Abode MKE - Milwaukee Real Estate & Lifestyle

Vibe Your Tribe

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chanell's note As we peek into spring, April is a month we all look forward to. Yet, there have been many changes this current season. The world is under a lockdown and we are inundated with mind bending news every minute. Given our current global crisis, there couldn’t be a better time for the April issue of Abode MKE. Initially meant to be a bi-monthly publication, I decided I wanted to do my part by helping others stay home. Well...at least long enough to read some exciting content and pretty glossy photographs!

I am amazed by the amount of support and encouragement our community is spreading. This month I chose to spotlight my tribe amongst the community. I’m here to keep people connected to our city and to spread light during dark times.

I am opening my little black book to all of you in support of small businesses and creatives dear to me. Some I have known for over a decade up to more current years. However, these individuals have been staples in my personal and professional life through the years.

In a sense this is what a typical social month looks like for me on paper lol.

Many times in my professional coaching the term “vibe your tribe” has been used. Meaning keep close to those in your circle. By doing so and working together, your community and profession will flourish within your own natural habitat. We are going to vibe with my tribe this month, providing content from not only myself but also from my circle of influence. The tribe will give insight within their industry, provide motivation, advice and how to’s.

I hope this issue brings joy and ease to you during this time. When you focus on the good, the good gets better.

Chanell Royston

LET ME BE YOUR VOICE OF REASON

RECESSION DOES NOT EQAUL HOUSING CRISIS

Many people fear the stock market volatility from the pandemic is going to cause another recession. Whether or not that happens it’s important to remember one very important thing.

A recession does not equal a housing crisis or “crash” like we saw in 2008.

While we may not know what the future holds, if you are pausing on buying or selling a home because you think a recession will cause another housing crisis...they’re not the same thing, and you could be missing out on today’s record-low mortgage rates.

A Covetable Closet

JODRAN DECHAMBRE Fashionista, stylist, writer and TV personality, Jordan Dechambre, director of lifestyle at The Iron Horse Hotel, lives for fashion and writing.

Her unique resume encompasses everything from a former life as a magazine fashion editor to the host nationwide fashion shows.

B E M I N D F U L O F F O R M & F U N C T I O N BEFORE YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE WARDROBE OF YOUR DREAMS YOU MUST HAVE A FUNCTIONAL ONE. START BY CREATING A “COLLECTION,” WHERE ALL YOUR PIECES WORK TOGETHER. DETERMINE YOUR DOMINANT STYLE PERSONALITY (CLASSIC, BOHO, GLAM, ETC), AND WORK TO CREATE A COLLECTION THAT DEFINES THAT STYLE. HAVE MULTIPLE STYLE PERSONALITIES? MIX AND MATCH ALL YOUR PERSONALITIES VERY THOUGHTFULLY. BUT BE CAREFUL ABOUT PATTERNS AND COLORS. A TRUE CLOSET COLLECTION IS ABOUT EASILY MIXING AND MATCHING PIECES TO CREATE FABULOUS OUTFITS — MAKE SURE YOUR PIECES DO JUST THAT. ONCE YOUR CLOSET IS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE — AND YOU HAVE CLEARLY DEFINED YOUR DOMINANT PERSONALITY — ENSURE YOU HAVE THE INVESTMENT PIECES THAT EVERY WOMAN COVETS AND NEEDS:

A tailored blazer — goes with everything!

Mine is black, perfectly darted at the waist and with gold buttons for a hint of glam.

A classic dark wash jean — no holes, no distressing, no adornments. My go-to brands are Madewell (because they are just that!) and Citizens of Humanity. I prefer a higher waist and a wider, ‘70s cut.

But you do you!

A day-to-night dress — that office-tococktails must-have. This is where I grab for the DVF wrap dress – always a win.

A versatile, lightweight sweater — perfect for transitional seasons. I’m a long cardi girl all the way.

A classic coat, like a trench or moto — think well-tailored and a perfect topper from day to night. My go-to are a cropped black moto jacket for fall and a white belted moto for spring (both Zara, of course).

A does-it-all neutral handbag — grab and go! I adore my buff-toned Saint Laurent and often wear it year-round because it fits EVERYTING. A plain white tee — it’s a versatility superstar. My trick? I buy men’s XS or S from Forever 21 or H&M and rotate them out frequently (I’m a bit of a spiller, after all). But, I LIVE in my Aritzia white and black tee bodysuits.

A wide-leg pant — one of the only true universally flattering pants. Again, I am all about the high waist and a long, floorgrazing length.

A comfortable yet chic pump — no pain, all gain (think 3-inch heel). Once I find a pair I like I tend to buy them in black, beige and an animal or snakeskin print.

Of course, it’s truly in the details, too. Always use accessories to pop or finish your look.

And don’t be afraid to use them in inventive ways (like adding a brooch to a scarf or bag; belting a scarf; using a long necklace as wrap bracelet; or tying a scarf on a handbag). Fashion multi-tasting is a must!

A classic white shirt — borrowed from the boys for a good reason. I have fitted for tucking into high-waist jeans and oversized for pairing with my leather leggings..

H E Y , T H A T ’ S P E R S O N A L AT THE END OF THE DAY, STYLE IS PERSONAL AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE A REFLECTION OF YOU. THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE. HERE ARE A FEW DO’S AND DON’TS FOR DOING JUST THAT: DO: Realize — and embrace — your multiple personalities. It’s OK to be a little erratic when it comes to your personal style. Some days you’re a powerful and sexy Jennifer Lopez, while others a down-to-earth Reese Witherspoon — no matter what your mood, your style self-expression should follow suit. There’s also no shame in combining a few different personalities in your closet, as long as they work within the structure of your capsule collection.

C L E A N

I T

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TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CLOSET, AND REMOVE ANYTHING YOU HAVEN’T WORN IN THE PAST YEAR. NEXT, START TWO PILES: DONATION AND TRASH. THEN, POPULATE THOSE PILES WITH THE FOLLOWING:

Anything basic you haven’t worn in at least a year Anything faded, piling or just plain old Anything that doesn’t fit you Anything that doesn’t fit YOUR style even if it’s on trend Closet misfits Shedding those items alone is worth more than any therapy session – trust me!

DON’T: Be afraid to evolve. Your personal style isn’t stagnant; it’s in constant motion.

DO: Pay attention to trends … but DON’T: Be a slave to them — no one wants to end up as fashion road kill (just ask Carrie Bradshaw).

DO: Dress for the body you have, not the body you wish you had. Although it’s incredibly important to be healthy and fit, not all of us will or can be a size 0.

And — spoiler alert — that’s OK! It’s great to keep an aspirational pair of jeans or skirt but don’t let your someday overtake your closet of today.

Do: Remember confidence is key. At the end of the day, the most perfectly curated wardrobe will never perfectly punctuate your style if you are unhappy with yourself — whether you are 20 or 40.

WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE AND MAKES YOU FEEL AMAZING AND YOU’LL ALWAYS MAKE IT WORK!

@ j o r d a n d e c h a m b r e s t y l e

Ricky's World

What crazy times these are. Essential and non-essential jobs. Quarantine rules and doomsday toilet paper hoarding. Uncertainties causing stress, anxiety, lost sleep, overeating, lack of eating, a boost in social media use, and a severe decline in people’s daily as well as day-to-day movements.

FITNESS OUTLOOK Crazy times, yes. But what a perfect time to focus on something you can control: Your fitness. There are now plenty of online workouts and push-up challenges being tossed about daily. What more could I possibly add to help you turn the corner from “I should” to “I am”? It’s not a special exercise I want to sell you. But it’s a concept that I hope you can buy into.

RICKY PURDY

TIPS

PERSONAL TRAINER Adherence - Make and keep appointments for your exercise.

BIO Ricky Purdy impacts the lives and heath of others as a personal trainer for the Wisconsin Athletic Club & CoMotion Fitness in Milwaukee. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science/Fitness Management from Carroll University. His lifestyle interests include Brazilian Jujitsu, distance running, weight training, cycling, playing football, watching football on the couch, reading, travel and being a foodie at all times.

SOCIAL @STRENGTH_MOVEMENT

Body in motion - There are many different ways to exercise. I’m not here to say one is better than another. But during a time where people are more sedentary, movement is what’s lacking. So movement is what’s needed.

Micro improvements - Record the exercises you complete. How well you feel you did. What you hope to improve upon. Trade ideas and details with workout friends online for more motivation and fun.

"Remember for most people the problem is not the exercises they are doing. It’s how and when and why that are the issues. Fix those and your new at-home gym, living room yoga studio and outdoor exercise routine fixes you."

DIANA YUSUFOV Entrepreneur, Beauty Business Coach and Co-Founder of Boss Ladies MKE. As owner and operator of GÄDIS Beauty Studio in Glendale, WI, Diana’s mission is to elevate women’s beauty and confidence from the inside out while providing the community with the newest beauty trends to look and feel their best.

One thing we do have time for these days is skincare. Come out of quarantine with your skin glowing with these at home skin care tips.

Seasons are still changing and my biggest tip would be to exfoliate and slough off those dead skin cells for radiant glowing skin!

Here is your How-To Guide using our signature skincare line at Gadis Beauty Studio, Sorella Apothecary.

Step 1: Cleanse your face with favorite cleanser, I personally love Sorella Apothecary's Orange You Jelly Cleanser, which perfectly cleanses the skin without leaving it dehydrated and removes the appearance of surface build up leaving the skin feeling smooth and bright.

If you have a Clarisonic brush any type of tool to get a little deeper in those pores, you can use that daily Step 2: Let's tone it out. I love to apply the Spiced Wine Toner which using key ingredients of pumpkin extract and lactic acid to refine the pores while balancing the skin's PH. This step will also help remove excess surface oil and impurities.

Step 3: Time to exfoliate. Polish, smooth and refine your skin with Sorella's Grapefruit Polishing Powder. This is a great at home Microderm treatment using lactic acid, Vitamin C, Papaya, Mulberry Extract, Rice Bran and Salicylic Acid. The rice bran absorbs oil while lactic and salicylic acids remove dead skin cells - leaving radiant, clean skin.

@gadisbeautystudio

AT HOME REGIME Step 4: This next step can be optional and used as a double exfoliation if you skin is really needing more love. The Mint Poppy Seed Polish acts as a mask and exfoliant in one. The caffeine, Poppy Seeds, Ecobeads and Kaolin clay calm inflamed acne lesions, improve skin clarity and texture and buff away dead skin build up.

Step 5: Serum. A crucial step to any skincare regime. I love the Lemon Lightening Serum which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, reduces redness/inflammation and leaves your complexion appearing more even and bright Step 6: Eye cream! I recommend using your ring finger to apply a small amount of eye cream in the delicate eye area. I prefer the Aloe Cucumber Eye Gel as it is cooling and calming. A touch of lightening extracts and peptides brighten and hydrate the eye area and diminish fine lines.

Step 7: Moisturize. A dime size of your favorite moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and plump. My favorite from the line is The Balm.

This velvety balm will leave your skin feeling dewy and promotes a healthy overnight skin renewal.

Step 8: Last but not least, let's not forget about the lips! I feel like the lips can be overlooked but we cannot leave them hanging! A night time lip product is crucial in my opinion to wake up to soft, pillowy lips. When I say I am obsessed with the Avocado Oil Lip Hydrator, I mean it! It leaves the lips deeply hydrated and softens fine lines around the lip area without feeling too heavy.

SAINT KATE ENTERTAINMENT&

CUISINE

It doesn't get much better, or more beautiful, than an art and music-centered hotel. That's what you'll experience at the Saint Kate Hotel of the Arts. Right in the heart of the theatre district in downtown Milwaukee, Saint Kate is a gem to marvel at.

Grab a delicious craft cocktail at the luxurious lobby bar, meander your way to the gallery to enjoy local artists which change frequently. Cozy up in the chic lobby on the one of the many plush couches, while letting the smooth vocals of their jazz duet put you at ease. Overlooking the large floor to ceiling windows gives you a beautiful glimpse at the downtown scene.

Looks are not everything, just past a secret bookshelf on the second floor, you'll enter a private, candlelit dining room, which is The Dark Room. I was able to indulge on mouth watering steaks, flavorful salmon, string onion ring topped potatoes, tender asparagus...delicious! All complimented by the perfect Manhattan. The Dark Room is romantic without being cheesy, elegant without being stuffy.

It was a truly special dining experience. Saint Kate got it right in all the areas that count.

Another must see for the art lover, foodie, or any Milwaukeean who loves to explore!

@cameraeatsfirst_mke

Downtown High-rise

Design is a very important factor when listing a property. Especially a condo buyer who is interested in a no fuss, move-in ready, low maintenance dwelling. Last year, I was contacted by a client in early spring to list their downtown condo. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. A sixteenth floor, two bedroom, two bathroom, newly remodeled unit, with lake views and two deeded parking spaces. Yes, that is not a typo, two indoor parking spaces. I put together my listing packet and off I went to the meet my client. Once inside I noticed the interior of the unit wasn't as straight forward as I assumed it would be. The finishes were a little uninspiring for the modern condo buyer.

Overall the unit had great bones and other aspects can't be beat: location, parking, lake views etc. To market we went, with little to no success. I was sure with a couple price adjustments a buyer would come along and put their own personal touches on the unit. I soon learned I was wrong.

It was important for my seller to off load the unit. Carrying costs were adding up and fall was coming soon.

I had a very honest conversation with my client and a plan. Let's get back to the price we started at or maybe get more. How one may ask? We needed to attract a Buyer at first sight by immediately showcasing the value in the unit? We had work to do. My client agreed to my plan. I opened my little black book, took the unit off the market and began its transformation.

What did we do?

Removed vinyl floors and baseboards installed dark wide plank engineered wood floors Installed white wood baseboard trim throughout unit Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities sanded and sprayed white Neutral paint in living room and kitchen Furniture staging by Residence & Libby Castro New carpet in bedrooms

The cabinets were of great quality and fairly new in the kitchen and bathrooms. I needed to find a way to keep the cabinets and not move the granite countertops to prevent breaking. I was able to implement small but eye catching changes to give the unit a face lift.

TIARA GAMEZ Events to a T was established in 2012. As the owner, I use my love for the arts and creativity and channel it into event planning and design. With every wedding, I challenge my clients to think outside of the box and execute their vision while showcasing their personality.

W E ' V E P O S T P O N E D Okay, so...

Shit got more real for some couples than expected. Many couples are rightfully asking questions on how to manage their up coming nuptials in light of the unknown. I'll be honest, the celebrity wedding list was a show stopper for 2020.

Yet, some couples are deciding how best move forward and I'm wondering if JLO will walk down the aisle by fall? I was able to connect with Tiara Gamez, owner of Events to a T to get first hand knowledge on the wedding industries new normal.

How has Covid-19 impacted the weddig industry?What is becoming the new normal?

Yes, we have been impacted! Many couples are having to postpone due to the virus. The new normal is daily conversations with clients and vendors regarding postponements and cancellations. We have become even more creative with compact event schedules, by finding ways to reassign weddings by availability, and constantly connecting with clients and vendors.

Also remembering to take extra time to de-stress at the end of the day due to all of the chaos.

@eventstoat

What's the skinny on couples who picked their date and were in the midst of vendor shopping? Are vendors offering virtual appointments?

Vendors have adapted quickly and have been offeing virtual appointments, if needed, which we are beyond thankful for.

The only obstacle we are currently facing are couples who have not chosen a venue or caterer. Most couples want or are willing to wait until this is lifted to experience venues or tastings in person. Some have decided to continue booking site unseen, but  many have chosen to wait.

Are future weekend dates being taken? Leaving couples who have had their wedding dates canceled left with only weekday availability?

Currently weekend dates are still available. Most of those weekend dates are Fridays and Sundays.

All of our March, April and May weddings had to reschedule. We are working on June clients as of current. We were able to find them alternative dates right away. Although it is a very big task with a lot of different variables. Usually we confirm available dates with the venue first and then the couple narrows down which alternative date is most ideal for them. Lastly confirming with ALL their vendors. Let's say all but one vendor is available for the alternative date. Do we start over and look at a new date to see if it works for everyone, or do we let that one vendor go?

Usually it's the latter. Our couples have to make some tough decisions from that point.

How have you encouraged clients to postpone and not cancel? Overall how have clients been handling this crisis?

We are definitely encouraging postponing vs cancelling.

The majority of our clients don't consider cancelling over postponing. We have had one cancellation out of the 15 weddings we have had to reschedule, which was due to time sensitive issues that didn't allow for a postponement.

How are you and vendors dealing with more upcoming cancellations with extended quarantine rules?

Communication! Our team has been communicating with our clients nonstop, providing guidance on the situation and how to prepare. March and April weddings were more of a scramble because it came on very fast! Yet, our May and June couples have been able to get a Plan B in line well in advance. When they officially had or have to make the call, we are able to transfer everything to the knew date seamlessly.

How do you keep clients focused and encouraged all is okay, within the new normal.

We remind them of the positives! They still get to marry their best friend. They WILL EVENTUALLY get the ceremony and reception they always imagined. It's an obstacle they get to take on together and will always remember this time as they began their lives together. They have the planning to help occupy their quarantined time!

KRYSTA HUTTON Wife, mom, cook, real food enthusiast – these are a few things that describe and define Milwaukee native, owner of Simple Eats MKE. A company founded on the belief that healthy, unprocessed, clean foods should be front and center in kitchens throughout the Midwest and beyond.  Krysta understands how difficult it is to make that belief a reality.

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The New Take-out?

Simple Eats MKE makes that question easy for many individuals and families to answer. Krysta Hutton has made a name for herself providing fresh and high quality mouth watering meals to your home. Typically offering in-home chef options or meal delivery service. Delivery has become the bulk of her business as of current. Making over 200 meals per day, it's obvious why families are deciding to support local with Simple Eats MKE. During the spring and fall I tend to work long hours and a bag of chips turns into a late night meal over my laptop.

Simple Eats MKE has been a go-to when I know a long week is ahead. It allows me to order the perfect amount of food for the days I know could turn into a chip night.

Healthier than take out, with the convenience at home.

Even more so now, limiting social contact by avoiding consistent grocery store runs or, let's be honest, a break from the many hours spent in the kitchen per day.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU? Lentil veggie burgers, mediteranian grass beef meatballs, Coconut-lemongrass curried baked tofu and southwest breakfast burritos to name a few. All meals are made with the highest quality ingredients and locally sourced at the most affordable price. Meals can be ordered as single portions or family size.

HOW IT WORKS? Meal options are posted weekly on their website and Instagram early each week. Options will always be chicken, beef, pork, fish, breakfast and 3 vegetarian or vegan meals. Place your order, pick your options, submit and pay. Have your order in by Thursday! Your packaged

@simpleeatsmke

healthy single or family sized meals will be delivered to your door the following Monday.

MILWAUKKEE

What's your 414?

LA

MERENDA

Visiting La Merenda, feels like traveling to another country within the city. The food incorporates many different regions of the world. I must mention the tres leche cake is EVERYTHING! IÂ became engaged here and it will always be a must on my list.

SURFING

ON

GLASSNOTE

CANDLE

BAR

Tucked away above Movida on 2nd Street in Walker's Point, the posh spot pairs a cozy-chic bar with candle creation.

Sip wine and mix-and-match hundreds of scents to find your perfect candle. It's the loveliest way to burn through your next happy hour.

LAKE

MICHIGAN

Many assume surfing isn't accessible in Milwaukee. For me it creates pride in our willingness to overcome obstacles, and allows me to forever be a student of skill development.

BLACKSHEEP

Blacksheep's meal prep service.

Meals can be picked up curb side or delivered.

Cabin fever special - add a bottle of wine to any order for just $15.

VANGAURD

AÂ Bayview gem for great cocktails and food. My husband and I eat there often.

We can chat up the bartenders and feel hip again!

The buffalo poutine is a must!

THE

MICKENLY

MARINA

One of my favorite pass times is enjoying our beautiful lake Michigan. Reminiscent of an ocean, it becomes therapeutic and offers a quick reset, whether driving along Memorial Drive or walking near the pier to enjoy the coastal life in the midwest.

It's my way of appreciating and being grateful for the beauty Milwaukee has to offer.

Mérāk "TO DO SOMETHING WITH SOUL, CREATIVITY, OR LOVE, LEAVING A PIECE OF YOURSELF IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING"

THE QAURANTINE BUCKET LIST

OFFERING HOPE AMID SOCIAL DISTANCING How is one of the most social bees around town coping during social distancing? I'm definitely eating at least three meals a day, enjoying earlier cocktail hours and feel I can beat anyone in Netflix trivia. However, it can be difficult for a girl on the go like myself.

I recently came across an article about an English family who decided to make a family bucket list at home. Every time they wished to do something, go somewhere, treat themselves, see someone they love or visit a new place, they would write it down and put it in a jar. When all is over, they plan to work their way through the jar being grateful for little and lovely things in their lives.

The article touched me as I thought why not be grateful now for life in general. 2019 was a big year for me, a lot of personal growth and change. Also, one of the largest traveling years of my life. I traveled over seas for the first time, visiting four countries and seeing multiple family and friends around the midwest and west coast. So here's my MĂŠrÄ k, a little travel year in review for all to enjoy.

Nis Serbia

MILWAUKEE TO SERBIA, QATAR TO LA

Milwaukee, WI

East Grand Rapids, MI East Grand Rapids, MI

My first trip to Europe was early spring of 2019 starting in Serbia and capping in Rome.

Everything was perfect from the weather to the food. Shortly after I was able to visit family and friends in San Diego and Los Angelas. I returned to Europe late summer, back to Serbia, but a week in Crete Greece. Words can not explain the pure beauty of the beaches. I can't forget two stops in Michigan during fall and always frequent Chicago weekends.

Iron Horse Derby Day

Belgrade, Serbia

Milwaukee, WI

Chicago, IL

Crete, Greece

Doha, Qatar

THIS TO SHALL PASS I encourage all of you to go through your last year of pictures. Remember those great times and be grateful the opportunity that was given to you. In a few months, the world will resume and we will slowly pick up from where we started. However, things will be different and that's okay. Now is a time to reflect and let the universe reset. As we too shall reset and come out better than before. We just received a longer period for resolution. Get that bucket list together and get ready for a year you won't forget, and the year you made the best out of.