Can you even believe it? Fall…. It is crazy to think that what felt like a few short months ago we were in March. Life seemed normal and them BOOM. COVID and all the craziness that came with it. Quarantine for longer than I think any of us ever expected, dealing with loss of employment, loss of life, concern about our health and the health of our loved ones, racial and political movements. It has been tough. Definitely not easy… and now many parents are having to navigate virtual learning and others are still working from home or out of work. It is a crazy time in this world for sure but one thing that is constant are the seasons. We finished up Winter and went into Spring and then fast forward through summer which felt like a blink and here we are… FALL. To be honest my favorite season of all.

When I sat down to write this blog so much came flooding to mind, in the past several months my family and I have been through SO much like I know so many of you have. It’s strange to even being to talk about it because to be honest there were so many tough times but there were so many beautiful ones as well. We all were extremely sick with COVID, but we were all fortunate enough to remain employed and working through quarantine since banking was considered essential. My dog was diagnosed with Cancer and shortly after had to be put down which was absolutely horrific (another blog to come about this because I feel like I learned so much and have so much to share with other pet owners) but I was fortunate enough to have half of my house gutted and completely renovated. My aunt was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of Cancer and we The Man and Woman of the Year Campaign for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society had to become a virtual event but than we broke records and raised more money than ever before I’ve excelled both financial and professional in my career, I have become debt free (more to share about this as well), I have started a very exciting health journey that I look forward to sharing with you eventually…. The list can go on and on. I feel like this time in my life is hard to put into words… so much good, so much bad, so much learning and growing… it’s strange.

There was also no way I was going to start this blog talking about a pumpkin spice latte because that for sure felt ridiculous as well but I do want to focus on a few things I think can help us all during this season. Not just this season of weather but this season of life.

The first thing I think that should be addressed is the housing market and lending…. whoaaaaaaaa. A popular opinion during Quarantine was that the housing market would take a hit and at the beginning of quarantine interest rates had increased quite a bit which had people concerned. Since than the housing market has done nothing but increase, the prices of homes are at a historical high and interest rates are at historical lows… like in the 2’s low. It is a crazy hot sellers market… not nearly enough inventory and pent up buyer demand which has created INSANE bidding wars. Open houses have lines of over 50+ buyers waiting. Almost every home is going for over asking and in some cases buyers are committing to purchase homes even if the appraisal doesn’t come in for the sales price (that used to NEVER happen). The all time low interest rates have also made it an incredible time to not only purchase but to refinance as well. In some cases even people who purchased just a year ago can benefit from refinancing, getting off their mortgage insurance, lowering their rate and securing a better financial situation. It’s not a market any of us saw coming yet its here and its a whirlwind. If I can give you any advice at all it would be to consider a financial fall review. I would be happy to discuss your refinance or purchase options!

My team and I have navigated this unprecedented time incredibly well. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone. My mom and I had a record breaking closing month, helping 40 families purchase and refinance.. you could be next!

When I say financial fall review I also think it’s important to bring up an unpopular topic… savings and life insurance. Hopefully now more than ever you have realized the important of financial responsibility. Being laid off from work, having a family to take care of an a specific emergency savings plan is a lot different than being laid off from work, having a family to take care of and relaying on a stimulus check to get you through a 6 month pandemic. Not to mention being the breadwinner in your family and god forbid getting sick and leaving them with nothing. I honestly don’t understand why people avoid conversations about their finances. I know its hard, I know its uncomfortable but the piece of mind you get from properly planning your finances and future is PRICELESS. Please reach out I would be happy to refer you to the financial advisor I like, know and trust to help you plan properly.

Don’t worry the entire blog won’t be so heavy. There are also some less serious , fun stuff I would love to share as well.

Like my front door.

I know… you’re probably thinking huh?? But hear me out… I feel like every season is a new opportunity to redesign the front of your house. I LOVE decorating it for Fall! The pumpkins and wreaths, the cabbage plants and mums, seriously THE BEST!

This year I decided to make my own custom wreath with a few thing I picked up at Michael’s. My sister and I spent the afternoon crafting together just the cutest skeleton wreathes and it gives my front door the perfect pop for the season, plus its super original!

As for the pumpkins… typically I go pumpkin picking and get a few to design the stoop (I love supporting local) but this year I am going to be honest I was running into Stop and Shop and in the interest of time I snagged ALLLLLL of these pumpkins (even the fun gourds) 2 for $10. I grabbed a bag of mini pumpkins and squash and then two mums and two cabbages and walllllahhh! Lastly I tucked in some battery operated string lights and I am telling you this look is just my favorite!

Skeleton Wreath Supplies:

Skeleton, Hydrangea, Feathers, Black and White Ribbon, Black Ribbon, the gold hoop I can’t find online but it was in our store in the isle with the wire you’ll need. Don’t get caught up on finding all the exact same things that we got… go through and make it yours my sisters wreath looks completely different than mine and it’s just as gorgeous! Figure you’ll need the hoop, the skeleton, some feather sticks, a faux flower or two, some leaves and a big bow!

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This Leather Jacket

I meannnn everyone needs a great leather jacket for fall! Especially one that is comfortable/has some give AND that’s faux. Anthropologie has this AMAZING one and what is even better??? It’s size inclusive. Petite through Plus! THAT is what I’m talking about!

BOOZE.

Every Halloween my Aunt would make this Sangria and we would fill up our bottles and hit the town to trick or treat with the kids. IT IS DELICIOUS! I know Trick or Treating may look different this year but one thing remains the same…getting together with your family and friends! So whether it is a small intimate dinner party or just staying in one night and binging Netflix enjoy this amazing cocktail!

I’m known for being a tad bit “extra” so when I make this sangria I like to serve it in these cute cups!

Obviously the moscow mule cups can be used for many different occasions but the skeloton cups are just super cute for the season.

Cute Sneaks

These sneakers are the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe! They are comfy yet stylish, they can be dressed up or dressed down AND they come in 4 different colors! Paired with an oversized sweater, some skinny jeans and this side bag like shown below from Nordstrom’s…. and you are good to go!!