Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I got an email today from a friend who normally does not forward emails. I have no idea who wrote it, so I cannot give credit except to my friend, Janet! Thanks for a great blog idea!

Support local businesses and self employed laborers by giving some unique gifts this Christmas (and all year long)!

Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from local barbers and hairstylists? Don’t forget the manicure/pedicure!

How about a gym membership to a local gym? Of course, be selective as to whom this gift is given! Don’t insult that sensitive friend…

Who wouldn’t appreciate their car being detailed? Surely you can find a local detail shop or car wash that would LOVE to sell you a gift certificate for their services. Some will even come to your house or work!

How about having some work done to spruce up the curb appeal of your loved one’s home? Ask a local yard guy and licensed handyman for a gift certificate of sorts. They usually don’t have them readily available, but I bet they would get something for you to give!

Drop by the nearest golf course and see what is available. A round of golf with a cart included, perhaps?

Of course, always support your local restaurants! I enjoy some of the major chains like Longhorns, Ruby Tuesdays and Olive Garden as much as the next guy, but don’t forget about the local restaurants, bistros and delis. They would be happy to provide your loved one an excellent meal for a wonderful afternoon or evening! Remember them for your catering and dinner party needs as well.

Most everybody needs oil changes. Get that local guy to write you up a “gift certificate” for some oil changes and tire rotations.

Mom and/or Dad would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady. In fact, we all would like that!

I know a great computer guy that would appreciate the opportunity of updating or repairing your loved one’s computer! Let me know if you need a referral in the Columbia or Lexington area.

Local crafts people make all sorts of things. Go to the Craftsman’s Classic at the SC State Fair grounds when possible or to other local craft shows. Super neat stuff from some very talented people!

And always be sure to tip the local servers. Not just bartenders and waiters, but the UPS guy, mailman, trash  guy, babysitter, boy at the car wash, and if you’re feeling generous – how about surprise the people in the drive-thru window at fast food places. It really blows their minds. They think you gave them too much money and are not quite sure how to react.

BUY AMERICAN TODAY AND EVERY DAY! This is a revolution of caring about and supporting each other!

Don’t forget to help support your local Realtor!  JUST REDUCED! CHECK OUT THESE HOMES AND CONDOS! All under $70,000!

1601 Kathleen Drive

1613 Van Lingle Avenue, Columbia – Excellent Tenant with 12 month lease and wants to remain as long as possible! Only $59,000.
1601/1603 Kathleen Drive, Columbia – This Duplex has One Tenant in place and the other side can be rented out quickly! Only $65,000.
405-A Harbison Blvd, Columbia – Condo in popular community has a Tenant that may like to continue renting, but can move out if needed. Only $65,000.
1478 Cameron Road, Columbia – Brick Bungalow that needs TLC. Some work is currently underway. Only $55,000.
1100 Skyland Drive, Columbia – Brick Condo that needs TLC. Some work is currently underway. Only $45,000.

See these listings and plenty of others under LISTINGS on my website!

Come out this Friday and join Cocky, the USC Marching Band and the FANTASTIC SHAKERS in downtown Columbia! The boys are back in town this Friday, November 11 at 6:30pm for the USC Alumni’s “Rally in the Vista” behind Jillians at 800 Gervais Street in the Vista. The Southeast’s favorite party band, the Fantastic Shakers will be performing an outdoor concert in the parking area behind Jillians. The concert is FREE and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the show will be moved inside. These outdoor events at Jillians are always fun, so plan to attend (I don’t care if you are a Gamecock or a Tiger or whatever, come anyway.)

HELP PREVENT COPPER THEFT!

The Richland County Sheriff’s Departmentgave out a newsletter a while back that gives helpful hints for protecting your home/business from the wave of copper theft. The thugs will rip out a $3000 (and more $$) air unit just to gain $120 worth of copper. Wow – that’s just amazing. Maybe we should give the thugs $120 to leave our air units alone! Some of their suggestions are: Install floodlights or motion-sensing lights near your unit; Secure the unit with a padlock and chain; purchase an air conditioner cage; install an air conditioning alarm that will alert owners that the unit is being tampered with; install a locked fence or other obstruction like shrubs around the unit, leaving room for a technician to get around the unit when needed; put a lock on your crawlspace door. Most importantly, if you notice someone that does not belong, call law enforcement!

DID YOU KNOW??

According to the 2010 Census, the Town of Lexington’s population grew 83% in the past ten years. Not the two-stop-light-town it used to be! The population jumped from 9,793 to 17,870 and ranks as the second largest municipality in the Midlands. The Town says that this qualifies them to potentially receive an estimated $5.4 million in federal dollars over the next ten years, helping to maintain a no tax increase and continuing to provide a higher quality of life through services such as public safety and parks. (Town Newsletter, Volume VII, Issue 4)

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY!!

201 Garden Trail Lane, Lexington SC. I am holding a Sunday Open House from 2 to 4pm on November 13 at this conveniently located unattached patio home off Powell Drive and Highway 378 (across from Uno’s)… Drop by to see me and this 3 BR/2 & 1/2 BA (Master downstairs) Home with a double Garage, spacious Great Room with soaring ceiling and gas fireplace, eat-in Kitchen with lots of cabinets and island and Screen Porch overlooking private, fenced backyard. ONLY $145,000! HOA is only $100 per year. Convenient to #378, #1 and I-20, as well as restaurants, shopping and schools.

GET IN THE GAME WITH THIS TAILGATING TREAT! (also good for weddings, birthdays, showers, etc…)

Cheese ‘n Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms (Kraft Food & Family Recipe)

12 large fresh mushrooms (1 lb)
4 oz (1/2 of an * oz pkg) cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Heat oven to 350.
Remove stems from mushrooms, discard or reserve for another use.
Mix remaining ingredients; spoon into mushroom caps.
Place, filled sides up, in shallow baking dish.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until heated through.