Living Chester County

HIPPITY HOPPITY - it's time for Easter! This year, Chester County has some fun-filled activities this week (and weekend) to celebrate! Check out the newest blog post https://livingchestercounty.com/chester-county-easter-egg-/

"For the two of us, home isn't a place, it is a person. And we are finally home." -Stephanie Perkins Happy Anniversary to the man who is always my home - whether it's all glamorous in Napa, or sitting on the couch in my glamorous sweatpants. We may not have been each other's first loves, but I am so glad we get to be each other's last.

Small business love - so technically not local, but this week is a special week for hubs and me. I'm not a grand gestures kind of a gal, and I hate surprises ... so this special gift really got me in the feels. Wanderer Bracelets are handmade in Bali and you can customzie them for specific coordinates. This one (and the matching one that hubs wears) are the coordinates of the mountain on which we got married 4 years ago tomorrow. It was just us, the minister, the photograp...her, and our wedding coordinator (who helped make it happen) on the top of a gorgeous Sonoma County hillside. I feel pretty dang lucky that I found my home with my husband, and whenever I am feeling lost, I don't have to look very far to remember my true north. So, where's the place that brings you home? @wandererbracelets @runawaywithmeweddings

Hey Friends! Here's our list of what's going on this weekend in and around Chester County!! Who said egg hunts are just for kids? If you are looking for Easter activities for the kids (or the kids at heart), there are some great ones in the area! Elmwood Park Zoo is having an Easter Brunch, and who wouldn't want to take a train ride with the Easter Bunny in West Chester? Some local wineries are also offering a grown up version of a childhood favorite. So, go out and enjoy! Want to see our complete list of weekend happenings? Sign up for our FREE newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekly! https://bit.ly/livingchestercounty-events

Dream Big. Move Fast. Obsess over Opportunity. They aren't just cute phrases - they are three of my favorite Entrepreneurship Principles that agents at Compass live by. Today, it was announced that Compass Real Estate was named the #1 Independent Brokerage in the US and the #2 Brokerage Overall in Sales Volume for 2020. That's a pretty huge feat for an 8 years young brokerage. How do we do it? Agents that are committed to their clients not just during the transaction - b...ut professionals that are committed to providing life-long advice on the most precious asset - HOME. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing company that values serving clients with the utmost professionalism, giving back to the community, and encouraging us all to dream big every day. I've found my place in the world and I am committed to helping you find yours too. Let me know when you are ready! PS - If you're wondering what the other five are - Learn from reality, be-solutions-driven, collaborate without ego, maximize your strengths, and bounce back with passion - now that you know - what's your favorite?

"LIfe is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller It's been a year (or a hundred years, who's counting). As I wait for that clock to strike midnight tonight, I find myself so grateful for taking the plunge and investing in the future - for taking risks, getting out of my comfort zone, and challenging myself in the most challenging times. What an adventure it's been. I hope you can find a moment (or two) to find a bit of gratitude for something this past year and that it fuels you for better things tomorrow. Cheers to new beginnings, new challenges, new adventures. Peace out 2020.

Still have a few presents to buy for your loved ones? Have you thought about supporting your local business owners instead of doing a last-minute amazon order? There are SO MANY great local businesses in and around Chester County, too many to mention. But, if you are still looking for that perfect gift, check out some of my local favorites: - Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops, various locations, including Exton... - Painted Table Design, Elverson - Chester County Running Store, Pottstown - Magnolia Cottage Shop, Frasier - Tish Boutique, West Chester - Posh Collections, Malvern - The Prana House, West Chester Even if you aren't able to purchase anything from your favorite shops right now, you can still share the #locallove of your favorite shops and restaurants by sharing on social media, tagging them here on this post, and telling your friends and family how much you love them! So ... what's your favorite local shop?

Brighter Days Ahead! Today marks the winter solstice, and day of the year where we have the least amount of daylight. This is kind of the best day of the year - because TOMORROW WILL BE BRIGHTER!!! The holidays are in "full swing" and it's hard to believe that 2020 will be over soon. This year feels so much different. I know that the darkest days can feel never ending, but remember, the sun always starts it's turn every year back to us. ... Make it a great week, my friends!

Christmas PJs on Christmas Eve. Baking cookies, your "own" wrapping paper, waking up waaaaay too early because even in your 40s Christmas morning gets you excited. Coffee Cake and staying up too late wrapping presents. Fuzzy socks and Christmas music. Candy canes for breakfast. My son reminded me the other day of all of the things that he was looking forward to for the holidays. They all had to do with the little things that have compounded over the years. Things tha...t I didn't even realize were what made Christmas special for him. Some traditions have changed over the years, and some are on hold right now. Some loved ones are no longer here, and some families look different. We aren't having the big family gatherings - a game night on zoom instead. But, the kids (all of them, yay!), my husband, and me will get to enjoy the little things that make days like this a little bit more memorable than the rest. May you find a small bit of magic and peace today. Merry Christmas.

Snow. Quiet. Twilight. Chester County life.

Fun Fact: Only 18% of US households change the air filters in their homes once a month as recommended. It's the time of year to get out those sparkly decorations, get cozy, layer everything with blankets and greenery, and CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTERS! We all know that it's a good thing to change the air filters, right? Not only does it keep dust, pet dander, and pollen (not to mention all the EXTRA stuff from the new work-school-from-home lifestyle), but you can also save money.... On average, homes that change the air filters 6x/year save 15% off their energy bills and avoid costly (and preventable) HVAC repairs. According to thezebra, you should change the air filters in your home every 90 days. If you have pets, it is recommended to change them every 60 days. Think your vacuum picks up gross stuff? Imagine what is lurking in those filters! When was the last time you changed your air filter? Consider this your friendly reminder.

IT'S SNOWING!! Anyone else dreaming of tropical breezes, a lanai, a lovely drink in a pineapple, and vitamin D on your skin?? Another gorgeous #compasscatch just listed.