Wayfaring Wednesday: Do you like decorating for Christmas early?

Welcome to Wayfaring Wednesday! My career as a real estate agent takes me all around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of urban and rural charm this region offers over the last 20 plus years that I have called this region home. Wayfaring Wednesday is a Newsletter for www.wayfaringLancaster.com my Buy Local- Buy Small initiative.

My passion for small businesses stems from my varied experience in Commercial and Residential Real Estate. I am captivated by the vibrant communities and quaint towns that dot the landscape of Lancaster County. I am inspired by the business owners that build this rugged terrain. I invite you to explore and enjoy Lancaster with me, discovering its hidden gems and embracing the sense of community that makes this area truly special. And of course I will share relevant real estate and homeownership tips that should interest you along your journey. Wayfarer on!

Niche and Private Communities:  There's a shift toward smaller, niche communities where members can find a more tailored and intimate experience. These communities focus on specific interests or values, fostering stronger bonds and higher engagement. People are looking for spaces that feel exclusive and offer meaningful connections, which is why secret or invite-only groups are becoming more popular​. Read more about creating community here.

You are invited to our Wayfaring Lancaster:  Buy Local - Buy Small Facebook group.  In this group I hope to connect through engagement with people and businesses that are local and not just anonymous.   We will have events that help connect and engage as well.

“My family discovered Shaklee in 1972, although Shaklee Corporation began in 1956.  Our family found Shaklee products to be different from other brands.  They were more holistic and Shaklee guaranteed no artificial ingredients in any of their products.  This was a big deal to our family and so, eventually, my mother, along with others in the family, began growing their Shaklee businesses.  

Shaklee is a “Green” company and offers a holistic approach to health. Shaklee offers a wide range of products including nutrition, personal care, and green home products. In addition, Shaklee offers personalized solutions, such as a personalized vitamins as well as a personalized skin care regimen.  In addition, many of the personal care products qualify for “EWG Verification” which is awarded to products with ethically sourced ingredients.

Shaklee’s Youth line of products offers Clinical Results without Compromise. The key to beautiful, younger-looking skin is to accelerate skin cell renewal to a more youthful rate. With 8 patents and patents pending, each YOUTH product is specifically formulated to address the multiple effects of aging. The patent-pending “Youth Complex” harnesses the power of botanicals to address the multiple signs of aging.

Here is my Shaklee website link to the Youth/ Personal care products:  https://us.shaklee.com/Personal-Care/c/400

“When you buy from a small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.”

Come along with me as I celebrate and support our cherished local entrepreneurs. If you have a small business, event, or community feature you would like to recommend, please email me at [email protected]

Your home is more than just a space—it reflects your individuality and creativity. From DIY enhancements to unique decor selections, every element showcases your personal touch.

How have you made your living space distinctly yours? Whether it's a piece of art you created or a vintage find that speaks volumes about your style and personalizes your spaces. Below is my neighbor’s front porch.

Do you like decorating for Christmas early? I usually don't, but I did a bit of research to see what's considered socially acceptable. Now, I’m not one to worry much about what others think, but I was curious. From what I found, most people seem to agree that decorating right after Thanksgiving is ideal. However, according to ScienceDirect, decorating early can actually be beneficial for the community and fostering connections. Their research suggests that residents can use their home’s exterior to show their sense of belonging and possibly even integrate into their neighborhood’s social life.

So, go ahead and decorate early if you want to—it might just help build a stronger community!

The holiday months might be quieter in the real estate world, but they bring unique advantages for homebuyers:

Less Competition: With fewer buyers on the market, you’ll find it easier to discover your perfect home without the usual rush.

Motivated Sellers: This can translate into better negotiating power for you, making it possible to secure a great deal.

Tax Advantages: Completing a purchase before the year ends might offer tax benefits, such as potential deductions.

If a new home is at the top of your holiday wish list, now could be a strategic time to explore your options!

Video About Me (in case your curious): Click Here