| July 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
July 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
Welcome to the July edition of Living OUTSTANDING! July has been a month of contrasts—the busyness of work balanced by a relaxing week at the beach, simple summer pleasures mixed with some very big emotions, and the excitement of what lies ahead tempered by the realization that change is coming whether I’m ready for it or not. In this issue, I’ll share the quick and filling smoothie I’m completely Obsessed with, along with Updates from a rewarding month in real estate and some behind-the-scenes work to help my business appear in today’s changing online searches. A cute and practical beach Treasure has become one of my favorite summer finds, while Sounds & Stage transported me to the world of The Great Gatsby through some truly incredible scenery. On the Tech front, I’ll share a road-trip essential that allows me to keep my laptop charged and get some work done from the passenger seat. My Anticipation this month comes with mixed emotions as we prepare to send Abby off to college, while Networking brought an interesting speaker, a newly renovated meeting space, and a great local lunch. I also made a money-saving Discovery that could help college students—and their parents—stretch their back-to-school budgets a little further. Inspiration came from three Mel Robbins podcast episodes offering perspective for both sides of the college transition A beach week gave me plenty of time for several Notable thrillers, and I’ll close with Gratitude for sunshine, family time, and the chance to slow down together. As summer moves along far too quickly, I hope this edition encourages you to enjoy the simple moments, stay curious about what’s changing, and hold a little tighter to the people you love during life’s transitions. I’d love to hear—what made your July outstanding? <Note: You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom to read the whole thing... Outstanding is a long word:)> |
Welcome to the July edition of Living OUTSTANDING! July has been a month of contrasts—the busyness of work balanced by a relaxing week at the beach, simple summer pleasures mixed with some very big emotions, and the excitement of what lies ahead tempered by the realization that change is coming whether I’m ready for it or not. In this issue, I’ll share the quick and filling smoothie I’m completely Obsessed with, along with Updates from a rewarding month in real estate and some behind-the-scenes work to help my business appear in today’s changing online searches. A cute and practical beach Treasure has become one of my favorite summer finds, while Sounds & Stage transported me to the world of The Great Gatsby through some truly incredible scenery. On the Tech front, I’ll share a road-trip essential that allows me to keep my laptop charged and get some work done from the passenger seat. My Anticipation this month comes with mixed emotions as we prepare to send Abby off to college, while Networking brought an interesting speaker, a newly renovated meeting space, and a great local lunch. I also made a money-saving Discovery that could help college students—and their parents—stretch their back-to-school budgets a little further. Inspiration came from three Mel Robbins podcast episodes offering perspective for both sides of the college transition A beach week gave me plenty of time for several Notable thrillers, and I’ll close with Gratitude for sunshine, family time, and the chance to slow down together. As summer moves along far too quickly, I hope this edition encourages you to enjoy the simple moments, stay curious about what’s changing, and hold a little tighter to the people you love during life’s transitions. I’d love to hear—what made your July outstanding? <Note: You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom to read the whole thing... Outstanding is a long word:)> |
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OBSESSED:What I'm enthralled by |
OBSESSED:What I'm enthralled by |
Pulp’s Protein Packer Smoothie |
Pulp’s Protein Packer Smoothie |
I’m not exactly sure how this started, but I’ve become obsessed with the Protein Packer smoothie from Pulp—and I’ve officially become a frequent visitor. It’s the perfect quick “grab-and-go” option when I’m too busy to stop and eat a real meal. It tastes like a peanut butter cup, it’s incredibly filling, and it keeps me going through busy days. At this point, the people at Pulp may start recognizing my order! |
I’m not exactly sure how this started, but I’ve become obsessed with the Protein Packer smoothie from Pulp—and I’ve officially become a frequent visitor. It’s the perfect quick “grab-and-go” option when I’m too busy to stop and eat a real meal. It tastes like a peanut butter cup, it’s incredibly filling, and it keeps me going through busy days. At this point, the people at Pulp may start recognizing my order! |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
Closings, a New Listing & Getting Found Online |
Closings, a New Listing & Getting Found Online |
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I was blessed to celebrate three closings this month, each representing the end of a journey and an exciting new beginning for my clients. I never take for granted the trust people place in me to guide them through such an important transition. I’m also excited about my newest listing in Rosemont Ridge in Fairlawn. This spacious home features a first-floor primary suite, a dramatic two-story great room, wonderful outdoor living space, and plenty of room to spread out. Be one of the first to see it at the open house on Thursday from 4-6pm! Reach out if you’d like the details—or know someone who may be looking for a beautiful home in Fairlawn. Behind the scenes, I’ve also been working on optimizing my website and online business listings for AI-powered searches. Since most of my business comes through referrals and relationships, it isn’t something I plan to obsess over, but the way people search for information is changing quickly. I figured it couldn’t hurt to make a few practical updates that may help more buyers and sellers find me when they’re looking for a Realtor. |
I was blessed to celebrate three closings this month, each representing the end of a journey and an exciting new beginning for my clients. I never take for granted the trust people place in me to guide them through such an important transition. I’m also excited about my newest listing in Rosemont Ridge in Fairlawn. This spacious home features a first-floor primary suite, a dramatic two-story great room, wonderful outdoor living space, and plenty of room to spread out. Be one of the first to see it at the open house on Thursday from 4-6pm! Reach out if you’d like the details—or know someone who may be looking for a beautiful home in Fairlawn. Behind the scenes, I’ve also been working on optimizing my website and online business listings for AI-powered searches. Since most of my business comes through referrals and relationships, it isn’t something I plan to obsess over, but the way people search for information is changing quickly. I figured it couldn’t hurt to make a few practical updates that may help more buyers and sellers find me when they’re looking for a Realtor. |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
I picked up a new Simply Southern bag while we were at the beach, and it has turned out to be perfect for beach and pool days. It’s cute, waterproof, reversible, and just the right size to hold my book, phone, sunscreen, and a few other essentials without becoming overly bulky. My only complaint is that I wish it had a shoulder strap—but otherwise, it’s a pretty perfect summer find! (Ok- so they must have read my mind. I checked the Simply Southern website to find a link to share with you. I couldn't find the same bag I bought, but I found the same design in a slightly different version that has a carrying strap and even has a zippered pocket- the two things I wish my bag had! Click here to check it out.) |
I picked up a new Simply Southern bag while we were at the beach, and it has turned out to be perfect for beach and pool days. It’s cute, waterproof, reversible, and just the right size to hold my book, phone, sunscreen, and a few other essentials without becoming overly bulky. My only complaint is that I wish it had a shoulder strap—but otherwise, it’s a pretty perfect summer find! (Ok- so they must have read my mind. I checked the Simply Southern website to find a link to share with you. I couldn't find the same bag I bought, but I found the same design in a slightly different version that has a carrying strap and even has a zippered pocket- the two things I wish my bag had! Click here to check it out.) |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
Earlier this month, I saw The Great Gatsby at Playhouse Square. It was a good show, but what impressed me most was the set design. The sets were elaborate, beautiful, and constantly transforming the stage. They even had two full-sized vehicles driving across it! I’m always amazed by the creativity and engineering that go into bringing a story to life onstage, and this production was especially impressive visually. |
Earlier this month, I saw The Great Gatsby at Playhouse Square. It was a good show, but what impressed me most was the set design. The sets were elaborate, beautiful, and constantly transforming the stage. They even had two full-sized vehicles driving across it! I’m always amazed by the creativity and engineering that go into bringing a story to life onstage, and this production was especially impressive visually. |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
I was reminded this month just how useful my car power adapter can be—especially during the long drive to and from the beach. It plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter and provides a regular electrical outlet, allowing me to plug in and recharge my laptop while my husband drives. It’s perfect for long road trips when I need to catch up on work from the passenger seat. While I would always prefer to completely unplug during vacation, running my own business sometimes means taking advantage of the travel time. This little adapter makes that much easier! |
I was reminded this month just how useful my car power adapter can be—especially during the long drive to and from the beach. It plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter and provides a regular electrical outlet, allowing me to plug in and recharge my laptop while my husband drives. It’s perfect for long road trips when I need to catch up on work from the passenger seat. While I would always prefer to completely unplug during vacation, running my own business sometimes means taking advantage of the travel time. This little adapter makes that much easier! |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
Something I’m anticipating—but not necessarily looking forward to—is sending Abby off to college next month. The closer it gets, the more it weighs on me that my baby girl will be leaving and that things will never quite be the same. I’m excited for her to have the full college experience, meet new people, gain independence, and discover more about who she is. At the same time, I can hardly believe we’ve already reached this point. Time really is a thief. We still have plenty to do to get her ready, and I’m sure the next several weeks will be filled with lists, shopping, packing, and lots of emotions. More than anything, I hope she has a wonderful experience and finds her place. I know this is an exciting next chapter for her—even if her mom isn’t quite ready to turn the page. |
Something I’m anticipating—but not necessarily looking forward to—is sending Abby off to college next month. The closer it gets, the more it weighs on me that my baby girl will be leaving and that things will never quite be the same. I’m excited for her to have the full college experience, meet new people, gain independence, and discover more about who she is. At the same time, I can hardly believe we’ve already reached this point. Time really is a thief. We still have plenty to do to get her ready, and I’m sure the next several weeks will be filled with lists, shopping, packing, and lots of emotions. More than anything, I hope she has a wonderful experience and finds her place. I know this is an exciting next chapter for her—even if her mom isn’t quite ready to turn the page. |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
I enjoyed hearing from Noel Blaha, the new President and General Manager of the Akron RubberDucks, at the Copley Chamber meeting this month. He shared stories from his career in minor-league baseball and talked about the journey that ultimately brought him back to Akron. It was interesting to hear about the creativity, adaptability, and community involvement that go into creating a successful minor-league baseball experience. We also held our first Chamber meeting in the newly renovated Copley Town Hall Community Room, and we enjoyed an amazing lunch from one of our newest restaurant members, Wrap City. Great speaker, great food, and a beautiful new meeting space—it was a wonderful afternoon! |
I enjoyed hearing from Noel Blaha, the new President and General Manager of the Akron RubberDucks, at the Copley Chamber meeting this month. He shared stories from his career in minor-league baseball and talked about the journey that ultimately brought him back to Akron. It was interesting to hear about the creativity, adaptability, and community involvement that go into creating a successful minor-league baseball experience. We also held our first Chamber meeting in the newly renovated Copley Town Hall Community Room, and we enjoyed an amazing lunch from one of our newest restaurant members, Wrap City. Great speaker, great food, and a beautiful new meeting space—it was a wonderful afternoon! |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
Target's College Student Discount |
Target's College Student Discount |
I just had a very exciting discovery for anyone shopping for college: college students can receive 20% off one qualifying storewide purchase between 7/5-9/12. Students can verify their status through their Target Circle account and then apply the discount to a big shopping trip for dorm supplies, clothing, toiletries, and other college essentials. Since the offer can only be used once, it’s worth making a list and using it strategically. For even more potential savings, Ohio’s sales tax holiday runs August 7–9 this year. Qualifying clothing priced at $75 or less per item, along with school supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item, can be purchased without state or local sales tax during that weekend. Combining the student discount with the tax-free weekend could be a great way to save a little extra while tackling that very long college packing list. I already have my shopping trip with Abby planned! |
I just had a very exciting discovery for anyone shopping for college: college students can receive 20% off one qualifying storewide purchase between 7/5-9/12. Students can verify their status through their Target Circle account and then apply the discount to a big shopping trip for dorm supplies, clothing, toiletries, and other college essentials. Since the offer can only be used once, it’s worth making a list and using it strategically. For even more potential savings, Ohio’s sales tax holiday runs August 7–9 this year. Qualifying clothing priced at $75 or less per item, along with school supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item, can be purchased without state or local sales tax during that weekend. Combining the student discount with the tax-free weekend could be a great way to save a little extra while tackling that very long college packing list. I already have my shopping trip with Abby planned! |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
Mel Robbins on the Transition to College |
Mel Robbins on the Transition to College |
Apparently, the Mel Robbins podcast knows exactly what I need to hear right now. I’ve recently found three episodes that feel especially timely as Abby prepares to leave for college—and as I prepare for this transition too. In Episode 410, “Create a Happier Version of Yourself: Redirect Your Energy for Positive Thinking,” Mel talks with her 21-year-old son, Oakley, about the challenges he experienced during his first year and a half of college. He shares how comparing college to his old life, holding onto an “exit,” and waiting for things to improve on their own kept him from fully embracing the experience. The episode offered some really practical reminders: stop comparing the new chapter to the old one, say yes more often, put yourself in situations where you can meet people, and take responsibility for creating the experience you want. I’m hoping Abby will listen and find some advice that helps her as she begins her own college journey. I also discovered an earlier episode (E94) called “College Drop-Off: 6 Steps to Navigating Any Major Change Like a Pro.” I haven’t listened to the entire episode yet, but it sounds like another perfect one for this season. Mel talks about the emotions surrounding college drop-off and shares lessons that can apply to anyone navigating a major life change. And Episode 211, “The Ultimate Advice for Your Next Chapter (After Your Kids Have Left Home),” speaks more directly to the parent’s side of the transition. Mel shares her own experience becoming an empty nester and offers advice for navigating the changes in identity, routine, and purpose that can happen as children become more independent. I won’t technically have an empty nest yet, but sending my first child away to college still feels like the beginning of a significant new chapter. Together, these episodes offer helpful perspective from both sides—encouraging Abby to fully embrace what is ahead while reminding me that I’ll also need to adjust, grow, and figure out what this next season looks like. |
Apparently, the Mel Robbins podcast knows exactly what I need to hear right now. I’ve recently found three episodes that feel especially timely as Abby prepares to leave for college—and as I prepare for this transition too. In Episode 410, “Create a Happier Version of Yourself: Redirect Your Energy for Positive Thinking,” Mel talks with her 21-year-old son, Oakley, about the challenges he experienced during his first year and a half of college. He shares how comparing college to his old life, holding onto an “exit,” and waiting for things to improve on their own kept him from fully embracing the experience. The episode offered some really practical reminders: stop comparing the new chapter to the old one, say yes more often, put yourself in situations where you can meet people, and take responsibility for creating the experience you want. I’m hoping Abby will listen and find some advice that helps her as she begins her own college journey. I also discovered an earlier episode (E94) called “College Drop-Off: 6 Steps to Navigating Any Major Change Like a Pro.” I haven’t listened to the entire episode yet, but it sounds like another perfect one for this season. Mel talks about the emotions surrounding college drop-off and shares lessons that can apply to anyone navigating a major life change. And Episode 211, “The Ultimate Advice for Your Next Chapter (After Your Kids Have Left Home),” speaks more directly to the parent’s side of the transition. Mel shares her own experience becoming an empty nester and offers advice for navigating the changes in identity, routine, and purpose that can happen as children become more independent. I won’t technically have an empty nest yet, but sending my first child away to college still feels like the beginning of a significant new chapter. Together, these episodes offer helpful perspective from both sides—encouraging Abby to fully embrace what is ahead while reminding me that I’ll also need to adjust, grow, and figure out what this next season looks like. |
Four Favorite Beach Reads |
Four Favorite Beach Reads |
Thanks to a relaxing week at the beach, I had plenty of time to read and listen to books this month. I finished quite a few, but four thrillers stood out as my favorites: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell All four had suspense, complicated characters, and plenty of twists to keep me engaged. Apparently, my idea of relaxing on vacation is sitting beside the ocean while reading about lies, disappearances, suspicious deaths, and deeply dysfunctional people! |
Thanks to a relaxing week at the beach, I had plenty of time to read and listen to books this month. I finished quite a few, but four thrillers stood out as my favorites: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell All four had suspense, complicated characters, and plenty of twists to keep me engaged. Apparently, my idea of relaxing on vacation is sitting beside the ocean while reading about lies, disappearances, suspicious deaths, and deeply dysfunctional people! |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
A Relaxing Week at the Beach |
A Relaxing Week at the Beach |
I’m very grateful for a relaxing week at the beach with my family. My parents, my brothers, and their families joined us, which made the week even more special. We had beautiful weather, and I appreciated the opportunity to slow down, read several books by the ocean, and spend time together without all of the normal routines and responsibilities competing for our attention. With Abby and my niece Calista preparing to leave for college, family time feels especially meaningful right now. I know vacations like this may look different in the future as our girls grow older and everyone’s lives become busier, which made me even more grateful for this week together. There’s something restorative about sunshine, ocean air, a good book, and being surrounded by the people you love most. It was exactly the break I needed! |
I’m very grateful for a relaxing week at the beach with my family. My parents, my brothers, and their families joined us, which made the week even more special. We had beautiful weather, and I appreciated the opportunity to slow down, read several books by the ocean, and spend time together without all of the normal routines and responsibilities competing for our attention. With Abby and my niece Calista preparing to leave for college, family time feels especially meaningful right now. I know vacations like this may look different in the future as our girls grow older and everyone’s lives become busier, which made me even more grateful for this week together. There’s something restorative about sunshine, ocean air, a good book, and being surrounded by the people you love most. It was exactly the break I needed! |
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| | Outstanding Ohio is brought to you by Erin Johnson, eXp Realtor |
Outstanding Ohio is brought to you by Erin Johnson, eXp Realtor |
Erin's mission is to be Ohio's most Resourceful Realtor by providing the resources to help people buy and sell houses and live their best lives in the outstanding state of Ohio. Erin specializes in assisting clients in Copley/Fairlawn/Bath and Summit County, but is willing and able to serve most of Northeast Ohio. If you live outside of this area, she can refer you to an experienced agent who can serve you.
If you are thinking about buying or selling and would like a free consultation or home valuation, call/text 330-227-4355 or email erin@outstandingohio.com. |
Erin's mission is to be Ohio's most Resourceful Realtor by providing the resources to help people buy and sell houses and live their best lives in the outstanding state of Ohio. Erin specializes in assisting clients in Copley/Fairlawn/Bath and Summit County, but is willing and able to serve most of Northeast Ohio. If you live outside of this area, she can refer you to an experienced agent who can serve you.
If you are thinking about buying or selling and would like a free consultation or home valuation, call/text 330-227-4355 or email erin@outstandingohio.com. |
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2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333 |
2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333 |
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