| May 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
May 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
Welcome to the May edition of Living OUTSTANDING! May has been one of those full-circle months — full of milestones, celebrations, proud mom moments, business momentum, community connections, and little everyday finds that make life sweeter. As spring starts leaning toward summer, this month has reminded me how quickly seasons change, how meaningful endings can be, and how much joy there is in pausing to appreciate the moments along the way. In this issue, I’ll share the sweet and salty snack I’m currently Obsessed with, along with Updates from a busy month in real estate. A comfy new Treasure has been making my feet happy, while Sounds & Stage brought a classic comedy to life. On the Tech side, I’m excited to explore a local resource that could help me create amazing things, and I’m filled with Anticipation as Abby prepares to graduate from high school. This month also brought meaningful Networking through an Outstanding Ohio gathering, a fun local Discovery in Fairlawn, and plenty of Inspiration from Kayla’s Mock Trial team as they continue to impress me. My Notable book club read offered a unique story and interesting conversation, and as always, I’ll close with Gratitude — this time for the incredible Leadership Akron experience and the people, perspective, and growth it has brought into my life. As we head into summer and celebrate so many endings and beginnings, I hope this edition encourages you to savor the sweet moments, cheer on the people you love, and notice the outstanding things happening all around you. I’d love to hear — what made your May 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 May edition of Living OUTSTANDING! May has been one of those full-circle months — full of milestones, celebrations, proud mom moments, business momentum, community connections, and little everyday finds that make life sweeter. As spring starts leaning toward summer, this month has reminded me how quickly seasons change, how meaningful endings can be, and how much joy there is in pausing to appreciate the moments along the way. In this issue, I’ll share the sweet and salty snack I’m currently Obsessed with, along with Updates from a busy month in real estate. A comfy new Treasure has been making my feet happy, while Sounds & Stage brought a classic comedy to life. On the Tech side, I’m excited to explore a local resource that could help me create amazing things, and I’m filled with Anticipation as Abby prepares to graduate from high school. This month also brought meaningful Networking through an Outstanding Ohio gathering, a fun local Discovery in Fairlawn, and plenty of Inspiration from Kayla’s Mock Trial team as they continue to impress me. My Notable book club read offered a unique story and interesting conversation, and as always, I’ll close with Gratitude — this time for the incredible Leadership Akron experience and the people, perspective, and growth it has brought into my life. As we head into summer and celebrate so many endings and beginnings, I hope this edition encourages you to savor the sweet moments, cheer on the people you love, and notice the outstanding things happening all around you. I’d love to hear — what made your May 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 |
Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims |
Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims |
I am currently obsessed with the dark chocolate pretzel slims from Sam’s Club. They are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey — which is basically my ideal snack. Warning: it is dangerous to have a jumbo bag of these things in the house! They are way too easy to grab by the handful, and somehow they seem to disappear much faster than expected. I keep telling myself they’re called “slims,” so that must count for something… right? |
I am currently obsessed with the dark chocolate pretzel slims from Sam’s Club. They are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey — which is basically my ideal snack. Warning: it is dangerous to have a jumbo bag of these things in the house! They are way too easy to grab by the handful, and somehow they seem to disappear much faster than expected. I keep telling myself they’re called “slims,” so that must count for something… right? |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
It has been another busy month in real estate! I had two listings close successfully this month, and I’m also getting another home ready to hit the market next week. There is so much that happens behind the scenes before a listing goes live — preparing the home, reviewing details, coordinating photos, writing the description, planning marketing, and making sure everything is positioned well from the start. I always love this part of the process because it’s where strategy and preparation come together. Stay tuned for more details soon! And in the meantime, if you know someone hoping to make a move this summer, I’d be happy to help them think through timing, strategy, and next steps. |
It has been another busy month in real estate! I had two listings close successfully this month, and I’m also getting another home ready to hit the market next week. There is so much that happens behind the scenes before a listing goes live — preparing the home, reviewing details, coordinating photos, writing the description, planning marketing, and making sure everything is positioned well from the start. I always love this part of the process because it’s where strategy and preparation come together. Stay tuned for more details soon! And in the meantime, if you know someone hoping to make a move this summer, I’d be happy to help them think through timing, strategy, and next steps. |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
Skechers Slip-in Tennis Shoes |
Skechers Slip-in Tennis Shoes |
I’m loving the Skechers slip-in tennis shoes I picked up at Sam’s Club. They are incredibly comfortable, and I love that I can slip in and out of them easily without having to untie and tie them every time. They’re perfect for showing homes! |
I’m loving the Skechers slip-in tennis shoes I picked up at Sam’s Club. They are incredibly comfortable, and I love that I can slip in and out of them easily without having to untie and tie them every time. They’re perfect for showing homes! |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
I had the pleasure of seeing Arsenic & Old Lace at Weathervane Playhouse this month, and it was such a fun show. It felt extra special seeing it again because we performed the same play my senior year of high school, when I was the stage manager. It brought back lots of memories! |
I had the pleasure of seeing Arsenic & Old Lace at Weathervane Playhouse this month, and it was such a fun show. It felt extra special seeing it again because we performed the same play my senior year of high school, when I was the stage manager. It brought back lots of memories! |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
TechZone at Akron-Summit County Public Library |
TechZone at Akron-Summit County Public Library |
I was excited to take advantage of the TechZone at the Akron-Summit County main library this week to print a banner and signs for my daughter’s graduation party. They have so many resources there to take advantage of, and I’m realizing more and more how lucky we are to have access to tools like this right here in our community. They have lots of different equipment you can use for free or low cost including 3D printer, laminator, laser engraver, button maker, vinyl printer, and more. |
I was excited to take advantage of the TechZone at the Akron-Summit County main library this week to print a banner and signs for my daughter’s graduation party. They have so many resources there to take advantage of, and I’m realizing more and more how lucky we are to have access to tools like this right here in our community. They have lots of different equipment you can use for free or low cost including 3D printer, laminator, laser engraver, button maker, vinyl printer, and more. |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
My daughter Abby is graduating from high school this weekend, and I’m in active grad party planning mode. Honestly, focusing on the party planning is helping keep me distracted from thinking too much about how my baby is all grown up and will be leaving for college soon. It really has gone by incredibly fast! There have been so many school events, volleyball games, college visits, late nights, big decisions, and small everyday moments that have filled these years. I’m so proud of her and excited for what’s ahead, but this milestone definitely comes with all the emotions. For now, I’m making signs, planning food, organizing details, and trying to soak it all in! |
My daughter Abby is graduating from high school this weekend, and I’m in active grad party planning mode. Honestly, focusing on the party planning is helping keep me distracted from thinking too much about how my baby is all grown up and will be leaving for college soon. It really has gone by incredibly fast! There have been so many school events, volleyball games, college visits, late nights, big decisions, and small everyday moments that have filled these years. I’m so proud of her and excited for what’s ahead, but this milestone definitely comes with all the emotions. For now, I’m making signs, planning food, organizing details, and trying to soak it all in! |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
Outstanding Ohio Networking |
Outstanding Ohio Networking |
Our Outstanding Ohio networking event this month was at Maureen Dabbieri’s Allstate office in Medina, with lunch provided by Scot Swaino, loan officer with Third Federal. Maureen has such a great space, lunch was delicious, and we had some wonderful conversations with good connections made. I always love when networking feels relaxed, genuine, and easy — the kind of setting where people can actually get to know one another. Events like this are such a good reminder that networking is really about relationships, not just business cards. Join us for next month's event on June 12th at Copley Community Park. |
Our Outstanding Ohio networking event this month was at Maureen Dabbieri’s Allstate office in Medina, with lunch provided by Scot Swaino, loan officer with Third Federal. Maureen has such a great space, lunch was delicious, and we had some wonderful conversations with good connections made. I always love when networking feels relaxed, genuine, and easy — the kind of setting where people can actually get to know one another. Events like this are such a good reminder that networking is really about relationships, not just business cards. Join us for next month's event on June 12th at Copley Community Park. |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
I attended the grand opening of Wrap City in Fairlawn over the weekend, and I think it’s going to be one of my new favorite lunch spots. They have wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads. We tried one of the salads and a couple of sandwiches, and everything was very fresh and tasty. They also have amazing fresh-made chips, which may be reason enough to go back. I love discovering new places — especially when they’re close by and perfect for a quick lunch. |
I attended the grand opening of Wrap City in Fairlawn over the weekend, and I think it’s going to be one of my new favorite lunch spots. They have wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads. We tried one of the salads and a couple of sandwiches, and everything was very fresh and tasty. They also have amazing fresh-made chips, which may be reason enough to go back. I love discovering new places — especially when they’re close by and perfect for a quick lunch. |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
My daughter Kayla’s Mock Trial team impressed me once again at the Nationals competition in Iowa. They only had one month to learn a new case, and many of them had to learn two parts. They were so fun and inspiring to watch. The amount of preparation, confidence, quick thinking, teamwork, and professionalism these students bring to the courtroom is truly impressive. Then last week, they were honored at the Ohio State House, where they received a Resolution from Senator Roegner. What an incredible experience and recognition for all of their hard work. Watching young people rise to that level continues to inspire me! |
My daughter Kayla’s Mock Trial team impressed me once again at the Nationals competition in Iowa. They only had one month to learn a new case, and many of them had to learn two parts. They were so fun and inspiring to watch. The amount of preparation, confidence, quick thinking, teamwork, and professionalism these students bring to the courtroom is truly impressive. Then last week, they were honored at the Ohio State House, where they received a Resolution from Senator Roegner. What an incredible experience and recognition for all of their hard work. Watching young people rise to that level continues to inspire me! |
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans |
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans |
This month’s book club book was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s a unique format, with the whole book written through letters to and from one woman. It took a little while to get into it, but I really enjoyed it once I settled into the rhythm. It also made me nostalgic for the days when I used to write a bunch of letters. There’s something so personal and meaningful about putting thoughts into writing — not just quick texts or emails, but actual letters that capture a moment, a relationship, or a feeling. This book may inspire me to start sending letters again! |
This month’s book club book was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s a unique format, with the whole book written through letters to and from one woman. It took a little while to get into it, but I really enjoyed it once I settled into the rhythm. It also made me nostalgic for the days when I used to write a bunch of letters. There’s something so personal and meaningful about putting thoughts into writing — not just quick texts or emails, but actual letters that capture a moment, a relationship, or a feeling. This book may inspire me to start sending letters again! |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
Leadership Akron Experience |
Leadership Akron Experience |
I’m very grateful for my Leadership Akron experience. This month we had our closing retreat, and next week we’ll have our graduation. The year went by so quickly, but it was full of incredible experiences and opportunities. I learned so much about our community, visited places I may not have experienced otherwise, and gained a much deeper appreciation for the people and organizations working to make Akron stronger. I also really enjoyed getting to know my “Crew 42” classmates throughout the journey. The relationships have been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. I’m grateful for the perspective, the growth, the conversations, and the reminder that strong communities are built by people who care enough to show up, learn, lead, and serve. |
I’m very grateful for my Leadership Akron experience. This month we had our closing retreat, and next week we’ll have our graduation. The year went by so quickly, but it was full of incredible experiences and opportunities. I learned so much about our community, visited places I may not have experienced otherwise, and gained a much deeper appreciation for the people and organizations working to make Akron stronger. I also really enjoyed getting to know my “Crew 42” classmates throughout the journey. The relationships have been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. I’m grateful for the perspective, the growth, the conversations, and the reminder that strong communities are built by people who care enough to show up, learn, lead, and serve. |
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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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