Hi First name / friend!

Have you ever taken a pottery class? I recently traded my time on the water for something a little more hands-on at a local pottery studio, Clay Space. Let’s just say there were plenty of laughs and having fun with clay! I had the best time crafting and painting my very own butter dish with my mom. I was super excited about this class because I’m so over buying the same plastic butter containers again and again. Anyone else?? Now, I just grab the butter in the paper box, place it in my cute new dish, and call it a day. Plus, why not add a little extra charm to my kitchen while also helping the environment?

The experience was a great reminder that there’s so much more to the Keys than boating and sandbars. We have an incredible community full of talented artists, unique workshops, and creative ways to connect beyond the water. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love being on the water, but if you're anything like me, variety is key!

Hot Listings + Hidden Gems

Local Community Happenings

Since I gave a shoutout to local community event, I thought I’d share a glimpse of a couple of fun events on the horizon!  

 

Key West Artisan Market
Held select Sundays from November to April, 10 AM–2 PM at Higgs Beach. You’ll find local artisans featuring culinary treats, textiles, jewelry, woodcrafts, art, and more. It’s always so much fun walking around and meeting new people and learning about all their amazing creations. The teacher of the pottery class that I took has a booth here!

 

 

You are in for a real treat during March 29th-30th at Boca Chica Field, in Key West. You will experience thrilling aerial performances by the Blue Angels and other military and civilian acts at this incredible air show. 

 

 

How We Put $1,000 Back in Our Pockets Monthly

Okay, yall…I'm so excited to share this because a lot of homeowners don't realize they have the option to save thousands on their mortgage.

 

So, did you know you don’t have to keep an escrow account for your mortgage? My husband and I recently went through the process of closing ours, and we ended up saving about $1,000 a month on our mortgage payment. Instead of the bank holding onto that money for property taxes and insurance, we now keep it in a high-yield savings account earning around 5%—which means our money is actually working for us in the meantime!

 

✅ Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

With no escrow, your payment is just principal and interest. 

 

✅ You Hold onto Your Money

Instead of the bank keeping your funds, you get to decide where to keep it until it’s time to pay. You can put them in a savings account, a CD, or wherever works best for you.

 

✅ More Financial Freedom

Yes, you’ll still need to pay property taxes and insurance each year, but you’re in control of how you save for it—just don’t forget those due dates! This also means no unexpected escrow shortages or payment increases, which we all know can be frustrating.

 

1️⃣ Check with your lender

Some require you to have at least 20% equity before they’ll allow it. 

 

2️⃣ Make a request

Call or email your mortgage company and ask about their process and how to get started. 

 

3️⃣ Show Proof

They may ask for confirmation that your taxes and insurance are paid up. 

 

4️⃣ Start Managing It Yourself

If they approve it, set calendar reminders so you never miss a payment.  

 

Honesty Time: It does take a little extra planning, but for us, it was totally worth it. If you’re curious whether this could work for you, I’m happy to chat!