Staging Stories: Thomas Jefferson Tree House

Staging Stories: Reno, Nevada

I love staging homes because I get to decorate all different shapes and sizes. It's like playing dress up but with houses. When I was little, I always wanted a tree house that I could make the great escape to. Tree houses always seemed so cool, nestled in a great big tree, with beautiful views and loads of privacy. 

Well the last house we staged is just that. The house is positioned on a large elevated lot in Old Southwest Reno. The beautifully maintained landscaping gives you curb appeal while maintaining privacy. Once inside, the living room connects to the dining room and provides the perfect space for entertaining and enjoying views from three large picture windows. Pictured below, you can see the layout before staging. Scroll down to see the after photos. 

After staging, the layout of the living room and dining room now looks like this: 

Immediately off of the dining room, hidden by a pocket door, the kitchen provides lots of storage with newly refinished cabinetry and countertops. 

From there, you head to a lovely space that would be perfect as an additional family room or breakfast nook overlooking the backyard. Pictured below in its original configuration:

Now set up as a family room. I can certainly see enjoying a cup of coffee here. How about you? 

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This house is two levels with almost identical footprints on each level. The difference being the bedrooms. Downstairs, you have a living area that would make the ultimate game room and two bedrooms. Upstairs, you could also have two bedrooms; however, it's actually perfectly configured for a Master Retreat. Below is how the room was originally configured as two bedrooms: 

After being staged, changing the positioning of the bed and adding an office area in the additional space, you can see that it also works perfectly as a luxurious Master Suite. BONUS: The master has its own private patio area. 

Continuing on the luxurious note, the Master Bath has been beautifully updated. The spacious layout includes a soaking tub and walk-in shower. 

Now let's take it outside, the covered patio is the ideal spot for outdoor entertaining but it doesn't stop there. The sprawling gardens with additional patio provides you with endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. No rear neighbors to speak of makes this park-like setting ideal.   

Like what you see? Want to see more? Well you are in luck! An Open House will be held this weekend: Saturday (7/9/16) from 12pm-3pm and Sunday (7/10/16) from 1pm-4pm. If you can't make the open house but you'd like more information on the property located at 2630 Thomas Jefferson, contact Chris Smith.

A Home for Evelyn

The power of social media is pretty amazing sometimes, especially when it comes to getting a group of people to come together for the greater good. A couple of weeks ago, I was tagged in a GoFundMe story by a friend of mine. It was about a sweet little lady named Evelyn, who at 79-years-old, lost her sweetheart and is now faced with moving to a new place, and starting her life over. She has very few personal belongings and really no family or friends to speak of. Luckily for her, while grabbing a bite to eat, Sean Lee came into her life and decided to help! Sean started the GoFundMe page to seek donations of furniture, funds, etc to help Ms. Evelyn with starting over. The story was shared over 300 times and that is how my involvement in this fundraiser started!

You can see the original story here: 

Sean has taken the lead and spent a number of hours visiting with Ms. Evelyn, listening to her stories and assisting her with finding a new place to live. After much research, he found Vintage Hills in Northwest Reno.

Since we help make houses into homes on a daily basis,  I told Sean that we would be willing to coordinate the furniture donations and use what was donated to create a lovely home for Ms. Evelyn. 

We need your help... Right now we are seeking donations of new or gently used goods to furnish Ms. Evelyn's place. Here is a list of the items we are looking for:

Bedroom:

Full-size bed frame

Full mattress (new)

Small matching nightstands (2)

Small matching lamps (2)

Full size mattress pad (new)

Full size sheets (new)

Standard pillows (2)

Full/Queen Comforter

Full/Queen Blanket

Artwork

Bathroom:

Towels

Bathroom rugs (preferably blue)

Soap dispenser

Non-slip tub mat

Toilet paper

Living Room:

Loveseat or small couch

Matching end tables (2)

Floor Lamp

Matching lamps (2)

Small coffee table

Small TV stand

Small flat screen TV

Dining Room:

Small round table with 2-4 chairs

Kitchen:

Small countertop microwave

Dishes (4-6)

Silverware set for 4-6

Glassware

Drawer organizers

Kitchen towels

Small set of pots and pans

General Supplies:

Cleaning supplies

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Sponges

Trash bags

Food Supplies: 

Ensure

Non-perishable food

Senior Assistance Items:

Walker

Reach Assist Items

Bathroom Grips

Other Donations Accepted:

Monetary donations through GoFundMe account for an emergency fund

Manicure

Haircut/Style

Dinner certificate

Meal prep service

Whole Foods Gift Cards (She likes the salad bar there)

Floral arrangement with her favorite flowers

If you are interested in donating and you are in the Gardnerville area, you can drop items off at Eddy Street Vintage Market this weekend. If you are in the Reno area and you would like to donate, we currently have drop offs scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd from 10am-5pm at a warehouse near the airport or if you need items picked up, that can be arranged. Please contact me at 775-230-1101. 

Schedule of Events: 

Friday, June 24th, the Eddy Street Crew will be staging Ms. Evelyn's new apartment with the donated items.

Saturday, June 25th: we will be hosting an open market for the residents of Vintage Hills to come and pick from the surplus of donated items and supplies. Free haircuts will be offered for seniors as well that day.

Sunday, June 26th will be moving day for Ms. Evelyn and the big reveal of her new place. If you are interested in donating, please send a picture of the items you are willing to donate either via text to 775-230-1101 or email at eddystreetvintagemarket@gmail.com

Items donated but not used in Ms. Evelyn's place will be donated to other seniors in need and/or the Salvation Army in Reno and the Care Chest. 

Other ways you can help: 

We are seeking volunteers to assist with the public market, moving Ms. Evelyn out of her existing apartment, cleaning, etc. 

Please contact me with any questions you have regarding volunteering or donating goods or services. Every little bit helps. Together we can make a big difference in this sweet little lady's life!

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A Beginner's Guide to Milwaukee: Part 1

So Milwaukee, WI is a pretty awesome place that I had no idea about prior to attending the National Main Street Conference. Back on the west coast, when I mentioned I was traveling to Milwaukee, no one seemed particularly excited about the destination. I have no idea why because Milwaukee has it going on and the word needs to get out! Here are 5 spots I totally recommend if you are visiting "The Good Land": 

1. The Coffee Scene: So many local coffee companies to choose from, you probably won't set foot in a Starbucks while you are here. Anodyne, Collectivo and Stone Creek Coffee are completely necessary stops to get your caffeine fix. There are multiple locations to choose from so it's easy to find. 

2. If you need to burn off some of your energy from your Honey Bee Latte at Anodyne, there are a number of hip neighborhoods to walk through including Historic Third Ward, Old 3rd Street and if you are up for a longer walk, check out the Hank Aaron State Trail or Oak Leaf Trail featuring scenic views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline.

Must See Places:

 Inspired (Third Ward): A unique home decor store with an appreciation of the past and a flare for the future of home decor. 

Uber Tap Room and Cheese Bar (Historic Third Ward): A fun restaurant and bar featuring delicious cheese, Milwaukee Beer and the most amazing Giant Pretzel Ever!

Milwaukee Art Museum: (Between the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail): The building itself is a piece of art with a moveable suncreen that unfolds and folds it's 217-foot wingspan, twice daily. 

3. After your walk, re-fuel at the Milwaukee Public Market located on Water Street. This indoor market is a  "Gathering place where great taste is always in season." The market features 18 different vendors ranging from restaurants to retail stores and more. It's a place built to appeal to the masses since there is something for everyone underneath one roof. Be sure to try a Brookie Cookie from C. Adam's Bakery for a piece of chocolately heaven.  

4. When you are ready for a unique adventure head over to Safe House Restaurant, if you can find it. Hint: It's located on Front Street. It's a 1960s style, spy-themed restaurant, filled with authentic memorabilia. Yes, you will have to know the secret password to gain access. Can't find the password, that's OK, you'll just need to pass a few tests to prove your worthiness. Even if you just go for a drink, it's worth the experience. 

5. Last but not least, you have to take a picture with "The Bronze Fonz". Standing a mighty 5'6" tall, The Bronz Fonz receives his fair share of love. Happy Days are sure to be ahead if you check this Milwaukee tradition off your list.  

Moral of the story, Main Street Programs can make places awesome! I am so happy to have discovered this awesome place. I came to Milwaukee not knowing a thing about it and I'm leaving a huge fan! I'll be seeing you again Milwaukee and I can't wait to get to know you even better!

Sincerely,

Meredith from Nevada