Theresa Dixon, Realtor

02/02/2026

Last Thursday night felt like a big deal.

Hartford Area Chamber Of Commerce had a Kentucky Derby theme — big hats, bold flowers, and a room full of people who showed up ready to celebrate one another. Cole and I spent days creating forty floral centerpieces (my back is still reminding me), and we were still delivering as the night began — but when we finally stepped back, the room looked amazing.

It was also meaningful in a quieter way. Flower Cafe only officially open since Thanksgiving, was nominated for an Emerging Business Award. We didn’t win — but being nominated so early felt like a moment to pause and take it in.

What we didn’t fully expect was how Hartford showed up. Everyone leaned into the theme. Everyone cheered each other on. In the middle of a polar-cold January, our little town decided to celebrate together — and it was joyful.

I wrote more about the night, the flowers, the people, and what this past year back home has meant to us on the blog: https://theresaathome.com/big-hats-big-joys-a-kentucky-derby-night-in-hartford/

01/16/2026

So much joy in being a part of this group of women and what fun is it to have the bridge lit up in honor! Thank you to all!!

Tonight, I'm lit in muted pinks and bronze to celebrate Milwaukee Magazine’s 2025 Women of Distinction, honoring leaders who are shaping our city with vision, courage, and impact!

Light the Hoan proudly celebrates its very own Erika Smith, Executive Director, who has been named one of this year’s Women of Distinction. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to community continue to help the bridge shine with purpose every night.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees, including:
GE Healthcare Patient Care Solutions team, Agnes Domagala of Major Dental Clinics of Milwaukee, IAG Wealth Partners, The Pfister Hotel, Katrina Cravy, Associated Bank, Valley Elliehausen of A.B. Data Solutions, Sumathi Thiyagarajan of the Milwaukee Bucks, Gina Della of Pella Windows and Doors, Gagne McChrystal De Lorenzo and Burghardt, Maggey Oplinger of Florentine Opera Company, Angela Adams of AALAM, BILTRITE Furniture - Leather - Mattresses, Ixonia Bank, Nina V.A. Johnson of U.S. Bank, Kimberly Reklau of Wiemer Law Group, Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, and Lawanda Chambers of LIFE Wellness & Counseling Services.

Tonight’s glow is a celebration of leadership, impact, and the powerful women moving Milwaukee forward.

https://www.milwaukeemag.com/tag/women-of-distinction-2025/

01/15/2026

This week felt like real life — a little messy, a little beautiful, and very full. 💛

Between birthday dinners, kitchen projects that double as bucket-list moments, conversations at the café, flowers heading into Valentine’s Day, and the quiet work of building something that matters, I was reminded that most of life happens in the in-between.

Not the highlight reel.
Not the finished product.
Just showing up — again and again — with the people you love and the community that holds you.

I shared a few reflections on the blog this week, looking back on the year and what it’s taught me about work, family, home, and not waiting for everything to feel “done” before living it.

If you’d like to read along, the link is here:

https://theresaathome.com/the-middle-of-things/

Thanks for being part of this season with me. 💐

01/15/2026

A Little of the In-Between.

Winter is still holding on, but there’s movement everywhere if you look closely.

The house is quiet and cozy and still very much a work in progress—like this season of life. At the café, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I found myself in the window this week with Barb from the Hartford Area Chamber Of Commerce , talking through about a thousand ideas for 2026. I love that they let me dream out loud—and somehow keep nodding along. 💚

Cole is officially a week-plus into life as barista. We’re counting down to Truman’s graduation and return, but we’re not just surviving the gap—we’re learning. I can make a wicked good cup of tea if needed. Otherwise, I’m happily surrounded by flowers.

At home, Anna Mae and I spent a full day cooking Julia Child’s Coq au Vin—because apparently one must have at least one solid recipe in their French repertoire. (Check.) It was slow, messy, delicious, and exactly the right way to spend a Sunday.

Local highlight: I walked home the other day and somehow ended up inside Beige Boutique in Hartford, where this sweater followed me home. I love that everything there feels fresh and young—and somehow still works for me. I think? I’ll report back after lunch with the realtor ladies.

And last Friday, dear friends Jodi and Denise (and our patient husbands) took us to the The Swinging Door Exchange in Milwaukee to celebrate my birthday. Good food, great conversation, and the reminder that being surrounded by people who know you well is its own kind of gift.

Nothing big. Nothing small. Just a little of life—all at once.

01/07/2026

A Little of This and a Little of That

Some seasons are loud.
This one feels quieter — and a little heavier — but still full.

The Christmas wreaths need to come down, but the black velvet bows may stay a little longer. It’s still dark. It’s still winter. Wisconsin will ask us to wait before spring shows up — so for now, I’m holding onto the porch and imagining warmer nights ahead.

This weekend, The Flower Café did a wedding, and Cole had to build the ring on site. I’ll admit — I was nervous. But watching him work reminds me why I trust him so deeply. He’s steady, thoughtful, and very good at what he does (even when he drives me a little crazy).

I jumped in at the shop more than planned with Truman heading back to college and Cole taking on more coffee shifts. Different energy, different rhythm — but Anna and Cole pulled off the first day without him. Not perfect. Still proud. The countdown to June 8th officially begins.

New Year’s at 42 South was exactly what we needed — good friends, a great meal, laughter, and the kind of night that reminds you why small towns can feel like home.

And a local highlight: the photo of Anna Mae and Truman at the café was taken by Steve Sweeney Photography, whose studio is right upstairs in the Millstream Building. Steve has been quietly documenting downtown Hartford all season long, and I love seeing our town through his lens. If you need wedding or graduation photos — he’s your guy.

So here we are.
A little home.
A little work.
A little learning as we go.

Thanks for being here — more of this, a little of that, and whatever comes next. 🤍

01/06/2026

This fall was not especially graceful.

A couple of real estate transactions fell apart. Another one was messy and uncertain. Tim was laid off. We were in the middle of opening the as a family. And at the same time, I was asked to participate in a feature highlighting women in real estate with and — which I agreed to, even though I didn’t feel particularly distinguished in that moment.

If you’ve ever been in real estate (or life), you know this happens. Knowing that doesn’t make it easier when you’re in it.

What changed wasn’t some big breakthrough or sudden confidence. I just didn’t quit. I showed up. I did the work. I prayed. I accepted help. And slowly — very quietly — things came together in ways I couldn’t have planned.

I wrote about that season on the blog. https://theresaathome.com/on-not-quitting/
Not as a highlight reel, but as a reminder that sometimes the work comes before the confidence — and that not quitting counts for more than we think.

If you’re in a hard season, this is for you.
And if things are smooth right now, save it for later. ❤️

11/03/2025

The Flower Cafe is almost officially open. I laughed when Cole suggested our Wi-Fi password should be chrysanthemum. It’s a mouthful — but it’s also November’s flower, and the more I thought about it, the more perfect it felt.

Bright, layered, resilient… and full of gratitude. Exactly how this season feels to me.

I wrote a blog about it for The Flower Café — part humor, part reflection, and a few thoughts on Thanksgiving flowers too. 🌼

Read it here: https://flowercafe.co/chrysanthemum-flower-of-november/

06/17/2025

When we bought our home, this space was labeled as a possible bathroom — with drywall tacked up and vinyl peeling off beautiful old floors. Today, it's on its way to becoming one of the most meaningful updates in our upstairs — complete with a shower, laundry, and all the quirks that come with remodeling a 100+ year old home.

We documented the transformation in a short video and shared the story so far (and some sweet surprises behind the walls) on the blog!

🎥 Watch the progress & read more here: https://theresaathome.com/future-bathroom-remodel/

Our Home Journey From “Future Bathroom” to Real Life: The Start of Our Upstairs Remodel [email protected] June 15, 2025 When we first toured the house, one of the upstairs bedrooms was labeled in the MLS listing as a “future bathroom.” That simple label gave us exactly what we needed: a ...

05/05/2025

A fire I’ll never forget...
In 1980, a gas explosion shook downtown Hartford and left a lasting mark on our small town. I was nine, living at Pike Lake, and I still remember the helicopters, the smoke, and the quiet awe of neighbors gathering to watch the aftermath unfold.

Now, all these years later, I’ve learned that our home was once owned by the very attorney whose office was at the center of it all.

🏡 Sharing a personal look back at that day
👉 https://theresaathome.com/1980-hartford-wi-fire/

Our Home Journey The 1980 Downtown Hartford Explosion: A Personal and Small-Town Story [email protected] May 5, 2025 One of the things I’ve loved this spring is the stories that come along with the house—some whispered, some widely known, and some that come rushing back in a flood of memory....

05/04/2025

Last week, I joined a powerhouse group of realtors & inspectors for the inaugural WAHI Realtor Certification class—an intensive two-day course hosted by the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors. 🏡🔍

We spent Day 1 in the classroom learning how inspectors evaluate every part of a home—from roof to foundation—and how to read and understand those reports. On Day 2, we rolled up our sleeves and got in there, with a real home walkthrough and yes I volunteered the new house in Hartford! We explored the basement, attic, yard—you name it. It was such a fun and eye-opening day with a house full of curious minds and great conversation.

We ended the week with a tough exam… and I’m happy to say: we passed! 🎓

You’ll still hear me say “I’m your realtor, not your inspector,” but now I’m even better prepared to help you understand what might come up, what to ask, and how to move forward—whether buying or selling.

Big thanks to WAHI and all who made this happen. It’s training like this that helps us better advocate for our clients every step of the way.
Blake Teschner The Wisconsin Real Estate Group Ronald Miller David Nason James Oezer Ken Smith Sean Martinson Mike Polega Andrew Helgeson Toni Wagner - The Wisconsin Real Estate Group Anna Fennig Danielle Kress Connolly Steven Rostkowski

04/30/2025

The garden is waking up 🌿 and we’re finally starting to see what’s been hiding beneath the winter leaves. Daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies of the valley are all in bloom—and I’m realizing this is definitely a proper grandma garden (which feels exactly right).

With so much growing and changing, I’m hoping to keep a little record of what we discover as the year unfolds.

Tim and I took a moment on the porch after clearing a bit of the yard—Still so much to do, but it feels like the beginning of something good. 🌸🏡

04/28/2025

We thought we had a wood-burning fireplace... turns out, it was something even more historic. 🏡✨

When we opened up the hearth at the Denison House, we discovered a hidden piece of Victorian life: a classic coal-burning fireplace, designed for efficiency and quiet charm.
Knowing the real story behind it gave us so much peace about the choices we’re making to preserve its beauty in a new way.

Read the full story on the blog! 🔥💛 https://theresaathome.com/category/our-home-journey/