apartmenthomeliving.com en-us http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/ What can be done about those pesky strays around your apartment? No...I'm not talking about your creepy ex who just keeps lingering around...I'm talking about stray animals. Again..not your ex.... Whether it's a cat gone feral or a rogue dog, strays can cause all kinds of headaches for apartment-ites. Not only do they dig into trash bags and carry fleas and disease that can transfer to your pets, but they also leave their "mark" on doorsteps and patios so that other strays know to stay away. There is only one thing wrong with that picture...THEY DON'T BELONG IN THE FIRST PLACE. So what can be done about them? There are a variety of tactics that can be used when dealing with strays, but there is one thing that you must ALWAYS consider no matter what the stray is doing... YOU DO NOT WANT TO CAUSE HARM TO THE ANIMAL... Trust me, there are ways to keep away the strays that do not hurt or harm them in anyway. Here's what I did: Someone in my old apartment community used to leave a huge mound of cat food out for the stray cats in the area to feast on. This wouldn't have been as big a deal, but she was feeding them right outside of my patio while her building was on the entire other side of the community. Not only did these strays bother my two cats and taunt them from the other side of the glass-pain door, but they also destroyed my patio furniture and would cry at my bedroom window incessantly if their "provider" forgot to leave them some food. Perhaps minor, this was indeed a hassle that affected my happiness in my apartment. I had to do something, but what? I didn't want to be confrontational because, frankly, this old lady scared the heck out of me. So I started off by telling the apartment manager, which should always be the first course of action in trying to solve some type of apartment related issue with neighbors or the community. She told me that she would leave a note on all apartment doors instructing the residents not to feed stray animals and that pets should be kept inside apartments at all times unless accompanied by their owner. While a good tactic, the crazy old cat lady paid no attention and went on feeding the cats outside of my window. Both management and myself contacted animal control to let them know of the situation, but they seemed to ignore it. (No Money in it for them.) It was then that I went to phase 2. Not wanting to cause harm to these 12-20 stray cats, I was forced to think outside of the box. Since crazy cat lady was spending an egregious amount of cash on stray cat food every week, I decided to do something to make her feel that she was wasting her time, money and energy. Every day over the next couple of weeks, I would wait for the lady to put out this massive mound of food. After she left, I would completely moisten it with water, soda, or some other harmless liquid so that it couldn't be appetizing to even the most desperate cat. I swept as much of it as I could into the oblivion of the grass and flower beds, covered it in dirt, or simply threw it away. If she left out a bowl, I threw the bowls away in the dumpster. Eventually, it worked and she stopped setting food out....and after a few weeks...the strays went back to "stray-land"...wherever that may be. The point of the story is that if you wish to get rid of the strays, you have to think about what is causing them to come around. When you take that element out of the picture...they'll go bother someone else. First things first though.....ALWAYS let management know about the problem when you first notice it. More than likely, they will be able to handle it on their own. Happy petting!......and not your ex. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=381 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:09:00 GMT We are heavy into flu season and I can tell you one thing for sure that rings true for every single apartment-ite out there...Nobody wants to get sick. If you do, there may be something deeper wrong there that should be evaluated. Unfortunately, living in an apartment community means you are living in close proximity to others. Whether you run into your neighbors in the gym, share a conversation as you are taking out the trash, or stopping by the neighbors house to borrow some sugar...you run the chance of spreading or catching germs...flu or otherwise. How often have you seen someone cover their mouth when they cough and then grab a door handle directly after. This could be the door to the gym, the office, the mail room, or wherever... Regardless of how you possibly catch the flu or a cold, it's important to do things to be prepared....especially when you live in a close nit community. Many clinics and pharmacies across the USA offer flu shots at discounted prices. While this won't defend you against the common cold, it will help prevent you from coming down with a violent flu and passing it to your neighbors. Stop it before it begins! You should also remember to "bundle up" before you head out into the cold. Scientists may disagree that cold whether directly causes sickness, but it has been proven that as your body gets cold, it works hard to try to warm itself up. While it's working harder at doing this, it lessens the guard against germs and such. So be sure and dress warm. If you do have a cold that runs it's course, make sure you disinfect your apartment. Using a disinfectant spray, wipe down your counters, phone, remote control, door knobs or any other thing that you touch often in your apartment. Wash your sheets and pillow cases and change your toothbrush. Do everything you can do to get your apartment in shape to keep whatever you had from coming back or being spread to your guests. Germs are everywhere, just be prepared and you should help keep yourself from getting sick, so you can spend more time enjoying the fun apartment lifestyle! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=380 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:22:00 GMT I can't tell you how many times it has happened to me in the past....Sitting at home in my comfy apartment on a Friday evening unable to come to a decision with any of my friends on where to go grab a bite to eat or what club to hit for a drink later that night. Then, there are the days where it's so BEAUTIFUL outside and I wanted to get out there and do something to enjoy it, but WHAT? Well, my fellow-apartment-ites, that problem is NO MORE! You may be looking for a new place, or just looking for new things to do around your old place, but we can help. If you are looking for some great things to do around your apartment, no matter what city you live in, we have the answer for you. The Apartment Living Guide lists top restaurants, nightlife hotspots, parks, museums, golf courses, theme parks, and much more in 100 major markets all over the USA! The best part is that each place is reviewed by a fellow Apartment-ite, so you can learn the ins and outs of the great places to go. Whether you are looking for a good Italian food restaurant in Chicago or a sports bar in Dallas, the Apartment Living Guide has what it takes to help you get the most out of apartment living! With 15+ city's live and waiting to be perused, more cities will be added every week. So no matter what city you want information on, make the Apartment Living Guide your first stop! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=379 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:40:00 GMT There are a number of reasons to keep your apartment clean and in tip-top shape. You may want to impress guests or release that a messy apartment reflects a messy person...and noone wants to be known as that. Perhaps it's keeping away the bugs and the smell....ewww! Whatever your reason is for keeping your place clean, remember how important it is to do so. A clean apartment is a happy apartment. One really BIG reason to keep your place scrubbed and dust free is not thought about very often. Most residence aren't thinking this far in advance, but if you ever plan on moving out of the apartment, you will be required to scrub that puppy like it was brand-spankin' new in order to face losing out on your deposit and not being charged for leaving the apartment in bad shape. Upon move-out, you'll be asked to do things like clean the fridge, oven, light fixtures, windows, sills, microwave, and all bathroom utilities. You may be charged for leaving any trash or junk in the apartment upon move out. If anything is broken like your mirrors, jacks, walls, etc....you will also be charged for those items On top of that you have the carpet to consider. KEEP IT VACUUMED. A clean, vacuumed carpet is a carpet with less worries than a stained, tracked on old turf that may have to be replaced...at your cost. I know noone ever likes to think about moving, but if you wait until the last minute to do all the cleaning...you will have a lot of headaches....as well...as you may have some cost to your pocket. My advice would be to keep things clean throughout the entire lease and take the time to take care of the home you are renting from someone else.... Again...a clean apartment is a happy apartment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=376 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:56:00 GMT It's easy to see why apartment-ites flock to San Francisco. The amazing sights and attractions coupled with the old timey charm of the gold rush days make this "City by the Bay" every apartment-ites dream. Folks in San Francisco often visit Alcatraz Island for a little criminal history lesson. One time home to the derelicts of society and such famous criminals as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly it is now a museum housing fascinating exhibits documenting the city's history. Residents often find themselves enjoying the atmosphere and opportunity at Pier 39. Besides great food with fantastic ocean views and fantastic shopping at over 100 shops and boutiques, Pier 39 also offers a carousel, underwater park and marina and all the wandering jugglers and acrobats the boardwalk can hold. It isn't hard to spend a whole day seeing the sights on Pier 39. Known for its great wineries, San Francisco is the definitive place to go on taste and winery tours and understand how wine is made by witnessing a real working winery. Food in the bay city is vast and varied leaving no palette unsatisfied. Night life is like another world in San Francisco. Rock-it Room has the perfect vibe going on for rockers. A rock only bar there is always a new band to hear. You'd be hard pressed to miss spotting a fabulous celebrity when you are out on the town. Check out the San Francisco Apartment Living Guide to learn more about apartment living in this great city! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=378 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:31:00 GMT There are a ton of reasons out there that Apartment living is way-many-uber times better than any other way to live. In my latest apartment video, I think I nail down 6 of the very solid reasons. After watching this video, you'll never want to live anywhere else. Check it out! Make your own great videos about or IN your apartment? Let us know. Post them on a YouTube and send me friend invite at http://www.youtube.com/apartmentlivingtips (Please keep it appropriate....) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=375 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:23:00 GMT I have always felt that San Diego was one of the most beautiful cities to live in the United States. Rich with culture, nightlife, great restaurants, beaches, and great people, San Diego enlightens people of all ages and makes for a great place to truly enjoy. Now we are proud to announce that San Diego is our latest installment to the Apartment Living Guide at: http://livingguide.apartmenthomeliving.com. Here you will be able to find great places to spend what free time that you may have outside of your San Diego apartment. You'll find restaurants, nightlife, parks, museums and much, much more to enjoy. If you are one of the many apartment-ites out there who are looking for a place to plant your roots, you can use the living guide to find the city that has all of the coolest stuff that you relate with. Compare pictures and reviews from other apartment-ites on everything that each city has to offer, and the apartment communities that are close by. So quit thinking about finding a better place! DO IT! Welcome San Diego....Miami...you're next! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=374 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:05:00 GMT Today is the day, my fellow Apartment-ites. It's the day when we can exercise our rights as citizens of the United States of America. It's November 4th...the day that every four years we elect or re-elect our nations President. Many of us dread the lines of getting out there and voting, but I was able to do it this morning with very little time taken out of my schedule to be back here, rocking away at getting you the coolest apartment content from the web. I've heard a number of apartment-ites and fellow citizens out there say that they don't want to vote because "their vote doesn't count','they don't like either candidate', or 'it doesn't matter who is elected, it won't effect their lives.' To all of this I say...NONSENSE....get out of your apartment right now and hit the voting booth! Number one, your vote DOES count...it always counts. Can you imagine if everyone who felt that their vote didn't count, suddenly voted? It would have the potential to rock the polls. And who cares if you don't like the candidates. Think of all the soldiers who have lost their lives from the American Revolution through the Gulf War who have fought for you to retain that right given to you by our nation...the right to vote....the RIGHT to get to put in your input once every 1461 days. If you don't like Obama or McCain...write in Rudy G. or Nader! JUST VOTE! No matter how you feel about the economy, the war, taxes, or any other political issue...it DOES effect you. Whether it directly effects you who is in office, may not be easily seen for you, but I guarantee that through the ripple effect or domino effect, the decisions that someone is making in office will make a change in your everyday life. Whether it's the effect it has on the price of gas, which effects your monthly spending or if your taxes are going to change or your right to bear arms...it effects you. So the bottom line....from a fellow Apartment-ite...GET OUT THERE AND VOTE if you haven't done it yet. I don't care who you vote for...just exercise your right! Be heard! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=373 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:59:00 GMT Recently some hoodlums broke into the maintenance room at my apartment community and stole a bunch of apartment keys. My community manager stated that there should be no worry because all of the keys were old keys and no longer would work in any apartments. Should I be worried? Perhaps not in this situation if the keys are indeed "old," but it never hurts in this day and age when things like this are prone to happening to be extra careful. Whether we like to admit it or not, there are bad people out there who will do anything to make an easy buck. That "anything" includes breaking into apartments or cars and taking things of value. Rather than live in fear, the best course of action is to realize that there is always the possibility and be prepared. I've gone over and over the importance of not leaving anything of value in your car, but what about the apartment itself. With the possibility of keys out there which may be in the wrong hands and could easily gain access to my apartment, what can I do to help prevent theft? The answer is easy: Hole up in your apartment and never leave. KIDDING! Seriously though, you should always keep a few things in mind regardless of whether someone has your apartment keys or not. When you are at home, ALWAYS keep your doors locked and the deadbolt bolted. Most, if not all, deadbolts are unable to be unlocked from the outside. You should always keep your windows locked whether you are home or away. An unlocked window is simple for a professional thief to break into and don't let the screen fool you. A simple pocket knife makes the screen non-existant, so NEVER leave your windows open or unlocked when you aren't at home. Consider adding a security system to your apartment. Many communities these days have apartments wired for alarm systems and you merely have to sign up for a service. Basic alarm service is getting cheaper and cheaper. If you want to add a little added security the old fashioned way, consider placing a baseball bat in an accessible place in case you ever "god forbid" need to use it. Have a lot of jewelry? Keep it hidden in drawers when you aren't wearing it. Leaving it out on your counters or on top of the dresser is begging someone to grab them first if they ever broke in. You should make these items difficult to find. I have a friend who leaves out decoy items, just in case. He has a jar of pennies in plain view with a ton of fake quarters and nickels in it. He also has a broken VCR placed on top of his other TV peripherals in hopes that a thief will run off with it, rather than the rest. Theoretically, this isn't such a bad strategy, but who knows if it works or not. Another great strategy is to get a dog. Dog's can be great theft deterrents, but make sure you check with your community manager to see if they are allowed. (Never try to sneak a dog in...you will end up regretting it from your bank account.) Whatever your method is in being safer around your apartment, just take the time to think things out. Don't live in fear, live to be prepared. That's how I live...and with two fearsome house-cats...........that eat and sleep all day..................but I swear they'd scare away a burglar! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=372 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:39:00 GMT Hey Halloweening Apartment-ites! Are you going trick-or-treating? This year Halloween falls on a Friday, which makes the Holiday all the more awesome. Not only do you get to participate in all of the inter-office/inter-school Halloween festivities with the opportunity to dress in the craziest costume you can find, but you also get the joys of staying out late and painting the town red if you wish (please do not really paint the town any color). At Apartment Home Living, we have begun the festivities of this once-a-year holiday in grand fashion...with an old-fashioned potluck lunch and costume contest! You already know that we Live for Fun, so you'd have to figure that we all get in the spirit of things too! That's nearly all of our team at the Austin office dressed for the occasion. You can see there was a wide range of characters from our accounting team as hippies to the man in charge in full Sumo gear. We certainly ran the gamut of Halloween ideas. Need a last minute costume idea? It's never too late. Take one of ours... The winner of our competition at the office was Eric who came as none other than: Yes that's right...it's John McCain in his younger days. Okay, okay...it's Charlie Chaplin. Congrats Eric! What about you? Got any great Halloween plans at your apartment? Hopefully you are getting into the spirit of things at your school or work and will be enjoying a great Halloween at the apartment. If you go out on the town to peruse the ghosts, goblins, and ghastly gnomes be sure to be safe. If you partake in an adult beverage such as a nice glass of witches brew or pirates grog, do NOT drink and drive. Have a ton of fun, but be responsible. Remember that kids are going to be trick-or-treating all night and they even do it in your apartment community, so if you are staying in for the night, have some candy ready........and don't be the person that gives out pennies or raisins....kids do NOT find that amusing...If you are driving, PLEASE watch out for the kids roaming the streets for delicious treats and ALWAYS throw away suspicious looking candy. BE SAFE! Have a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN fellow Apartment-ites! Until next year... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=371 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:01:00 GMT I know, I know....you are wondering the big question that is on everyone's mind. It's the biggest question of the centure and stopping it may be one of the keys to saving the world. The question... What are "Vampire Electronics"? Hmmmm. Am I going to tell you what they are? In the immortal words spoken on Saturday Night Live in mockery of an unmentioned Vice Presidential candidate this election, "You betcha!" You know that little red light in the corner of your Television that stays on even when the TV is off? Or how about the clock on your cable receiver? What about the little GREEN light on the speakers that are hooked up to your computer? All of these things are "vampire electronics" and they CONSTANTLY burn through electricity. I bet you didn't know that the little light on the TV burns between $30-150 per year in electricity. Multiply this by the number of items that have the whole "Vampire" thing going and your bill is crazy. Let's say you have 5 items in your apartment that all have a little light that constantly burns. Let's just figure that each one burns about $50 of electricity each year. You could save yourself $250 per year, just by making sure these items are plugged into a surge protector that you can plug in when you aren't using them. Tack this on-top of the amount you would save if you turned off your computer anytime you weren't going to use it for a few days and you would be getting in great shape on your electric bill. The great thing is, though, that if you cut down on your use of "vampire electronics" you will also do a small part in saving the environment. If everyone was conscious of these little items, there is no telling on the positive effect that it would have on the environment and could keep us from getting to the dreaded...6 degree difference! The only "Vampire electronic" item that should exist in your household is your alarm clock..........and even that should be run on renewable batteries! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=370 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:22:00 GMT Did you know that the average apartment-ite drools 74 gallons of drool while they sleep in their apartments throughout their lives?.....Neither did I because I made that up, but good sleep in your apartment is extremely important. Most of us have extremely over crowded work, school, and social calendars that cause rifts in our sleeping habits and a lack of quality zzzzzzz's time. While there are some who implement the "sleep when you are dead" philosophy there are many of us out there who are seemingly dead when we don't get good sleep. So for those of us who don't want to live completely on a combination of Red Bull, Monster, coffee, and diet pills, what can be done to get a more restful sleep? The answer is: NOTHING. No seriously, the best way to get better sleep is to do nothing. Limit what you do before bed time in order to get yourself in the rest mode. If you keep going and going and just hop into bed, your mind and body will be racing when it's time to get some rest....and that...friends is no good. Give yourself an hour or more of just completely relaxing your body and mind before you try to go to sleep. Whether that is flipping on your DVR and watching your favorite Matlock re-runs or playing a few rounds of Wii Tennis or reading a good book....just let yourself relax before you head to the bed room. You should also always get 6-8 hours of sleep and while you definitely don't want to undersleep, you should also try not to over sleep...it's a proven fact too much sleep can make you feel unrested. Why? I have no idea, but it's somehow been proven. 7 hours a night would be perfect! Another little tidbit of sleeping help excellence is to avoid caffeine in the last 6 hours of being awake. Even better than that would be to only drink caffeine in the morning. Drinking caffeine too late can have you tossing and turning, counting sheep to try to go to sleep. Lastly...try not to fall asleep on the couch watching TV before going to bed. The act of waking up to move from the couch to the bed can severely disturb your sleep. It's best to sleep straight through with no interruptions. Sleep is important, apartment-ites. Don't sleep when you are dead....get good sleep every night! Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. PS- We wanted to thank Jessica for using our site to find her new apartment and for her kind words! You rock, Jess! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=369 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:37:00 GMT In my many years of living in apartments, I have learned one VERY valuable thing to keep in mind: Don't be a stranger with the management! There are a number of reasons for making sure you stand out in management's mind that go way beyond the obvious..."so they don't call the cops when they think I am breaking into my own apartment." It's important to remember that although they DO take your money on the 1st of every month, your apartment management is on your side and are there to help you with anything to make your residency in your community a great one. They want you to stick around for as long as possible and if you like the place...you should want to. Keeping all of this in mind, I would suggest that you drop by the office a couple of times to do more than just drop off the rent. Let them know about that running toilet, the dude in the fitness center that smells, or even that you think they are doing a great job. Be friendly with them and take them a fruit cake if you wish. Whatever it is let them know that you appreciate them keeping a safe roof over your head, cleaning the pool, cleaning the grime off of the machines in the gym, doing all of the yard work, and throwing those fabulous community shindigs. If your lease is close to being up...stop by and see what options they have for your renewal. In many cases, the sooner you renew...the better deal you can get. On top of that, if you have met and become personal with your apartment manager, the negotiations will seem much easier on your end than if you completely had no idea who they were. They won't be able to give you any special privileges, but the discussion may seem a little light and less formal....and that always helps when you are discussing money. The key to eternal apartment happiness is to not be a stranger...make yourself known around your community (for good things) not only to your neighbors, but also to the management. They are there to help........keep things clean and deal with getting garbage off the property.......don't forget that! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=367 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:37:00 GMT Ah the glorious toothbrush... What an instrument of incredible usefulness. But be very, very careful where you leave your toothbrush out. More germs can be spread on a toothbrush than you could ever imagine. These germs can get on your toothbrush from merely leaving that bad boy on the apartment bathroom counter. No bueno! As a fellow apartment-ite, I would implore you all to take up good toothbrush practices in your apartments! What are good toothbrush practices you ask? Here's just a few for you to abide by: Hot Rinse- Always rinse your toothbrush well with HOT water before using. Not only does this help wash off some of the germs, but it also loosens up the bristles so that they aren't as rough on your gums. Change It- Change your toothbrush every couple of months! Make no bones about it. You could even change it each month. BUT when you change it, make sure that it is a NEW toorhbrush. Watch Out For Your Roomy- Never leave a toothbrush out when you might be on your roommate's bad side. Words cannot the atrocities that I have heard about that an angry roommate has done with another roommates toothbrush to get back at them for whatever reason.....I am shuttering just thinking about it! Cover- When traveling, be sure to put a toothbrush cover on it that keeps all the dirt, and germs from your travel bag off of the brush. It also keeps you from setting the toothbrush down on a very gross hotel bathroom counter. Just make sure that it is dry before you stick it in a cover. Practice good toothbrush handling and your toothbrush will be very, very happy! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=366 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:24:00 GMT If your apartment is anything like mine, it's very comfortable and makes it very easy to veg out on the couch and watch your waist line grow. It takes a little discipline to put down the potato chips and get in gear, but you can do it. A healthy lifestyle will not only help you look better, but you will also FEEL better. Both of these betters, will make you a happier apartment-ite. There are ways to promote healthy living other than hitting the gym and it starts with getting in good habits while you eat. Here are a few common good eating ideas to follow: 1.)- Do Not Eat Dinner Any Later Than 7:30 2.)- Do Not Eat Anything within 3 hours of bedtime. Your body needs time to digest and burn off some of that food before you go to sleep and your body stores it as fat. 3.)- Avoid eating too many sugar items, starches, and fats...yes....this includes beer. Beyond that, there are a number of less common ideas on staying healthy in your diet. Keep these things in mind: 1.) Avoid Overeating- Listen to your body and when you are full...STOP EATING. Before getting a second helping, let your body rest for a second and see how full you feel. 2.) Snack Attack- Before snacking, really evaluate your hunger level. Often you are just thirsty or bored and a glass of water or an activity will help you get over the snack attack. 3.) Chew More- It's pretty much a proven fact that if you chew more, you will end up eating less. So count your chews and make sure you chew at least 20 times for every bite. A healthy lifestyle in your apartment really isn't that difficult if you give it a little effort. The results will be well worth it. Got any healthy tips? Let me know....leave a comment! -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=365 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:02:00 GMT StevieG, a fellow Apartment-ite writes: "Just wanted to say a huge "Thank you!" I signed the lease for my new apartment at exactly 11:23am, I'm stoked and really happy with the place. You and your website made it so much easier because I knew what to expect going in today. Again, thank you for your help and your kicking website!" Stevie...thank you so much for your kind words. I always take pride in being able to help those who are looking for a new apartment find the perfect place and I am extremely happy to have helped you out on your quest. Now that you are in your apartment, you are going to want to be looking for things to do around it, aren't you? We want to stick around and help you get the most out of apartment living after you have found the perfect place, so if you are looking for fun things to do in your area, visit our Apartment Living Guide at: http://livingguide.apartmenthomeliving.com. The Guide is full of all types of restaurant and nightlife reviews as well as info on parks, museums, lakes and more for you to enjoy. Any time you need decorating tips, tips on green living, ideas for living as a great neighbor, and many more ways to truly celebrate apartment living...come back and see us. We'll be waiting! And that goes for every Apartment-ite out there. Apartment Home Living is here for YOU to get everything you can in your phat pad! See ya soon and send us pics of your place! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=364 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:58:00 GMT In an apartment, living in such close proximity to others, there is no excuse for being a loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate neighbor. Every single morning, without fail, I know exactly when my upstairs neighbor is leaving for the day, or walking their dog or whatever they are doing......VERY EARLY. It is one of the first signs of being a naughty neighbor who is inconsiderate of their neighbors. I want every Apartment-ite out there to please work on being a GOOD neighbor. Always remember that you live in a community with other people, so try to be considerate, aware, and conscious of the little things that may bother those around you. My upstairs neighbor lets their door SLAM shut in the wee hours of the morning, which seems to slightly shake the entire building and make a very loud echoing boom that I am sure can be heard several buildings over. Then, they bound down the three flights of stairs like a herd of elephants with cattle taped to their feet. This is nothing but inconsiderate and LOUD. I've also had friends who had upstairs neighbors dump unknown liquids off of their balcony to get rid of them. They must have been assuming that it would disappear into oblivion, but, rather, it ended up splattering on the railing and floor into my friends balcony. I think we should all start a pact to try our hardest to be a good neighbor. You in? Being aware of your actions and how they effect your environment is the best ingredient to the recipe of being a great neighbor. Keep that in mind the next time you go into "cleaning mode" and blast your stereo so that you can hear it over your vacuum. While we are on the subject of being a great neighbor, keep an eye out for your neighbors when they are gone. If you see something suspicious or a suspicious looking character, don't be afraid to call the office and let them know. It's like the neighborhood watch, but EVEN BETTER! Being a good neighbor in your apartment is easy...start thinking about it today! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=363 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:11:00 GMT The truth is bold and in front of us. It's been repeated throughout the history of our society. When the economy is down, crime goes up. Theft and burglary are two HUGE crimes that raise during times of trouble. Recently, my community fitness center had it's TV's stolen and the mail box broken into. We had 3 car break-ins and someone digging through the trash. We are a gated community....But no one can be in charge or responsible for your safety except yourself. With this in mind, please do not take for granted the safety of yourself or your valuables at any time. Just having a gate at your apartments doesn't guarantee that the bad people are going to be kept out. What if the people committing the break-ins are residents within the apartment or a pizza guy who knew the gate code. No matter how it happens, break-ins happen. They can be in your car, apartment, or even your office. The only thing that you can truly do is be prepared. Here are a few tips on being prepared: Valuables-- Whatever you do, DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR. Whether its a purse, laptop, backpack, cell phone, or whatever...DON'T LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. If you leave these items in the car they are easy bait on having someone break in to your vehicle. Different Times- Come home and leave your apartment at different times. In case some premeditated burglar is doing research on you, don't give them any info on your routine. Take different routes on your way home. Come home at lunch just to drop in. Whatever it is, just make sure you vary your routine and keep any possible burglar on their toes. Think Defensively- It never hurts to think defensively. Don't talk to suspicious strangers in the parking lot at night and carry pepper spray on your key chain (just in case). Heck, you could even keep a baseball bat by the door too...also just in case. However you do it, just be prepared. An attacker would be less likely to attack if they feel like they are going to get hurt. Paper- Do you get the newspaper? Don't leave it out. Be sure to bring it in as soon as you get it. Thieves see stacks of papers or mail on a doorstep and it is an immediate sign that you aren't home. That makes you an easy target. Locks are there for a reason- When you are home, lock both locks. They are there for a reason, so use the deadbolt...Use all the precautions! Windows- A big area of entry is through the windows, so be sure your windows are locked and closed when you aren't in the room. Also...keep your BLINDS DRAWN and Drapes closed at night or when you aren't around. If they are left wide open, that gives a burgler an easy way to take inventory on your stuff. Keep things closed to keep them out. Lights- Place a CFL bulb in a lamp in one of your main rooms and leave that lamp on when you leave. It may not help your energy bill, but a prospective thief may be deterred from robbing you. Again, I reiterate that you and you alone are responsible for your safety and no one else can be held accountable...unless you are under 18 and your parents can be held responsible, but I digress... Just stay safe and keep your chins up...the economy will pick up and the crime rate will go back down. None the less, it's always good to practice safe tactics! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=362 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:54:00 GMT I ran across the COOLEST looking apartment community and I had to share it with you Apartment-ites. This place looks CRAZY!!! Check it out: Habitat 67 If you ever find yourself in Montreal you should definitely check these out. They are all based on a stacking of cubes type system and from the looks of it, I can't seem to see any stairs. If you go, please investigate and report back to me on where the heck the stairs are! While it may be difficult finding a place like that anywhere else, you CAN however, easily duplicate the coolness of Habitat 67 in the decorations of your very own apartment! Head to Target or another big box superstore...pick up anything cube like that you can decorate with. Whether it is crates for storage, or little cube ottomans, anything can be used to have that "cube-like" theme. Once you get all "cube-tastic" then you can arrange and stack and get them how you want in your apartment. Look for painting and artwork that reflects the cube theme to hang on your walls. Accent with different sized cube shaped objects and storage units. It's the type of theme you could go as far out there as you want to go with. Remember, though...clutter is the key to discontent, so if you get cluttered...then you may have gone too far. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=361 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:52:00 GMT I had an apartment-ite recently express concern about moving into his first apartment. Being the good friend that I am, I chose not to laugh at them for their concern, as it is a very small concern. Why? Moving to an apartment is far from concerning. IT'S AWESOME!!! The process should be exciting and you should be eager to make it happen. Whether you are moving from your parents house, a friends couch, a dorm, or wherever...the move to your own apartment is a step in the right direction. If you are nervous about taking that step into your very first apartment, don't be. Turn that frown upside down and put on your dancing shoes because life is about to start rockin' for you! No other way of living even compares to how much fun the apartment lifestyle is. Decorate how you want. Watch what you want to on the TV. Have guests over whenever you want. It's YOUR place! If that's not exciting and doesn't get you hyped up on having your own place, I don't know what will.... You should stress not about apartment life because apartment life truly ROCKS! Check out this video on the 6 Reasons Apartment Life Rocks the House! That video may help ease your mind and add to your excitement. Seriously, if you take anything away from reading this it is that you have nothing to be nervous about. Get out there...get your place...meet your neighbors and start living for fun! It's the only way! -Jeff PS- If you are looking for awesome things to do in the area near your new apartment, check out our Apartment Living Guide! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=360 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:54:00 GMT I ran across this contest on YouTube and thought that I would share it with YOU my fellow Apartment-ites. I know that many of us out there are constantly trying to think of ways to live in which we can truly make the environment a better place. It goes way beyond preventing pollution into additional elements like conservation, prevention, and maintaining attention to all of it and beyond. This video contest on YouTube could easily be won by an Apartment-ite. Living in an apartment gives us an extreme advantage at the Green Lifestyle. So how do you live for being green? Have any original ideas that you think would truly rock at saving our big rock? Make a 2 minute video and submit it to that contest. If you win and has to do with making apartment life better, let us know and we will see what we can do to post your winning notice here! If you haven't gone green yet, GO GREEN! It's not only the cool thing to do, it's the only way to save the future! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=358 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:09:00 GMT I wanted to take a moment to wish congratulations to Jason Brown of City View in Austin for being the latest quarterly winner of our Live 4 Fun: Win 1 Month’s Free Rent Contest! Jason won a $750 check by random drawing after registering on our site, entering a “Live For,” and either contacting or emailing to inquire about one of our listed communities. Anyone who did those three things between July and September was automatically entered into the drawing to win. His apartment community, City View, managed by Greystar, will also win $250 simply because he resides there. A finance major at the University of Texas, Jason was the only “Apartment-ite” who stated that they "Live For Graduating In December." Hopefully, $750 towards Free rent will be an excellent graduation gift for our winner. Brown was chosen from nearly 100,000 total people who visited the site and met the requirements in the last 90 days. Talk about good odds! Brown found ApartmentHomeLiving.com during his online search for an apartment. He attempted to go through an apartment locator, but found ApartmentHomeLiving.com much, much easier to use. Brown says, "I love your website. It's very easy to search properties, look at pictures and floorplans, and find answers. Just overall an A+ website. Thanks Jason!!! Look for one more drawing in December. Get your chance to win in the last drawing of 2008 by registering a Live 4 on the Live 4 page and start contacting some communities. The more communities you contact...the more entries you'll have into the drawing! Our next drawing will take place on December 20th, 2008. Anyone who tells us what they "Live For" and contacts a community between now and December 19th will be entered to win! (Just please...please....remember that your "Live For" is a reflection of you!) I draw the names myself, so I'm pretty excited! Absolutely no bribes will be excepted!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=357 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:56:00 GMT Austin Apartment-ites, there is something that you need to be aware of. In fact, it may be affecting Apartment-ites all across the nation. A certain HUGE cable company that shall remain nameless, is dropping coverage of the NBC channel in Austin. The same unsaid digital cable company is also threatening to remove ABC coverage in the San Antonio viewing area. If you are as avid of a television watcher as I am, you may want to check with your cable company to see what stations they are removing from your line-up. I was already angry at this company for not running the NFL Network, but now they are threatening to take away broadcast stations as well and letting me know that I have the option of watching the news or my favorite soaps online... NO SIR. If this affects any of you, I would suggest switching to another provider. Bottom line is, this is all about money. The networks are charging this Cable Company to use their broadcast. The cable company feels that this should be free since they normally transmit through the air, so they are refusing to carry those stations. Naturally, the cable company is not carrying the networks because they feel that if they did and the networks charged them for it, they'd have to pass the cost on to you...the subscriber. Rising cost for the subscriber means more subscribers dropping coverage and churning to another company. I say, "Do it anyway!" Churn away....don't be afraid to go with a different cable provider who is more concerned with meeting your needs. Sincerely, A concerned Cable Watcher http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=356 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:18:00 GMT Wires, wires, wires and more wires. That is what most Apartment-ites see when they are hooking up their complete entertainment center. You just moved into your new place. You have all the pieces near where you want them....but how do you hook it up?!?!? It can be a challenge if you do not know what you are doing exactly. Luckily, I am a supreme technician when it comes to hooking up electronics! I have a few great tips to help put method to the madness to help you in hooking up your entertainment center in your apartment with somewhat ease. These ideas are for people who have a basic cable structure where the cable comes from the wall and not a satellite. If you are setting up a satellite, please contact your customer service department for that satellite company. For the sake of narrowing things down a little, lets say that you have a TV, DVD Player, Cable Box, and Stereo. This is easy-peazy. Remember, don't be scared...it's very difficult to mess something up with this. If you aren't getting the results that you want, try different combinations of wires connected to see what works. For this example we will imaging that your TV has one coaxial input and an A/V input and output. Scratch Separation- First of all you will want to separate all of your different components (TV, DVD Player, Stereo, etc.) Then separate all of your wires into groups of alike wires. Think Thoroughfare- Think of your entertainment center as a continuous flow of the image that comes from the wall, travels through your components, and ends at your Television. With that in mind, you have the basic idea that things need to go through your other components before getting to the TV. Cable Before Audio- The basics of hooking things up should start with setting up your cable. You will need two to three coaxial cables to get your set up going. First attach one of these cables from the wall outlet. Then attach the other end of this to the cable box "input" jack. Next, attach a second coaxial cable to the "output" jack on the cable box and attach the other into the coaxial input on the TV. After this...your cable is all set up! DVD...Or Gaming System- Now comes the time to set up your DVD Player or gaming system. It's easy...just use the A/V (yellow, red, white ends) cables to go from the output on the DVD Player and plug the other end into the TV's Audio/Video Input jacks. Now...that should be set up too! The Stereo- Lastly, you will want to hook up the TV to your stereo. This will be done with Audio cables...these are the White and Red cables that are either on their own or part of an A/V component cable (yellow, red, white). Attach one side of the red and white cables to the "audio output" jacks on the TV. Then connect the other end to the "input" jacks on the stereo. Then connect your speakers to the appropriate jacks on the stereo and Wham-o! All should be complete! Enjoy your new set up! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=334 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:02:00 GMT Renter's insurance is being required by more and more communities as time goes by and, fellow Apartment-ites, it really isn't a bad deal. I had a friend who upon resigning their lease, was told that they would need to sign up for a renter's insurance policy before they could be eligible to resign their lease. This friend asked me why this was, and I explained it is a growing requirement for communities world wide and it is a really good thing to have. Why is it a growing trend? Well...as more and more residents are losing their possessions in fires, floods, and other disasters and not knowing the ins-and outs of insurance, they are attempting to get their things covered by the communities themselves. Well in the end, the community is NOT responsible for your personal property. Their insurance plans will more than likely only cover damage to the building and not your possessions in the case of some type of disaster, regardless of what causes the disaster... So requiring the renter's insurance policy upfront, insures your possessions coverage, so there is no misunderstanding from the get go. In all honesty, it's very cheap and well worth it...in most cases it's less than $20 a month. That's just a few less beers per month and you are covered. So don't let the new requirement of renter's insurance be a deal breaker for you when resigning your lease. Trust me, it's a good thing, and it's WAY cheaper than moving to another community that will probably require the same thing. -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=355 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:18:00 GMT Okay...so you need to get a work out in, but your favorite show is coming on and you don't want to miss it. Oh the age old conundrum...."What do I do?" Have no fear, Apartment Home Living's blog team is here with a few tips on getting your work out in, right in front of your apartment living room TV. Check out how each one of our team weighs into answering that question... Trey: My suggestion is to get a Nintendo Wii. I love playing video games. Why not burn calories while doing it? The Wii has a controller interface that responds to movement. In the baseball game, if you want to swing at a pitch, you actually swing your arm. It's great! The best part is, it burns calories. That may not answer your favorite TV/workout question, but it sure can help you get in shape doing the things you love while in your own apartment. Brian: You'll want to be respectful of your neighbors, but I say go get yourself a used exercise bike or treadmill. Place that bad boy in your living room and pedal the pounds off while you watch your Matlock reruns. Like I said though, if you live on a higher floor, be sure that you aren't bothering the neighbors. Eric: You gotta do it "green" style. And for once I am not really talking about the environment. Get a putter and a number of golf balls. Set up a miniature putting green in your living room. No it won't burn a ton of calories like going to the gym, but the activity in keeping your body active is WAAAYYYYY better than munching on tofu on the couch. (I don't even like Tofu, but I figured you'd expect me to say that.) RECYCLE! Brianne: I used to practice Tai-Bo and do calisthenics while watching my soaps. It sounds lame, but it worked. I did 30 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, jumping jacks, and used a hand tension squeezer thing during Days of our Lives and I kept myself in solid shape. Second and third floor apartment-ites, be careful with what Brian said above about your neighbors in this one too! Jeff: What's exercise? Kidding. My cohorts have given you a bunch of great options to get in shape in your apartment. Just sit back, relax and enjoy your show. The gym will be there when it is over. As soon as those credits roll, grab your shoes and hit the fitness center. Easy as pie....but if you are trying to get in shape...NO PIE! So there you have it...five different thoughts on how to get in shape in your apartment. NOW DO IT! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=354 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:57:00 GMT Wow! This has to be the most disturbing and disgusting apartment that I have ever seen. It's so gross, in fact, that I feel compelled to share it with you in hopes and warning to help you remember to take out the trash and DO NOT LET IT CLUTTER. Check it out: Warning...by clicking the following link, you will be exposed to disturbing images of a really nasty apartment...If you click, don't say I didn't warn you. Dirtiest Apartment EVER!!! How someone could let their apartment get this way, I have NO idea. How someone could live like these, I have no clue. What I DO know is that you'd better never let your apartment get close to this. If you don't have time to scrub the place down, hire a maid to come once a month. They are cheap these days and do a good job. Some communities even have maid services included with rent....I know mine does and I take advantage of it. There is no worse living situation than a messy abode and it doesn't impress anyone. Your apartment is a reflection of you, so make sure and keep things how you want others to think of you. STAY CLEAN AND ORGANIZED! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=353 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:41:00 GMT Hey folks! Guess what? Fall is here!!!! You know what that means? The time for cheaper energy bills is upon us. Remember that the days are not as hot as they were there last month, so you can keep the A/C at a higher temp to keep it from working overtime. If you start feeling the hear in your apartment, check the outside temperature before being quick to make the A/C go to work. If there is a nice breeze, simply open the windows and turn off the A/C to get yourself some fresh air and let in the cool breeze. It's refreshing and it also consumes less energy! Add a cool glass of your favorite ice-cold beverage and your recipe for coolness is complete. The colder weather is coming, but keep your sweaters in storage for another month or so. Avoid crowding your closet. There's no need for sweaters and thermal underwear just yet. The more "stuff" around you in your apartment, the more it seems cluttered. Plus, more clothes means more washing...which is another waste of not just electricity, but also water. Before I go, I want to giveAnother quick tip on keeping your energy bill down. This one is little, but has a big pay off. Change all of your bulbs to CFL's. They consume 75% electricity than a traditional bulb and burn cooler. Your apartment will feel cooler, be brighter, and your bills will go down! See ya! -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=352 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:21:00 GMT This video says it all. Stepping in dog mess while on your way to your apartment fitness center or simply on a relaxing walk around the courtyard, can ruin more than just a shoe. It can ruin a good day as you frantically scrape the tainted shoe all over the pavement to get the dog's landmine remnants off, only to have transported to a place where someone else will come along and step on it. EWWWW!!! Do your neighbors a favor and clean up after your pup! Like the video above? It's just one of the many tips that we are going to litter on the world wide web to help you get the most of apartment living and truly celebrate the way we live. Check out the channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/ApartmentLivingTips Live for fun...and then live for having more fun! -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=351 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:17:00 GMT Having pets in an apartment can sometimes be a challenge. There is no backyard to get them exercise and the square footage of a one bedroom apartment is often quite small for them to let loose inside. Dog owners know that keeping a dog, no matter what size, can bring trouble when that animal is cooped up all day. Either they become so wound up from having all that energy in a small space and run around in circles or tear up the carpet... or they go the opposite route and become lazy and overweight. Believe it or not, cats also can be destructive in apartments. I know we all know they can be lazy, but cooped up cats can get arrogant and tear up furniture or poop on the ground out of spite because they don't get enough excercise. Dogs are easy. Just put them on a leash and take them to the nearest park. And you are not allowed to complain about not having enough time...when you decided to be a pet owner, you accepted the responsibilities that comes with it. With a dog, that means taking it for walks...especially when you live in an apartment. But what about cats? Do they need exercise too? The answer is: absolutely. The best way to get your cat up and moving around to expel some of that feline zaniness is to get a laser pointer and let them chase it around. My cat absolutely loves it and will chase it for hours. She actually has learned to bring it over to me when she wants to play. I kid you not! It's like a dog and a ball. I'm not sure why cats get such a kick out of chasing a spot, but they do. In fact, both of my cats love it. They have both dropped some of the pounds they had gained from copious amounts of canned cat food and treats that I have been spoiling them with, just from being active in the apartment. It's easy, they love it, and they don't poop on my floor anymore. How awesome is that!?!??! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=350 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:07:00 GMT I've seen it a thousand times. Bed centered on one wall. TV centered on a dresser about 2 feet from the foot of the bed. A bedside table or box used as a bedside table with an alarm clock, an empty glass, a book that never gets read, and random trinket to the left of the bed and blinds over the window. This is your traditional apartment bedroom. Simple, yet functional. But not very fashionable. I have had a number of Apartment-ites ask me why would you spend time and money decorating the bedroom when all you do is sleep or turn out the lights in there. You'd be surprised at the psychological effect that waking up to a well decorated bedroom that gives off a good feel can have on you to start your day. My advice is to take a little time and don't be afraid to shell out some clams on dressing your bedroom up a little bit. Here are a few great decorating ideas to help get you started: Mix Browns in With Your Blues- If you love various shades of blues, use those when painting or picking fabric to make the color of your room personal to you. Blue is a color that promotes rest and relaxation, but be sure to mix in some brown and white tones to help keep things feeling warm. If you do all blue...your room will feel like it's freezing. Brrr. Plus, using wood tones help add a classic feel to the modern/contemporary that blue gives a room. It's In The Bed- Often overlooked as a decorative piece, the bed is the most important aspect to the feel that your bedroom decorations can give off. Don't just assume you can place any bed in the center of a room and simply decorate around it. If you have a four post bed with a high frame that can have fabric draped over it, it will stand out much more than a simple pulled out futon (yuck). A huge piece of furniture like the oversized four post bed may seem like a pain to move, but it's presence can make you seem like you are sleeping royalty. Draping fabric over the high frame makes the feel even more elegant and can help you block off the outside world while you sleep. Be sure to keep in mind that your bed is the centerpiece of the entire room and can have your whole decorating scheme based off of it. Mix Up Your Patterns- Don't just make all of your fabrics the same color with the same pattern. That can get old and boring. Instead, mix up your pillow cases with complementary colors and patterns. Then offset these with a solid throw blanket that matches the pillows. Add art to the wall that meets all of the fabrics somewhere in the similar area of the color wheel and most importantly....put yourself and your tastes into the decor. You could even vary your textures as long as the colors are complimentary to add layers. Get Dramatic- Don't limit your decorations to the traditional approach. Take things to the next level. Angle your bed from a corner of the room. Add a huge plant in the other corner. Place bold curtains over the windows and huge accented pillows on the bed and paintings on the wall. Taking the dramatic approach can both add your own personal flavor and will add that little bit of edge that your bedroom may need. Whatever your favorite colors, textures, or patterns are...it's important to have fun with your style and express yourself. Don't treat decoration like a chore...treat it like you are creating art! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=349 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:16:00 GMT Hello Houston area Apartment-ites! We wanted to take a few moments to let you know that you are all in our thoughts and we hope your recovery following Hurricane Ike is quick and successful. As these difficult times have reached you, your family, and friends, keep in mind that there is a nation of supporters behind you, who are keeping your in their thoughts and prayers. Should you need help, never be afraid to ask. Good times are to come soon. You may have evacuated to Austin, San Antonio, or another surrounding city. If so, as you return to your apartment, keep in mind your safety. Do not challenge downed power lines or high waters. If you find leaks or damage to your apartment when you arrive home, let your apartment manager know immediately. The recovery and repair process may take time, but it has to start somewhere and they may not have seen the damage. If your power is still out when you arrive home, be sure to stock an ice chest with ice, water, sandwiches, and other easily prepared snacks. Heck...you can even keep some beer in there. It's also a great time to get to know your neighbors. With no TV or computers as a distraction, hop over to the neighboring apartments and introduce yourself. Make sure everyone is okay and seek support with eachother. If power has been out in your apartment, most of everything in your fridge is now trash. Remember to clean out your fridge and dispose of everything that is spoiled or has gone bad in the garbage. (Then make sure you take it to the dumpster for proper disposal). Be sure and wipe everything down with a cleaner to keep mildew from building up. Make sure your animals are safe too! Again...we are all behind you and hope that you are recovering well. Be careful as you return to your homes and hit the streets and keep your mind positive. Things will get better! If this storm has you thinking of relocating, maybe its time to upgrade to a nicer apartment! Just a thought.... See ya next time! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=348 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:18:00 GMT Is your refrigerator running? Well you better go catch it! No, but seriously folks, it is very important to report any leaks or running water that you find in your apartment to management as soon as possible. Doing this will ensure that the problem is rectified early causing the least extra damage as possible. As always, I have a little story of a fellow Apartment-ite in Austin who let their sink leak go for weeks without reporting it. The damage done was incredible, for such a little leak. At first he heard a dripping sound late at night when we were all hanging out at his crib. He looked under the sink and saw a little drip from the pipe onto the cabinet below. It wasn't terrible at this point and he simply hand tightened the pipes thinking that would do the trick. At this point I told him to tell the manager...which he said he would... Did he? NO HE DIDN'T! He caught the leak again a few days later and this time placed a pot underneath the catch the leaking drops. A quick fix, but not a long term solution. He still didn't call the management. Weeks went by. Perhaps about a month or two after the leak was first noticed, the Apartment-ite left to go out of town for work. About a week later he arrived home to find water all over the kitchen floor and soaked into the carpet adjacent to the kitchen. Not only did the carpet stink, but it was also ruined. His cabinets all had a water stained line at the bottom. When management came to work on it, they saw the pot that he was using to catch the water and realized that he didn't report the leak when it originally happened. He admitted to not telling them and they took the cost of repairing the kitchen and replacing the carpet out of his deposit. OUCH! So the moral of the story is not to let this happen to you. No matter how busy you are, take a few minutes to stop by your apartments office and let them know when you spot a leak that needs to be fixed. You will have covered your butt and the problem should be fixed quickly! Happy Apartment Living! -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=347 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:19:00 GMT Well Dr. S was a trip wasn’t he? Don’t worry, my fellow Apartment-ites, I am back and I won’t let Dr. S ever take over the blog again. Speaking of taking things over, I wanted to take a few minutes to remind you of a couple of things to keep in mind regarding your trusty old computer. This video is a hilarious animation of a computer that has been completely taken over by a virus like animation, but none the less must be a result of an Apartment-ite with a ton of time on their hands. Living in apartments opens us up to a ton of free time. My advice is not to waste it. Whether your hobby is music, video making, animation, photography, or collecting stamps…use that free time to do it. The freedom we have as apartment residents is a wonderful thing and if you don’t get the most out of it, you may regret it when that free time is gone. So get off your couch and get to creating! Put your Apartment time to good use…like the animator of this video did. Oh yeah! About your computers…3 Tips: 1) Defrag and scan for virus often- You should schedule a virus scan at least once a week to make sure you are running clean. Defrag your computer over night once every couple of months. 2) Surge Protect- be sure that your computer, monitor, and printer are all plugged into a surge protector and not directly into the wall. A sudden power failure is less likely to damage your computer this way. 3) DON’T CLICK- Do NOT CLICK POP UPS. Also…don’t click on or open emails that you do not know who they are from. Anything that looks suspicious probably is. Just be careful of stuff like that and don’t give out your password information to anyone…no matter how many times they tell you they are from AOL security or whatever. If they truly are, they will ask you other questions to verify your identity like billing zip code, mother’s maiden name, etc. So there you have it! A couple of quick tips to take care of your computer in your apartment. Have a great weekend and see you next week! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=346 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:56:00 GMT I’m back again! Tough getting’ rid of me. Hehehe. While I’m around, I figure I would continue helping you break the ice with your cute neighbor. Secret #3: Hang out on your patio or balcony I believe one of the best indicators of someone who is open, fun, and a lover of the “simple things in life,” is how they use their patios. Those who sit out in their comfy lawn furniture, basking in the rays, margarita in hand, enjoying the smell from the dumpster wafting over from the parking lot (hey! It was affordable there!) really know how to enjoy life. And People like people that enjoy life. So sit, my friend…even if you have to light incense to get over the dumpster fumes. Then kick back and wait for those whom you’d like to strike up conversation with to walk by. And when they do, for heaven’s sake, invite them up to have a margarita and relax. And for your sake, I wouldn’t mention the dumpster. Secret #4: Bring the welcome wagon Did you spot your future wife just moving in a couple of buildings down? Do you suspicion you will never accidentally “run” into her? Then get out there! Take her a candle and some cookies (or wine, if you’re really gutsy) and tell her you’re the “resident welcome wagon.” She’ll think you’re sweet and it may eventually get a date. Make sure to keep it simple though. Showing up with a huge assortment of gifts may be a little overbearing. And definitely steer clear of flowers on the first visit! Nothing says “stalker” like being brought roses from someone you’ve never met. Work your way up to the flowers, my friends, work your way up. Well, my fellow Apartment-ites…there you have it. Dr. S’s awesome secrets to getting a date with your future spouse possibility of a neighbor. At the very least they are ways let them know you are interested without putting your livelihood on the line. Next time you have a chance, give one of these a shot and see how it turns out. No matter what though, always remember this one simple rule: Don’t act like an idiot. I will pass the blogging torch back to Jeff and his gang of Apartment experts. Until next time! Dr. S http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=345 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:28:00 GMT If you aren’t up to date on the blogs here, I’m Dr. S sitting in for Jeff and his gang. I am back with my second tip on getting a date with your super attractive neighbor. Okay, so the last secret was more for the ladies, so here I will throw you one that is a little more universal. Secret #2: Talk to them around the amenities This seems to be obvious, but is strangely rarely approached. A great way to strike up a conversation in the gym, at the pool, or in the stairwells is to keep it simple. Great topics of conversation? “Hey, do you live here too? What do you think of the place,” “Hey, do you use this gym a lot? What do you think of the equipment,” or “Hey, have you guys ever had a BBQ around here?” or “What’s the social scene here in the summer?” These basic yet strategic questions can generate an entire conversation, and if you’re lucky…maybe even a date. Check if you missed out on any of the Secrets. Secret # 3 and 4 to come tomorrow! -Dr. S http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=344 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:18:00 GMT Hey kids. Dr. S here. The Doctor of Matchmaking. Over the course of the next few days I’ll be dropping you some secret tips to help get a date with your own neighbor while maintaining a sense of dignity and not making them report you to management. Be sure and follow up each day because you don’t want to miss these great tips. Secret #1: Ask for help My friend Krista says, “I never knew grocery shopping could be so fun until I lived on the third floor of a beautiful apartment with an even more beautiful 2nd floor resident. My shtick? Helplessness, frailty, and bad lung capacity, of course. I asked him to help carry up a heavy bag full of Tide and some 2 liters. He smiled at me. Well worth it.” Honestly, this one is a great tip for girls looking to meet a guy. Guys’ll fall for it hook, line, and sinker every time. Nothing makes us feel better than thinking we’ve helped out a girl in distress. The best part about Krista’s secret is that most of the time the guy will do the work for you and offer to help without you having to ask. If he doesn’t, he’s probably not worth your time anyway. Make sure to check back for Secret # 2! -Dr. S http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=343 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:02:00 GMT The fall is fast approaching and holiday season will be upon us before we know it. I know there are a number of single Apartment-ite’s out there who may be looking for a love bunny to snuggle the cold weather away with, so I have brought in Dr. S, the Guru of Love. Dr. S is trained in the ways of matchmaking, making yourself not look like an idiot, and always ending up with a life full of love. I’ll be giving Dr. S the blog all week to let all of you single Apartment-ites out there know great ways to help make yourself un-single. Take it away, Dr. S! Hello, Apartment-ites! Dr. S here with a series of blogs and lessons to help you find love…right close to home…in your own apartment community even?!?!?! So perhaps you’ve spotted an attractive neighbor in your apartment community? Perhaps you’ve become briefly obsessed with them. What are they doing? Who were they doing it with? Were they single? Could you meet up? Well, guess what….You’ll never find out if you don’t take any action. One day their lease could be up, they may move out, and you may never see them again. Then you’ll have to live with the shame of never talking to them …for at least a few weeks. But how do you approach a neighbor in your apartment community successfully? Being labeled a stalker is way worse than being labeled a coward. How do you break the ice? Don’t worry folks. Throughout my many years of matchmaking, I’ve had many lessons scouring the depths of time and space to come up with a few great tips that may help you save a little dignity and give you a chance to break the ice with the incredibly attractive neighbor. Who knows, maybe after some time, some strategy, and a little luck, the incredibly hot neighbor could be living with you in your apartment! Be sure and check back here over the course of the next several days for a few lessons that might help even Napoleon Dynamite get the girl. I’ll leave you with a quick one before I go: Be confident, but NEVER cocky or stuck up. And when you first approach them, don’t hold your breath because you’ll pass out. -Dr. S http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=342 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:45:00 GMT I am honestly baffled by this video, yet I feel compelled to show it to you. These folks are absolutely terrible at fixing up their apartment, but the classy midi music makes it all worth it. It's reminds me of a mid 90's computer game. It also reminds me to remind you that when making upgrades to your apartment, be sure to check with your apartment management for permission to make the changes first. Always be careful if you are working on a ladder or with any tools that could harm yourself. If you are trying to really accomplish some solid decorating, I suggest not getting the whole family in on it like they seem to have done in this video. Like this video, it just would make things muddled and confusing. Instead, plan everything out and have fun with it! I'm going to go do some decorating now! Here is a great decorating idea: Take several things that you have always wanted to do and put them in a hat. Shake them up and draw out two. Find a way to put both of these into your new decorating scheme. And...to top it off...do it all this weekend! Have a great weekend! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=341 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:50:00 GMT For some Apartment-ites moving to a new apartment is quite a chore. It takes many hours and is a long, arduous process from the planning and packing to the moving and unpacking. Okay...it's like that for ALL of us...unless you can hire someone to move and set up everything for you.... Most of us are on a budget and don't have the cash to blow on a moving company to do all the work for us, so what can we do? Allow me to introduce three essential rules to making your move to your new apartment quick and only moderately painful. 1. Friends- They are out there, quietly lingering, waiting yet hoping that the moment doesn't come that you will be calling them and enlisting your friends to help you out. Perhaps they owe you a favor or perhaps you are going to treat them to a night at the pub for their help, but either way...enlisting your friends is critical in easy moving process. Not only will they help you in moving your possessions quicker by providing their extra set of hands, but they will also help keep you sane by giving you someone to talk to and joke around with. However you have to do it...enlist your friends to help you move. 2. Planning>- I cannot stress how important planning your move is. You need to make sure all of your steps are planned out from your stop for food en route to your new apartment to transferring your utilities. Set time deadlines for your packing and unpacking. Reward yourself for hitting these deadlines. Just be sure and PLAN! DO NOT TRY AND WING IT. If you wing it, your move could become disastrous on the psyche and your body. 3. Have Fun- You have to let yourself have fun with your move. A successful move is all in the mindset. Think of it this way: You are embarking on a new adventure and moving on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Moo...ooving on up! If you dread your move, it will only make it take longer. If you complain and think about how much moving sucks, throughout the whole process, you will surely drag it out. But...if you slap on a smile, crank up the tunes, throw some party time in with your move....it is bound to be easy and fun! No matter how you THINK your move to your brand spanking new apartment is going to go, remember to keep those three essential rules in mind and I assure you your move will be an easy, fun, and extremely good one! Know any other good moving tips? Let us know by leaving a comment below! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=340 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:50:00 GMT Finding the perfect apartment in any major city can be a bit of a challenge. Now with gas prices on the rise, who wants to drive around all day...spending cash on gas...just to check out a bunch of apartments that in the end you may or may not be interested in? I have the perfect solution for you whether you are looking for a new place from Jacksonville, Florida to Seattle, Washington and anywhere in between! Use the Find an Apartment section at http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com or this catalog and search for the perfect apartment in the perfect price range with all of the amenities and goodies that you are looking for. It's easy! You'll find up to date photos, floorplans, and more! After you narrow your list down to a few that you really, really dig, just contact the community using the easy to use contact info provided here and schedule a visit to check the place out! You'll even find directions and maps to the places you'd like to see. You'll save yourself not only on gas, but also the headaches of driving around aimlessly looking for the perfect place. Make it easy on yourself, do it on the internet...Right here! How awesome is that?!?!? Once you find the perfect few apartments in your area, it will be time to use some of your gas and check them out. Keep in mind the following tips when you head out to get a first hand view. What Amenities/Features Do You Want- When you are touring a place, check out the cool things that are available to you in the community and in the units. Which of these things are important to you and which do you not really care about? What's Around- Keep an eye out for the neighborhood's surroundings. As you drive to a prospective community, take note of the restaurants, banks, gas stations, shopping, and other neighboring places of business. You'll also want to take note of the traffic in the area too because you will be dealing with that. Clean Community?- Take a look around the community grounds themselves as you tour. Are there full dumpsters, trash in the breezeways, dirt in the pool, etc? If you see anything that doesn't seem kept-up with...rule that one out. Cleanliness of a community is a sign of a management company that cares! Even if you aren't actively looking, check out some cool places. Who knows, maybe you'll find one you really like! Best of luck on your apartment search! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=339 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:13:00 GMT Apartment living is the recipe for happiness. That’s what the happy experts at the University of Michigan are saying, at least in a round about way. Apparently, wealth, riches, and huge friggin homes do not make you happy. In fact, in the U.S. homeownership has been trending upward for decades, but as a nation, we are not getting happier. The whole country is stuck in a rut and our happiness scores haven’t budged in 50 years! Plus with the overwhelming number of houses being foreclosed on because of inappropriate lending, folks are itching to move into apartments. So if expansive lawns and big mansions don’t make you happy…what does? Well, according to the Happy Experts (not sure if that means the experts are happy and dang it’s pretty funny isn’t it that one could go to school and major in Happy and then get paid by big Universities to discover what makes people happy. And what is your day like as a Happy Expert? “Sorry Honey..I’ll be working late tonight, I am going to the tavern to see if drinking beer and playing pool with my friends makes me happy…) but I am rambling now…you’re reading this paragraph, because you want to know what the experts said makes you happy. Well, according to the experts “Time to enjoy friends and family” is what makes you happy. “Well, Duh!” you say and that’s just what I said, too. So the obvious conclusion from all this is that Apartment Residents are happier. We don’t have to mow a lawn, rake the leaves, or clean the pool. And time is happiness – or so I’ve read. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=144 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:15:00 GMT This may not apply to all Apartment-ites as most of us are not allowed to have any type of grill at our apartments, but most of us know someone who uses propane grills somewhere. Some communities even let you have one in your garage as long as you move it a certain distance from the building before using it, so please pay attention to this warning. For those of you who are able to grill it up or know anyone who does during the summer, here's a safety announcement you should be aware of... Please let everyone you know in on this important info for labor day or any other holiday/event that calls for breaking out the propane. If you exchange out your propane tanks, this is something you definitely need to be aware of. There are people out there who are illegally cooking the drug Crystal Meth in home and apartment labs all over the country. In order to do this, they are needing to use propane tanks. They're doing this by getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the propane. They then fill them with Anhydrous Ammonia to use for their process. After they finish with the tanks, they simply return them to the store. Not knowing their previous illegal use, these tanks are then refilled with propane and sent back to the shelves for customers to buy. Anhydrous ammonia is a very corrosive substance and can weaken the structure of the tank. When it is mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills for cooking, it can create a dangerous circumstance. How can you make sure you are getting a good propane tank? Before purchasing or trading in for another propane tank, inspect it for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present there may have been contamination from a corrosive material. Refuse to purchase that one. You can find more information on this at: http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529 Be careful out there, Apartment-ites and PLEASE do not use grills if they are not allowed at your community! Be safe and have fun this coming labor day! Meet your neighbors! (Apartment Home Living is not responsible for any actions or results of using propane and cannot be held liable for anyone else's safety. Please be aware of your own safety.) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=305 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:57:00 GMT Finding the right mover is a stressful job. A lot of research and time needs to be devoted to this work. Choosing the wrong mover can have disastrous results. You could end up losing your belongings, damaging them or paying a lot more than your original estimate. To choose the right mover it is important to carry out proper research. The best option is to check out at least 10 movers and then pick the one that is least likely to cause problems. Research the history of the movers and find out the details involved in making the move. Your mover should provide you with all important data regarding the mode of packing, the time needed for transportation and the estimated cost of the move. Interviewing the movers before hiring their services will give you a good idea of whether their services meet your needs. The necessary points to clarify during the interview are the registration of the company, the rates and estimates offered by them, the subcontractors - if any, the additional fees and transfers, the insurance provided by the company, packing and storage options and also the complaints and claims that you are entitled to. Always check the referrals or recommendations of the company. If possible, then ask for any letters written by previous customers. Usually most moving companies will be more than happy to show you letters from satisfied clients. However, there is always a possibility that the letters may be faked. Try to follow up on the referrals. Check the company website. The websites list the services, service history and the destinations they move to. Follow up on the web information with a thorough background check on the company. One of the best ways of verifying the credentials of a company is to ask around. Some one among your friends, colleagues or relatives must have moved at least once. Talk to them and see if they can recommend a reliable company. Usually companies that have been in business for a long time provide satisfactory service. Once you have short listed the best moving companies, visit their offices. Make sure the company is really who they say they are. Check out the trucks and storage spaces. Avoid companies with shabby offices and storage facilities. A reliable company should give an estimate only after visiting your house. Feel free to ask questions regarding any doubts that you may have. Remember, all your belongings are at stake. Don’t hold back because you think it’s impolite to ask too many questions or you are feeling shy. According to US Federal Law, the moving company should provide you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". If the company does not provide you with this booklet, do not hire them. Finally, never ever sign any document without going through it thoroughly. Article by: Vidya Garapati About the Author Vidya Garapati is the Chairman of NGA Group Inc., the Parent Company that owns http://www.Movers.com. Apart from being a webmaster for several websites he also takes interest in writing about Moving and Packing Industries in the United States.Hence, Movers.com Blog i.e. http://Blog.Movers.com. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=116 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:58:00 GMT We are proud to release the first installment of our many, many city Apartment Living Guide. After deliberation on which of the many cities nationwide would be our first to show you, we decided on the great city of Austin. Apartment living in Austin is quite incredible and Austin is one of the greatest examples of a city who's life and energy really reflects that of the apartment lifestyle. Austin Apartment-ite's truly live for fun and to help them live for more fun we are opening up the world to the Apartment Living Guide- Austin. Check it out: Austin.apartmentliving.com It is stocked full of great restaurants, parks, nightlife and more that is added daily to help you have fun and celebrate apartment living! This is part of our ongoing modus operandi to have you get the most out of apartment living....it's truly the only way to live. Look for more and more cities to pop up soon and help you find some awesome things to do! LIVE FOR FUN!!!!! PS- If you know of great places that we have overlooked, feel free to leave a comment and we will get them on there. Soon you will even be able to add your own! It's awesome! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=338 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:58:00 GMT No bedrooms? No problem. Decorating a studio apartment is easy! The key is to always be thinking of ways to maximize your space. Efficiency is where it's at...no pun intended. Try these quick space saving ideas when decorating your studio: Futon- Getting a Futon is a great way to maximize space. During the day...if you aren't a vampire...you can have it folded up as a couch, but at night..when its time to sleep or pass out...easily unfold it into a bed. There are actually some very comfy and affordable futons out there. I slept on one as my bed for two years and slept like a baby. Entertainment Center/Dresser- You might also look into finding a dresser that has enough top space to house your TV, X-Box, and Stereo. This will help save the space you would need on having two separate pieces of furniture. The biggest bonus is that it is really easy to watch your Soaps while you fold and put away your clothes. How sweet is that? Storage- Find creative ways to store things like tupperware under the couch or a shoe rack by the door. Go beyond just shoving the ironing board in the hall closet. There's usually space underneath the dresser or on top of the kitchen cabinets. Get Fun With The Trash Can- You may think I'm joking, but a great way to decorate in a small space is with something that you have to have. Instead of using the traditional waste basket...get a used over-sized football toybox. Usually has a lid and works great. If thats not your thing...always use a little waste basket under the sink. Go Wireless- Make sure and set up your internet with wireless. You don't want to be tied down anywhere in a small space. Set up a wireless router and get a laptop so you can use anywhere in your apartment. A small stool in the kitchen area turns the kitchen counter quickly into a computer desk. Just make sure and not get too close to the sink. Water ruins computers. Best of luck in your new apartment! Have any great decorating ideas for a studio apartment? Send them my way by adding a comment to this post! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=263 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:46:00 GMT My friends car was messed up recently in their apartment parking lot. Apparently, there is an elderly white-haired ladywho drives a huge White Hummer living in my friends apartment building. She is pretty sure it was the old lady. Several eye witnesses have seen the old lady run into cars in the parking lot before, but no one has ever brought this up to the attention of the apartments. First of all...I find the image of an elderly woman who drives a hummer quite humorous. Sure she is safe, but it seems none of the other drivers out there are very safe from her. None the less, my friend's car is pretty mess up on the front. She has tire tracks going up her bumper an onto her hood with a few other white marks. This happened in her apartment parking lot and there are no other white cars that park in that area of the community, so it seems pretty obvious who did it to me. Plus there is the fact that the only type of car that could actually drive up onto another car would be a Hummer. I imagine the old lady thought she was backing over a curb and never even realized she was backing over a car. Oy! So why am I telling you this? For your safety in your apartment parking lot. Because there are no cameras and is no proof of what happened to my friend, no one can be held liable for this incident. The management considered giving a lease violation, but the lady is truly not violating any lease. They suggested that the friend call the police and file charges the next time they witness her hitting someone else's car. This is one way of going about it, but what are the chances? Honestly, there really isn't a great way to handle this situation when involving the old-hummer-driver. Rather, if you are faced with a situation where you know the area where a bad driver parks...DON'T PARK THERE. Park at another spot in the community and walk to your apartment from there. Trust me, it's worth it. Whatever you do, just like any situation with a neighbor in your community, don't take matters into your own hands. Contact your communities management team first and then go from there. And hope there are no Hummer driving elderly in your community either. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=337 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:28:00 GMT Bathrooms can get cluttered and really start to look messy from time to time. It is in fact one of the most trafficked rooms in your apartment, so it can be a true measure of your cleanliness. If a guest sees a cluttered and dirty bathroom they may think the same about you. There are a number of easy ways to keep your apartment bathroom clean and clutter free that go way beyond just simply wiping everything down. De-clutterizing everything starts with one thing: storage. Here are a few easy tips to declutter and clean your apartment bathroom. Back of The Door- There is a ton of storage room in unused spaces. The most commonly unused storage space in an apartment bathroom is the back of the door. It's simple. Add some hooks to hang up your towels. You could even cover it with magnetic paint and use magnetic disks and such. You may even be able to hang some magnetic hanging bins and such for extra storage. Vertical Storage- Much like the back of the door, vertical storage adds a huge benefit to getting room out of things. WIth horizontal storage you eat up more floor space and such. Oversized Baskets- Try using oversized baskets next to the toilet, on the sink, or the back of the toilet. These baskets offer more room to store things, taking less room elsewhere. Keep things In Baskets- PLace small baskets on the countertops to house all of your everyday items like toothpaste, brushes, hair clips, make up, deodorant, etc. Don't just let it all sprawl out all over the counter. Clean Bathmats- Switch out your bathmat every so often and wash the one that is not being used. Many apartment-ites have a tendency to leave the same bathmat on the ground forever and just forget about it. Not good. Keep things clean! General Wiping- And no, I am not talking about when you go the bathroom. I am talking about wiping down your counters, toilet, sink, towel rods...everything. Clean the mirrors....Just try your best to keep things spot free and of the color it is supposed to be. Taking care of the bathroom is simple, just takes a little extra time....AND NEVER LEAVE AN EMPTY ROLL ON THE TOILET PAPER HOLDER. That is the cardinal send of the bathroom...and looks like utter trash. Know any good bathroom cleaning tips, let us know! Leave a comment below. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=336 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:57:00 GMT Being a good roomy is the key to maintaining a happy apartment. From time to time I will be bringing you a quick tip on how you can promote good roommate life by doing little things to be a great roommate. This entry's tip: Flush when the timing is right. Many communities have odd plumbing that will vary in temperature of a running shower when the toilet flushes or kitchen sink comes on. Being a good roommate requires you to be wary of when you roomy is bathing and DO NOT FLUSH or turn on any other piece of plumbing during that time. Even if you are trying to get back at them for something else, this is never acceptable. Whether it turns the shower scalding hot or turns the it freezing cold, its a devastating experience to the person in the shower and will not help out a living situation. So remember to flush when the timing is right and do your part in being a good roomy! See you next time! -The Apartment Guru PS- Just think about how you would want your roommate to treat you! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=335 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:12:00 GMT Looking for a couple of ways to save on energy bills in your apartment this summer? Think about these: Foil on the windows looks trashy. We know this to be true. Many communities may not even allow you to do this, but placing foil over your windows can help reflect the sun and keep your apartment cooler. It won't leave you with much of a view when looking out of your apartment window, but it may help you see a difference in your energy bill. Just be sure to check with your community to make sure this would be allowed before you go covering all of your windows. If the foil trick won't work, another easy way to conserve on energy in your place is to be sure to turn all of your lights out when you won't be in your apartment. Kick up the AC to a level where it won't be running while you are gone, and turn off your fans. When you aren't using your computer, put it into hibernate or sleep mode, and use lamps rather than overhead lights. All of these obvious, yet energy saving techniques combined with show you a huge difference in your energy bill! You should also head to Wal-Mart, Target, or any other superstore to pick up CFL bulbs. Replace all of the traditional bulbs in your lamps with these energy savers for 75% less energy consumption. It makes a staggering difference. This quick apartment energy tip brought to you by Apartment Home Living! PS- Need a new place? Find an apartment here! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=333 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:17:00 GMT With football season fast approaching and football fans across the country scrambling to switch from their current cable company and add the only cable company that has the all game showcasing Sunday Ticket programming, it's once again Direct TV's hot season. But before you decide on making the switch, be sure to keep one big thing in mind because in order to go with their super, advertised packages, they require you to sign a lengthy contract. So what's the big deal? The big deal is that you will need to have a dish placed outside of your apartment to pick up the signal. Why is that a big deal? Many communities do not allow you to have a satellite dish visible on your patio, porch, or on the building in any way. This is for a number of reasons including keeping up with the appearance of the community as well as your own safety for attracting burglars and theft by the sight of the dish on your patio. Be sure and check with you community manager about the rules in your community regarding satellite dishes. The last thing that you want to do is get locked into a contract with a cable provider that you cannot even use in your current apartment. The best advice is to stay with what you have and not worry about switching. Then head to your neighborhood sports bar and catch the games that you fear you will miss. Looking for an apartment in Austin? Check out a list of Apartments in the Austin area at Austin Apartment Search Results http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=332 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:02:00 GMT Moving to a new apartment? If so, you may be hiring a moving company to help you out with moving your furniture and belongings to your new pad. Finding the perfect movers can be a challenge, so the best place to start is through a word of mouth reference. Ask around at work or school to see if anyone you know has used a mover that they really liked. It's all about references. There are a number of very reputable companies out there, but you may want to take a little extra care when you know those folks will be moving all of your possessions. The last thing you want is them to ding up your furniture, delay your stuff getting there, or worse...disappear with everything. So ask around. Once you find a mover that you are considering on going with, you'll want to make sure you ask them a few certain questions to be sure that you are all on the same page. Are there any extra charges?- Be sure to find out about any extra charges to be aware of. Will they charge more for having to move things up a flight of stairs? How are the charges figured? Is it by hour, by day? What Time?- Ask what time they estimate the delivery to take place. When you find out the time...make sure you are there 30 minutes earlier than they say, just in case. Many times they will be late, but sometimes they'll get there early and may not wait around. What kind of boxes should I use?- Be sure and be clear on what kind of moving boxes they would prefer you to use. Is there a certain size? How would they like you to mark the fragile ones? And would they like you to mark which room they go in? How and When do I make my payment?- Ask what methods you will be able to use when paying and when the payment is due. Again...this is a good time to be clear of any extra or hidden charges. What about the furniture?- Find out if the movers are going to disassemble the furniture before loading it and if they will reassemble on delivery. Also, you will want to know if they are going to cover your furniture with cloth to protect it or if you will need to provide bubble wrap and blankets. Do they have any references?- In many cases you will not have any friends who have used a mover, so you may not have been able to gain references. In this case, you should ask the company itself if it has references that you can check with. That's it. Those are the main questions to not forget to ask. You'll want to be clear on everything before they start loading up your precious belongings. Good luck with your move and if you are living...you better be living for fun! PS- If you purchase the insurance...be sure and ask about what the claim process is like..... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=331 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:14:00 GMT If I had a nickel for every time I have answered the question, "When I'm in college is it better to live in a dorm or in an apartment?" I would be a very rich man. My answer to this is never simple, but it's more often the same answer. If you have the option of living off campus in your own apartment...that is the sure fire way to go! Why? Four words: Freedom, Fun, happiness, and privacy. These words are the key ingredients to apartment life over dorm life. First of all, living in your own place is so much more free than having to live by the rules and regulations that you will find in a dorm. Many dorms only allow certain guests at certain times of the day. Some dorms will not allow men in the women's dorms or women in the men's dorms. All dorms also have a Residential Adviser or House leader that acts as a liason between you and the university. Do you really want someone watching over you and checking up on you constantly to make sure you are following all the rules, not having guests at inappropriate times, and keeping alcohol out of your rooms. Basically...they are there to limit your fun. You don't have to worry about that in an apartment. If you have your own place, you can have fun whenever and however you want as long as you are respectful of your neighbor and abide by the law. Apartments have pools, fitness centers, parties, and more. All things that are geared around having fun. And when you are having fun, you are generally happier. Some of the best times in my life took place in my apartment during college. It's where you discover new ways of cooking ramen noodles or study the deep rooted emotional seeds of the guests on Jerry Springer. It's all about you and having some fun...being happy.....and having a better life because of that happiness. Did you know that people who have a higher level of happiness in their lives make better grades? It's a proven fact. They also have better love lives, more friends, and a less frequent chance of stroke or heart attack. Privacy is also a big issue here. In an apartment, you have soooo soooo soooo much more privacy than in a dorm. For one, many dorms either share community bathrooms or have one bathroom to a suite of four people. In an apartment, your bathroom is all yours. Not only that, but in the majority of dorm living situations you will be stuck with a roommate. From time to time you may not get along with that person who you are sharing the 12 x 12 bunked room with. To me the choice is obvious. Most apartments will cost you about the same as it would to live in the dorms and in some cases even less. If you want more privacy, fun, happiness, freedom and an overall better living experience...the best option is to go with an apartment. Find a place today using the "Find An Apartment" section of our site at the top of the screen! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=330 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:48:00 GMT I great man once said, "Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin...into the future...." and nothing could be absolutely more true. Time is always advancing and if there is one thing any and all Apartmentites could use more of is sweet, precious time. The schedule is often the same: Get up and go to work or school, take care of things that need to be taken care of while we are out, come home to our apartment, eat, relax, and then go to sleep. The next day we do it all over again. So time is indeed slipping into the future. Although it's something that all of us as Apartmentites wish we could have more of, the fast paced, fun life is one of the things we love about apartment living. It's fun. Since there really isn't a way to manufacture time, the balance to getting the most out your fancy free apartment lifestyle is to be efficient with the time you have. Apartmentites, I have the best way to be efficient and get the most out of your time. The List. I would be in a lot of trouble if I didn't make lists for myself. These list easily outline the tasks that I need to get taken care of so I can finish my missions with efficiency, as quickly as possible without losing time trying to remember what I need to do next. The helpful list using goes way beyond just a simple shopping list, although I do never head to the grocery store without a list of the exact things I need. This helps me get in and out of the crowded market quickly and keeps me from spending a whole bunch of cash on unneeded items. I also keep a dry erase board in both my bathroom and on the refrigerator in the kitchen to make lists of things that I need to get done. The first thing I do in the morning is check these lists and then make a to do list for everything I need to get done that day on my phone. Then I have it with me everywhere I go and can take things off as I accomplish them. That part of having a list is a very important part. Crossing things off shows you that you are making progress. Then things don't seem overwhelming. When there is a lot to do. Making lists at work is important to. It keeps you organized and keeps things efficient. Most importantly though. Keeping lists around the apartment helps you keep things in order. They help you to know what things you need, what needs to be done, and helps you map that out so you can save on precious time. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=329 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:26:00 GMT Apartment Home Living helps you find the perfect place to live and have fun doing it! Take Larry F. for example. Larry and his new bride were living in Portland, Oregon, but wanted to "move back home" to Austin, Texas to be closer to family and friends. Larry didn't know where to turn, so he turned to Apartment Home Living... Sort Through 'Em- We helped Larry sort through the clutter of 1,000's of apartments by only showing the best apartment homes in Austin. Personality Matching- We helped Larry find an apartment home that matched his individual tastes by getting to know Larry personally through our website compatibility profile. We matched this up against the information we have on our communities, which is a lot, because we personally contact each community and receive over 100 data points on each. Cuttin' Deals - We then helped Larry get the best daily rate by letting him know that if he mentioned Apartment Home Living and asked the leasing agent to give him the best daily rate, he would get that too... potentially saving hundreds of dollars a month, but that's not all... Keeping Things Clean- We helped Larry become a star in his wife's eyes by making their first home in Austin a clean one. Larry knew that Apartment Home Living only showcased apartment homes that he would be confident will be clean. Cold Hard Cash Reward- On top of it all, we gave Larry $102.00. We're able to do this because our properties give us a bonus anytime we refer someone to them and we give some of this back to you. It Doesn't Stop There- Even after move-in, our relationship with Larry has continued. He stops by our Apartment Living page frequently to check out and comment on my blogs, decorating ideas, recipe's, and overall apartment fun. We're privileged to have had the opportunity to help Larry and now consider him more of a friend. I hope you give us the opportunity to help you find the right apartment home too... If you do use our services, remember to add Apartment Home Living to your guest card, lease application and lease to get the best daily rate, a clean apartment, and $102.00*. Happy Apartment Hunting -Jeff * must be a participating community to be eligible http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=121 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:03:00 GMT One of the biggest apartment living sins is leaving full trash bags by your front door or on your front porch at any other time than the approve pick-up time. Leaving trash out overnight is the worst of the worst. Cats, dogs, racoons, rats, birds, squirrels, bugs and other vermin love it when you leave out your trash. It attracts them to your doorstep to wait for you to leave your next bag of trashy goodness that they can root around in for a meal. If you want more bugs to come around, leaving your trash out is the best way to do it. If you want less bugs and less of a chance of mice...TAKE YOUR TRASH TO THE DUMPSTER! Bacteria also grows in the old food and such while the outside heat bakes the trash bag and that can promote health problems. Leaving your trash out on your doorstep, patio, and breezeway makes you look filthy...do you really want that? So please do you part in keeping your community and the world clean clean and only leave your trash out at appropriate times and keep in indoors or at the dumpster at all other times. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=328 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:48:00 GMT I'll put it out there...from my many years living in apartments, I have had some TERRIBLE neighbors. I put terrible in all CAPS because there really, really have been some bad ones. There was the guy who never left his apartment and it started to stink through the walls because I don't think he EVER took out his trash. There was also the couple who fought loudly constantly. You could hear them throwing things at eachother and screaming. It got to the point where I could hear the entire argument and I feared for the life of the man, so I called the cops. They also made up loudly too.....They were REALLY, REALLY annoying. Then on top of that I had an above neighbor who loved to jump rope at odd hours of the day. All I could hear while I was watching my favorite shows was...thump, thump, thump. The worst part is...the guy was in terrible shape so it wasn't doing anything. No matter where you go, you may run into issues with your neighbor. The best thing that you can do is do your part in being a good neighbor. Lead by example. Here are some ways to be a great neighbor and not a terrible one: Be Friendly- One of the most important things you can do to be a great neighbor is to be friendly. Whether you have just moved in or you are welcoming a new neighbor, put on a happy face and make some conversation. You may meet some really cool people that way. Sometimes it takes a little friendly effort to break the ice, but once the ice is broken you are on your way to being an awesome neighbor! Shhhh!!!- Be respectful and keep the noise down. Yes, that even includes your footsteps if you are living above the first floor. It's actually pretty easy. You don't have to run around your apartment whispering or anything like that, but keep the TV and music down to a reasonable and respectful level. Watch your footsteps and shut the door softly...don't let it slam and shake the whole building. Nothing is more annoying than a loud neighbor, so let it stop with you. Keep Them In The Know- Having a few guests over? If you know you are going to be doing something abnormal that may impede on your neighbors relaxation and space, drop by and let them know. Invite them to join in the fun and give them a number to call and let you know that your noise is bothering them. Trust me, you'd much rather they call you than the police. Neighborhood Watchdog- Keep an eye out for your neighbors place when they aren't there. You'd want them to do the same for you. Report to the office or the authorities any suspicious character that you see wondering about. The number one rule in being a good neighbor is to be respectful and treat them the way that you would like to be treated. Being a good neighbor is not difficult if you just think a little about your actions and how they affect those around you. So...put on a smile, make some friends, and be the great neighbor that we know you can be! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=327 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:19:00 GMT Are there any Apartmentites out there who don't have a cell phone at this point? I'm sure there is a very small number of you out there who aren't connected to the cellular grid and although you aren't connected, you may actually be pretty smart. So do cell phones cause health problems? The verdict is definitely still out on this one, however I am thoroughly convinced that the cell phone waves have messed with my head...a little bit. Whether they are actually doing some type of damage to my brain or they are just making me a little bit crazier, I don't know. As an Apartmentite, you should know the truth. The truth is...there really isn't a truth yet. Because cell phone technology and widespread use is still relatively new, we will not know official results until several years down the line. Until then there will be no definitive answer on whether the radiation from cell phones is damaging our brains or cause the dreaded "c" word. There are a number of very strong believers on both sides who have the science and technology to back up their thoughts. Cell phones emit radiation, we know that...but we don't truly know if it's harmful or not. So what are we supposed to do just continue as is until there is an answer? Sure...we could do that. It will really come down to one of two possibilities. Either nothing happens and cell phones are proven to be unharmful or there is a boom in brain tumors some time over the next 10 years. I prefer to hope for the first option, but who knows how it will turn out. You can take comfort in the fact that cell phones meet federal safety standards if you are so inclined to be comforted by such things. Remember though, this is the same organization that stated that cigarette's met safety standards in the early 20th century. How's that going for you federal government health and safety department... But I digress...regardless of different sides on this issue, what should we do until there is a definite answer? Here are a few solutions that you could use to limit the use of cell phone by your head. Ye olde Speakerphone- I don't think there is a phone out there without a speaker phone these days. Personally, I don't like people being able to hear my calls, but if you are in the comfort of your apartment or your car...kick on the speaker and hold the phone a foot or two away from your head. Wired Headset- Use a wired headset! While they still emit a bit of radiation directly into your ear, it should be considerably less than holding the phone up to your head. The amount of radiation your head receives dissipates quite a bit the further you hold the phone away from your head. Blue Tooth- You could also get hooked up with a bluetooth headset. A bluetooth will help ease the amount of radiation that you take in from your cell phone, although you will still receive a different type from the bluletooth. The good thing about a bluetooth headset is that you can be far...far...up to 30 feet away from your phone and it will work. You could pretty much set your phone on the kitchen counter and walk anywhere around your apartment using the bluetooth! Remember that when you aren't using it...take it out of your ear. If you talk alot, be sure to switch ears so that you use both sides evenly. These also work really great in the car too. Landline- Another great idea is using a landline or VOIP. Put the cell phone down and go old school! Or you could continue doing things as is and just see what happens. It's up to you. Just remember...at this point it is really unknown. Just be smart about using it and remember always that Apartment Home Living is not responsible for any problems that do or do not occur. Thanks! and Live For Fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=326 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:18:00 GMT I have seen it time and time again. An Apartmentite lets a family member or close friend live in their apartment without being on the lease or signs a lease for someone and won't even be living there. This situation commonly ends very poorly. Either the person completely and irresponsibly bails on paying rent, moves out before the lease is over with, or truly just ruins the responsible and nice person's rental history. It's terrible, but it happens so often it's ridiculous. It has happened to me by someone who was a friend since childhood and best friend in my adult hood. They had just split up with their wife and asked a huge favor of staying at my place for awhile until he got back on his feet. I had an extra room, so I figured it wouldn't be so bad to have him crash at my place for a few weeks. Well, a few weeks turned into a few months, turned into about a year. He never paid me rent the entire time. I never really checked out his room during that time, but when I finally moved out a couple of years later it came to determine that he had spilled all kinds of juice and ruined the carpet, put holes in the wall, and taken the closet door off of the hinges. Guess what? Since he was never on the lease...I ended up being responsible for all of the damage. I had to pay over $1000 in damages for things that I never did. The moral of the story is to never sign the lease for someone else or let someone live with you without them being on the lease too. Always remember that if they are not on the lease...you will take the fall if they mess up. Just be smart and think things through before you jump into a situation that costs you money and friendships. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=324 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:14:00 GMT The parking lot of your apartment can be a challenging place. Whether there are no assigned spots and when you get home from school or work you have to park like a mile away from your place or you have an assigned spot that someone else keeps taking, there is something that can always go wrong. There is an elderly woman in my apartment community (One of my neighbors to be exact!) who drives a huge white Hummer H2. Why she drives this massive car, I have no clue, but she is constantly having issues parking it. One, she can't see out of it because she is more than likely losing her quality of eyesight, and two, the thing is massive trying to fit in in the spaces. It's gotten to the point that I and other witnesses have seen her bump other cars with her door getting out, nearly take off their bumpers and mirrors with the girth of her huge machine, and almost run a person over on one occasion. I have begun parking my car far enough away, just so I know she isn't going to knock off my mirror. It's never appropriate to do anything harmful to the other resident or their vehicle, so in a lot of cases, you just have to live with it and do what I did...find ways to work around it. I cannot stress to you all the importance of having a good amount of respect to your fellow resident. It goes way beyond the fact that they know where you live or "what goes around comes around." Most communities have surveillence and security so if you feel vindicated by doing damage to another resident's vehicle....you will more than likely get caught. By the same video token...if you contact your insurance company about damage assessed to your own vehicle, whether it be from the white haired old Hummer driver or a vandalist, you should check with your apartment management and see if they have any surveillance video of the issue. Keep in mind that they may not have it, but its worth the thought! The important thing to remember is that you are sharing