Remember Pest Control will be here tomorrow, so if you have any issues please let us know!

Happy Wednesday!

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $709/month

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $709/month

It's the Weekend!

Happy Friday!

Don't forget rent is due. Today is the last day to pay without the late fee. Remember, you can pay online. All you have to do is:

Log on to www.courtneybend.com, you will see a “resident corner” hyperlink, click on that and it will direct you to www.rentpayment.comwhere you can complete the payment process. Remember if you pay with your bank account it’s FREE! Once you have made the payment, you will receive a reference number to confirm payment has been processed.

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. There is a grace period offered to you for convenience. Rent is late on the 6th of each month.
You can also download the rent payment application onto your iphone to accomodate your schedule.

Happy Wednesday

Effective, January 2, 2012, we are using a new answering service to help better serve our residents and their requests. If you are in need of emergency maintenance or the courtesy officer, please call

(877) 314-6751

 (Monday-Friday 6pm-8am, Saturday 5pm-10am, Sunday all day)

Be sure to provide your name, phone number and apartment number so our staff can contact you.

Thank you!

                                                                                        

8 ways to Simplify your life in 2012!

Streamline your workouts, your morning makeup, even your resolution list. Here are eight New Year tips on how to look better and improve your health for 2012.

1. Focus your New Year's resolutions

Got a long list of ways you want to overhaul your life? Simplify it and you'll tick off more by year's end, says Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., a health psychologist at Stanford University and author of "The Willpower Instinct." Setbacks are inevitable while making a change, she says, "but what's important is to not let one failure turn into an off week or month." Here's how to prioritize so you get real results.

Pick the one thing that matters most. You're most likely to succeed if you stick with a resolution (or two) that is compelling and inspiring to you. How to tell what's a keeper? Pretend it's 2013: Are you grateful you made this change? If your answer is "eh," drop it.

Think big picture. That old advice about making resolutions specific and measurable? Not quite spot on. You could, after all, check off your goal of exercising 30 minutes each day, then help yourself to a second piece of cake -- not consistent with your true overall desire to be fit. "Rather than an outcome like losing 20 pounds or saving $10,000, identify a value, like health or financial security, that becomes your focus for the new year," McGonigal says.

Give yourself a break. Think about what you're pretty sure you can do -- then cut it in half. So if you want to save 10% of each paycheck this year, aim for 5%. And if you don't always hit the mark, don't get discouraged: Even if you saved only 2% this month, that's still in line with your overarching goal (financial health), so onward and upward!

2. Simplify your schedule

If you cringe at each ding of your BlackBerry calendar, you might be over-scheduling yourself, says Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., author of "High Octane Women."

Four ways to get control:

--Book like a therapist. Make appointments 50 minutes long, leaving 10 minutes of flex time to return calls or make up for running long. "Without that cushion, inevitably something will put you off schedule," says Carter.

--Get real. If it's time to trim obligations, but everything feels essential, ask yourself: What was my original goal? If you signed up for marathon training to be more active, but now you're so achy you spend every night on the sofa—there's your answer.

--Be single-minded. "When you get pulled away from a task by email, it takes 16 minutes to return to your previous level of productivity," says Carter. Plow through work faster by turning off all bells and whistles until a project is finished.

--Pencil yourself in. Slot in time for yourself, even if it's just a 10-minute walk in the sun. "Then," says Carter, "don't cancel it!"

3. Make under your morning beauty routine

You can sleep in tomorrow: Carmindy, makeup artist on TLC's "What Not to Wear" and author of "Crazy Busy Beautiful," officially releases you from the mandate to re-create your features every a.m.: "You want to enhance your natural beauty, not contour new cheeks." Try this to get gorgeous with a lot less effort:

Go big. Apply blush with one swipe of a large powder brush. "A traditional brush puts too much on a smaller area, so you spend time blending," Carmindy says.

Highlight key spots. Sweep pale-vanilla shimmering shadow under brow, on inside eye corner, and on cheekbone top. "The contrast makes you look as good as if you were wearing more makeup," she says.

Skip the blowout. Every other day, swap your shampoo and blow dryer for a de-greasing powder. "Brush this through and hair's perfect again," says Carmindy.

4. Streamline your go-to meals

Six p.m. might just be the shortest hour of the day. Save the dicing, measuring, and fussing and still get healthy, mouthwatering food on the table with these tips from Ellie Krieger, R.D., host of the Cooking Channel's "Healthy Appetite" and author of "Comfort Food Fix."

Use no-chop ingredients. All you need for a great homemade meal in 15 minutes is a quick-cooking, minimal-prep protein (chicken or fish), whole grains (whole-wheat pasta, brown rice), and veggies that are already bite-size (snow peas, baby arugula). "I love garlic basil shrimp with cherry tomatoes and orzo -- you don't even need a knife," Krieger says.

Swap shortcuts. You might automatically grab a tub of shredded Parmesan, then head to the fresh produce section for veggies. But rethinking which ingredients you buy premade can cut time and boost flavor. "Frozen peas and spinach are easier and just as good as fresh in many dishes," Krieger says. "But there's no substitute for freshly grated cheese. Plus it has more flavor than store-bought, so you use less." Just put a hunk on the dinner table along with the grater.

Alter the atmosphere. A lot of cooking stress comes from the attitude you walk into the kitchen with, Krieger says: "I used to approach making dinner as drudgery, but then I started putting music on, pouring a glass of wine, having my daughter there ripping up lettuce for the salad. It can become the nicest part of your day."

5. Edit your news feed

To counter iOverload, unsubscribe to useless e-lists and news feeds. Then use a bare-bones or customizable home page like iGoogle (instead of a headline-heavy one) or a customized reading app like Flipboard, suggests Gary Small, MD, professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of "iBrain."

6. Lighten your handbag

It's a great way to instantly feel more organized. To do it: Follow these steps from Regina Leeds, author of "One Year to an Organized Life."

Take everything out. Separate it piece by piece into groups of like items, creating categories as you go (cosmetics, pharmacy, work essentials).

Get brutal. Toss the trash and trade full-size anything for travel-size. Admit what you can do without (superglue? spare thumb drive?).

Repack. Tuck each group of must-haves into different-colored mesh bags—easier than remembering which of your purse's seven pockets your lipstick is in.

Do a daily sweep. Take 60 seconds when you get home to file receipts, clear out junk, and replenish supplies. You should be feeling lighter already!

7. Weed out your closet

Weird-but-true wardrobe math: Subtracting pieces can make you feel like you have more to wear, says Dana Ravich, fashion stylist and co-author of "I Have Nothing to Wear!." Clear out the freeloaders this way:

Give it three rounds. First, toss anything that's not in good condition (you can't even donate it). Second, donate what no longer matches your life or style -- uncomfortable shoes, plunging necklines that make you fear a wardrobe malfunction. In round three, try on what's left. "Anything that stays must be a 10," says Ravich. That means it satisfies two additional criteria: It flatters your figure and expresses your personal style. Variety isn't as important as quality. So what if you wear one of the same five fabulous bottoms every day? Your bottom will look fabulous every day.

Slim down your rack. Trade bulky wood and plastic hangers for "huggable" ones. "These are very thin felt hangers that quadruple your space and grip all your spaghetti straps and anything else that normally slides off," says Ravich. Don't hang knits, by the way -- stack them on shelves.

Display jewelry. You can use a plastic hanging organizer with dozens of clear, zippered compartments so that jewelry stays detangled and visible all at once. Done.

8. But keep one pair of almost-fit jeans

Yes, you want to streamline. But hanging on to jeans you hope to fit in can help you stick with a fitness goal, says Jennifer Baumgartner, Psy.D., author of "You Are What You Wear." Hang them right on your closet door, she advises, so you can visualize the payoff.

Tonight we're gonna party like it's 2012

A quick guide to what is going on in Savannah for New Year's Eve

Before you ask, yes, there will be fireworks over the Savannah River on New Year's Eve. Anyone planning to be on River Street Saturday evening should try looking into the sky at 11:59 p.m. The ‘works are going to be hard to miss.

Would it surprise you to learn that Tybee Island's New Year's Eve fireworks display is the best-attended annual event out there?

Sure, there are probably a few stragglers on the island still looking for Miley Cyrus (that was so 2009, people), and the October Piratefest gets the most attention and media coverage (and moves the most alcohol).

But shiver me timbers and swash me buckle, thousands gather on Tybee every Dec. 31 for the area's largest pyrotechnical show. It starts at midnight, it's free (of course), and you're welcome to watch from the pier, the pavilion, the beach, or the sidewalk outside any of the fine wining ‘n' dining establishments in the immediate vicinity.

That is, if you can find a parking space.

Auld lang songs

Should you want to find out what bands are playing where on New Year's Eve, our weekly Soundboard section contains the most thorough listing in Savannah.

However, there's a lot of information there (those pesky other six days of the week, for example). So here's a bare-bones, pick ‘n choose rundown of the music scheduled in local nightclubs on the biggest party night of the year:


Liquid Ginger plays ‘80s-style rock ‘n' roll and rock-solid originals at Wild Wing Café; Live Wire Music Hall's got up-and-coming Savannah rockers Listen 2 Three; Outstanding rockabilly quartet Crazy Man Crazy shares a bill at the Wormhole with the psych-rock outfit Sinister Moustache; Bad Justice rings out the old at the Boiler Room (a new club, at 302 Williamson St., next to Savannah Smiles); the Eric Culberson Band plays the Warehouse, on River Street; the Fletcher Trio is at Retro on Congress. Look for smooth R&B and funky delights from A Nickel Bag of Funk at Tantra Lounge. The bluesy Jon Lee & the Canebrakes are onstage at Isaac's on Drayton.

At the Tybee Island Social Club, Bottles & Cans and the Train Wrecks will alternate sets; the electronica bandThumbprint has got you covered at Huc-a-Poos Bites & Booze.

Hip hop DJ Basik Lee - a charter member of Dope Sandwich - is spinning at Congress Street Social Club, while DJs also take center stage at the Jinx's New Year's Eve Dance Party. DJ Jake the Snake has the tables at Hang Fire.

Are you plungeworthy?

Meanwhile, back on Tybee Island, the New Year will be welcomed, traditionally, with the annual Polar Plunge: At 11:45 a.m. on New Year's Day, you can yell, scream, act crazy and run into the ocean. Or you can run into the ocean first, then yell and scream when you hit that chilly water. Costumes are encouraged, but remember, it's a family event.

There's a new twist this year: Plungers are invited to help Tybee get into the Guinness Book of World Records as "The Largest Gathering of People Wearing Swim Caps." The previous record - 546 people - was set last July in Osaka, Japan.

Here's how it works: For a $25 registration fee, participants get an official Tybee Polar Plunge latex swim cap and a long-sleeve Tybee Polar Plunge T-shirt. All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Tybee Post Theater.

Those who would prefer to avoid the water altogether are welcome to register, get the cap and T-shirt, be a part of the Guinness effort, and stay dry. It's your call.

Similarly, if you want to plunge, you can do that without registering for the world record contest.

Advance registration and/or pick-up of swim cap and T-shirt is available on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Tybrisa Roundabout. The on-site Guinness registration table, by the pier entrance, opens at 9 a.m. Sunday.

Top 10 New Year's Eve Destinations

All over the world partygoers look for the ultimate New Year's Eve bash. Major cities have a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants but it can be hard to find a truly original and exciting way to welcome in the new year. For those looking for a unique way to celebrate the occasion, check out these 10 spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations across America.
THE STRIP: SIN CITY

The Las Vegas Strip is closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian party for thousands of celebrants. With plenty of food, drink and entertainment, including street performers and show girls, there is a wealth of activities to keep revellers occupied until the magnificent midnight pyrotechnics.

If one's New Year's Eve isn't complete without a little clubbing, then one will get a treat in Vegas, where celebrities join the masses at upscale nightclubs. Those prepared to spend $150 to $250 may get the chance to rub elbows with A listers. Alternatively, take in one of the big acts hosted by the large hotels andcasinos before seeing 40,000 tons of fireworks set alight at midnight.

TIMES SQUARE: NEW YORK CITY

Every year people worldwide tune in to watch Dick Clark count down the seconds to the famous ball drop inTimes Square, while the hundreds of thousands of people lucky enough to be there create a jam in and around the square—so don't expect to be able to leave until the party's over!

Merrymakers can continue to celebrate well past midnight at parties held in clubs, restaurants and hotelsin the Times Square area and throughout Manhattan. For those who have made resolutions for a healthier lifestyle in the new year, start off on the right foot with the Brooklyn Bridge Walk or the New Year's Midnight Run.

BAY BOAT TOUR: SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco celebrates the new year with a variety of flamboyant events. A harbour tour is an ideal way to see the city lights and brilliant fireworks displays. Family cruises are affordable, typically hosted by a DJ and serve finger food and light drinks. Adult cruises offer four-course meals, top-shelf bars, live bands and dance floors.

There are also a variety of indoor and outdoor benefit events in San Francisco, including masquerade balls, themed galas and fashion shows, many of which feature unusual entertainment including exotic dancers, magicians and acrobatic acts.

HAWAIIAN LUAU: HONOLULU

Honolulu has plenty of nightclubs, hotels and restaurants at which to welcome the big occasion but the most inspiring is a traditional Hawaiian luau, where guests can experience colorful and animated island rituals. A buffet-style meal includes seafood, chicken, beef, pork and lamb dishes and open bars are well stocked with beer, wine and tropical cocktails. Stories are told using a fusion of legendary songs, mesmerizing chants, traditional Polynesian dances and modern choreography.

Fireworks are an important part of Hawaiian celebrations, stemming from Asian influences in Polynesian culture. View the amazing displays from Waikiki Beach or offshore on a boat cruise.


DISNEY WORLD: ORLANDO

Walt Disney World Resort is the ultimate destination for families to welcome in the new year. Music, dancing, parades and spectacular fireworks ensure that it is a night to remember. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and Hollywood Studios are open late but theAnimal Kingdom closes at 8pm. Adults will enjoy Pleasure Island where a huge street party is fuelled by a generous buffet, live entertainment, dancing, plenty of party favors and a midnight fireworks display.

Parks reach capacity through the day after which further admittance is not permitted so arrive early and spend the entire day.

TORCHLIGHT PARADE: ANCHORAGE

Fire and ice is the only way to describe the astounding New Year's Eve celebrations in Anchorage, Alaskawhere the cold doesn't stop locals from enjoying the biggest party of the year. Downtown hosts musicians, dancers, acrobats, jugglers and magicians performing around the skating pond and an amazing array of ice sculptures carved by local artists.

Meanwhile, in nearby Girdwood, the Torchlight Parade begins, a longstanding tradition involving 300 skiers and snowboarders. Participants traverse the slopes of Mount Alyeska with bamboo torches, illuminating the mountain with a trail of firelight. The evening ends with the biggest fireworks show in Alaska.

NEW ORLEANS

In New Orleans New Year's Eve is a little bit different from most places; midnight is when the party really begins. The biggest celebration is at Jackson Square, packed with festive partygoers eager to ring in the new year. Instead of a ball drop, Baby Bacchus falls from his perch atop the Jax Brewery. A magnificent fireworks show over the Mississippi River follows, then the crowd migrates to Bourbon Street to party until morning.

Bars, clubs and restaurants offer a more intimate atmosphere for the festivities. And there is an abundance of family events, including 'countdowns to noon' hosted by the Louisiana Children's Museum andAudubon Zoo, complete with games, entertainment, balloons and confetti.SPACE NEEDLE: SEATTLE

Seattle's most famous landmark becomes the center of a dazzling display launched from 75 locations on and around the needle. One hundred thousand spectators watch from the ground but the best view is from the Space Needle itself. Start by taking the minute-long elevator ride to the top. Those lucky enough to catch a snowstorm will see snowflakes floating gently upward, since the elevator moves faster than the snow falls. Dine in SkyCity, a sophisticated restaurant with a rotating 360-degree view of the Seattle skyline,Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay and surrounding islands. Then check out the open-air observation deck (O Deck) directly above the restaurant to best experience the lights and sounds of the fireworks display.
CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: ST. CROIX

A real party lasts more than one night. In the US Virgin Islands the annual Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix begins on the first Thursday in December and ends on the first Saturday of January. Experience traditional events such as the crowning of a Queen and King, calypso contests and parades. In mid-December, onlookers from the boardwalk enjoy the annual St. Croix Boat Parade, a procession of boats ablaze with festive lights accompanied by music and fireworks. New Year's Eve is celebrated at the Festival Village in Frederiksted.

PEACH DROP: ATLANTA

A great way to count down to the new year for the whole family is the annual Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta. This 20-year-old celebration is the largest New Year's Eve party in the Southeast (and the second largest event of its kind in the United States, behind the famous Times Square ball drop). The fun begins at noon and goes to midnight. Early events include kids' games, activities and live music. At night expect fireworks, big name acts, and of course, the much anticipated descent of the 800-lb (363-kg) peach.

It is recommended that celebrants who want to dine out on the big night make reservations for restaurants in the vicinity of Underground Atlanta; all of the bars and nightclubs in the area are open until 4am.

Popular New Year's Resolutions

These New Year's resolutions are popular year after year. Find resources to help you achieve your goals.

• Drink Less Alcohol
• Eat Healthy Food
• Get a Better Education
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Lose Weight
• Manage Debt
• Manage Stress
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• Save Money
• Take a Trip
• Volunteer to Help Others

Holiday Office Hours

Residents:

Our office will be CLOSING Saturday December 31, 2011 at 1:00PM and will be CLOSED all day Sunday January 1, 2012 in observance of the holiday. We will re-open on Monday January 2, 2012 at 8:30AM.

Should you have a maintenance emergency please call

843-208-3420. (please note this number has changed effective 1/1/12.)

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Courtney Bend Management

***There will be an attendant on duty from 1PM to 6PM Saturday and we will be CLOSED on New Year’s Day***

Also, please remember to check community updates via our Courtney Bend Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CourtneyBendApartments

Celebrate New Year's Eve on the Savannah River! Join everyone on board for a one of a kind riverboat party cruise! This 2 1/2 hour cruise includes: hors d'oeuvres spread, midnight champagne toast, party favors, live entertainment, dancing and a cash bar. **Guests MUST be 21 or older for this event**

Ring in 2012 in style!!

Boarding at 9:00 p.m., Sailing at 10:00 p.m., Retunring at 12:30 a.m. 

Groups of 25 or more, please contact our sales department at 912.232.6404.

New Year's Eve Party Cruise
Adult Price: $56.95

Gift Card Purchase Bonuses-Restaurant and Retail List

Major U.S. retail chains and restaurants are offering bonuses to customers who purchase gift cards in the 2011 Christmas shopping season in order to capture their fair share of the $28 billion of gift cards that are expected to be purchased in 2011. Retailers and national restaurant chains are giving away free gift cards, merchandise discounts, gift certificates, and other freebies and bonuses the purchaser of the gift card, which purchasers can use as an extra gift, or keep and redeem themselves.

This is a complete list of retailers who are offering free and bonus gift cards, discounts, and gift certificates with the purchase of gift cards, e-gift cards, mobile gift cards, and e-gift certificates as a marketing promotion in the 2011 holiday gift shopping season. This list is arranged alphabetically, according to the name of the retail chain.

Complete List of Gift Card Bonuses Offered by Retail and Restaurant Chains:

Benihana
Get a $10 bonus gift card when you purchase a $50 gift card through 12/31/11

Burlington Coat Factory Gift Card Bonuses
Receive a bonus $5 gift card with the purchase of a $50 gift card through December 24

Bonefish Grill Restaurant
Get a $20 bonus gift card when you purchase a $100 gift card and get an entry in the Bonefish Grill 12 Days of Happiness sweepstakes

Black Angus
Get a $5 Bonus Bucks Card when you purchase a $50 gift card or get free shipping and a $5 Bonus Bucks Card when you purchase a gift card worth $75 or more.

California Pizza Kitchen
Get a $20 bonus gift card when you purchase a $100 gift card

Carraba’s Italian Grill
Get a $20 bonus gift card and an entry to win $5,000 when you buy a $100 gift card

Cheesecake Factory
Get an eSlice of Joy, good for one slice of cheesecake (redeemable 12-26-11 through 3-31-12) when you purchase $25 in gift cards (by December 25, 2011)

Chili’s
Get a 10% discount on the purchase of $100 in gift cards

Claim Jumper
Get 5% in bonus gift cards when you purchase $500.00 or more in gift cards. Get 10% in bonus gift cards and free shipping when you purchase $2,500.00 or more in gift cards.

Culver’s
Get a bonus certificate good for a free Double Deluxe Value Basket when you purchase a $25 gift card

Denny’s Restaurant
Send a free Denny's holiday e-card and get a free Red Velvet Pancake Puppies Sundae for yourself and each person you send the e-card to.

Famous Dave’s
Get a $5 bonus gift card when you purchase a $25 gift card at participating Famous Dave's restaurant location

Gordman's
Get a $10 Savings Card with the purchase of a $50 Gift Card through 12-24-11

Maggiano’s Little Italy
Get a $20 bonus gift card plus a subscription to Food and Wine Magazine when you purchase a $100 gift card

Outback Steakhouse
Get a $20 gift card (which can be used from January 1 - February 10, 2012) for every $100 in gift cards you purchase through December 31, 2011

Qdoba Mexican Grill
Get a $5 Qdoba voucher (redeemable in January and February, 2011)for every $25 loaded on a single Qcash Card

Red Robin Get a $5 Bonus Bucks card (good from January 1 - February 29, 2011) when you buy a $25 gift card or get a 20% discount for with the purchase of $500 in gift cards

Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Get a $5 bonus gift card when you purchase $25 in gift cards

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Get 10% in bonus gift cards when you purchase $250 in gift cards

Stonewood Grill & Tavern
Get a $50 bonus gift card when you purchase $250 worth of gift cards or a $40 bonus gift card when you purchase $200 in gift cards, or a $30 bonus gift card when you purchase $150 in gift cards, or a $20 bonus gift card when you purchase $100 in gift cards

Sweet Tomatoes
Get a free "meal pass" when you purchase a $50 gift card through January 31st

Taco Bell
Get a free Chicken Flatbread Sandwich Combo when you buy a $20 gift card

Taco Cabana
Get a $5 bonus gift card when you purchase a $25 gift card

Ted’s Montana Grill
Get a $20 bonus card and an entry to win a $1,000 gift card when you purchase $100 in gift cards

The Children’s Place
Get a $10 e-gift card when you purchase $40 in gift cards

Uno Chicago Grill
Get a $5 bonus voucher when you purchase $25 in gift cards

Holiday Office Hours

Office & Clubhouse Holiday Hours: 
Saturday 12/24 10am-1pm.Then night attendant will on duty from 1:30 pm to 5:30pm. Be sure to get your packages by then..bring your ID!

Sun. 12/25 CLOSED.

Don't Forget Holiday Party Tonight Starting at 6:30pm! 

Come Join Us For Drinks,Finger Foods and Candy!

Special Appearance By Santa!

Having opened its doors on December 4, 1818, the historic Savannah Theatre is the oldest one of its kind still operating on its original site in the USA. Restored in 2002, the Savannah Theatre combines the 1940's Art Deco Style with a state-of-the-art light and sound system, producing a variety of shows throughout the year.

This joyful holiday show brings you two hours of glitz and glitter celebration.The theatre is transformed into a perfect holiday picture, sharing memories of the Christmas standards that you know and love. Sprinkle in a little comedy and audience participation for the greatest event of the season. It's the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family, and co-workers! Let this exuberant holiday event bring you into the Christmas spirit as this professional cast sings and dances their way into your heart!

3:00 pm Saturday & Sunday

(late November through late December)

8:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday 

(late November through late December)

2-3 hours long

Don't forget to RSVP for the Courtney Bend Holiday Party! 

There will be FREE Rent give away's and more! 

Drinks, Food, Music & Santa!!

Thursday, December 22nd 6:30-9:00pm. See you there!!!