Sunshine, Sold Signs, & Freestyle Living

Yellow. The color of sunflowers, lemonade, and freshly painted front doors that scream: “I’m the one!” Summer is finally here and in the spirit of the season I want to talk about the kind of homes that don’t just put a roof over your head—but a little sunshine in your soul. Because life begins at home, and your home should give you life!

As a real estate agent, I’ve seen it all: the sleek modern downtown loft with floor-to-ceiling windows that face the rising sun, the fixer-upper that “just needs vision” (and maybe a structural engineer or two), and the dreamy Brazilian beachfront condo that makes you wonder if it’s too early to retire at 40, …? But no matter the square footage or style, the homes that really sell this time of year are the ones that match the energy of summer—easy, breezy, and bursting with life & light. 

You see, freestyle living isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about creating a space that fits your rhythm. Maybe that’s an open kitchen for spontaneous Sunday brunches. Or a backyard big enough for a kiddie pool, a hammock, and at a few embarrassing rounds of cornhole after a pitcher of margaritas. It’s the kind of living where you don’t just follow the rules—you write your own. (And for those of you living outside of Ohio & don’t know what cornhole is, Google it & give it a try this summer!) 

And here’s where it gets real (estate pun very much intended): buyers in summer are emotional. They fall for natural light like it’s a magic spell. They imagine barbecues on decks they’ve never stood on. They walk into a sunny, yellow-walled sunroom and suddenly think: “I could become a plant person.” Summer makes us believe in possibility. And isn’t that what home should feel like? When you sell your home, you’re not just selling four walls and a roof, you’re selling a dream. The American dream. 

In this market, you don’t need just curb appeal—you need verve appeal. So, whether you’re selling, buying, or still dreaming,… now is the time to lean into your own freestyle-ness. Paint that porch. Start that container garden. Ditch that rigid floor plan and opt for something with flow. Add a pop of yellow somewhere—trust me, it works. I recently remodeled my downstairs guest bathroom, and I wanted a classic black and white theme, but I also wanted a splash of color somewhere. So, I decided to paint the inside of the cabinets yellow! I love the way it turned out and every time I open the doors & drawers it feels like sunshine and brings a smile to my face. 

As for me? I’ll be the one showing houses in sandals, sunglasses, and sipping on iced coffee while not-so-secretly judging closet space. But more importantly, I’ll be helping people find places that don’t just tick boxes—but make life feel like a summer day.

Because freestyle living isn't about being perfect. It's about being free—to live authentically, laugh like a hyena, and hang a disco ball in your kitchen just because you can.

Now go chase the sun.

Kyle Brandon is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine. He is a Realtor in Central Ohio and can be reached through his website:

Kyle Brandon Realtor® (exprealty.com)

[email protected]

Legacy: What Really Matters as You Enter Your Senior Years

As the golden sun of summer warms our skin and lights our days with longer hours and brighter mornings, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the deeper meaning of life. The season of sunshine often becomes a season of contemplation—especially as we step into our senior years. And the question that begins to echo louder than ever is this: What will I leave behind?

Legacy Matters.

It’s not just about finances or property. Legacy is about values, impact, and intention. As we age, our focus shifts from “what do I want to do next?” to “what will I be remembered for?” Thinking legacy means taking stock of what truly matters—relationships, purpose, wisdom, and the stories that outlive us.

1. Relationships Over Riches

In your senior years, the importance of relationships becomes crystal clear. Think legacy in terms of connection: How did you love? Who did you uplift? The memories you create with family and friends will long outlast any possessions. Rebuild bridges. Write letters. Leave voice memos for your grandchildren. These small gestures become priceless treasures in the eyes of those we leave behind.

2. Wisdom Is Your Wealth

You’ve spent decades accumulating knowledge and life experience. Don’t keep that to yourself. Mentor a younger person. Start a blog. Record a podcast. Speak at a local school. Thinking legacy means packaging your wisdom and sharing it freely. Pass down not just stories but strategies for navigating life, faith, adversity, and joy.

3. Health Is Part of Legacy, Too

You can’t leave your health behind—but how you treat your body and mind sets an example for future generations. Choosing a healthy lifestyle as you age—walking, eating whole foods, practicing mindfulness—is part of the legacy you build. You’re modeling how to age with dignity, strength, and vitality.

4. Create With Purpose

Want to leave something tangible behind? Create it now. Write that memoir. Paint that canvas. Plant that garden. Your senior years are fertile ground for creative expression. Not only do these acts give your days meaning, but they also serve as touchstones for your loved ones—reminders of who you were and what you stood for.

5. Define Your Values—and Live Them

Legacy lives in alignment. If you value honesty, generosity, or perseverance, now is the time to fully embody those traits. Show up as your truest self. Think legacy every day by asking: What version of myself do I want remembered? Then act accordingly.

Legacy Matters is more than a slogan. It’s a powerful invitation to slow down, reflect, and live intentionally. This summer, as yellow hues fill the world with warmth and light, let that brightness be a mirror. Let it reflect the legacy you are creating—one thoughtful decision at a time.

Kathy Binner is a bestselling author, podcast host, and founder of the Kathy Binner International Academy. With a passion for helping others live intentionally, Kathy teaches real estate investing, wellness, writing, and business strategies through her signature membership platform. She believes that “Health comes before Wealth,” and her mission is to help others create a legacy worth living and sharing. Learn more at www.kathybinner.com.

A Summer’s Night Made for Gathering

Of my favorite summer pastimes, perhaps the greatest is dining 'al fresco.'

The beauty of the experience is hinted at in the lovely Italian phrase, which means 'in the cool, fresh air.'

One such evening of refreshment comes vividly to mind. I feel as though I'm back in the moment, even now...

We invite friends to join us for dinner at our place.

We rendezvous late, as the cool of the evening comes quietly to grant relief from the busyness and heat of the day.

Through the air waft the sounds of relaxing music.

The table is fully set, awaiting us on the cool green grass of our back yard.

Our long wooden picnic table has been transformed, now festive with a colorful tablecloth and thick woven placemats.

Clear hurricane shades shield fat white pillar candles from the evening's gentle breeze.

No paper plates here, not tonight. Real plates, real flatware, and of course, wine.

We nibble on small bites from an antipasto platter as we sip wine, chat, and begin to unwind, enveloped by the rich hues of sunset.

Tonight the main course is simple, hands-on, and utterly delicious: we’re making individual pizzas with fresh handmade dough.

Each person's pizza is exactly to taste because they select and add all the toppings themselves. Once the pizzas are assembled, we use a large wooden peel to slide them onto a hot clay tile in the oven and bake them to perfection.

With hot fresh main course in hand, we return to our inviting candlelit table in the cool back yard.

Fresh nasturtium flowers from my garden adorn the salad. Flowers on a salad? Yes, such a fun surprise for my guests. The nasturtiums' slightly peppery flavor and lovely golden orange color add sheer pleasure to the experience.

We drink deeply the simple joys of this al fresco evening.

The wine flows, and so does the conversation.

We laugh and dine as the sun sets, with music softly filling in the shadows round about.

Together we lift a glass, bathed in the glow of candlelight.... and friendship.

Linda Thomas is on a mission to help people live their best possible lives, filled with personal growth, financial and time freedom, vibrant relationships, and lasting legacies. You can catch up with her at Linda-Thomas.com

Tips from 50 Years of Marriage

Recently, my husband and I reached a significant milestone – 50 years of marriage. Is our marriage perfect? No, but we are committed to each other and our relationship. Have we learned more about each other? Yes, but that can be detrimental if we take each other for granted.

Here are a few tips we wished we knew 50 years ago. So, whether you are currently planning a marriage or have been married for 50 years or more, these tips are a good place to start or review, if you desire a thriving relationship. As one of our many cards said, “Finish Strong!”

1. Choose Each Other Daily

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a decision. Every day, choose kindness, loyalty, and the belief that your relationship is worth investing in. Prioritizing your spouse above all other relationships is essential. Does your spouse know he or she comes first for you? Deep inside do you belief he or she should?

2. Communicate Honestly—but Gently

Talk openly, but don’t forget grace. Listen with your full attention. Say what you feel, but always with respect and love. I like Stephen Covey’s 5th Habit, “Seek to Understand and Then be Understood.”

3. Forgive Quickly

You both will make mistakes—sometimes big ones. Learn to apologize and forgive without keeping score. Own your mistakes. Forgive intentionally, while knowing that sometimes forgiveness is a process. Forgive yourself too.

4. Keep Growing—Individually and Together

Allow each other space to change and grow. Encourage each other’s dreams, even as your seasons of life shift. Neither you nor your spouse is the same person as when you married. Encourage time spent with friends and family, both separately and together. This expands your thinking and your conversations. But be aware of two things: 1) Protect enough time alone with your spouse, especially if you live busy lives 2) Your time with others should enhance or make deposits in your marriage relationship and not withdrawals.

5. Stay Physically and Emotionally Close

Small gestures—hugs, handholding, a kind note—nurture connection. Emotional intimacy matters just as much as physical presence. 

6. Be a Team

Face life as partners, not competitors. Celebrate each other’s wins and carry burdens together. Be each other’s strongest supporter. Make decisions so that both of you can win, being willing to think outside the box to make this happen.

7. Respect Differences

You won’t always agree. That’s okay. Learn to appreciate—not just tolerate—what makes each of you unique. Unity does not mean uniformity.

From young love to growing old together, love will take different forms. Let it mature. Stay patient, stay kind. Yes, it will be different. It also has the potential of being much deeper.

Ruth Pierce is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living magazine. She is a Relationship Maximizer, drawing from nearly 50 years of marriage and over a decade in Human Resource Management. To learn more about the online book club or connect with her, visit: https://linktr.ee/ruthpiercetimetofly.

Embracing Summer and Bringing Light to the Season

Summer is often synonymous with sunshine, vacations, and relaxation. But beyond the beach trips and barbecues lies an opportunity to make this season truly meaningful — through acts of service. When the days are long and spirits are high, there’s no better time to give back, connect with others, and cultivate a sense of purpose.

The Spirit of Summer is more than sunshine. There’s something energizing about summer. The warmth and brightness naturally invite people outdoors and encourage connection. Schools are out, schedules are more flexible, and many communities are bustling with events and activity. This makes summer the perfect season for stepping into service — not out of obligation, but out of a desire to share the joy this time of year can bring.

Acts of service are simple yet powerful ways to show love, compassion, and solidarity. They can be small gestures like mowing a neighbor’s lawn, bringing cold water to delivery workers, or writing encouraging notes to friends. Or they can be more organized efforts like volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a community clean-up, or mentoring youth during their summer break. The beauty of service is that it meets people where they are — and even the smallest act can make a lasting impact.

Being present with people
sometimes, the most meaningful act of service is simply being there. Visit a lonely relative, invite someone over for a summer meal, or take a walk with a friend going through a hard time. Presence is one of the most undervalued forms of service.

You may ask, why does it matter? Well simply serving others in summer doesn't just help those in need — it transforms the giver, too. It deepens empathy, creates connection, and roots joy in something more lasting than leisure. In a season often focused on self-indulgence, service invites us to think outwardly.

Service also teaches children and teens the value of generosity. Getting the whole family involved in a shared project can build lifelong habits of compassion and community involvement.

While memories of beach vacations may fade, the impact of a kind act endures. Whether your summer is full of travel or spent close to home, consider how you can weave acts of service into the rhythm of your season.

In the warmth of the sun and the freedom of summer days, there’s a quiet invitation — not just to enjoy, but to uplift. And when we answer that call, we help ensure that the light of summer is shared with everyone. I encourage you to make this a summer to remember.

______________________________

A Summer to Remember

Beneath the sun’s embracing glow,
Where golden breezes softly blow,
Lies more than rest and skies so blue—
A chance to serve, to start anew.

The season hums with open hearts,
A time when giving gently starts.
From cooling drinks to caring hands,
Kindness ripples through the lands.

A lawn mowed here, a smile there,
A walk with one who needs your care.
Not out of duty, but from grace,
We meet the world in warm embrace.

So let this summer shine with love,
And lift up hearts like wings above.
For service sows what joy can't buy—
A legacy that does not die.

______________________________

Carmella Banks is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living Magazine and is a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils.

You can connect with Carmella through her linked-in profile at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmella-banks-1781a370/

Or on her Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/822573918497806

Awake AND Intentional- 25 Weeks of Choices

Let me be clear—this piece isn’t for people who have it all together. It is for folks like me: the misfits, the overthinkers, the ones who start with fire but get tangled in real life, doubt, or old habits.

This is a checkpoint. A halfway mark in my messy, imperfect attempt to live Awake AND Intentional. Not flawlessly—just honestly.

Looking Back

At the start of the year, I wrote about what it means to wake up and choose your life on purpose. Not to float or numb out, but to engage. That was Article 1. In Article 2, I owned a harder truth: where I am is the result of choices I’ve made—or avoided. It wasn’t about guilt. It was about power.

For the past 25 weeks, I have taken time to briefly journal about my efforts specifically in regards to my goals. This article is a review. Not of my goals themselves—that’s personal—but of what I’ve noticed in the process. Trends. Traps. Growth. Resistance.

What 25 Weeks has Shown Me

Intention Without Execution Is Still Inertia

Planning felt productive. But without action, it was just another comfortable stall.

The Shadow Comes Along for the Ride

In this case the Shadow refers to the Shadow Self as described by Swedish psychologist Carl Jung. The Shadow Self is the hidden part of us we often deny—our fears, flaws, and impulses—but facing it is how we grow whole.

Avoidance, fear, resentment—my Shadow didn’t stay behind. I’ve started listening instead of burying it.

Discomfort Is Not Failure

Some weeks felt awful—and turned out to be the most revealing. Growth doesn’t always feel like winning.

Patterns Repeat Until You Face Them

The same internal roadblocks kept showing up. Not because I was broken—because I hadn’t learned what they were trying to teach me.

Tiny Choices Are the Real Battleground

Progress came from the small stuff: posting when I didn’t want to, stretching when it felt pointless. The needle moved quietly.

The Rebellion Against Myself Is Real

I made a plan. A part of me rebelled. Not laziness—resistance. I’m learning to work with that voice, not against it.

Still Becoming

I’m not done. But I’ll keep going. I kept showing up, even when it was uncomfortable. I saw things about myself I didn’t love—but I saw them honestly. That’s growth too.

I’m not proud of every choice. But I’m proud I didn’t quit.

This is what becoming looks like. And it’s not accidental. It’s intentional. One hard choice at a time.

A Final Thought (and a Little Test)

They say it’s not about the destination—it’s the journey.

I wonder who actually said that? (If you know, email me. I’m curious who reads to the end.)

Next time, I’ll close the loop with that quote—the real version—and what it means to finish strong. For now, I’m still walking.

L. Mason VanDyke is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living Magazine. He is not just an author but a captivating storyteller, weaving narratives that transport readers into rich, immersive worlds of imagination. You can connect with L Mason VanDyke through his email at: [email protected]

Capturing Summer

“Summertime, I think, is a collective unconscious. We all remember the notes that made up the song of the ice cream man; we all know what it feels like to brand our thighs on a playground slide that's heated up like a knife in a fire; we all have lain on our backs with our eyes closed and our hearts beating across the surface of our lids, hoping that this day will stretch just a little longer than the last one, when in fact it's all going in the other direction.” ~Jodi Picolt

My dad had a two-week vacation every June. At the end of it was the only time I ever saw his fingernails not outlined in black, leftovers of his daily job as a diesel mechanic and foreman at a trucking firm. Almost every year, my parents packed up a homemade trailer, made by my dad, with camping gear and supplies. All six of us children settled into the station wagon and off we’d go to our favorite campground. 

It was a magical time of fishing and swimming, sleeping in a huge tent with six cots, two of them bunk bed cots. The pitter patter on the canvas roof when it rained was a lullaby. At night, laughter bounced around in the darkness from other camp sites and campfires flickered like giant lightning bugs.

I hope summer involves good memories for you, too. Write them down. A memory may lead to a biographical piece. Maybe make it the setting for a made-up character. What would a mermaid do during summer that she wouldn’t do during another season? 

Thank you to The Writing Practice https://thewritepractice.com/ for these topic ideas for turning your summer into a writing session.

Nonfiction

1. Describe the perfect summer day from beginning to end. What activities would you engage in and why?

2. Write about a memorable vacation or summer road trip. What made it special and why do you still remember it?

3. Share your favorite summer recipe. Include the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. How does it remind you of summer?

4. Share a list of your favorite summer songs or a summer playlist. Why do these songs resonate with you, and how do they enhance your summer vibe?

Fiction 

5. The sun-drenched beach was bustling with laughter and the sound of crashing waves until…

6. The sweltering heat seemed unbearable until…

7. Fireflies danced in the warm night air, illuminating the path leading to…

Fiction or Nonfiction

8. You or your character has just arrived in a bustling city known for its vibrant street markets and cultural landmarks. Write about your first impressions and the unique experiences you encounter.

9. You or your character is on a gastronomic journey, discovering the flavors and culinary delights of a foreign country or your own country. Write about the mouthwatering dishes, local specialties, and the joy of indulging in new tastes.

10. Picture yourself or your character lounging on a luxurious cruise ship, sailing through turquoise waters and visiting exotic islands. Describe it!

Sandy Kachurek is a Staff Writer and Executive Contributor for the Freestyle Living Magazine. She is the director of Into the Springs Writers' Workshop. The 2025 details for the workshop are on the website. You can connect with Sandy through her email at:

[email protected]

or connect with her on her Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/IntoTheSpringsWritersWorkshop/

Soaking Up the Sunshine: A Mid-Year Moment to Shine

The year is already half over, and while that might sound surprising, it’s also a wonderful reminder to pause, look around, and bask in the golden glow of summer. This season, we’re embracing a bright and breezy theme of sunshine in our days, our moods, and the energy we share with others.

There’s something magical about summer sunlight. It pours through the windows in the early morning, nudging us awake with warmth and promise. It lingers late into the evening, turning ordinary moments into golden-hour memories. Whether you’re walking barefoot through grass, sipping lemonade on the porch, or just taking a breath under a blue sky, sunshine has a way of softening stress and lighting up our perspective.

One of the sweetest perks of the season? The produce! Local markets are bursting with farm-fresh goods—plump tomatoes, juicy peaches, sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, and berries that taste like sunshine itself. These vibrant fruits and vegetables, picked at their peak, are not only delicious but also a vivid reminder of nature’s generosity. Something is grounding and joyful about choosing your food straight from the hands that grew it and turning it into colorful summer meals that nourish body and soul.

Summer is also a time to honor those who have given so much for our freedom. From Memorial Day tributes to Fourth of July parades, this season offers many moments to recognize and celebrate our veterans. Their courage and sacrifice light a path of gratitude that runs deeper than any fireworks display. Whether it's a simple thank-you, a community barbecue, or attending a local ceremony, let’s take time to show our appreciation to the heroes among us who have helped make the sunshine of peace and liberty possible.

At this midpoint in the year, it's easy to feel pulled between reflection and anticipation—thinking about what we’ve done and what’s still ahead. But summer invites us into the now. It says, “Let’s enjoy this moment. Let’s find joy in simple things. Let’s step outside and let the sun kiss our skin.” Sunshine becomes a gentle reset, reminding us to slow down, to laugh more, and to look for the beauty all around us.

We can carry sunshine with us in more ways than one. It’s in our outlook, the way we speak life into each other, the small kindnesses that brighten someone’s day. It’s in the pops of yellow we wear, the sunflower on the table, the laughter at a backyard gathering. Sunshine is both a season and a spirit.

Even if your year hasn’t gone exactly as planned, summer reminds us that there’s still time. Still time to grow, to play, to rest, to pivot. Just as the sun rises anew each day, we too can rise—hopeful, radiant, and open to what’s next.

So, here’s to the golden moments, big and small. Here’s to sunshine—both outside and within. Let it warm your heart, light your path, and remind you that even halfway through the year, the best may be yet to come. ☀️

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"Sunshine isn't just weather—it's a mindset. It reminds us to slow down, savor the moment, and soak in the beauty around us. Even if the year hasn’t gone as planned, there’s still time to shine. Every golden hour holds the promise of new joy. Let the light in—outside and within."

______________________________

Debbie Marks is a staff writer for Freestyle Living Magazine. She is a global marketing entrepreneur, author, speaker, health & wellness coach, home-based business coach, social 

media trainer, & organic homesteader. Debbie is a regional sales director for Melaleuca and facilitates her monthly podcast, Fireside Chat with Debbie Marks.