Bring in 2011 with a Bang!

Here's a few local events for you to consider when making your New Year's Eve plans!

New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hilton Oceanfront

New Year’s Eve Gala in the Commodore Hall Ballroom at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Music by the Lavon Stevens Experience with Louise Spencer, open bar, dessert table and champagne toast. Advance tickets include tax and gratuity. 23 Ocean Lane. (843) 341-8004 or hiltonoceanfrontresort.com. 
$85 per person, includes tax & tip

Seating times: 6:30 and 8:30 pm
Reservations: 843.341.8004

Wild Wing Cafe
12•31 NYE Bash with Big B & the Stingers! NO COVER!
Free Party Favors & Champagne Toast!

• Special Champagne Cocktails • 1/2 Off House Wine
• Turn any Shot into a Bomb for FREE!


Sweetgrass Restaurant and Bar New Year Festivities
Located on Dataw Island, Sweetgrass restaurant is open to all seeking a "relaxed and comfortable New Year's Eve." Planned specials to the menu include crab-topped filet, seared Yellowfin tuna and pork with peppercorn sauce. The nights events will conclude with complimentary champagne and a "ball drop" off the deck overlooking stunning views of the Morgan River. Log onto their website for more information on the owners, their local vendors, or to book a reservation.
(p.s. Make sure to try their home-made banana pudding for dessert!)

Founders' Night Celebration at Waterfront Park
The city of Beaufort looks to kick off their tricentennial year with an unforgettable celebration at the historic Waterfront Park, hosting live entertainment and fireworks between 4:30-6:00pm on New Years Eve. The event is designed for families, and is scheduled early enough for those interested enjoy the nights events before dinner and the 'real' celebrations begin. For a complete list of Beaufort's tricentennial events, make sure to log onto their website.

City Loft Hotel New Years Overnighter
The trendy City Loft Hotel is located in downtown Beaufort, making a prime location for those looking to escape for the weekend and enjoy some of the best restaurants events Beaufort has to offer--just drop off your bags and enjoy some champagne, a cheese plate, and a $20 gift card to City Java (which is a Digitel.com favorite company) for one flat rate. Log onto their website for rate information, to book a room, or to learn more about the exciting deals they have on offer.

Saltus River Grill Celebration 2010
For $50 plus-tax, the Saltus River Grill on Beaufort's historic Bay street is offering a four-course, New Years Eve special dinner. Their signature Signature Crab and Lobster Bisque, Gilled Beef Tenderloin, Butter Poached Maine Lobster, and Chocolate Mouse Cake are just a few of the selections on offer. To book a reservation log onto their website or call them at (843) 379-3474.

Breakwater Restaurant and Bar
Executive Chef Gary Lang is offering regular dinner service before the renowned Beaufort restaurant hosts their annual midnight Champagne tasting event. Voted "the best fine dining restaurant in Beaufort" by the readers of the Gazette, and awarded the "2010 diners' choice" by Opentable.com, make sure to book your reservation today through their website to take part in some of the best Beaufort has to offer.

New Years Events

Start the new year off right with a 25 mile bike ride through scenic Savannah, or a 5 mile run through Bluffton.

Coastal Bicycle Touring Club New Years Day Ride

Date: Saturday, January 1, 2011

Time: 10:00 AM

Venue: Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA
Website: http://www.cbtc.org/

Bluffton New Year's Day Polar Bear 5K

Date:Saturday, January 1, 2011

Time:10:00 AM

Venue:Sea Turtle Cinemas

Address:106 Buckwalter Parkway

Bluffton, SC 29910

The 4th Annual Bluffton New Year's Day Polar Bear 5K will start and finish at Sea Turtle Cinema taking participants down The Buckwalter Parkway unto the Bluffton Parkway thru Buckwalter Place, running around the Care Core building and then back to finish at Sea Turtle Cinema.

The New Years Day Run is very cool. All participants in the Polar Bear 5K will receive a colorful race T-Shirt. The event will also include a Block Park, Award Ceremony and Post Race Celebration.

Awards:
Male & Female - Prizes to top 3 M & F Overall.
Awards to top 3 in each division.

Entry Fee:
$25 post marked 12/27/10 - $25 On line thru 29th
$30 Race Day - 9:00am - 9:45am

How to Make a New Year's Resolution

 

Tradition dictates that every 365 days, you should try to kick bad habits and start your life anew.

1. Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp.

2. Describe your resolutions in specific terms. Instead of "I don't want to be lazy," opt for "I want to   exercise regularly" or "I will cut down on my television watching."

3. Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.

4. Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. So you want to quit smoking but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?

5. Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

2011 Countdown

More countdown widgets at Widgia.com

Restaurants Open for Christmas

Not in the mood to cook a a feast for Christmas? Looking for someone else to take care of the mess that comes along with cooking dinner? Then you may want to check out this list of local-area restaurants that are open on Christmas day.

Jasmine Porch (located at Kiawah Island Golf Resort)

1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Hilton Head

(843) 768-6253

Open Christmas Day noon-8 p.m.

Ocean Room (at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort)
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Hilton Head

(843) 768-6253

Open Christmas Day 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Atlantic Room (located at Kiawah Island Golf Resort)
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Hilton Head
(843) 768-6253
Open Christmas Day 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tomasso at Turtle Point (located at Kiawah Island Golf Resort)
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Hilton Head
(843) 768-6253
Open Christmas Day 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.



 

Tips for Holiday Travel

Traveling over the holidays can be notoriously busy, expensive and stressful, but the news isn't all bad. There are still deals to be found, provided you shop carefully and plan ahead.

• Gas up the night before you travel; no one leaves enough time for buying gas on the way to the airport.
• Investigate your frequent flier options to get better (and better guaranteed) seats.
• Bring diversions. Take along work, books, magazines, a CD player, some healthy snacks -- whatever you need to get through delays. This goes double when traveling with kids.
• Keep your cool. Airline employees have considerable power over your well-being. Unfortunately many enjoy wielding it against you, and few respond well to anger.
• Have phone numbers for everything: your hotel, your car rental agency, your airline, friends at your destination. Directory assistance is expensive, whether from your cell, from a phone booth or from home.
• Check flight status repeatedly. Know your airline's 800 number as well as your flight numbers and exact times.
• When traveling on an E-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary from your airline or booking site.
• Choose nonstop flights. The worst, most brutal delays occur in connecting airports, where you have no home, friends or family to retreat to.
• With airlines continuing to cut back on service, it's more important than ever to confirm your flight several days before you leave -- that way you'll have a little leeway to make alternate plans if necessary.
• If you know you'll need long-term airport parking while you're away, be sure to reserve yourself a spot ahead of time at an off-airport lot so you're guaranteed a space.
• Don't overpack even checked luggage; overstuffed bags that must be opened for a security check are much harder to repack.
• Do not wrap gifts, especially if you intend to carry them on the plane. Even in checked baggage, there is a strong chance they will be unwrapped for inspection by security personnel. Consider gift bags instead of wrapping paper this holiday season -- you can easily remove the items from their bags if required and you don't have to do a last-minute wrapping job at your destination.
• Give your cell phone a full charge, and write down or program the phone number of your airline so you can call easily as your flight time approaches.
• If you're leaving pets at home and you haven't made kennel reservations, do so right away.

10 MORE things to do for Family Fun over Christmas Break

11. Try a Winter Sport

Ice skating, skiing, sledding and snow tubing are great ways to enjoy sports in the winter. Of course, these depend on the weather and how close you live to winter recreation areas. Probably the easiest and cheapest to try out is ice skating, since many cities have indoor rinks or seasonal outdoor skating areas especially around the holidays.

12. Volunteer
Of course, volunteering is a great thing to do any time of year. No need to wait for the holidays, but during the holidays there are a lot of opportunities for kids to volunteer. Just be careful think out volunteer commitments and not take on more than you or your child can handle.

13. Create Art
Art is one of those wonderful activities that can be scaled to almost every age and ability level. And depending on the project, it can be done with or without adult supervision. So you can work at home while the kids create art or you can roll up your sleeves and get messy too. Art projects can become gifts for relatives or decorations for the house. Setting up a dedicated art space makes set up and clean up easier.

14. Go to a Museum
Many museums and attractions count on Christmas break for a big surge of visitors, so don’t expect to be the only ones there. However, many attractions put on special programs for kids and/or offer discounts on admission at off-peak hours to get their fair share of the Christmas break traffic.

15. Homework or School Projects
No one said these were all going to be fun Christmas break things to do. Many teachers assign homework or projects. Be sure to ask your child about any project or homework at the beginning of Christmas break so you’re not in for any last-minute surprises. And even if there's no homework, you might want to start thinking ahead to science fair or getting math facts memorized.  Perhaps you and your child can work side by side in your office throughout Christmas break. Or maybe pick a day or two to get the majority of it done.

16. Read a Book Together
Even if you regularly read together, change things up a little during Christmas break. Choose something a little different from your ordinary reading material so it stands out as a holiday tradition. Maybe try a book of Christmas poems or a classic novel read in daily installments. Change up how you do it too. If reading time is usually at bedtime, try after dinner or around the Christmas tree.

17. Write a Book Together
OK, it doesn’t have to be a whole book. But penning a story together can be a great memento of your holiday break. And this is a wonderful activity for kids of all ages. Children who are just beginning to talk can contribute to a group story. Older kids can write or illustrate. This is also an activity you can participate in or something you can have them work on without you while you are working.

18. Take a Trip
A trip to grandma’s may already be on the schedule for Christmas break, in which case you may not be up for more travel, but I’m talking about a vacation, not simply a visit with relatives. Christmas vacations with kids can be as elaborate as a trip to Disney World or as easy as an overnight in a neighboring city. But a trip during the holidays will surely be remembered.

19. Make Appointments – Doctor, Dentist, Haircut, etc.

If you have to take time off work for child care during the holidays, then lighten your load in the coming months. Use the time off to take care of those appointments that often fill up your afternoons, evenings or weekends.

20. Play Games

Before Christmas pull out some of the old games; after Christmas the new ones. Kids games run the gamut from old-fashioned Candyland to video games. But one thing that is universal is kids like it when the parents play.

10 Things to Do During Christmas Break

As crazy as the weeks leading up to Christmas break are, it’s easy to let the break slip away without accomplishing the fun (and not so fun) things you'd planned. While not necessarily a "Christmas break" for you, this is your holiday too. Keeping that in mind will help reduce holiday stress.


While keeping kids busy while you work at home may be one goal, still try to get the most out of your Christmas break with these ideas. Some are things we do every Christmas; some are things we mean to get to all year but don't, and some are things that just need to be done!

1. Bake
From toddlers to teenagers, kids love the mixing and the measuring, but most of all, they love the treats at the end. As you teach kids to bake, scale holiday baking projects to your kids’ abilities and ages. Add activities to keep little kids engaged while you are doing more complicated baking tasks or simplify baking projects so that more experienced kid bakers can take the lead.

2. Put on a Talent Show
This is an activity with so many possibilities! And it's great for all ages, including the grownups. If you're working, the kids might put together a show and perform for you later. Or, the whole family could show off their talents for visiting guests--lip-syncing and dancing to a favorite song or just singing a few carols. (Grandparents are an enthusiastic audience!).  A show can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. This might mean sets, costumes, an original script and live music. Or absolutely none of that! Figure out what works best for your family. And if all your kids aren’t born performers, they can still enjoy writing, directing, set building or designing costumes.

3. Decorate
No one is as enthusiastic about holiday decorating as kids! They throw themselves into it with an energy most adults just don't have this time of year. And that's what makes decorating with kids so much fun. As kids get older, you may even put them in charge of decorating and strike it from your holiday to do list. I admit that idea scares me a little. I don’t necessarily want my house looking like a kid decorated it, but there are many elegant decorating projects kids can do.

4. Make Gifts
Homemade gifts are a kid specialty. They love to make them; we parents love to get them. But homemade gifts don’t have to be just limited to Mother’s Day or just for parents. There are many gifts kids can make — either with close adult supervision or on their own. I love these gifts science geeks can make from About.com Chemistry Guide. But these definitely need adult supervision.

5. Join in Local Holiday Events
Drive through the lighting displays around town; go to firehouse train gardens; see a Christmas show at your local theater. There are countless special events this time of year, and many of them only come around once a year, so don’t let the holiday break slip by without stepping out. Find holiday events in your city.

6. Go Shopping
“Shopping! Haven’t I done enough shopping already?” you say. This time, though, instead of shopping for the kids, shop with the kids. If you can pull it together to shop with the kids before Christmas to let them pick out of gifts, I applaud you. But for many, taking kids shopping at the after-Christmas sales is a better bet. Funny how kids who think shopping is torture, change their tune when they have gift cards or cash they received as presents to spend.

7. Watch “Grown Up” TV with Your Kids
Keeping your kids from watching too much TV over Christmas break is always a challenge. But TV isn't all bad, especially if you watch together. Choose something you want to watch--a sport like football (there’s plenty this time of year!), a cooking show or documentary. Share your interests and knowledge with kids and they may develop an interest too. Happy family memories are forged during the holidays, so the time is ripe for them to look fondly upon the things you love. Just don’t expect too much. Kids have short attention spans. For a program you really want to see, tape it so you can watch it without interruptions later.

8. Watch Family Videos
Nothing entertains kids more than themselves. And there's no better time to break out the home movies than during Christmas break, when there's extra time to watch. And it only makes sense since this is probably the time you break out the video recorder.

9. Try an Indoor Sport
Roller skating, swimming, basketball, ping pong and pool are a few indoor activities to try over your holiday break. If there’s a roller rink nearby, then it’s easy enough to find a place to skate. And some kid-friendly restaurants and arcades have ping pong and pool tables. However, it could be tricky—but not impossible-- to find places for indoor swimming and basketball unless you belong to a sports club. Some health clubs and YMCAs will sell day passes or trial memberships.

10. Organize Kids' Rooms
Getting kids’ room in order before the Christmas may help when it comes to stowing new presents later. Even before Christmas break begins, I sometimes assess what the kids might donate to charity, so I'm ready to make a few suggestions of what might go and what should stay as we organize kids' rooms.

Holiday Safety Tips

Tis the SEASON…fun, joy and unfortunately CRIME:


As many of you know this is the time of year when crime rates rise. We hear about it on the news and through our friends and family who may have fallen victim. It is even more prevalent in these hard economic times. Here are a few tips on crime prevention this holiday season:

Always contact your local police department for more detailed ways to avoid crime.

HOME
• Lock all windows and doors in your home at all times, even if you are stepping out for just a few minutes.
• Keep blinds closed when you are not home.
• Change your routine frequently by leaving and arriving at different times.
• Always set your intrusion alarms even when they are not monitored by the police.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

VEHICLE
• Lock alls doors and keep windows completely closed at all times.
• Never leave your car running unattended while you make a quick stop or just want to warm it up from the cold temps.
• Never leave valuable items visible in your car (coats, handbags, wallets, CD’s, DVD’s, iPods, cell phones, jewelry or money). These are an invitation to become a victim.
• Avoid drive thru or walk up ATM machines when possible.

PERSON
• No matter where you are always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Trust you instinct. If you have a bad feeling, act on it.
• If you are going to be alone, let someone know where you are headed, when you are leaving and that you arrived safely.
• Make copies of each of your credit cards front and back as well as your driver’s license and keep record in a safe place. This is extremely helpful in the event your purse or wallet is stolen.
• Never carry large amounts of cash or let others see you pulling it in and out of your purse or wallet.
• Try to travel in pairs or groups whenever possible.

SHOPPING during the holiday season can present unique danger. Taking a few preventative measures can help keep your holiday season joyous. The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• Keep all vehicle doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your vehicle. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or vehicle with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your vehicle. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the vehicle, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight. However, it is always best to have the individual store hold your purchase until you have completed all of your shopping and are ready to leave.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your vehicle.
• Never talk on your cell phone when walking to your vehicle; you must always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• Do not approach your vehicle alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Hot Holiday Deals at Courtney Bend! How about a 3BR Christmas surprise!

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There's no place like a new HOME for the Holidays!

Picturesque location and lush landscape, near downtown and minutes from the beach Courtney Bend is an ideal place to call home! We have created a new style of apartment living by combining the amenities and space found in custom homes and world class resorts, with the convenience of a great location. Courtney Bend is just minutes from I-95, Hwy 17, Savannah International Airport, and Hilton Head Island. Enjoy a whole new way of apartment home living at Courtney Bend... your own tranquil paradise. Washer and dryer, black GE appliances, and a screened in lanai are included in every apartment home. Pets are welcome (breed restrictions apply). Receive UP TO $381 off on select units per month!! Call us today for more information! 1-877-398-8810 or visit our website at www.courtneybend.com.
***Prices starting as low as $655***

Warm Up to Courtney Bend this season!

Join us in the giving of the holidays!

Please join us to help give our adopted family a beautiful Christmas!

As most of you know each year the ContraVest FAMILY, Friends, Vendors, Residents, and Contractors all come together to adopt Bernadette Hanlon our BEAUTIFUL FRIEND and CO-WORKER to give her 6 daughters a Christmas they will never forget!

For those of you who have not heard of Bernadette’s story, she is a single mom with 3 girls of her own and a less than 5 years ago her oldest daughter had a regular babysitting job to watch 3 little girls. Her daughter had an unexpected school event on the same night she had committed to babysitting. The girl’s mother’s name was Amy, that night Bernie offered to cover for her daughter by watching Amy’s girls in her home. Amy’s oldest daughter 13 at the time decided to stay home alone while the other girls stayed with Bernie. That night a turn of events drastically changed all of their lives forever. Amy’s ex-husband broke into Amy’s home tied up her daughter and waited with a knife for Amy to return. When Amy walked into their home she was brutally attacked and murdered in front of her 13 year old daughter. Luckily Amy’s boyfriend who was parking the car walked in just in time to save Amy’s daughter, he too was stabbed in the struggle and fortunately survived. Amy’s daughter’s had only one living relative a grandmother who was elderly and unable to care for the girls… Bernie took these distraught little girls into her home because they had no one. Their father was arrested and charged with their mother’s murder. Fast forward nearly 5 years, Bernie has spent countless hours fighting the system to protect these children. She spent numerous hours at trial to see that their father paid for his crime and numerous hours at doctor’s appointments for child counseling, she is proud to tell everyone that she was able to officially ADOPT the girls!

As you can imagine it’s a difficult job being a single mother of 6 girls! Bernie’s 3 girls have sacrificed so much by welcoming their new sister’s into their very small home. Amy’s daughters have suffered an unforgettable loss in the murder of their mom. No matter how difficult things have been Bernie has been the one constant in their life! Bernie is an “ANGEL” in every since of the word!

It is our honor each year to give this beautiful and certainly deserving family a wonderful Christmas one that they will remember and cherish for years to come! Christin, Wendy and Darla will head up the fundraiser this year! We ask that you donate whatever you can--no amount is too small! We are asking for donations in the form of gift cards (Visa, American Express, Wal-Mart or Target), cash or personal checks. Please make personal checks payable to Christin Tenpenny so she can cash them to make the actual purchases from the girls Christmas lists.

***Please bring in or mail donations to: C/O Christin Tenpenny, ContraVest Management Company, 237 South Westmonte Drive, Suite 140, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. We appreciate any donation you can make to help this family. If possible would love to receive the donations into us by December 10th to give us time to shop for the gifts!

From our family to yours, thank you!