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This might be my favourite summer Cosmo yet… 🍉🍸
This might be my favourite summer Cosmo yet… 🍉🍸
Welcome to another Thirsty Thursday!
This week’s cocktail came from one simple goal…
Use what I already had in the fridge.
A big bowl of watermelon.
A pile of limes.
And a craving for a fresh summer cocktail.
Since a Cosmo is already one of my all-time favourites (second only to a Lemon Drop 🍋), a Watermelon Cosmo seemed like the perfect choice.
Made with:
🍉 Fresh watermelon juice (strained)
🍋 Fresh lime juice
🍊 Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
🍸 Vodka
That’s it.
Fresh ingredients really make a difference.
It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect cocktail for warm summer evenings, Canada Day celebrations, or an afternoon on the boat.
I have a feeling this one is going to be on repeat all summer long.
A big thank you to the creator who inspired this week’s recipe.
Recipe inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZNUgHLAdoz/
If you make it, let me know what you think!
Cheers, everybody! 🍉🥂
#thirstythursday #watermeloncosmo #cosmopolitan
#summercocktails #cocktailrecipe #homecocktails
#canadaday #patioseason #freshingredients
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#realestatelifestyle
What sets your day in motion?
What sets your day in motion?
For some people it’s their morning workout.
For others it’s a long drive to work, a quiet cup of coffee, or a few minutes of reading before the day begins.
For me, it’s my walk with Blue.
By the time I head out, I’ve usually already had my coffee and looked at my schedule.
But the walk is where everything starts to come together.
It’s where I organize my thoughts.
It’s where I think about the conversations I need to have.
It’s where I set my intentions for the day ahead.
And sometimes, it’s where I’ve already started making calls and checking in with clients.
There is something powerful about combining movement with thought.
Every walk seems to create momentum.
Every walk helps me move from planning into action.
I’ve learned that success often isn’t found in one big thing.
It’s found in the small daily rituals that prepare us for whatever the day may bring.
For me, that’s a walk with Blue.
💬 Have you ever thought about the one habit or ritual that sets you up for success each day?
#GodMoment #MorningWalk #DailyRituals #FortErie #LifeWithBlue #RealEstateWithHeart #FortErieRealtor #NiagaraRealEstate #RootedLiving #MorningMindset #WomenInRealEstate #SuccessHabits #IntentionalLiving #WalkAndThink #RealLifeRealEstate #MomentumMatters #LifeByTheWater #DailyReflection #SmallHabitsBigResults #BlueTheDog
A good day on the golf course
A good day on the golf course 
A few weeks ago, Alex and I headed out to Cherry Hill Club for a family golf outing.
This time, our son Adam joined us.
Recently, we became social members at Cherry Hill, which includes a few rounds of golf each season, and we’ve been looking forward to spending more time there.
The weather was beautiful.
The course was in great shape.
And it was one of those afternoons that reminds you why it’s important to make time for family.
The older I get, the more I appreciate experiences like this.
A few hours outdoors.
Good conversation.
A little friendly competition.
And memories made along the way.
Golf may have been the reason we were there, but spending time together was the best part.
Do you have a favourite family activity that gets everyone together?
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#golflife #familygolf #golflifestyle
#cherryhill #golffamily #summervibes
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#joyinthejourney #familytime
#realestatelifestyle
Knowledge is important…
Knowledge is important…
but how it’s applied matters more.
Every client deserves clear guidance, strong negotiation, and consistent communication from start to finish.
Grace recognized that balance, and I’m grateful for her kind words and support.
Thank you for trusting me with your real estate journey. 🤍🏡
#forterie #niagararealestate #scarlettrealestategroup #century21niagara #homebuyers #homesellers #realestateservice #clientreview #localexpert #trustedrealtor #negotiation #sold #testimonial #gratitude #realestatelife
Meet Blue’s cousin and nephew 🐾
Meet Blue’s cousin and nephew 🐾
The video starts with Baz.
If you’re doing a double take, I don’t blame you.
Baz is Blue’s cousin, and they definitely share a family resemblance.
Then comes Archie.
Archie is Blue’s nephew and the newest addition to the family.
Emily recently got a puppy, which means we all get to enjoy the fun that comes with a new dog in the family.
And by fun, I mean…
Endless energy.
Puppy curiosity.
And lots of entertainment for the rest of us.
It’s been fun watching Blue interact with Archie.
One is a little older and wiser.
The other is convinced every day is the best day ever.
Honestly, there’s nothing quite like having dogs around.
They have a way of making ordinary days a little better.
Are you a puppy person, or do you prefer dogs once they’ve settled down a bit?
👇
#doglife #puppylove #familydogs
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#doglover #goldenretrieverlife #puppyenergy
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#joyinthejourney #petlover
#realestatelifestyle
Is Niagara the New Cottage Country? Why More Buyers Are Choosing Year-Round Living
For decades, Ontario buyers looking for a getaway property have been drawn to destinations such as Muskoka, Haliburton, and the Kawarthas. The appeal is easy to understand. Waterfront views, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life have long made these regions desirable places to escape the city.
Today, however, many buyers are beginning to ask a different question: Why own a seasonal property when you can enjoy many of the same lifestyle benefits year-round?
That question is leading more buyers to Niagara.
Recent surveys suggest that recreational properties are increasingly being viewed as a stepping stone into homeownership. Many Canadians see them as a way to build equity while enjoying access to nature and outdoor living. At the same time, buyers are expressing a preference for properties that are move-in ready, easy to maintain, and suitable for year-round use.
Niagara offers exactly that.
Communities such as Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Welland, and St. Catharines provide many of the lifestyle features associated with cottage country, but with the convenience of permanent living. Residents enjoy access to beaches, marinas, cycling trails, conservation areas, golf courses, wineries, and waterfront parks without having to leave home when the weekend ends.
In Fort Erie, for example, residents can enjoy the shores of Lake Erie, walk the Friendship Trail, spend time at Bay Beach in Crystal Beach, or launch a boat from one of several local marinas. These amenities are not limited to a few months each year—they are part of everyday life.
Affordability is another factor attracting attention.
While some traditional recreational markets continue to command substantial prices, many Niagara communities remain comparatively affordable. Buyers can often purchase a detached home with a yard, garage, and year-round functionality for a price that may be comparable to or less than some seasonal properties elsewhere in Ontario.
The shift in buyer priorities has also played a role. Today’s purchasers are increasingly focused on proximity to healthcare services, grocery stores, schools, recreation facilities, and transportation routes. Niagara offers access to those amenities while still delivering the lifestyle many people associate with cottage ownership.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has further changed how buyers think about location. Many households no longer need to live close to a downtown office every day. Instead, they are seeking communities that offer quality of life, outdoor recreation, and a stronger connection to nature.
For many buyers, Niagara checks those boxes.
The region continues to offer waterfront living, small-town charm, and access to major urban centres, all within a relatively short drive of the GTA and the U.S. border.
As a result, some buyers are discovering that they don’t need a cottage to enjoy the lifestyle they want.
They can simply live where others come to vacation.
Thinking about buying or selling in Fort Erie or Niagara Region? Contact Barbara Scarlett for local market insights and a no-obligation consultation.
🏡 JUST LISTED 🏡
🏡 JUST LISTED 🏡
📍430 Grandview Road, Fort Erie
💲450,000
Cute, bright, and located just minutes from the beach in Crescent Park.
✨ 3 Bedrooms
✨ 1 Bathroom
✨ 1,278 Sq. Ft.
✨ Fully fenced yard
✨ Large wraparound deck
✨ Freshly painted throughout
✨ Flexible den ideal for a home office or home-based business
✨ Parking for 4+ vehicles
Whether you’re looking for a year-round home, cottage getaway, or investment opportunity, this property offers excellent value in one of Fort Erie’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
📩 Message me for more information or to book your private showing.
#JustListed #FortErieRealEstate #CrescentPark #NiagaraRealEstate #FortErieHomes
🏡 Friday Wrap-Up in Fort Erie & Niagara
🏡 Friday Wrap-Up in Fort Erie & Niagara
This week was all about new opportunities coming to market and a couple of successful closings.
✨ NEW & INCOMING
📍4723 Netherby Road, Stevensville
A rare offering of approximately 15 acres in Stevensville with endless possibilities.
🌳 Approx. 15 acres of land
💧 Three ponds on the property
🚜 Barn with hydro
🏡 Traditional farmhouse with over 2,100 sq. ft.
🚗 Attached garage plus ample parking
🌲 Mature landscaping and privacy
🔥 Natural gas well previously used for heating
📍 Convenient access to Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Welland, the QEW, Highway 406, and the new South Niagara Hospital
📍430 Grandview Road, Fort Erie
Cute, bright, and full of potential in Crescent Park.
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🏖️ Minutes from the beach
🌳 Generous 70′ x 110′ lot
🎨 Freshly painted throughout
✨ Carpet-free living
💼 Flexible den ideal for a home office, salon, or hobby space
🌿 Fully fenced yard with wraparound deck
🚗 Parking for 4+ vehicles
📍47 Concession Road, Fort Erie
New residential lease opportunity.
🛏️ 3 bedrooms
🛁 2 bathrooms
📏 Approximately 1,750 sq. ft.
🚗 Detached garage plus private driveway
🌳 Manageable yard
📍 Convenient location close to schools, shopping, parks, transit, the Peace Bridge, and major Niagara routes
🔑 CLOSED
📍263 Empress Avenue, Welland
Seller side successfully closed. Congratulations to our clients on the successful sale of their property.
🏠 PURCHASE CLOSED
📍124 Catherine Street, Port Colborne
Congratulations to our buyers on the purchase of their new home and the start of an exciting new chapter.
The summer market continues to create opportunities across Fort Erie and Niagara, with buyers actively watching for new inventory and unique properties.
📩 Thinking about buying, selling, leasing, or investing? Send me a message. I’d be happy to discuss your plans and the current market.
#FortErieRealEstate #NiagaraRealEstate #StevensvilleOntario #FortErieHomes #NiagaraHomes
Green Apple Martini anyone? 🍏🍸
Green Apple Martini anyone? 🍏🍸
This week’s Thirsty Thursday is for those of us who love a martini… but prefer it on the sweeter side.
Give me a Cosmo.
Give me a Pear Martini.
And definitely give me a Green Apple Martini.
This one is:
🍏 Green apple schnapps
🍊 Triple Sec
🍸 Vodka
🍋 Fresh lime juice
Sweet.
A little tart.
And definitely boozy.
The funny part is that I couldn’t find apple schnapps anywhere, so I ended up digging through my liquor cabinet and found a bottle that had been sitting there for years.
Thankfully, it still did the trick.
And can we talk about the colour?
Summer cocktails just seem more fun when they’re colourful, and this bright green martini looked as good as it tasted.
The fresh lime gives it a little tang, while the apple flavour brings just enough sweetness to balance it out.
Of course, the Martha Stewart 100-shake workout made another appearance before the pour 😄
And if I had a Granny Smith apple on hand, it would have made the perfect garnish.
Instead, a lime wheel had to do.
This is the kind of cocktail that feels right for patio season, girls’ nights, or sitting outside after a long day.
Cheers, everybody 🍸
Are you a classic martini person, or do you prefer the sweeter versions like me?
👇
#thirstythursday #applemartini #greenapplemartini
#martinilovers #cocktailrecipe #homecocktails
#vodkacocktail #summercocktails #patioseason
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#joyinthejourney #realestatelifestyle
This morning, Blue and I were taking a little break under a tree.
This morning, Blue and I were taking a little break under a tree.
The trail was busy.
People were walking by.
Dogs were passing us.
And Mr. Excitement needed a timeout.
As we sat there, I found myself thinking about a situation I’ve been working through for weeks.
You know those problems where you’ve looked at every angle?
You’ve had the conversations.
You’ve explored the options.
You’ve tried to find a path forward.
You leave no stone unturned.
And eventually you arrive at a place where you realize there isn’t much left to do except wait.
That’s not always easy.
Most of us want certainty.
We want solutions.
We want things tied up neatly with a bow.
But life doesn’t always work that way.
Sometimes the most difficult part isn’t solving the problem.
It’s accepting that you’ve done your part and allowing the outcome to unfold.
I’ve learned that there is a certain calm that comes from knowing you acted with integrity.
You showed up.
You made the effort.
You did your best.
And after that, the answer is no longer yours to force.
Maybe that’s where peace lives.
Not in controlling the outcome…
but in trusting the process.
💬 Have you ever reached a point where you simply had to let go and let things unfold?
#GodMoment #FortErie #RootedLiving #LifeLessons #TrustTheProcess #RealEstateWithHeart #NiagaraLiving #WomenInRealEstate #MindfulLiving #DailyReflection #GrowthMindset #LetItBe #PeaceInTheProcess #LifeByTheWater #SimpleWisdom #FortErieLife #RealLifeRealEstate #PerspectiveShift #KeepShowingUp #GraceInTheJourney
