by Aaron Bacus, Mortgage Broker, First Coast Mortgage Funding

The journey towards homeownership is an exciting one, filled with dreams of cozy living spaces, white picket fences, and the pride of calling a place your own. But before you dive headfirst into the world of real estate listings, it's crucial to understand a fundamental question: How much mortgage can you truly afford? As a trusted mortgage broker, I'm here to guide you through this critical step on your path to becoming a homeowner.

Assess Your Financial Landscape

The first step in determining how much mortgage you can afford is to take a close look at your financial situation. This involves calculating your monthly income, factoring in any steady sources of…

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by Jenn Heller

You've ticked off the school shopping list, snagged fresh supplies, and even sharpened the pencils. But have you thought about tuning up your child's sleep routine for the upcoming school year? Sleep is a key player in alertness, stress levels, and overall temperament, which all circle back to learning and social interactions. After a summer of carefree nights and leisurely mornings, your child's sleep schedule might need a little nudge before school starts. Here are some tips to help you out:

sleepy child at school

Start Early

Get a head start;10 days to two weeks before school begins is ideal. If time's tight, no worries, just kick it off as soon as you can. Gradually push wake-up and bedtime 15 minutes earlier each day to ease into the…

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by Jenn Heller

Ready to embark on a coastal shopping adventure like no other? We've got you covered with our ultimate guide to 12 charming boutiques nestled right in the heart of Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. Whether you're a local beachcomber or a visiting sunseeker, these handpicked boutiques will sweep you off your sandy feet with their laid-back beachy vibes and fabulous finds. From boho-chic fashion to unique coastal decor, get ready to discover a treasure trove of beachside delights that'll elevate your style and make your beach days even brighter! So, grab your sunscreen and flip-flops – it's time to shop, soak up the sun, and make waves of fashion statements!

Boutiques in Ponte Vedra Beach

Model…

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By Cindy Moody

There is something supremely gratifying about planting a seed and watching it grow. It is even more spectacular when it bears fruit that can be consumed and enjoyed. Having a green thumb that allows for such miraculous things seems to be a skill that is bestowed on a select group of individuals - not everyone achieves the same level of success as they set out to garden and grow. There is, however, another type of seed-planting that is not so selective. In fact, every single person has the capacity and gift to plant these seeds and experience fruitful growth. These are the seeds of intentional living and the fruit of legacy.

As we wake up each morning we can acknowledge that we have a heart that is beating and air in our lungs. Each…

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by Jenn Heller

Welcome to the sunny shores of Jacksonville, where the sand, surf, and delights come together to create a burger lover's paradise! If you're on the hunt for the juiciest, most flavor-packed burgers in town, we have some suggestions that may knock your socks off. We've rounded up five bangin’ burger joints from our readers that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From beachside spots with a laid-back vibe to trendy spots with a dash of elegance, these burger havens serve up perfection on a bun, all while you soak in the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze. So, grab your flip-flops and get ready for a burger adventure that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Relish

In summer of 2023 the Jacksonville Beach…

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by Cindy Moody

I had the pleasure of meeting Jill Thompson, the founder of Inheritance of Hope, through her son, Cael, one of our Griffin Moody Scholarship Fund recipients this year.  It never ceases to amaze me the incredible kids we meet through our application and interview process, all established to honor our Grif's legacy. This year, we also met Jill and how she honored her best friend, who passed and left behind a sweet family, by establishing this organization to support families that are facing the loss of a parent. Jill and I met for coffee shortly after we met and I asked her to share what she does.  There are heroes in our community, she is one of them, and I think our blog is a wonderful way to share.  Even if it helps only one family, it…

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by Alexis Leis, Certified Personal Trainer

Summertime is here and it can be a challenge to have all the fun while staying on track for your goals. Whether you have a summer filled with travel, doubling down in work, or spending time relaxing going with the flow, you’ll be able to use these 4 simple tips to stay on track with your health goals this summer. Simple doesn’t always mean easy, but when you bring your intention and attention to it you’ll be on the path to success. 

Get Clear On Your Goals

Before you make a plan to stay on track and motivated for the summer, you first need to get clear on your goals. The biggest question to ask yourself that will help you navigate the path to success is to think about what it looks…

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Hello indulgence seekers! In this article, we’re spilling the beans on 5 Great Day Spa options in the Jacksonville and Beaches area, catering to every budget and pampering preference. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious retreat or seeking relaxation on a wallet-friendly scale, we’ve got you covered. From opulent havens of tranquility to charming hidden gems, get ready to embark on a blissful journey through the best day spas this area has to offer. So, let your worries melt away and prepare for a rejuvenating adventure as we delve into the most coveted pampering spots around!

The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Welcome to Ponte Vedra Beach where the Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club stands as a paragon of…

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by Jenn Heller

Let's chat about the move to senior living – it's a pretty significant decision, isn't it? Back in the day, it was often driven by necessity, like health concerns or a crisis situation. But guess what? Things have evolved! Nowadays, more and more active older adults are actually choosing senior living communities as a lifestyle choice. They're all about "grabbing life by the horns" as my dad would say and making the most of the available services, amenities, and opportunities these communities have to offer.

About a year after my dad passed away, my brothers and I found ourselves in the position of searching for a comfortable place for my mom. She's an incredibly "young" 80-something (shh, I won't reveal her exact age – she'd be…

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by Jenn Heller

As we approach our golden years, it's time to think about where we want to spend this special chapter of our lives. While aging in place sounds appealing, many retirees also crave a vibrant community with activities, amenities, and like-minded folks. Whether you're leaning towards staying put or considering a retirement community, it's crucial to understand the pros and cons of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).

To help you navigate this decision-making process, we've gathered some valuable information on CCRCs, along with five essential questions to ask when touring these communities.

continuing care retirement community nurse with senior living resident

CCRCs in a Nutshell - What is a CCRC?

Imagine thoughtfully designed, all-inclusive communities that cater to the needs of the…

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