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GUEST POST: Love The Home You Work In
Dear friends: Please enjoy this guest blog post from South Seattle-based interior designer Michele Bayle, who owns Bayle & Co. — a new home decor store in Seward Park — and is one of the many local contractors found in my little black book of useful resources. Enjoy!
Interior Designer Michele Bayle owns Bayle & Co. — a new home decor store in Seward Park.
Working from home can be a challenge; maybe your business has taken over your dedicated office space and now the dining room table and it could just keep going on and on to every flat surface you have if you don’t wrangle it in now. Carving out a space in your home is essential for productivity even if it is for organizing your busy family schedule between meetings, Dr.’s appointments, kids events etc. Organization is the key to keeping your sanity.
If your world wide headquarters of your business is in your home then doubly essential to get everything in one spot. An organized office/space that offers a place for all of your important papers, a calendar for posting important meetings/times, a file for “IN”, “PENDING” and “OUT” is really helpful too. Staying organized will make working from home much more enjoyable.
Pottery Barn organizational system
One of my favorite organizational systems is from Pottery Barn. This one comes in a handful of colors to match most office styles. This system gives you options for filing slots, chalkboard, cork board, calendars, magnetic boards, organizers. Organize your paperwork and return the flat surface of your home to what it is originally intended for.
In addition to organization It is important to have the right lighting in your work space. Take advantage of views and add additional lighting in dim lit corners. Walls should be painted softer hues instead of bright colors.
Now don’t get stumped by the task of making your office space perfect, start with a list of what you would like the space to do for you and what you would like in it. Hire a designer to help with paint, furniture selection and placement. Organization might not be your thing or seem a little daunting, give yourself a budget and hire a professional organizer, it will be well worth your investment. Once you have your organized office space you can find everything you need and be much more productive. Now, watch your business grow!
Until next time!
Michele Bayle
Bayle & Co.
This post first appeared in the Redecorate, Remodel or Move blog.
NEW LISTING: Life on the Gold Coast!
Enjoy 50-ft of low-bank waterfront.
3459 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE; Sammamish, WA 98074
Listed at $1,600,000
Life on the Gold Coast! Waterfront cabin situated in prestigious Weber Point with 50-feet of low-bank waterfront. A gorgeous spot to build your dream home or have a sweet get away in this well -cared for cabin renovated 15 years ago, with gas heat, double pane windows, a big master bedroom with a bath. The build-able lot is approx. 6,171 feet (appraisal estimate) with a double carport across the road. Super close access to East Lake Sammamish/Burke Gilman trail. Award-winning school district.
Go here for a virtual tour!
Specs:
- Type: Land
- Lot size: 8,392 SQFT
- Taxes: $11,243 (2017)
- MLS #: 1148991
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
SELLER SUCCESS STORY: Serena Soothes Storm & Seller Rides Off Into Sunset
It’s not just the physical logistics of moving that takes its toll on sellers, as a lot of emotion can also be involved.
My seller TS had been talking about selling her home for several months. The winter gloom was really getting to her and she wanted to move to a sunnier place.
However, it was a huge decision as she was single and her entire community lived in Seattle. She’d been born and raised in the area, and her friends and family were not terribly supportive since they couldn’t understand why she would want to try something new!
TS had a great plan in place but was of course nervous about taking such a big step. She had painstakingly restored the sweet craftsman and really loved her home.
I suggested she consider keeping her options open by renting her house for a year or two, but she was determined that she would not return to Seattle, even if her plan to move to San Antonio, Texas–a budding tech hub–didn’t work out.
Having moved from the UK to New York City as an adult and then again to Seattle many years ago, I know how hard it is to make a big move, so we talked about that a lot. On the other hand, feeling stuck is no fun either, so I encouraged her to see this as an adventure.
TS does not do things by halves, so on top of the move she was also completing her MBA, and then her dog Ruby injured herself and had to have crucial ligament surgery.
It was a super stressful and emotional time for her. We had to postpone putting the house on the market for a couple of weeks, but I assured TS that she needn’t worry, as time frames sometimes need to change in order to avoid undue anxiety.
Luckily my team and I were able to do everything necessary to get the house market-ready, including painting, a major yard clean-up, packing, limited staging (as she was still living in the house), cleaning, and a myriad list of other to do’s.
TS’s house sold quickly before the bad fall weather hit, and soon she was on her way to a sunnier place.
Smart lady; she missed a doozy of a winter!
See You at Columbia City Beatwalk!
Photos/Columbia City Music Beat
Beatwalk is back next month with eight venues, a street party, arts and crafts vendors and more–all free!
Meanwhile, Serena’s been reminiscing about the genesis of the South-End’s only live music series that she helped found in 1995.
“Columbia City was very different 23 years ago,” she says. “There were just a few restaurants, and very little going on in the evenings on Rainier Avenue, and it did not feel very safe.”
Over the years, she’s witnessed first-hand an incredible transformation of the area.
“Thanks to a community of caring, engaged and enthusiastic neighbors, a growing business district and fun cultural events like the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade, Columbia City Farmers Market, Beatwalk music festival and much more.”
She says the idea for Beatwalk came out of a town meeting and was the brainchild of Darryl Smith, a local realtor and friend.
“I became one of the founding members and coordinated the event for several years.”
The goal was to support local restaurants and business owners and get neighbors out on the street on a Friday night, to hear music and have a drink or a bite to eat. It quickly became a smash hit.
“I remember one summer night when a hair salon took part and had an amp on the street with an amazing vocalist who worked at the salon,” says Serena. “Lots of local musicians took part and still do. Beatwalk was run totally by volunteers and folks at that time paid $5 to attend. The money went to pay the musicians with the restaurants also chipping in.”
“I have clear memories of locking myself in the bathroom of an Ethiopian restaurant and counting out the proceeds from the night,” she says. It was a very glamorous volunteer job.”
“I couldn’t be happier to watch Beatwalk continue to thrive and grow as with the Columbia City community. Hope to see you at the next one on Sunday, July 9!”
Columbia City Beatwalk Live Music Series
Second Sundays
- July 9
- August 13
- September 10
Photos/Columbia City Music Beat
Help Homeless Kids Start the School Year Off Right
You can help us fill students’ backpacks by purchasing supplies off of the Wish List.
Dear friends,
For children dealing with the daily chaos of homelessness, school can be an important source of stability.
Every fall through Project Cool, Coalition members and volunteers make sure that hundreds of homeless children and youth start the school year off right, and this year, my office is partnering with the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness to help homeless students who may have lost most or all of their personal possessions get the school supplies they need to feel confident and be prepared.
Included with every backpack a student receives is a Know-Your-Rights flyer on the educational rights for homeless students outlined in the McKinney Vento Act. The Coalition also regularly provides training for staff working with youth and unaccompanied minors to help them advocate for and support the educational rights of homeless students.
Over 24 years, Project Cool has helped more than 23,000 homeless students be ready for the first day of school, and today you can help us fill students’ backpacks by purchasing supplies off of the Wish List.
My office, Windermere Mount Baker, is hosting a school supply drive from June 13 through July 5, and there are four ways to participate:
- Make a tax-deductible contribution on-line
- Mail a check to: “Project Cool/SKCCH” at 77 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104
- Contact me to come pick up donations from the wish list below
- Swing by and drop your donations off at the Windermere Real Estate Mount Baker Office at 4919 South Genesee Street in South Seattle (206.725.7255)
WISH LIST
- 5-Tab Dividers
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Floss
- Wide-Ruled Notebooks
- College-Ruled Notebooks
- Wide-Ruled Filler Paper
- College-Ruled Filler Paper
- Crayola Crayons (24 Ct.)
- Crayola Colored Pencils (12 Ct.)
- Crayola Markers (8 Ct.)
- Highlighters
- Ballpoint Pens (black or blue)
- #2 Pencils
- Pink Erasers
- Glue Sticks (non-toxic)
Thanks, everyone!
SOLD! Unique, Updated Columbia City Home
5046 Bowen Place S., Seattle, WA 98118
Listed at $665,000
Ahoy there, mateys! A shipwright built this custom home for himself in the 1950’s and seller is just the second owner. Lots of space in this updated unique home, which is so much bigger than it looks. With 4 bedrooms, 2 up and 2 on the main, a living room and dining room with hardwoods, and gas fireplace. Remodeled daylight basement has 1 bedroom, a 3/4 bath and big family room and is plumbed for a kitchen, perfect MIL/Airbnb. Updated systems and a lot more. Downtown Columbia City and light rail easy walk.
Specs:
- 5 Bed
- 2.5 Bath
- 2,730 SQFT
- Built: 1952
- Heat: Forced Air
- Taxes: $3,642 (2017)
- MLS #: 1139760
Click here for a virtual tour!
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
This Summer: Kids & Teens Eat Free at 45 South Seattle Locations
Many families depend on lunch and breakfast provided by schools, making the summer months a struggle. Flickr Photo/USDAgov (CC-BY-NC-ND)
Good nutrition is essential for effective learning every day, all year long. And just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. Which is why thousands of Seattle children ages 1 through 18 will enjoy free breakfasts and lunches this summer through the Seattle Human Services Department’s Summer Food Service Program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded program, formerly known as “Summer Sack Lunch,” is open to children at qualifying sites. From June 28 through August 25, the meals will be served at approximately 100 sites across the city—including 45 throughout South Seattle (see list below). The goal of the program is to keep low-income kids from going hungry while not at school.
There are 45 South Seattle locations participating in the Summer Meals program:
- Aki Kurose Middle School (3928 S Graham Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Beacon Hill Elementary (2025 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144)
- Beacon Hill Playground (1902 13th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144)
- Beer Sheva Park (8650 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Brighton Playground (6000 39th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Cascade View Community Park (14211 37th Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168)
- Cleveland High School (5511 15th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- East African Community Services (7050 32nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Emerson Elementary (9709 60th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Ethiopia Community Services (8323 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Georgetown Playfield (750 S Homer Street, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Graham Hill Elementary (5149 S Graham Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Hawthorne Elementary (4100 39th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Holly Park Church (4308 S Othello Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Jefferson Community Center (3801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- John Muir Elementary (3301 S Horton Street, Seattle, WA 98144)
- Kimball Elementary (3200 23rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144)
- Lakeridge Playground (10145 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178)
- Lakewood Playground (5013 S Angeline Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- LIHI – Martin Court (6188 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA Seattle, WA 98108)
- Maple Elementary (4925 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Maplewood Playground (4801 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (6725 45th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Mercer Middle School (1600 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Mercy Othello Plaza (6940 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Othello Playground (4351 S Othello Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Rainier Beach Community Center (8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Rainier Beach High School (8815 Seward Park Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club (4520 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- South Lake High School (8601 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- South Shore Elementary (4800 S Henderson Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- St. Michael & St. Giorgis Church (6718 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- THS – Central Youth and Family Services (1901 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98144)
- Tukwila Community Center (12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA Seattle, WA 98168)
- UGM Seattle Chinese Alliance (2803 S Orcas Street, Seattle, WA 98108)
- UGM Seattle Chinese Baptist (5801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Urban Impact @ Emerald City Commons (7700 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Urban Impact @ Rainier Avenue Church (5900 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle Street, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Van Asselt Elementary (8311 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Voices of Tomorrow (10206 51st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178)
- Wing Luke Elementary (3701 S Kenyon Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Dunlap Elementary (4525 S Cloverdale Street, Seattle, WA 98118)
- Franklin High School (3013 S Mount Baker Blvd, Seattle, WA 98144)
- YWCA @ Willows (3800 S Myrtle Street, Seattle, WA 98188)
No June Gloom Here: 14 Fun South Seattle Events
Block Party at The Station is free and open to everyone. Photo/Block Party at The Station
The first official day of Summer is coming up on June 20, and our South Seattle event calendar is heating up fast with no less than 14 fun events happening right here in Seattle’s most vibrant community. Follow the links for more details. Enjoy, neighbors!
1. HONK! Fest West 2017
6/2-6/4: This free, three-day, family-friendly festival hits three locations throughout the Seattle area, including the South Seattle neighborhoods of Georgetown and Columbia City, with 30+ street bands from around the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Georgetown, Columbia City
2. Taste Mount Baker
6/3: Fabulous local food and drinks, as well as live music will fill the historic Mount Baker Community Club with Taste Mount Baker–a 21 and over event. Tickets are $25 for six tastes and a souvenir glass. Mount Baker
3. Farm Community Update Meeting & Work Party
6/3: The Friends of Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands invites you to attend a special community gathering to discuss farm updates, share ideas and to rally everyone for the farm reopening coming this summer. Tour and work party to follow. Rainier Beach
4. Bicycle Sundays
6/4, 6/25: Bike or walk along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach to the entrance to Seward Park without motorized traffic. Seward Park to Mount Baker
5. Battle of the Fashions
6/9: Support Rainier Beach High School at the first PTSA fundraiser as students, staff and parents highlight “Old School vs. New School” Battle of the Fashions. A night filled with good music, food and entertainment provided by students, staff, and parents. $7 admission. Rainier Beach
6. Pickle: The Dog Who Loved to Read!
6/9–25: “Mona Lisa wanted a dog more than anything in the world…a dog named Pickle!” So begins an original musical theatre adventure about a dog who loved to read—and a little girl who didn’t. Mona Lisa and her mother celebrate her adoption day by going to the local animal rescue shelter to find a pet. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, Sundays at 2 pm with pay-what-you-can performance on 6/18. Columbia City
7. Furry 5k
6/11: The Annual Furry 5K is a timed, dog-friendly 5k run and walk that helps support the Seattle Animal Shelter. Seward Park
8. Shore Run 10K & 5K Run/Walk
6/11: Run/Walk along the shore of Lake Washington from Seward Park to Madison Park. About 3,000 people are expected to participate. Seward Park
9. Beatwalk 2017 Kickoff: Country/Blues/Zydeco/Bluegrass
6/11: BeatWalk places an extraordinarily talented and diverse range of musicians in our neighborhood businesses. All sorts of music from all around the world spills into the streets, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Columbia City
10. Seward Park After Dark
6/16: Celebrate birds and support a great cause at the first-ever Seward Park After Dark fundraising event–an evening of delicious eats from Skillet Food Truck, close encounters with live raptors, and guided hikes of the park by nightfall. All proceeds benefit Audubon and the conservation and educational work they do to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Washington state. Seward Park
11. Rock and Roll Marathon
6/18: A Signature Seafair Event celebrating its 9th year, this race takes thousands of runners on a scenic tour of Seattle, including the Lake Washington/Seward Park area with marathon and half marathon courses lined with local bands. Mount Baker, Genesee
12. Block Party at The Station 2017
6/17: This annual hip-hop music and arts festival celebrates South Seattle’s diverse creative community like no other. Hosted by The Station in partnership with Beacon Arts and Got Green, and sponsored by local businesses, it’s free, all ages and open to everyone. Beacon Hill
13. Grand Opening Celebration of Jimi Hendrix Park
6/17: After six years in development, construction and fund-raising culminated with a much anticipated opening of the park in October of 2016, it’s finally time for the grand opening celebration of this fabulous new park honoring Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix. Mount Baker
14. Walk for Rice
6/24: Every year, nearly 1,000 people coming together to raise funds for the Food Bank and nutrition programs at Asian Counseling and Referral Service. Seward Park
Bicycle Sundays Are Back!
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle.
Bicycle Sundays – one of South Seattle’s most beloved traditions – are back, and Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach Park and Seward Park will be closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 14 different Sundays this spring and summer (see list below). Before you head out, take a minute to review our list of bike trail etiquette tips.
Top 12 Bike Trail Etiquette Tips:
Everyone:
1. Show courtesy to other trail users at all times.
2. Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
3. Always pass on the left.
4. Respect the rights of property owners.
5. Keep dogs on leash (maximum length 8 feet) and remove pet feces from trail.
Bicyclists:
6. Yield to pedestrians.
7. Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists.
8. Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file in congested conditions, reduced visibility, and other hazardous conditions.
Pedestrians:
9. Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
10. Watch for other trail users.
11. Be especially alert when running.
12. Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users (runners and bicyclists) to pass safely.
Bicycle Sundays 2017:
- May 21, 28
- June 4, 25
- July 2, 9, 16
- August 13, 20, 27
- September 3, 17
Bicycle or walk along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach to the entrance to Seward Park.
FROM SERENA: Important Work by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
This inspiring young woman has been an excellent student despite living under the threat of deportation.
Dear friends,
I recently attend the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project gala, and it was such a gratifying pleasure to see the positive work that is being done to help our immigrant community.
This statewide non-profit organization promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. They strive for justice and equity for all persons, regardless of where they were born.
The Municipal League Foundation recently honored the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project with its Organization of the Year Award for its legal services for the poor, education in rights to those facing government power, and advocacy for immigrant families and refugees.
Attendance at the 2017 gala was more than twice that of last year and raised $600,000. I was glad to be able to participate, by becoming a member of the Community Circle for Immigrant Justice by pledging a contribution of $1,000 a year for the next three years.
It really was heartwarming to hear some personal stories of immigrants’ who had been helped, saved really by the NWIRP, including a young woman who had come to the United States as a baby with her undocumented parents and had suffered much hardship, yet became an honors student as well as a University of Washington graduate with a 4.0 GPA, while living under the fear of deportation her whole life!
The NWIRP enabled her to get her green card, just before she turned 18. She now plans to go to law school and become an immigrants rights lawyer.
Did you know? An immigrant who has legal representation is 12 times less likely to get deported.
These folks, many of which are volunteer attorneys, do amazing work!
Jacki and I had a blast supporting the generous and dedicated attorneys who volunteer with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at their 2017 gala.
