Jenn Neumann Surfside Beach Real Estate

Now, at this point in time, I'm not sure how many people would answer the title question with a positive, resounding "Yes!" but at least around my area there is a lot more activity going on. I'm not sure if I would say it is healthy, but it's on the road to recovery. The housing crisis was not a 24-hour bug, so it will not go from failing to fabulous overnight but we seem to be taking steps in the right direction.

I was happy to see this article from BuilderOnline who partnered with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence entitled "The Healthiest Markets for 2009" which included Myrtle Beach, SC at number 15. Very encouraging news! We like positive publicity.

A few notes if you actually click the link and read the article: The city of Myrtle Beach is actually in Horry County, which is not one of the two mentioned (just FYI). Also, the Hard Rock Park has been bought by new owners and is aiming to be open for Memorial Day weekend, which should bring new jobs to the area.

If you don't then this post will not interest you in the least. Everyone else, read on!

Plato's Closet is a bargain shopper's dream. It is a store where you can trade in your own clothes which don't fit or you had to buy but just never got around to wearing. Yes, they give you money for getting rid of clothes and accessories that are just taking up space in your closet. They also have very good prices on name brand clothing.

Today, my friend Meghan and I went to Plato's Closet and they were having the MOTHER of all SALES. I was a little excited. Ok, a lot excited. You could fill (and by fill I mean stuff until the handles are three times as long as normal) a small plastic bag with as many clearance items as humanly possible for just $15. My dream come true! I grabbed two bags thinking I wouldn't be able to stuff everything I wanted in just one bag, but I only ended up needing one. I got three skirts, six shirts, three dresses, three pairs of pants and a pair of shoes. For a grand total of $16.05.

Shopping makes me happy and sale shopping is even more fun. I'm not hard to please. =)

So if you're into bargain shopping, see if there is a Plato's Closet near you (it is geared toward younger people but they have items for everyone). If not, sometimes there are other stores with similar names. We also have a Moozie's Closet but I haven't been there since Plato's opened up a few months ago.

January Art and Wine Event January 20, 2009 5 PM - 9 PM

Featured Artist: Chiara Rizza Hansen Chiara's art may be viewed at crhinteriordesigns.com

Music Provided By: Gentry Bistro Wines By: Stephen Stroman Cost: FREE

Call for dinner reservations: 843-448-2253 www.croissants.net

If you are in the Myrtle Beach area and you have never tried Croissants, you are missing out! They make wonderful baked goods and also have recently expanded to having a bistro menu for dinner. They have made special order cookies and cakes! It is a fun, cozy atmosphere and free wine, music and art is always fun!

Croissants is located at 3751 Grissom Parkway in Myrtle Beach.

Reason #384: I left the house at 8:30 this morning and it was warm enough to not need a jacket. 70 degrees in January!

I am back from my trip to Pennsylvania. It's always nice to visit but I am glad to be back. Work is busy so I jumped right back into it today! The snow was nice but I do not miss it.

Did anyone make New Year's Resolutions? I did not make a specific one but did join an ActiveRain group which is meant to motivate us to lose weight and be more healthy. I am in the group to keep me accountable for eating healthier and exercising regularly. Work sometimes gets so busy and the schedule can get erratic that exercising and eating well get forgotten.

So here's to a great 2009 and starting it off right!

Reason #384: I left the house at 8:30 this morning and it was warm enough to not need a jacket. 70 degrees in January!

I am back from my trip to Pennsylvania. It's always nice to visit but I am glad to be back. Work is busy so I jumped right back into it today! The snow was nice but I do not miss it.

Did anyone make New Year's Resolutions? I did not make a specific one but did join an ActiveRain group which is meant to motivate us to lose weight and be more healthy. I am in the group to keep me accountable for eating healthier and exercising regularly. Work sometimes gets so busy and the schedule can get erratic that exercising and eating well get forgotten.

So here's to a great 2009 and starting it off right!