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August 2026

Living OUTSTANDING

Highlights & Reflections

August 2026

Living OUTSTANDING

Highlights & Reflections

 

Welcome to the August edition of Living OUTSTANDING!

 

August has been one of those months that feels like an attempt to squeeze every last bit out of summer—music, travel, time outside, community events, and plenty of opportunities to connect. It’s been busy, fun, occasionally muddy, and filled with reminders that some of the best experiences come from simply saying “yes.”

 

In this issue, I’ll share the bargain shoes I’m Obsessed with (again!), along with Updates on two Outstanding Ohio traditions that are kicking off for fall. A new Treasure helped me survive the summer heat, while Sounds & Stage brought me back to one of my favorite performers—and introduced me to someone new.

 

On the Tech front, I finally found earbuds that don’t really feel like earbuds, and I’m filled with Anticipation for a different kind of networking lunch coming in September. This month’s Networking reminded me how meaningful the right room of people can be, while my Discoveries took me onto the trails of a pretty exciting project happening in Fairlawn.

 

Inspiration came through an unexpected invitation and one incredibly talented performer, while a Notable book left me thinking about a surprisingly big question. And as always, I’ll close with Gratitude—this month for another memorable Lollapalooza weekend made even better by sharing it with family.

 

As summer begins to wind down and we start shifting into fall routines, I hope this edition inspires you to keep saying yes to new experiences, appreciate the people you get to share them with, and squeeze a little more fun out of these last summer days. I’d love to hear—what made your August 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 August edition of Living OUTSTANDING!

 

August has been one of those months that feels like an attempt to squeeze every last bit out of summer—music, travel, time outside, community events, and plenty of opportunities to connect. It’s been busy, fun, occasionally muddy, and filled with reminders that some of the best experiences come from simply saying “yes.”

 

In this issue, I’ll share the bargain shoes I’m Obsessed with (again!), along with Updates on two Outstanding Ohio traditions that are kicking off for fall. A new Treasure helped me survive the summer heat, while Sounds & Stage brought me back to one of my favorite performers—and introduced me to someone new.

 

On the Tech front, I finally found earbuds that don’t really feel like earbuds, and I’m filled with Anticipation for a different kind of networking lunch coming in September. This month’s Networking reminded me how meaningful the right room of people can be, while my Discoveries took me onto the trails of a pretty exciting project happening in Fairlawn.

 

Inspiration came through an unexpected invitation and one incredibly talented performer, while a Notable book left me thinking about a surprisingly big question. And as always, I’ll close with Gratitude—this month for another memorable Lollapalooza weekend made even better by sharing it with family.

 

As summer begins to wind down and we start shifting into fall routines, I hope this edition inspires you to keep saying yes to new experiences, appreciate the people you get to share them with, and squeeze a little more fun out of these last summer days. I’d love to hear—what made your August outstanding?

 

<Note: You may need to click "view entire message" at the bottom to read the whole thing... Outstanding is a long word:)>

 
 

OBSESSED:

What I'm enthralled by

OBSESSED:

What I'm enthralled by

Adidas Court Shoes

Adidas Court Shoes

 
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Once again, Adidas shoes at a warehouse club came into my life at exactly the right time!

 

Right before Lollapalooza, I spotted a pair of Adidas court shoes at Costco for only $20. They have Cloudfoam cushioning, which keeps them really comfortable even after miles of walking—exactly what I needed for four days at a music festival. 

 

The next time I went to Costco, they had been marked down to $15. At that price, obviously I needed a backup pair!

 

Apparently finding inexpensive Adidas shoes right before a trip is becoming a summer tradition for me.

Once again, Adidas shoes at a warehouse club came into my life at exactly the right time!

 

Right before Lollapalooza, I spotted a pair of Adidas court shoes at Costco for only $20. They have Cloudfoam cushioning, which keeps them really comfortable even after miles of walking—exactly what I needed for four days at a music festival. 

 

The next time I went to Costco, they had been marked down to $15. At that price, obviously I needed a backup pair!

 

Apparently finding inexpensive Adidas shoes right before a trip is becoming a summer tradition for me.

 
 

UPDATES:

What I'm working on

UPDATES:

What I'm working on

Football Pool & Copley School Calendars

Football Pool & Copley School Calendars

 
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I’m currently recruiting players for my 4th Annual Outstanding Ohio NFL Survivor Pool, and it’s not too late to join the fun! 

 

Each week, you simply pick one NFL team you think will win. Survive long enough and you could win half of the pot, while the other half benefits this year’s charity partner, Carve Your Own Path. You definitely don’t have to be a football expert to participate—I think that’s part of what makes it fun! Register by 9/1.

 

I’m also excited about the newest version of my Copley-Fairlawn School Calendar Magnets. This year's version has a fun new feature—a removable photo-frame pop-out. If you live in the district and still need one—or know someone who does—sign up today. Magnets will be shipped in the next few days.

I’m currently recruiting players for my 4th Annual Outstanding Ohio NFL Survivor Pool, and it’s not too late to join the fun! 

 

Each week, you simply pick one NFL team you think will win. Survive long enough and you could win half of the pot, while the other half benefits this year’s charity partner, Carve Your Own Path. You definitely don’t have to be a football expert to participate—I think that’s part of what makes it fun! Register by 9/1.

 

I’m also excited about the newest version of my Copley-Fairlawn School Calendar Magnets. This year's version has a fun new feature—a removable photo-frame pop-out. If you live in the district and still need one—or know someone who does—sign up today. Magnets will be shipped in the next few days.

 
 

TREASURES:

Thing I'm loving

TREASURES:

Thing I'm loving

New Neck Fan

New Neck Fan

 
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My newest summer survival tool is the JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, and it definitely came in handy at Lollapalooza. It sits around your neck and blows air up toward your face, leaving your hands completely free. When you’re standing outside for hours in the August heat, even a little moving air makes a HUGE difference.

 

It may not have been my most fashionable festival accessory, but I'm totally okay with that. Comfort wins!

My newest summer survival tool is the JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, and it definitely came in handy at Lollapalooza. It sits around your neck and blows air up toward your face, leaving your hands completely free. When you’re standing outside for hours in the August heat, even a little moving air makes a HUGE difference.

 

It may not have been my most fashionable festival accessory, but I'm totally okay with that. Comfort wins!

 
 

SOUNDS & STAGE:

What I'm watching or listening to

SOUNDS & STAGE:

What I'm watching or listening to

Andy Grammer & Walk Off the Earth

Andy Grammer & Walk Off the Earth

 
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I traveled up to Caesars Windsor with my husband this month to see Andy Grammer, and once again, he did not disappoint. I absolutely love seeing Andy live. His music is uplifting, easy to sing along to, and just makes me happy. His concerts always leave me in a better mood than when I arrived—and there was plenty of singing and dancing involved!

 

The other act was Walk Off the Earth, a band I had never heard of before. They were so entertaining—upbeat, energetic, and incredibly creative. They performed some really fun medleys with unique "instruments".

 

I love when you go to a concert for someone you already know and end up discovering another performer along the way.

I traveled up to Caesars Windsor with my husband this month to see Andy Grammer, and once again, he did not disappoint. I absolutely love seeing Andy live. His music is uplifting, easy to sing along to, and just makes me happy. His concerts always leave me in a better mood than when I arrived—and there was plenty of singing and dancing involved!

 

The other act was Walk Off the Earth, a band I had never heard of before. They were so entertaining—upbeat, energetic, and incredibly creative. They performed some really fun medleys with unique "instruments".

 

I love when you go to a concert for someone you already know and end up discovering another performer along the way.

 
 

TECH:

What's making my life easier

TECH:

What's making my life easier

Shokz OpenFit Air Earbuds

Shokz OpenFit Air Earbuds

 
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I’m still relatively new to the earbud game. I really enjoy listening to music and podcasts when I walk, but I’ve discovered that I don't really enjoy the feeling of having something in my ears. Enter my new Shokz OpenFit Air open-ear earbuds.

 

Instead of sitting inside your ear canal, they hook comfortably over your ears and leave them open. I picked them up on sale at Sam’s Club, and so far I’m loving them. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and give me exactly what I wanted—the ability to listen while walking without feeling like I have earbuds jammed into my ears.

I’m still relatively new to the earbud game. I really enjoy listening to music and podcasts when I walk, but I’ve discovered that I don't really enjoy the feeling of having something in my ears. Enter my new Shokz OpenFit Air open-ear earbuds.

 

Instead of sitting inside your ear canal, they hook comfortably over your ears and leave them open. I picked them up on sale at Sam’s Club, and so far I’m loving them. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and give me exactly what I wanted—the ability to listen while walking without feeling like I have earbuds jammed into my ears.

 
 

ANTICIPATION:

What I'm looking forward to

ANTICIPATION:

What I'm looking forward to

WWC Progressive Networking Luncheon

WWC Progressive Networking Luncheon

 

I’m looking forward to the Working Women Connection Regional Luncheon on September 29th, which I’m helping organize through our Fairlawn Chapter.

 

Instead of a traditional speaker, we’re doing a progressive networking lunch where you’ll rotate between three tables, enjoy guided conversation topics, and have the chance to make several meaningful new connections along the way.

 

The event is 11 AM–1 PM at Concordia at Sumner in Copley, and registration is only $25, with a portion benefiting the Alzheimer’s Walk and Louise Sumner Board. You don’t have to be a WWC member to attend—just bring plenty of business cards and come ready to connect!

I’m looking forward to the Working Women Connection Regional Luncheon on September 29th, which I’m helping organize through our Fairlawn Chapter.

 

Instead of a traditional speaker, we’re doing a progressive networking lunch where you’ll rotate between three tables, enjoy guided conversation topics, and have the chance to make several meaningful new connections along the way.

 

The event is 11 AM–1 PM at Concordia at Sumner in Copley, and registration is only $25, with a portion benefiting the Alzheimer’s Walk and Louise Sumner Board. You don’t have to be a WWC member to attend—just bring plenty of business cards and come ready to connect!

 
 

NETWORKING:

Who I've connected with

NETWORKING:

Who I've connected with

Outstanding Ohio Networking at CYOP

Outstanding Ohio Networking at CYOP

 
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We had another great Outstanding Ohio networking lunch this month! This time, we were hosted by Amanda Kostura at Carve Your Own Path, and Christina Santiago from Movement Mortgage generously provided lunch.

 

It was remarkable to look around the room and see so many meaningful conversations and connections happening. That’s exactly what I hope these events create—an easy, welcoming opportunity to meet new people, strengthen relationships, and find ways to help one another.

 

If you’d like to join us next time, our next Outstanding Ohio networking event will be September 24th at Wolf Creek Winery. It should be a fun, relaxed evening to connect over wine and conversation. I’d love to see you there!

We had another great Outstanding Ohio networking lunch this month! This time, we were hosted by Amanda Kostura at Carve Your Own Path, and Christina Santiago from Movement Mortgage generously provided lunch.

 

It was remarkable to look around the room and see so many meaningful conversations and connections happening. That’s exactly what I hope these events create—an easy, welcoming opportunity to meet new people, strengthen relationships, and find ways to help one another.

 

If you’d like to join us next time, our next Outstanding Ohio networking event will be September 24th at Wolf Creek Winery. It should be a fun, relaxed evening to connect over wine and conversation. I’d love to see you there!

 
 

DISCOVERIES:

What I'm learning or discovering

DISCOVERIES:

What I'm learning or discovering

Rosemont Preserve

Rosemont Preserve

 
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I had the opportunity to participate in a Community Walking Tour of the Rosemont Preserve this month, and it was really cool to see the project taking shape.

 

Eventually, more than three miles of trails will connect the Rosemont development to the new Bicentennial Park. Walking the property gave me a much better sense of the scope of the project than I could have gotten from simply reading about it.

 

It was fun to see the work in progress, hear more about what is planned, and imagine what the area will look like when it's finished. It looks like it's going to be a wonderful addition to the community!

I had the opportunity to participate in a Community Walking Tour of the Rosemont Preserve this month, and it was really cool to see the project taking shape.

 

Eventually, more than three miles of trails will connect the Rosemont development to the new Bicentennial Park. Walking the property gave me a much better sense of the scope of the project than I could have gotten from simply reading about it.

 

It was fun to see the work in progress, hear more about what is planned, and imagine what the area will look like when it's finished. It looks like it's going to be a wonderful addition to the community!

 
 

INSPIRATIONS:

What is inspiring me

INSPIRATIONS:

What is inspiring me

Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling

 

A good friend invited me to see Lindsey Stirling at Blossom this month. I had never heard of her before, but I said yes anyway—and I’m so glad I did.

It’s honestly difficult to describe what she does. She combines incredible violin playing with dancing, choreography, aerial performances, and acrobatics in a way I have never seen before.

 

Watching someone perform at that level while making it all look almost effortless was incredible. Her talent, creativity, athleticism, and energy were truly inspiring.

It was also a good reminder to say yes sometimes—even when you have absolutely no idea what you're saying yes to!

 

Click here to watch a quick montage from the concert.

A good friend invited me to see Lindsey Stirling at Blossom this month. I had never heard of her before, but I said yes anyway—and I’m so glad I did.

It’s honestly difficult to describe what she does. She combines incredible violin playing with dancing, choreography, aerial performances, and acrobatics in a way I have never seen before.

 

Watching someone perform at that level while making it all look almost effortless was incredible. Her talent, creativity, athleticism, and energy were truly inspiring.

It was also a good reminder to say yes sometimes—even when you have absolutely no idea what you're saying yes to!

 

Click here to watch a quick montage from the concert.

 
 

NOTABLE:

What I'm reading

NOTABLE:

What I'm reading

Yesteryear

Yesteryear

 

One of my favorite reads this month was Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke .

 

It definitely got mixed reviews from my book club—this seems to be one of those books that people either really love or really don't!

 

For me, part of the motivation to keep reading was simply wanting to get to the point where I understood what was actually happening. Once the pieces started coming together, it gave us plenty to talk about.

 

One of the biggest questions I walked away pondering was:

Who are you living your life for?

 

Simple question. Not always such a simple answer.

One of my favorite reads this month was Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke .

 

It definitely got mixed reviews from my book club—this seems to be one of those books that people either really love or really don't!

 

For me, part of the motivation to keep reading was simply wanting to get to the point where I understood what was actually happening. Once the pieces started coming together, it gave us plenty to talk about.

 

One of the biggest questions I walked away pondering was:

Who are you living your life for?

 

Simple question. Not always such a simple answer.

 
 

GRATITUDE:

What I'm grateful for

GRATITUDE:

What I'm grateful for

Lollapalooza with Family

Lollapalooza with Family

 
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I’m grateful for another fun trip to Chicago for the Lollapalooza music festival. This year was especially memorable because both of my brothers and all of my nieces joined us, so we had a big family group experiencing it together. There was lots of music, lots of walking, lots of people—and lots of fun.

 

The fields became a muddy disaster during the last two days, but fortunately we had learned an important lesson after our first Lollapalooza experience last year: book a closer hotel! That decision saved us a LOT of extra steps at the end of some very long days, and our feet were extremely grateful.

I’m grateful for another fun trip to Chicago for the Lollapalooza music festival. This year was especially memorable because both of my brothers and all of my nieces joined us, so we had a big family group experiencing it together. There was lots of music, lots of walking, lots of people—and lots of fun.

 

The fields became a muddy disaster during the last two days, but fortunately we had learned an important lesson after our first Lollapalooza experience last year: book a closer hotel! That decision saved us a LOT of extra steps at the end of some very long days, and our feet were extremely grateful.

 
 
 
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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.

 

 
 
 

2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333

2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333

Tell: 330-227-4355

Tell: 330-227-4355

 

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