| December 2025 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
December 2025 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
Welcome to the December edition of Living OUTSTANDING! December always feels like a month suspended between reflection and anticipation — a season of slowing down just enough to notice what mattered most, while quietly looking ahead to what’s next. From simple comforts at home to moments of connection, creativity, and community, this month has been filled with reminders that sometimes the smallest things leave the biggest impressions. In this issue, I’ll share a kitchen Obsession that quickly became a family favorite, along with Updates on the behind-the-scenes work shaping the year ahead. A small but mighty Treasure added extra warmth to chilly days, while holiday movies took center Stage throughout the month. I also had fun exploring creative ways to use Technology, and I’m already Anticipating fun winter adventures in the snow. This month brought meaningful connections through Networking and giving back, as well as opportunities to Discover some of the incredible arts and culture right here in our community. Inspiration came through music that perfectly captured the spirit of the season, and a Notable audiobook kept me guessing until the very end. As always, I’ll close with Gratitude — reflecting on a full year of growth, leadership, service, and moments that truly mattered. As we head toward the close of the year, I hope this edition encourages you to slow down, reflect on what made this season special, and carry a sense of anticipation into what’s next. I’d love to hear — what made your December outstanding? Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! <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 December edition of Living OUTSTANDING! December always feels like a month suspended between reflection and anticipation — a season of slowing down just enough to notice what mattered most, while quietly looking ahead to what’s next. From simple comforts at home to moments of connection, creativity, and community, this month has been filled with reminders that sometimes the smallest things leave the biggest impressions. In this issue, I’ll share a kitchen Obsession that quickly became a family favorite, along with Updates on the behind-the-scenes work shaping the year ahead. A small but mighty Treasure added extra warmth to chilly days, while holiday movies took center Stage throughout the month. I also had fun exploring creative ways to use Technology, and I’m already Anticipating fun winter adventures in the snow. This month brought meaningful connections through Networking and giving back, as well as opportunities to Discover some of the incredible arts and culture right here in our community. Inspiration came through music that perfectly captured the spirit of the season, and a Notable audiobook kept me guessing until the very end. As always, I’ll close with Gratitude — reflecting on a full year of growth, leadership, service, and moments that truly mattered. As we head toward the close of the year, I hope this edition encourages you to slow down, reflect on what made this season special, and carry a sense of anticipation into what’s next. I’d love to hear — what made your December outstanding? Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! <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 |
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I picked up a roasted garlic seasoning while visiting Amish country, and my family is now completely obsessed with it. I started making my own garlic butter at home, and honestly… it’s dangerous how good it is. My daughter recently referred to it as “crack” (high praise, apparently). She added it to buttered noodles and declared it elite. I've made my own garlic butter with it and everyone that tries it is infatuated too. Looks like I’ll be making another trip back to Nauvoo Family Market soon — we’re going through it way too fast. |
I picked up a roasted garlic seasoning while visiting Amish country, and my family is now completely obsessed with it. I started making my own garlic butter at home, and honestly… it’s dangerous how good it is. My daughter recently referred to it as “crack” (high praise, apparently). She added it to buttered noodles and declared it elite. I've made my own garlic butter with it and everyone that tries it is infatuated too. Looks like I’ll be making another trip back to Nauvoo Family Market soon — we’re going through it way too fast. |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
With this being a slightly slower time of year for the real estate market, I’ve been using the quieter pace to work on my business instead of just in it. I’ve been mapping out strategy for 2026, reviewing what worked well this year, and making process improvements that will help things run even smoother for my clients in the year ahead. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that pays off long after the calendar flips. |
With this being a slightly slower time of year for the real estate market, I’ve been using the quieter pace to work on my business instead of just in it. I’ve been mapping out strategy for 2026, reviewing what worked well this year, and making process improvements that will help things run even smoother for my clients in the year ahead. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that pays off long after the calendar flips. |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
I received a small heater fan during a white elephant gift exchange earlier this month, and it’s officially earned a permanent spot in my life. It may be small, but it’s mighty — perfect for adding a little extra warmth on chilly days. Simple, practical, and surprisingly delightful. |
I received a small heater fan during a white elephant gift exchange earlier this month, and it’s officially earned a permanent spot in my life. It may be small, but it’s mighty — perfect for adding a little extra warmth on chilly days. Simple, practical, and surprisingly delightful. |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
I’ve been fully embracing Christmas movie season over the last month. I recently stumbled upon the Christmas+ app, which features a Christmas movie advent calendar — one holiday movie for each day leading up to Christmas. Some of the films are older and ones I hadn’t seen before, which made it even more fun. It’s been such a cozy way to wind down and get into the holiday spirit. |
I’ve been fully embracing Christmas movie season over the last month. I recently stumbled upon the Christmas+ app, which features a Christmas movie advent calendar — one holiday movie for each day leading up to Christmas. Some of the films are older and ones I hadn’t seen before, which made it even more fun. It’s been such a cozy way to wind down and get into the holiday spirit. |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
Leveraging AI for Custom Cards |
Leveraging AI for Custom Cards |
I had a lot of fun using AI this month to create custom images for birthday cards for my family. I experimented with both ChatGPT and Gemini to generate the artwork, then printed the cards at Walgreens. The final result felt so personal and creative — and definitely took my cards to the next level. It was a great reminder that tech can be both useful and playful. |
I had a lot of fun using AI this month to create custom images for birthday cards for my family. I experimented with both ChatGPT and Gemini to generate the artwork, then printed the cards at Walgreens. The final result felt so personal and creative — and definitely took my cards to the next level. It was a great reminder that tech can be both useful and playful. |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
I’m really looking forward to skiing this winter. We all picked up new skis at the end of last season, and I can’t wait to finally put them to use. There’s something about crisp air, fresh snow, and a day on the slopes that feels like the perfect winter reset. |
I’m really looking forward to skiing this winter. We all picked up new skis at the end of last season, and I can’t wait to finally put them to use. There’s something about crisp air, fresh snow, and a day on the slopes that feels like the perfect winter reset. |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
I’ve been really enjoying the Working Women Connection networking group I’m part of. In addition to meeting twice a month and passing referrals, we’ve also come together for several philanthropy projects to support those in need. To celebrate the holidays, we hosted a gift exchange where everyone brought one of their “favorite things.” It was such a fun, thoughtful way to connect and get to know each other better. (If you're interested in finding out more about the group, I'd love to have you come to a meeting as my guest.) |
I’ve been really enjoying the Working Women Connection networking group I’m part of. In addition to meeting twice a month and passing referrals, we’ve also come together for several philanthropy projects to support those in need. To celebrate the holidays, we hosted a gift exchange where everyone brought one of their “favorite things.” It was such a fun, thoughtful way to connect and get to know each other better. (If you're interested in finding out more about the group, I'd love to have you come to a meeting as my guest.) |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
This month, I loved discovering — and re-discovering — several local arts destinations during the Leadership Akron Arts & Culture program day. We are so fortunate to have incredible creative spaces right here in our community, including the Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Nightlight Cinema, Art x Love gallery, the National Museum of Psychology, and the Akron Art Museum. It was a great reminder of how much talent, history, and expression surrounds us. |
This month, I loved discovering — and re-discovering — several local arts destinations during the Leadership Akron Arts & Culture program day. We are so fortunate to have incredible creative spaces right here in our community, including the Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Nightlight Cinema, Art x Love gallery, the National Museum of Psychology, and the Akron Art Museum. It was a great reminder of how much talent, history, and expression surrounds us. |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
Holiday Choir Performance |
Holiday Choir Performance |
One of my favorite moments of the season is listening to the Copley High School choir perform during the Copley Chamber holiday luncheon. Their voices, energy, and talent are such a beautiful way to pause, reflect, and step fully into the holiday spirit. It’s a tradition that never gets old. |
One of my favorite moments of the season is listening to the Copley High School choir perform during the Copley Chamber holiday luncheon. Their voices, energy, and talent are such a beautiful way to pause, reflect, and step fully into the holiday spirit. It’s a tradition that never gets old. |
The Tenant by Frieda McFadden |
The Tenant by Frieda McFadden |
One of my recent audiobook listens was The Tenant by Freida McFadden — and wow. This psychological thriller pulled me in quickly and kept me guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took a sharp turn I didn’t see coming. The twist ending completely caught me off guard, making it one of those books that lingers in your thoughts long after it’s over. |
One of my recent audiobook listens was The Tenant by Freida McFadden — and wow. This psychological thriller pulled me in quickly and kept me guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took a sharp turn I didn’t see coming. The twist ending completely caught me off guard, making it one of those books that lingers in your thoughts long after it’s over. |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
As the year comes to a close, I’m incredibly grateful for all that 2025 brought. I was fortunate to help 16 clients buy or sell homes, enjoyed some amazing trips, and spent meaningful time with my family. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as Copley Chamber Board President, to be part of Leadership Akron Signature Class 42, to volunteer with WITAN, and to stay connected to so many wonderful people and organizations. It’s been a full, rewarding year — and I’m deeply appreciative of every part of it. |
As the year comes to a close, I’m incredibly grateful for all that 2025 brought. I was fortunate to help 16 clients buy or sell homes, enjoyed some amazing trips, and spent meaningful time with my family. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as Copley Chamber Board President, to be part of Leadership Akron Signature Class 42, to volunteer with WITAN, and to stay connected to so many wonderful people and organizations. It’s been a full, rewarding year — and I’m deeply appreciative of every part of it. |
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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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