PCS PARTNERSHIPpay it forward
FROM COURTNEY’S CORNER
This month is full of fresh beginnings—and not just seasonally. We’ve officially moved to Greenville, NC! It feels like a fullcircle moment to be back in Pirate Nation from my college days. I’m thrilled to plug into this vibrant, growing community and continue serving clients across California, South Carolina, and North Carolina. No matter where life takes us, one thing remains the same: I’m here to help you move into the next chapter with confidence and care.
New Partnership with PCS Pay It Forward
I’m proud to announce a new partnership with PCS Pay It Forward in Twentynine Palms, a grassroots community dedicated to helping military families during their transitions.
Together, we’re building a one-stop relocation shop—a go-to resource for:
• Home listings and rentals
• Trusted local referrals
• Personalized support
• Real-life experience behind every recommendation
• Create an online space that feels like home before you even arrive
Having moved four times in eight years with my own Marine, I know how hard this can be—and I’m proud to serve in a way that makes it easier for others.
SEASONAL PRODUCE PICKS must have summer staples
THIS IS THE MONTH FOR SUN-RIPENED, WATERRICH, VITAMIN-PACKED SUMMER STAPLES:
” PEACHES
” TOMATOES (HEIRLOOM + CHERRY)
” WATERMELON
” CORN
” ZUCCHINI
” CUCUMBER
” OKRA
” EGGPLANT
” BELL PEPPERS
” FIGS
” MELONS
PRO TIP: KEEP A FEW PEELED AND SLICED FRUITS IN THE FRIDGE OR FREEZER FOR GRAB-AND-GO TODDLER SNACKS OR SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS. PICKLE THAT OKRA AND MAKE SOME HOMEMADE FIG NEWTON BARS!
BOUJEE CHICKEN CARE how to keep the girls cool
Yes, the heat stresses our chickens too! If you’ve got a backyard flock, here’s how we keep our boujee girls cool, happy, and supported through the summer swelter:
” HYDRATION TREATS: WATERMELON CHUNKS, FROZEN BERRIES, AND ELECTROLYTE-RICH FRUITS
” COOL COMFORT: FRESH WATER CHANGES EVERY DAY + FANS FOR AIR CIRCULATION
” SHADE, ALWAYS: WE OFFER PLENTY OF SHADE AND STRATEGICALLY PLACED PLANTS
” PROTEIN BOOSTS: WITH MOLTING IN FULL SWING, WE ADD MEALWORMS, SCRAMBLED SARDINES, AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS TO SUPPORT FEATHER REGROWTH
” RE-MINERALIZATION: CRUSHED EGGSHELLS AND OYSTER SHELLS FOR CALCIUM REPLENISHMENT
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
summer garden skillet
Ingredients:
” 2 ZUCCHINI, CHOPPED
” 1 BELL PEPPER, SLICED
” ½ RED ONION, SLICED
” 1 EAR OF CORN, KERNELS REMOVED
” ½ CUP CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED
” 2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
” OLIVE OIL OR GHEE FOR SAUTÉING
” SEA SALT + BLACK PEPPER
BASIL DRIZZLE:
” ¼ CUP OLIVE OIL
” ½ CUP FRESH BASIL
” 1 TBSP LEMON JUICE
” 1 CLOVE GARLIC
” PINCH OF SEA SALT
BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH
Instructions:
1. IN A LARGE SKILLET, SAUTÉ ALL VEGGIES UNTIL SLIGHTLY BROWNED AND TENDER.
2. DRIZZLE WITH THE BASIL SAUCE JUST BEFORE SERVING OPTIONAL: ADD SHREDDED CHICKEN OR SAUSAGE FOR EXTRA PROTEIN!
REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT summer is winding down
AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN, THE MARKET IS IN A BIT OF A SHIFT. HERE’S WHAT WE’RE SEEING:
• MANY HOMEOWNERS BOUGHT DURING PEAK PRICING WITH HISTORICALLY LOW INTEREST RATES
• NOW, WITH HIGHER INTEREST RATES, BUYERS FACE HIGHER MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR THE SAME PRICE POINT
• THIS CREATES A PRICING TUG-OF-WAR: SELLERS WANT TO RECOUP INVESTMENTS, BUT BUYERS ARE STRETCHED THIN
SO WHAT GIVES?
WE’RE SEEING SELLERS GET CREATIVE, OFFERING INCENTIVES LIKE:
• RATE BUYDOWNS
• CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE
• FURNITURE ALLOWANCES OR INSPECTION REPAIRS
• FLEXIBLE MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT TIMELINES
FOR BUYERS, THIS MEANS OPPORTUNITY. FOR SELLERS, IT MEANS STRATEGY. LET’S TALK THROUGH YOUR SPECIFIC GOALS AND MAKE THE CURRENT MARKET WORK FOR YOU, NOT AGAINST YOU.
WELLNESS CORNER
nourish your nervous system
Nourish Your Nervous System: Late Summer Self-Care
This season is full of heat, hustle, and transition. Try weaving in small rituals that support your nervous system:
• Step outside barefoot in the early morning light
• Diffuse grounding oils like cedarwood or vetiver
• Sip warm herbal tea after the kids go down (try tulsi, lemon balm, or chamomile)
• Choose nourishment over numbing: hydrating foods, rest, quiet time—even 10 minutes counts
The body craves rhythm and rest just as much as it does productivity. Listen in.
Courtney Houston
