BUY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS! Subject: How to Read Bar Codes on Food . . .  This is very interesting & good to know as a safeguard.    ALWAYS READ THE LABELS ON THE FOODS YOU BUY--NO MATTER WHAT THE FRONT OF THE BOX OR PACKAGE SAYS, TURN IT OVER AND READ THE BACK---CAREFULLY! With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read labels at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products. Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located. It is important to read the bar code to track it's origin. How to read Bar Codes .... Interesting! This will be useful to know when grocery shopping. GREAT WAY TO BUY USA & CANADA AND NOT FROM CHINA!!           The whole world is afraid of China-made "Black... 03/12/2011

March comes in like a lamb here on the eastern coast of North Carolina.  I have always heard that if March come in like a lamb...that it goes out like a Lion. Well...March has come in like a Lion...I hope it goes out like a Lamb...Spring will be here... We need a break here and need for the sun to continue to shine and the temperatures to rise...and for folks to come and see the beautiful North Carolina Coast of Oak Island....in Brunswick County. Come see us.. Ginger Of Southport 03/09/2011

Well...All day today...I have been trying to figure out what to give up for Lent...since today is the first day of lent. I started thinking about this tonight and discovered the things that I could not give up since I already have done them for today.. First thought of butter...opps...had biscuits for breakfast.. Second thought of butter...not...had on biscuits for breakfast.. Third thought of chocolate...too late...had for snack this afternoon. Well ended up with giving up Ice-cream..   I am trying...are YOU?   Ginger 03/09/2011

This week, one of my dear friends, lost her son due to depression that was from being diabetic.  His depression was so deep that he could no longer deal with life.  He needed a release that he could not find on this earth.  WE have all had a hard time dealing with his loss.  His Mother and Dad are good strong Christian folks that need our love and care.  Lift them in prayer tonight.  This young man, at 39 years old, was a very talented and accomplished chef that brought style into our delightful resturants here in Southport North Carolina. He will be missed by many.. 02/27/2011

Tonight we are enjoying the The Three Tenors. It is absolutely fabulous,   Carreras, Domingo and Pavoratti.. I think this is the first one that was preformed in 1991 and is on PBS...Public Broadcasting System. Zubin Mater is the director.  It is most wonderful... Messum Dorma by Puccini preformed by Pavoratti is just one of my most favorite...   If you can find it on your TV...join in. Ginger 02/26/2011

Well, Today is Friday and it has been a wonderful week.  I have learned much in the way of Blogging and Facebooking.  There has been a lot of positive response from friends and associates from all over. Thanks for all of your help and I truly wish you to have a marvelous weekend...enjoying family and friends. With warmest regards, Ginger Harper 02/25/2011

Southport home sales … How’s the market? Many are asking. Last week I posted a blog highlighting homes sold in Southport this year. In spite of a slow market, many took advantage of some great deals and became our newest residents.By nature, I am always looking to highlight the best,most unique, best-priced, best-located properties at the moment. This Harborside of Southport condo overlooking the Southport Marina, the old Yacht Basin, the Intracoastal Waterway, and beyond… has been flagged for my latest "one of a kind" list. It is currently priced over 20K below a recent appraisal at $320,000.If you are a boater, life doesn’t get much better than this. Or if you’re on Bald Head and need a base on the mainland, again, a perfect setup. It also makes a great weekend rental property. I took... 02/22/2011

I have been highlighting my best-loved Southport area the communities for three or four years now. Indigo Plantation has always been a favorite of mine and I’m happy to finally get around to featuring one of the very best neighborhoods Southport has to offer. For years, Indigo Plantation was the departure location for Bald Head Island’s mainland ferry operation. Its top-notch marina facilities and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Cape Fear River and beyond, are trumped by its quiet in-town location just a 5 minute bike ride to downtown Southport. Originally developed by Bald Head Island Ltd, the preservation of the natural landscape is evident at every turn. Homes rise gently up from their surroundings as though they might have been dropped in by helicopter. Now that Bald ... 02/22/2011

This was such a great Sunday today.  We took the little ones to church and met our daughter and other grandson.  Had  a great sermon.  Came home and had a wonderful Spagettie Dinner with salad and french bread. After eating and cleaning up the kitchen, we sat around and watched Shirley Temple in The little Colonel...The 5 year old and the 2 year old were captivated.   Ginger   02/21/2011

  Arbor Creek is a well-established jewel of a neighborhood located just North of Southport off Highway 211 in a quiet, tranquil setting near St. James Plantation. From traditional bungalows to contemporary coastal and cottage construction, Arbor Creek has much to offer those looking near Southport in the 200k – 400K range. Everyone looking for property in Southport and Brunswick County needs to know what is happening in the specific communities and neighborhoods they are considering. List prices are all over the place and don’t necessarily reflect actual SOLD prices. So focusing on these sold prices and units sold, I will attempt to give you a few stats that might help you in determining values both historically (over the last 5 years) and presently (2010). 5 YEAR -  No. of homes sold... 02/21/2011

With the local real estate market in Southport showing signs of life, it’s time to catch up on what’s happening in Price’s Creek, a unique and colorful neighborhood just a bike ride away from Downtown Southport.While the Brunswick County real estate market remains soft, and many now-labeled “ghost developments” sit in limbo, the Cottages of Price’s Creek now have a real eye for the future. A renewed interest is burgeoning and visible, bringing the dreams of current and future owners peace of mind,  knowing that the vision of its original developer and architect is alive and well.All of the unsold lots in Price’s Creek are now owned by a local bank and they are in the beginning stages of putting some lot/home packages together in the 300s. They will also be releasing a small number of lo... 02/21/2011

As you well know, most realtors spend about 85% of their time, money and energy prospecting for new buyers and sellers.  I have decided that I want to build good relationships with people that know me, trust me and will work with me time and time again.l  Also if I do a good job, they were REFER me to their family and friends.  In the Client Appreciation Program, I plan to send valuable information that I think they will feel is of value.  This mont I am sending.."Where nis Your Credit Score Heading".  It contains so valuable information about your credit scores. If you would like to see this, email me and I will send you the brochure.   Take care, Ginger of Southport 02/17/2011

Planet Fun to Host Fundraising Event For Providence Home, Brunswick County's Only Family Emergency Teen Shelter. Planet Fun, located on Whiteville Road in Shallotte, NC, is hosting a Fundraising Event for Providence House on Sunday, February 27th from 2-6pm. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes bowling, miniature golf, skeeball, arcade games, a pizza/soft drink buffet, a raffle and prizes.  Bowling tournament prizes will be awarded for the top three individual men's, women's and the top team scores.  There will also be a 50-50 raffle with an opportunity to win a beach or ski trip. Providence Home, a private non-profit organization, has been a safe and loving place since its doors opened in Southport, North Carolina on November 19,1997. Providence Home came about from the efforts o... 02/10/2011

Homes for Sale in Southport, NC February 2011 Southport, NC Market Report Homes for Sale According to the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR), as of February 10, 2011 there are 129 single-family, site built homes for sale in Southport, NC with an average listing (asking) price of $293,645 and average 244 days on the market. (Site built homes does not include condos, townhouses, patio homes or modular homes.) These numbers are slightly skewed due to one home priced at $1,250,000 with 715 days on the market. By removing this home, the average listing price for homes for sale in Southport, NC is $286,173 with 240 average days on the market. Search current homes for sale in Southport, NC! Homes Sold According to Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR), since January 1,... 02/10/2011

Well, I have been hone for 3 days now and my office does not want me to come back. I am going stir crazy..not able to do the things that I feel like I must do. Trying to do all that I can on the computer...but not going on listing appointments.  Had to cancel one today that was to be at 3:00. Told the future seller that it would not be a good thing for me to see her today.   She agreed..   Maybe next week.   02/03/2011

   LOCATED IN THE "HEART OF SOUTHPORT" Seller agrees to pay $ 5,000 towards Buyers closing cost!! $274,900      Nice home located in the Heart of Southport. Home is also located at the corner of E. Moore and Cape Fear Drive. Take a stroll to the Cape Fear River, restaurants and shopping. This 2 bedroom home offers appliances, fenced yard, formal dining, irrigation system, free standing gas logs. Stove and heating system have been replaced in 2005. Addede screened gazebo in 1997, refinished hardwood floors in 1997, added climate controlled vents in foundation, added vinyl siding, updated lighting and ceiling fans. Addedparquet flooring and added updated vinyl windows, window treatments remain. Seller is offering an AHS Home Warranty!    1002 E. Moore Street Southport, NC   Property Type... 01/22/2011

  Southport is one of the most beautiful & charming small towns in North Carolina. Visitors flock to Southport's picturesque tree-lined streets to explore its many restaurants, shops, marina, yacht basin & historic attractions. Hundreds of years ago, pirates & explorers visited the area. Today, it's convenient location, where the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, & Cape Fear River meet, is still very popular with mariners. Ginger Harper with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been a Southport resident for 27 years & shares some of her favorite things to do there.   Photos courtesy of Jim Harper. 01/22/2011

  St. James - The newest incorporated community in Brunswick County rose out of the explosion of growth in our area. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway just outside the commercial district of Long Beach Road, St. James enjoys the peacefulness of the country within the close proximity of shops and restaurants. The Town of St. James includes three golf courses, a marina, restaurant, and its own fire station. For additional information call me at 910-470-6713 gingerharper@seacoastrealty.com   01/22/2011

Winter is here.  Temperatures have been in the 50 to 60's along the coast.  On New Years Day...some of our family did the POLAR DIP in cold water.  Although the air temperature was in the mid 60's....the water temperature was in the high 30's. I do know that the fishing is good.  WE have Drum, Flounder, Trout in the creek and they sure do taste mighty good when fresh caught and prepared for the frying pan.  Fix a bit of cole slaw and cut your own french fries and fry...a few hushpuppies and you have a meal fit for a King or Queen.  Lemon pie for dessert. The time is here...come South for the joy of it. Ginger of Southport 01/03/2011

St. James - North Carolina~ #1 Golfing Community   St. James Plantation                                                           For the outdoor enthusiast St. James is situated in a prime location convenient to schools, local shopping, restaurants, entertainment, beaches and golf courses.  The Town of St. James offers its residents a friendly hometown ambiance and a carefree coastal lifestyle.  This upscale community resting against the Intracoastal Waterway offers its residents a marina, restaurants, 81 holes of golf with clubhouses, tennis and swimming complex with indoor/outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an aerobics and yoga studio, plus sauna/steam and massage facilities.                                               Founders Clubhouse & Golf course in St. Jame... 12/30/2010