wizard golf courses. Both are situated beside Windsor Green and Waterford Plantation. The River Oaks neighborhood, which borders Carolina Forest, also features numerous golf courses as well. Carolina Forest has plans for ten golf courses, but the slight decline of the golf industry in Myrtle Beach has not permitted this.
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Final Words
We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. Sam Keen, To Love and Be Loved
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