| October 2026 Living OUTSTANDING Highlights & Reflections |
Welcome to the October edition of Living OUTSTANDING! October has been one of those months that captures so many of my favorite things about fall: baseball excitement, crisp days, Halloween traditions, time with family and friends, and plenty of opportunities to connect. Between a whirlwind trip to New York, client events, networking, and a busy real estate calendar, there has been a lot packed into these last few weeks. In this issue, I’ll share the Cleveland sports excitement I've been Obsessed with, along with Updates on what I’m working on as I balance planning for 2027 with a busy end to 2026. A collection of colorful glass pumpkins is this month’s Treasure, while Sounds & Stage takes us to Madison Square Garden and Broadway for a pretty unforgettable weekend. On the Tech front, I discovered just how useful a service I received for free can be when you’re in a last minute pinch, and I’m filled with Anticipation for one of my absolute favorite networking events of the year. This month’s Networking brought great conversations close to home, while my latest Discovery may just become your new favorite fall party idea. Inspiration came from hearing women leaders share their experiences and perspectives, while a Notable book surprised me with powerful stories and life lessons. And as always, I’ll close with Gratitude for my clients, the relationships that continue long after closing, and a beautiful fall afternoon spent reconnecting with so many of them. As the leaves change and we settle into the heart of fall, I hope this edition encourages you to enjoy the traditions you love, make time for the people who matter, and soak up the little things that make this season so special. I’d love to hear, what made your October 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 |
Guardians Postseason Baseball |
I've been caught up in the Guardians' postseason run this month! I was lucky enough to attend Game 3 with a friend, and we got to see an exciting win. Unfortunately, their World Series dreams came to an end with Game 6. As a Cleveland sports fan, I suppose I should be used to the heartbreak by now, but somehow we always manage to get our hopes up! Still, it was a fun ride, and I'm glad I got to experience a little of the excitement in person. There's always next year, right? |
UPDATES:What I'm working on |
First Time Buyers & New Listings |
I’ve been spending some more time working on my strategy for 2027, but there’s still plenty happening in 2026! I'm currently working with three first time buyers trying to find them the perfect place to call home. Plus I have a new listing hitting the market today in Akron’s beautiful Nob Hill neighborhood, with two more listings coming soon. If you or someone you know is looking in Akron and wants their own private wooded retreat not far from downtown, come take a look at 499 Bastogne during one of the open houses this week: Wednesday 10/21: 3 to 5 PM
Thursday 10/22: 4 to 5:30 PM
Friday 10/23: 11:30 AM to 1 PM I’m looking forward to finishing the year strong while also laying the groundwork for an outstanding 2027. |
TREASURES:Thing I'm loving |
Our Glass Pumpkin Collection |
My husband and I both love fall, and we especially love decorating for Halloween. Over the years, we’ve accumulated quite a collection of glass pumpkins in different colors, shapes, and sizes. We even had the opportunity to make a couple of our own during a glass blowing workshop, which makes those especially fun to pull out each year. I love the way the light catches the glass and makes them glow. They’re one of those seasonal decorations I look forward to unpacking every fall. |
SOUNDS & STAGE:What I'm watching or listening to |
Harry Styles & The Great Gatsby on Broadway |
The entertainment highlight of the month was definitely our trip to New York City for the Harry Styles concert at Madison Square Garden. I took Kayla for the weekend as part of her senior trip, and we traveled with one of her friends and her friend’s mom. We had such a fun weekend together, and Harry put on quite a show! Of course, my favorite lyric has to be “Respect your Mother.” I’ve even found my new favorite shirt featuring the line. We also managed to squeeze in The Great Gatsby on Broadway, and it was phenomenal. I saw the touring production earlier this year and enjoyed it, but there’s something pretty special about seeing a Broadway show on Broadway. It made an already memorable weekend even better. |
TECH:What's making my life easier |
I’m not entirely sure this qualifies as “tech,” but technology is involved and it's definitely made my life easier. Somehow I ended up with a free year of Target Circle 360, and I’ve recently discovered just how useful it can be. I don’t see myself using delivery all the time, but it has already rescued me in a couple of last minute situations. The best example was the day of homecoming, when my daughter suddenly needed something that the Fairlawn Target didn’t have in stock. Instead of driving to another store, I ordered it for delivery from the Wadsworth Target, and it showed up with plenty of time to spare. It probably saved me an hour on an already busy day. Definitely one of those services that’s nice to have in your back pocket when you need it! |
ANTICIPATION:What I'm looking forward to |
I’m looking forward to one of my favorite networking events of the entire year: Network N Roll with the Copley Chamber! It’s where speed networking meets a Bunco tournament, which sounds a little strange until you experience it! It’s such a fun way to meet new people, get to know familiar faces better, laugh a lot, and maybe even win a prize along the way. We’re adding some fun food this year too, including an apple nacho bar. And because we moved the event to the evening, there will be a bar this year and everyone will receive one drink ticket. Wednesday, November 4
5 to 7 PM
Concordia at Sumner in Copley You definitely do not need to be a Chamber member to attend. Everyone is welcome! And don't worry if you've never played Bunco before... no experience is necessary. It's super easy to learn, and we'll explain everything you need to know. |
NETWORKING:Who I've connected with |
Outstanding Ohio Event at Conscious Wellness |
This month’s Outstanding Ohio networking event was hosted by Dr. Julie Sharrar at Conscious Wellness in Fairlawn. We had some really great conversations and another opportunity to get beyond the typical “What do you do?” networking and actually learn more about one another. That’s always my favorite part of these events, watching people find common ground and make connections that might not have happened otherwise. Our last Outstanding Ohio in person networking event of the year will be November 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Chez Del Interiors in Akron. I’d love to have you join us! |
DISCOVERIES:What I'm learning or discovering |
I tried something new for my client appreciation event this weekend... an apple nacho bar. It was a big hit! The setup was actually pretty easy. I provided several kinds of apples along with cutting boards and apple slicers so everyone could cut their own apple and put the slices in a bowl. Then came the fun part: hot fudge, caramel, and peanut butter sauce for drizzling, plus a whole assortment of toppings including mini chocolate chips, crushed peanuts and pecans, pretzels, Oreos, graham crackers, mini marshmallows, mini M&M’s, and sprinkles. Kids loved them. Adults loved them. And they were really easy to customize. I think I may have discovered the perfect fall party snack! |
INSPIRATIONS:What is inspiring me |
Women's Leadership Conference |
I attended the Women’s Leadership Conference hosted by Emilia Sykes this month and really enjoyed hearing from so many accomplished women. Several different panels brought together women from politics and business to talk about their experiences, their paths to leadership, and some of the unique challenges women continue to face along the way. It was especially interesting to be in a room with four congresswomen and hear firsthand about their experiences. Regardless of industry, there’s something inspiring about hearing women talk candidly about the obstacles they’ve faced, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve continued moving forward |
Fight Through It by Roy Hall |
One of the best books I read this month was Fight Through It by Roy Hall. I actually received the book for free at the Ohio REALTORS conference last month and had absolutely no idea what it was about. At the last minute, I tossed it into my bag for our New York trip and ended up loving it. Hall, a former Ohio State football player, shares stories about challenges he has faced as well as experiences of other players and coaches he has known. What I loved most was the way he weaves meaningful life lessons into those stories without making the book feel like a traditional self help book. I found myself in tears several times. It was a quick read, but an incredibly inspirational one. Definitely worth picking up, especially if you’re a Buckeye fan! |
GRATITUDE:What I'm grateful for |
My Clients & Fall Family Foto Day |
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I’m incredibly grateful for my clients and for the opportunity I get to be part of such an important chapter in their lives. One of the hardest parts about a transaction ending is that I don’t get to see my clients nearly as often once the moving boxes are unpacked and life settles back down. That’s one of the reasons I love hosting client appreciation events. Yes, they’re my way of saying thank you, but they’re also a really good excuse to see everyone again, catch up, and hear what’s happening in their lives. One of my favorites is my Fall Family Foto event at Shady Hollow Lodge, and we had the perfect day for it this past Sunday. Couples and families had the opportunity to enjoy a mini session with a professional photographer, and afterward we could hang out and catch up over an apple nacho bar, hot chocolate bar, and other fall treats. I love fall, I love family photos, and most of all, I love getting to reconnect with people I might not otherwise get to see very often. It was a pretty perfect combination, and a wonderful reminder that the relationships I build through real estate mean so much more to me than the transaction itself. |
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| | 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. |
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2857 Riviera Rd Suite 201- Fairlawn, OH 44333 |
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