Winter—it’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s test how many layers you can wear before you can’t move your arms.” But seriously, when the days get shorter and the cold creeps in, I feel it: the sluggishness, the “can I just stay inside until Spring” vibe, and the constant battle to stay motivated.

Winter may not be the traditional season for home improvement, but it’s actually the perfect time to tackle projects that can boost your home’s value.

Here we are—the final hours of 2024! And just like every other year around this time, I’m deep in my reflective feels. There’s a little regret sprinkled in, but there’s also a lot of gratitude and happiness.

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday behind Independence Day. As someone who loves to eat comfort food but isn’t crazy about mass gift giving, Thanksgiving was practically created just for me.

I wasn’t in a hurry to finish. I was enjoying my time in solitude - alone with my thoughts. I had only been gone 48 hours. If I’m being honest, some anxiety was creeping in about heading back to responsibilities.

After a solid night’s sleep, I woke up in Connellsville, ready to tackle the day ahead. I packed up my gear and made my way to the lobby for breakfast.

Biking the GAP Trail has been on my “someday” list for years—right up there with “swim lessons” and “learning to sing.”

There's something undeniably electric about the atmosphere of a live concert. The anticipation in the air, the moment the lights dim, and the first notes fill the room—it all creates a rush like no other. For me, live music isn’t just about the music. It’s about an escape from stress and spending time with my favorite people.

Mealtime shouldn’t be stressful. It should be a time to connect with your loved ones. Give these recipes a try and let me know what you think!

Early in the year, I stumbled onto a Facebook group about hiking the Grand Canyon - like from one side of it to the other.

My middle son, Evan, graduates tonight. And my emotions kind of snuck up on me. I mean, I know I’m an emotional person. Anyone who knows me, knows my emotions are big. But I’ve been kind of busy or maybe just burying my feelings for self preservation.

You know the episode of Friends with guest star, Alec Baldwin? Where everything is positive and amazing?

Valentine’s Day might get all the billing, but for me National Donor Day is a much bigger deal. National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation.

As we wind down the last few hours of January, I reflect on the goals and plans I made just a month ago. How’s it going? Where am I content? Where am I discouraged? Where do I go from here?

A few years ago, a few friends got together and decided we wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Thus, our Blood Club was born and lives on still. We don’t keep track but I would venture to guess that collectively, we have donated over 30 units of blood and still going strong.

What’s a girl to do when her family decides to give rock climbing a try but she has a “healthy” fear of heights? In this case, she says “Ehh, no thanks.” Then I considered this - my fear of heights is actually conditional.

It’s coming! I’ve been expecting it! I’ve been chewing on it and I’m ready for it. I’m going to wear it like a badge of honor and embrace it - especially the senior discounts. Ok - that “senior” part hurt a bit. But still, I’m generally, totally ok with turning 50.

As a realtor, I get to work with people from all different points in their lives. It could be a family who needs a bigger home. Maybe a retired couple is looking for low maintenance living. I enjoy them all. But if I’m being honest, I really enjoy working with the clients who are looking for that new beginning.

My middle son graduates high school this year. I want to celebrate and commemorate that milestone. We have been chewing on the idea of going to the Grand Canyon - neither of us has been there - and completing a rim to rim hike. If you aren’t familiar - I wasn’t until I started researching - a rim to rim hike is just what it says. You start on one side of the canyon, hike down and back up the other side. It sounds amazing!

As a realtor, I want to sell houses - any house, right? As it turns out, that’s not always true. The past two years were marked with the passing of my father-in-law and mother-in-law. So naturally, it was time to sell the home that was theirs for over 40 years and let someone else love it.