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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/looking-for-condo-living-look-no-further.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/looking-for-condo-living-look-no-further.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Looking For CONDO LIVING?  Look no further.....</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This lovely condo is adjacent to the new Kempsville Revitalization Project.  There will be shopping, walking paths and restaurants a short stroll away.


Home has one owner and is move in ready.  This is a two bedroom and two bath condo.  Kitchen has plenty of cabinets and opens into great room.  Great room has gas fireplace and lots of windows for plenty of light.  All window shades convey. 


Second floor condo all on one floor has elevator access.  Great room opens to balcony facing view of creek.


Condo has a separate utility room with washer and dryer included. Neutral colors throughout condo.


Seller to pay six months of condo fees for Buyer. 


CALL NOW!!!!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:14:49 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/buying-a-house-not-with-your-credit-score.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/buying-a-house-not-with-your-credit-score.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Buying a house? Not with your credit score.....</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Don Taylor of Bankrate.com


The good news is you can turn your credit score around. All you have to do is get current and stay current on your bills. Negative information, other than a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, stays on your credit report for seven years. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing stays on your credit report for 10 years. Once you get your credit score back up into the upper 600s or low 700s, you can consider applying for a mortgage.






Your income will limit how much house you can afford. In general, mortgage lenders don't want their customers spending more than 28 percent of their monthly income on principal, interest, taxes and insurance. The lender will have underwriting standards concerning how they count child support payments. In general, you have to have been receiving payments for the past year and expect to continue receiving payments for the next three years for the child support payments to figure into how much house you can afford.


 








'Listed:' Number of homes for sale at 4-year low




Aside from income, you must also consider how you will come up with a down payment. When you have your credit in shape, approach your local housing authority about grants and down payment assistance programs to see if you qualify.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:24:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/12-new-ways-to-save-money-in-2012-by-dave-ramsey.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/12-new-ways-to-save-money-in-2012-by-dave-ramsey.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>12 New Ways to Save Money in 2012 by Dave Ramsey</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 





Weekly library trips are fun. Brown-bag lunches are the norm. And eating at home is routine. Is there anything else you can do to see more money in your wallet this new year? Absolutely!


Dave's active Facebook fans suggested some off-the-beaten-path ways to save some cash and have fun at the same time.


Family Fun in the Kitchen


Got kids (or a spouse) who beg for McDonald's when you say "leftovers"? Take Heather Houze's advice: "I always make extra servings [of food] and one night we have 'second-chance buffet.' No one ate leftovers till I renamed the meal!"


Vernon Jones' tip will make this "buffet" disappear even faster than you expect. During his family night, he lets the kids find recipes online and then help shop for the most cost-conscious items to make the dishes. Since everyone has a part in choosing the recipes, they're more likely to gobble it up the second time around.


Check out more.


It's Time to Party!


Everyone needs to budget some fun into their lives! And Lynn Hunter says that hosting parties is a good way to save some money—really! "Plan simple get-togethers with simple treats (go potluck) centered around a game, a holiday, or an event. You will find that celebrating with friends and family creates an appreciation for the wealth at your fingertips rather than spending to find it."


This idea can easily be transferred over to birthday parties for your kids without you feeling like a cheapskate. Lisa Williams let her 6-year-old daughter plan the last celebration—a dinosaur and cupcake-decorating home party—which was a ton of fun for everyone! Of course they chowed down on punch and cupcakes, but they also did a dino dig, ate popcorn, watched a dino cartoon, and left with goody bags full of inexpensive things from the dollar store.





Get Real Discounts


Just because something is on sale or at a "discount" store doesn't automatically make it a deal for you. "It sounds backward, but stay out of the discount stores. There's always something there that you feel like you need," Karen Lowry advised. If you stay out of these stores the majority of the time (and only go with a strict list), you'll also avoid the temptation to start or continue collections. "Things that are really just money wasters—limited edition Christmas ornaments and Elvis plates—things that collect dust and don't increase in value," Karen also commented.


Have you ever considered YouTube as a "digital library"? Larry Kelly did and saved more than $100! "I repaired a computer monitor for $8 that Best Buy wanted to charge $150 just to look at," he said. (Disclaimer: If you've tried stuff like this in the past only to mess it up and cost yourself more money, check with local freelancers you trust first.)


Check out more.


New Year, New Results


Last but not least, Kevin DeMoss suggested the most entertaining thing we can all do: Send the prepaid envelopes back to the credit card companies with nothing in them but a picture of Dave. You are doing two things: introducing them to Dave and helping out the almost bankrupt USPS (not to mention saving yourself a ton of debt temptation too)!


It's time to get the new year off to a productive start! We're here to help you keep your momentum and focus throughout 2012. Discover how you can achieve new results in the coming months and make 2012 different! 


Start this New Year off with new results! Get fired up and get control over your money for good!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:04:33 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/10-ways-to-make-a-small-room-look-larger.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/10-ways-to-make-a-small-room-look-larger.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger


Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking for.


Here, Lowe's offers 10 designer tricks to help you make any room look larger:




For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.


Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.


Lighting is a key element in opening up a space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down on the room. Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.


Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.


The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling-use a light color or white to "open up" the space above.


Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, they reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.


Don't place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wood chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.


Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.


The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.


A glass table, whether it is a dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of an open and free space.




For more how-to project ideas, visit Lowe's How-To Library at http://www.lowes.com/cd_How+To+Library_615580068_.


    Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:40 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/home-maintenance-tip-8-tips-to-protect-your-home-while-away-on-vacation.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/home-maintenance-tip-8-tips-to-protect-your-home-while-away-on-vacation.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Home Maintenance Tip - 8 Tips to Protect Your Home While Away on Vacation</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ By Kelly O'Ryan Many lucky families are planning holiday trips to cure their winter blues. Here are some important things to remember if you leave your home for several days. 

 




Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can't have someone pick it up every day, it's a sure giveaway that nobody's home and can be a green light for burglars.


If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you're gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return.


Unplug all electronics that don't need to used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers.


Lower the temperature on your water heater.


If you can, leave a car in the driveway and use timers to turn on outdoor and indoor lights to give the impression that someone is home. Leaving the porch light on the entire time you're gone is a bad idea. If you don't have a timed light, you can leave an interior light on for the duration of your trip as long as you can't easily notice it during the day.


As excited as you may be to go on vacation, avoid advertising it over Facebook and Twitter. Also, keep this in mind while posting updates from your cell phone on vacation.


If you have access to one, place all your valuables in a safe or safe deposit box.


Remember, if your house is on the market, you can ask your REALTOR® to stop by and check in. While you're on vacation, it's a great time for showings because you won't have schedule conflicts.


If you follow these tips the next time you are out of town, you will most likely protect your house and your peace of mind.Reprinted with permission of RisMedia, publisher of Real Estate Magazine ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:45:44 -0400</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/laundry-room-storage-5-naked-truths.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/laundry-room-storage-5-naked-truths.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Laundry Room Storage: 5 Naked Truths</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
By:  Jan Soults Walker 


Unless you do your laundry in the buff, it’s one chore that’s never really done. Follow these laundry room storage ideas, however, and you can breeze through your dirty duds in no time.


1. Make space for your washer and dryer


Put your laundry room or area near bedrooms where you generate the most laundry so you can minimize steps and clothes clutter. To carve out space for a laundry station inside a bathroom or hall closet, you’ll need:




Electric outlets. Electric dryers require a 220-volt dedicated outlet. Cost: $300 to $1,000, professionally installed.






Plumbing. The washer needs hot and cold water connections as well as a drain or a hose fed into a standpipe. All dryers require a vent to the outside to exhaust heat from the drum. Gas dryers require a gas line. Cost: $300 to $550.






Space requirements. For a stackable washer and dryer, provide a minimum space of 40 inches deep and 32 inches wide. A side-by-side washer and dryer need space measuring at least 40 inches deep and 56 inches wide.




2. Add cabinets for better laundry room storage


De-clutter by keeping laundry room necessities out of sight.




Drawer units. Front load washers and dryers are easy on your back when elevated with base pedestals, which offer drawer storage. Pedestals usually are made by individual manufacturers to fit their brand. Cost: $110 to $265.






Stock cabinetry. Home centers offer stock kitchen cabinetry that you can install above and/or beside the washer and dryer. For a laundry near the kitchen, select cabinetry that complements existing units. Cost: $130 to $350 per cabinet.






Freestanding laundry room storage. To keep clutter out of sight behind doors, position a freestanding cabinet between or beside the washer and dryer. Some armoires feature hanging space inside.






Extras. Equip a stock or freestanding cabinet with a fold-down ironing board and a holder for the iron and related supplies.




3. Provide laundry room storage bins, baskets, and more




Bins. Canvas or solid metal bins keep small items corralled and out of sight inside a cabinet or on open shelves. Wire baskets make it easy to inventory supplies while keeping similar items together.






Lined baskets. A canvas lining provides visual appeal and prevents wicker from snagging folded linens or other items you store inside.






Pull-outs. Rather than bending and rooting around in the back of a base cabinet, equip it with a pullout hamper, wastebasket, or shelves.






Sorters and hampers. You’ll find a variety of bins for storing and sorting soiled laundry, including canvas versions with an overhead rod for hanging clothes.




4. Include easy-access surfaces




Open shelves. Melamine or wire shelves above or beside the washer and dryer provide a good spot for quickly accessing often-used supplies.






Countertops. A countertop on base cabinets or installed above a front-load washer and dryer (that aren’t elevated on pedestals) provide a place for folding clothes.




5. Create space for hanging clothes


Include a spot to hang clothing fresh from the dryer or to drip dry. For example, stretch a pole between tall cabinets flanking the washer and dryer. For compact laundry room storage spaces, look for collapsible hanging units or retractable clotheslines.Jan Soults Walker, a nationally published home improvement writer for more than 25 years, would rather hunt for flea market finds than the laundry soap.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:53:13 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/hurricane-disaster-preparedness-for-horses-in-chesapeake.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/hurricane-disaster-preparedness-for-horses-in-chesapeake.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>HURRICANE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR HORSES IN CHESAPEAKE </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 






Watson Lawrence, Extension Agent, Chesapeake


 


Prepared: September 2005


 


Updated August 2011


 


WHY HORSE OWNERS NEED TO BE PREPARED


 


Disaster preparedness is important for all animals but it is particularly important for horse owners because of the animal’s size and the requirements needed to shelter and transport them. Chesapeake is located next to the Atlantic coast and hurricane threats are very common here. The most important step in protection of your valued animals is to have a plan in place.


 


CITY EMERGENCY CONDITIONS


 


The following are city emergency conditions that identify the status of a hurricane. Being aware of the strength and time of landfall of a hurricane are important facts.


 


Condition I Awareness Beginning of hurricane season


 


Condition II Alert Knowledge of hurricane threat within 72 hours


 


Condition III Watch Increased threat of hurricane within 48 hours


 


Condition IV Warning Hurricane conditions likely within 24 hours


 


Condition V Landfall Experience gale force winds or stronger


 


DEVELOP A PLAN


 


A plan needs to be in place for either of the following decisions:


 


Evacuation: Most mistakes made with evacuations are waiting too late to take action. Horse trailers are not very stable in high winds and waiting too late to evacuate can force you to be caught in traffic. Make sure horse trailers are ready for road travel. Having a destination site available is also something that needs to be planned in advance. Networking with other horse owner’s further inland can offer points of destination away from the storm. Listed below are places that have given tentative approval for accepting horses for short-term boarding with impending hurricanes off the coast.


 


Important:


 


Please call ahead to check the status of available stalls. 





Colonial Downs


 


10515 Colonial Downs Parkway


 


New Kent County, Virginia 23124


 


(804)966-7223 ext. 1070


 


http://www.colonialdowns.com/


 


1. Colonial Downs offers emergency stalls (12’ x 12’) as space is available. Their racing season begins Labor Day and continues until Christmas.


 


2. No fee required, however boarders are asked to provide their own bedding and feed.


 


3. Require recent coggins test and health certificate for immunizations. Must bring all stall guards, as stalls do not have front gates.


 


4. 1,050 permanent stalls on site. Must call for availability.


 


Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center


 


2900 NC Highway 125 South


 


Williamston, N. C. 27892


 


Contact: Durwood Taylor or Keith Whitaker


 


(252)792-5802


 


http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/agcenters/eastern/index.htm


 


1. Reduced rates of $10/stall/day during evacuation event


 


2. Proof of current Negative Coggins Test


 


3. Primary care of animals (feed, hay, watering, cleaning stalls)


 


4. Shavings (2-bags/stall minimal) purchased on site @ $5.90/bag – no outside sources allowed


 


5. Removal of sheltered animals once event has subsided


 


Lexington Horse Center


 


P. O. Box 1051


 


Lexington, Virginia 24450


 


Contact: Chris Kelly


 


(540) 464-2950


 


ckelly@horsecenter.org


 


www.horsecenter.org


 


Lexington offers their facility to horse owners prior to a natural disaster.


 


1. No fee required. Feed and bedding are available nearby for purchase.


 


2. Contact Robert Reel at (540) 463-2194 to insure stalls available.


 


3. Negative coggins test required.


 


4. 700 stalls on site.


 


Airfield 4-H Center


 


15189 Airfield Road


 


Wakefield, VA 23888


 


Doug Chesson - Director


 


(757) 899-4901


 


http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/4hcenter/airfield/


 


1. Airfield has 100 stalls and can board horses on a first come first serve basis prior to impending hurricane.


 


2. Fee would be $15.00/day.


 


3. Stall cleaning available for $15/day if requested. Straw for bedding also carries a $5.00/day charge.


 


4. Person must stay on-site to care for horse. Lodging rooms available.


 


5. Requirements to be admitted on the grounds would include a negative 12-month coggins test and sign a liability waiver issued by the Airfield 4-H Center.


 


6. Airfield 4-H Center is just west of Wakefield and not very distal to the coast, so consider whether this site would provide secure destination from the storm.


 


Governor James B. Hunt Horse Complex


 


1025 Blue Ridge Road


 


Raleigh, N. C. 27607


 


Contact: Sheri Bridges-Complex Program Assistant


 


(919) 828-9478


 


http://www.ncstatefair.org/events/HorseComplex.htm


 


1. Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Horse Complex will allow temporary boarding of horses fleeing an impending hurricane as long as space is available. There are horse shows there almost every weekend so the availability may be limited.


 


2. There would be no fee for temporary boarding.


 


3. The normal business number would be (919) 733-4845. For after hours, the contact number would be for security personnel (919) 612-6767 mobile #.


 


4. Requirements to be admitted on the grounds would include a negative 12-month coggins test and sign a liability waiver issued by the NC State Fair.


 


5. There are 485 permanent stalls on site.


 


Sheltering in place: If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to confine horses to a shelter or leave them out in pastures. Shelters should be sturdy buildings located on high ground. The following are the most common causes of injury or death as a result of hurricanes:


 


1. Collapsed barns – owners miscalculated the severity of winds


 


2. Electrocution – power lines are often down and a deadly hazard


 


3. Fencing failure – wandering horses may be hit or killed on roadways


 


4. Debris - the most likely cause of injury is from flying debris


 


Whether to shelter or pasture your horses is dependent on your circumstances. Often, animals released to open, safe pastures, away from overhead power lines and potential debris are able to fend for themselves much better than being in an unsafe shelter. Pastures should be not less than one acre in size. Make sure all animals have some form of identification. If your pastures or shelter do not meet these criteria, you should strongly consider evacuation as your best option.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:29:47 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/are-you-listening-to-the-world-or-the-word-dave-ramsey.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/are-you-listening-to-the-world-or-the-word-dave-ramsey.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>"Are You Listening to the World or the WORD?" Dave Ramsey</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are you focusing in the right direction?


The world outside the church has a pretty dismal view of things. These doom-and-gloomerstake their cues from the headlines, but we can't really blame the media. The reporters are just doing their jobs, reporting the facts and current events through their own perspectives. Of course, the TV talking heads do try to stir things up a bit at times. After all, people need some reason to watch the news, and "if it bleeds, it leads," right? That being said, we need to take the world's outlook on the economy and strain it through the Word of God.










"Just sold a $255  item on eBay to pay off a $214 debt. Getting closer every day!"








—Jennifer  from Facebook










       The world sees the glass half-empty. Those of us in Christ should look beyond the glass to the pitcher. Remember the story of the woman at the well? Check out John 4:13–14: "Jesus answered and said to her, 'Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, butwhoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.'" With God as our provider, we'll never be thirsty!










"But the natural man  does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to  him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."








—1  Corinthians 2:14










No matter how bad things seem to be or how panicked the voices coming from your TV sound, take a deep breath and remember God is still firmly seated on His throne. He will take care of you; that's His responsibility as your Father. Your responsibility is to trust His promises and obey His instructions in each area of your life, including how you handle your money. (For help learning how, consider taking a Financial Peace University class.) 


So basically what we're saying is: Trust and obey. There's no other way!How regularly do you watch the evening news?How does their report differ from Scripture?Have you been worrying when you should be trusting?If so, how can you get back on track?Find a Financial Peace University class in your area!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:34:38 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/subject-riders-support-group.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/subject-riders-support-group.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Subject: Rider's Support Group</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hey guys - can you this pass along to all horsie peops!  These sessions will be conducted at our new facility in Louisa (Green Springs) VA - 275 acres, swimming pond, covered arena, 12-stall barn...  Would love to see everybody!  3 miles from Zion Crossroads on Poindexter Road - 2452 Poindexter Rd, Louisa, VA 23093. 


By request - I have been asked to re-start my Rider's Support Group the first Saturday of each month beginning in September (10am-12noon) - $30/session or $250/year - must pre-register - limited slots.   This is a workshop setting where riders from all disciplinescome together to work on individual needs to improve communication between horse and rider.  We will always end on confidence-building games/activities. Christina and I will both be instructing to ensure individual attention.  Rain or shine!


Thanks, Jamie


PS - Come out and see my Extreme MustangMakeover horse, Legacy's Divine Will (Willie), as we prepare for TN competitionOctober 21-23.  We are just 4 weeks into training!!!  He is myhero!!  Won 6th place (out of 58 riders) on week 3 at the Palmyra ACTHAride.  Go Willie.  Free demo days thoughout his training. Contact us for open sessions.


Jamie &amp; Craig Dodson


Owners, Trainers


Legacy Horse Training, LLC


legacyhorsetraining@me.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:57:03 -0400</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/plan-a-wedding-on-the-beach-with-your-horse.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.debbiemarable.com/blog/plan-a-wedding-on-the-beach-with-your-horse.html</link>
            <author>debbiemarable@cox.net (Debbie Marable)</author>
            <title>Plan a Wedding on The Beach with Your HORSE...</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Check out the Driftwood Ranch in Frisco, North Carolina's Outer Banks!  It offers a place to board your horse and trail RIDE on the beach at Hatteras.  Or you could plan your dream beach wedding on horse back....


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:13:34 -0400</pubDate>
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