Life By Design - Melanie Crane

Melanie Crane April 2024 Adventures on the Florida Coast! April was an exciting month for the Crane family! We adventured to the Florida coast of Miami. Our mission? To soak up some much-needed sunshine and conquer one of my wildest dreams: cage-free shark diving! Now, let me preface this by saying that Jasper is not exactly what you'd call a thrill-seeker. He's more of a "lounge by the pool with a good drink" kind of guy. But being the loving and supportive partner he is, he begrudgingly agreed to accompany me on this adrenaline-pumping expedition. Picture this: the sun is blazing, the waves are crashing, and there I am, geared up and ready to face the deep blue sea. Jasper, on the other hand, is eyeing the boat with a mix of apprehension and resignation. There's something awe-inspiring about being in the presence of these beautiful creatures, knowing that you're sharing their world even if just for a moment. Now, I'll spare you the dramatics and cut to the chase: I survived! But our adventure didn't end there. After our shark expedition, we spent the rest of our time in Miami unwinding and soaking up the sun. From lazy days on the beach to indulgent dinners overlooking the ocean, it was the perfect way to recharge and reconnect. And as I reflect on our trip, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to chase my dreams, grateful for a partner who's always by my side (even if it means facing his fears), and grateful for the incredible team back home who supported me every step of the way. Taking time to rest and restore is SO IMPORTANT! So here's to adventure, to facing your fears, and to taking the time to bask in the sunshine of life. Until next time,stay wild, my friends! -Melanie Crane

The Best Food, Coffee & Cocktails in Southern Maine

    As food enthusiasts at heart, our team is always on the lookout for the best dining experiences. Southern Maine, with its vibrant culinary scene, has offered us numerous unforgettable moments. We are excited to share our favorite spots that have won our hearts with their unique ambiance and exceptional service. Restaurants We Adore Image from ScalesResturant.com Scales: A seafood lover's dream with an unmatched seafood stew and an inviting wharfside view. Leeward: Known for its elegant decor and outstanding homemade pasta, offering a refined dining experience. Twelve: Renowned for its truffle dishes and lobster rolls, this place stands out with its exceptional food and cocktail offerings. Earth: A Kennebunk gem, especially during the holiday season, offering a festive and warm dining atmosphere. Batson River: A top choice for larger gatherings, with delicious wings, cocktails, and a lively holiday ambiance. Empire: Our preferred destination for upscale Chinese cuisine in Portland, offering a memorable takeout experience. Bird and Co: A great weekday spot with tasty margaritas and incredible tacos. Izakaya Minato: A casual, fun spot to gather with friends over shared plates and sake, beers or a cocktail. High Roller: The ideal spot for a fresh take on the Maine Lobster Roll, complete with a charming summer patio. Monte's Fine Foods: This pizza place and Italian market has become a local favorite and was rated an 8.4 by Barstool Sports. Solo Italiano: A picturesque location on Commercial Street, serving some of the best pesto in the area. Cocktail Favorites Image from HuntAndAlpineClub.com   Alpine: Known for their smoky cocktails and the bonus of fresh popcorn. Luna Rooftop: Offers a wonderful rooftop experience with views of the ocean and Commercial Street. Blythe and Burrows: Delivers an upscale, nautical feel and excellent oysters. Coffee Breaks Image from TandemCoffee.com Rwanda Bean: Appreciated not just for their coffee but also for their admirable mission and passionate owners. Crooked Mile: Home to delightful lattes, friendly staff, and the best breakfast sandwich in town. Tandem: Offers a rotating list of single-origin coffees and seasonal blends. Coffee By Design: Ideal for working remotely, thanks to their welcoming atmosphere and excellent cold brew. In exploring Southern Maine's culinary scene, we have experienced a variety of wonderful small businesses, each presenting its own flavor and atmosphere. We hope this guide serves as a starting point for your adventures throughout Southern Maine and exploring all that our culinary landscape has to offer.

Breaking New Ground: Empowering First-Generation Homeowners

    Homeownership holds significant importance as it serves as a cornerstone of financial stability and personal investment. Beyond providing a sense of security, owning a home allows individuals to build equity over time, fostering wealth creation and long-term financial well-being. The stability that comes with homeownership can positively impact families, offering a stable environment for children, creating a sense of community, and contributing to overall societal well-being.   For first-generation homeowners, the pilot program with Maine Housing presents a unique and promising opportunity. Many individuals from this demographic have historically faced barriers to entering the housing market, such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and a lack of generational knowledge about the home-buying process. This program, with its below- market fixed interest rates and a $10,000 grant for down payment and closing costs, seeks to address these challenges head-on, providing a tangible pathway to homeownership.   Elevate Maine is proud supporter of this initiative, as Melanie Crane Co-Owner of Elevate serves as the VP on the Board of Directors for Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine. Elevate recognizes the transformative impact it can have on the lives of first-generation homeowners. By extending support beyond mere financial assistance, the program incorporates an educational component. This component not only facilitates the home-buying process but also imparts fundamental skills essential for sustaining homeownership. From creating a household budget to understanding home maintenance, this pilot program aims to empower participants with the knowledge needed to thrive as homeowners, breaking the cycle of barriers that may have persisted across generations.   By lifting barriers and providing both financial and educational resources, we believe in creating a foundation for these families to build lasting, intergenerational legacies through the transformative power of homeownership.   Eligibility requirements: ● The borrower cannot have lived in a home, owned by their biological parents or legal guardians during the borrowers lifetime or at least one borrower is an individual who was in foster care at some point during their childhood. ● Interest rate is reduced by 1% of Maine housings regular first time homebuyer rate. ● All borrowers must be true first time homebuyers having no previous homeownership.

On the Move: Unveiling America's Top Relocation Destinations

    As the pages of 2023 turned, a captivating trend unfolded across the United States—a migration movement that would reshape the country's demographic tapestry. Motivated by factors such as remote work, cost of living, and a pursuit of an enriched quality of life, Americans found themselves embarking on a transformative journey. In this blog, we embark on an exploration of the essence of the American migration in 2023, dissecting patterns, motivations, and the profound impact of this significant demographic shift. Top Destinations and Surprising Shifts: The 2023 Moving Migration Report unveiled intriguing insights into Americans' relocation preferences. While the allure of the South persisted with its affordable housing and appealing lifestyle, unexpected shifts emerged. States like South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, and Florida maintained their positions as top inbound destinations, while Illinois continued its streak as the state with the highest outbound migration for the fifth consecutive year. Minnesota and Washington entered the top outbound states, ushering in surprises that sparked curiosity. The report also spotlighted Friday as the favored moving day and June as the prime month, indicative of changing attitudes shaped by the evolving landscape of COVID-19 restrictions. Quality of Life as the Driving Force: A quest for an elevated quality of life took center stage in the motivations of movers in 2023. Fueled by the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and the flexibility of remote work, a surge towards suburban living unfolded. Families and professionals sought affordable housing in communities promising a superior lifestyle. Despite some companies recalling employees to offices, hybrid and work-from-home schedules persisted, significantly influencing migration patterns. The Tax Factor: States grappling with higher income tax rates, such as California and Minnesota, witnessed continued emigration. The perennial issue of high tax rates in California found a companion in Minnesota among the top outbound states. The pivotal role of income tax in steering population shifts underscored the weight of financial considerations in relocation decisions. Top Moved-To States and Cities: In 2023, the most coveted destinations included South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, and Florida. Cities like Tucson, Charleston, Charlotte, Nashville, and Raleigh experienced substantial population influxes, united by characteristics such as a low cost of living and reasonable housing prices. The allure of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities further enhanced their appeal. Analyzing Migration Trends: Migration trends proved instrumental in decoding the social and economic metamorphosis shaping the nation. Housing and labor markets emerged as primary influencers on state-to-state migration, with exorbitant housing costs in major cities steering individuals towards suburban landscapes. The ascent of remote work, with 27% of Americans working remotely in 2023, played a pivotal role in sculpting migration patterns. Impact on Regions: The migration currents of 2023 left an indelible mark on regions, manifesting in higher home prices, gentrification, and heightened competition in the housing market. Cities witnessing an influx of new residents experienced a surge in home values and heightened competition, while urban centers grappled with the challenges of gentrification. The 2023 Moving Migration Report crafts a vivid narrative of a nation in motion, fueled by a collective pursuit of a better life, remote work opportunities, and financial considerations. As we bid farewell to 2023, lingering questions about the fate of cities like San Diego and Chicago, and the enduring allure of Southern cities, remain. Only the passage of time will unveil the answers, and as we step into 2024, the journey of American migration unfolds once again. Image by AtlasVanLines.com