Life & Real Estate | 11.28.23
An easy & affordable DIY: Earlier in the year, we installed swing-arm wall sconces in Holly’s room, on either side of her bed. They were an instant hit, adding a much-needed glow to her bedroom and touch of style. But, the lampshades… beige and boring! I considered ordering patterned ones instead, which we did do with success on many other light fixtures in the home, but I couldn’t find shades that were cheery enough for a little girl’s room. “Let’s add some green ribbon!” my mom suggested. Off to Joann Fabrics I went. I grabbed a hot glue gun and a roll of leaf-green squiggle trim, and when my mom came over later that afternoon, we went to work. I absolutely love the finished product — much better than the plain white shades! (Oh, and the best part: This project cost me just $15.)
Nine: As it happens, this fall went by in a nanosecond, and I forgot to post about my 9th real estate anniversary. In October 2014, I passed the licensing exam and started my real estate journey with Coldwell Banker. Now, 9 years later, I have so much to be thankful for: my namesake brokerage, my tight-knit team, our long list of dear clients, our wonderful partners and supporters, and the great opportunity to serve and educate our community. Happy 9 years to me! (In January, M&Co. is turning 5 — much to celebrate, more to come!)
Back to school: On the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I found myself in a classroom once more, with all the usual suspects — coffee, water bottle, notebook, pen, laptop. From 9 until 5, I listened and learned at the Chicago Association of Realtors alongside many other managing brokers. I’m paging through all of my notes this week, tweaking our processes at Melanie Everett & Company and adding valuable tidbits I learned in this course. Thank you, CAR!
House Beautiful in Hinsdale: 505 South County Line Road is a historic estate in my hometown, set far back from the street and surrounded by lush trees and landscaping. It’s no surprise that House Beautiful selected this early 1900s David Adler beauty as the location for their Whole Home 2023. HB brought in 15 designers from all over the country to breath new life into this old house. And oh, did they! After much anticipation, the house opened up for tours. I went on a crisp and sunny November day with a few M&Co. teammates and my mom. We took way too many photos! Some of my favorite elements of the home were: the intricate latticework throughout the main floor, the bold prints and patterns, the tassels and trim, houndstooth wool carpeting (matched my houndstooth pants!), lacquered walls, wallpapered ceilings… even the custom vent covers etched with “505” stole my heart. Dream day, dream day.
New in town: John’s Food & Wine quietly opened on Halsted recently, and shortly thereafter, Andrew and I snuck out for a date night there. John’s took over the old Nookies Too space – Nookie’s is still serving up diner classics on Wells in Old Town! — and completely transformed it into a contemporary dining experience. Andrew and I grabbed the last two open stools at the bar, ordered Manhattans, and studied the menu. It’s rotating, seasonal, and very unique. When I tell you our meal was one of the best I’ve had in months, you must believe it! We walked home with full bellies — 10/10.
