apartmenthomeliving.com en-us http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/ Happy July 4th everybody!!!! Hot news! We just released our text messaging service that allows you to text message a community while you’re on the go. It’s super easy too. When you’re out and about, you’ll come across our partner communities who have set up banners with their “text codes” on them. All you’ve gotta do is text their code to mobile number (30364). Bam! You get all the info you need about the apartment, complete with pictures, phone numbers, and current specials. So, in the prophetic words of The Who reapplied to current technology, “When you’re going home, and you wanna find a home, go mobile. It’ll keep you moving!” So, when you’re “rollin’ with the homies”, keep you’re eyes out for our text messaging banners. Text it in and get all the great information you’ve come to expect from Apartment Home Living’s e-catalog and website, right there on your phone. It’s such a perfect compliment to the services we already provide and another way we help you find your happy place. Keepin’ ya’ll in the loop, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=19 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:03:00 GMT After you've tracked down a few moving companies you'd like to speak with, start preparing for in-home visual estimate. This is a critical moment for you to see the differences in the moving companies you're considering, and help you choose one that will handle your move successfully and professionally. Here are some questions to ask them: 1. How long has your company been in business? Lousy moving companies don't last long. They get poor reviews from customers online, and worse, they get scathing complaints at government Website 'protectyourmove.gov' and at the local Better Business Bureau. While this doesn't mean that every company under 10 years of age is not a good one, it's a plus if that moving company has been around for more than a decade. 2. How long have you been doing this? Experience counts for a lot with a moving estimator, because it's a tough job – they need to tally up someone's lifelong possessions and then give an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to move them. Also, if they've performed other jobs at the moving company, this is a plus – they can tell you what to watch for, and you benefit from their experience. 3. What kinds of estimates do you give? You want someone who takes the time to explain your options for moving services, because, frankly, moving quotes can be confusing. And you want someone who knows their stuff. The accuracy of your quote is paramount – you don't want to be arguing with the driver of the moving van on your moving day about whether your quote is legit. 4. When will I get my stuff? You want something realistic. If you're making a long distance move, you don't want someone who tells you the exact day your stuff will arrive – that kind of prediction would have been challenging for even Nostradamus. You want a range, and you want someone who will be frank about some of the factors that might affect when you will get your stuff. 5. Does your company do any repeat work for businesses in the city? Many people ask for references, but what company is going to give you a bad reference – or worse, a legitimate reference? If the company works closely on repeat business for another business, that's a solid stamp of approval. 6. How will you handle my precious heirloom? Ask the moving company about their procedures for handling valuable items, or hard-to-handle items. This is a test of the moving estimator's knowledge, as well as the moving company's meticulousness – if the estimator seems to struggle for an answer, that's a bad sign. 7. Are there any charges I might incur that aren't in the estimate? Many people who have a bad experience with their moving company claim their movers didn't tell them about charges. Common ones include charges for packing, stair charges, etc. Ask all the moving companies this question, and then compare the responses – you will find it useful to see which ones seemed the most forthcoming. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=413 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:21:00 GMT If you're moving to an apartment, condo or co-op, you might find you have an abundance of stuff, but a pittance of space. This article will help you with two things: great storage ideas for your new place, and design tricks that will make your space look bigger. Storage If you don't know how to hang shelves, learn: they're invaluable spaces to help with storage. These aren't large-scale home improvement projects, so ask someone in your building how to do it – they'll be familiar with the types of walls in your complex and can recommend proper equipment (anchors, etc.). And if you're renting, be sure to ask your landlord for permission before you do any hanging. andbull; Hang shelving high along the wall for books – this keeps them out of the way, and also reduces that cluttered look by keeping them above eye-level. It's also an attractive design element. andbull; Use shelving in your closets. Most people have a lot of dead space in their closets; use shelving, particularly high on the wall. andbull; In the bathroom and kitchens, wire baskets can be hung on the wall for small storage areas. In the bathroom, look for units that can be placed above your toilet – this is often unused space. andbull; Cover end tables with floor length table cloths, then slide baskets for storage under the tables. This is great for families with small children for easy toy pick-up at the end of the day. Design Ideas andbull; Place furniture at an angle to the wall in your rooms, this can create the impression of more space – it can also create some out-of-the-way storage areas behind the furniture. If you can't do this, place your area rugs at an angle to the walls. This pulls your eye across the room and makes the space more visually expansion. andbull; Another trick is mirrors. But be sure to hang them above eye level so they don't reflect the items in your room, which can make the room seem cluttered. If you can't hang the mirrors, try to set them on shelving so they tip upward slightly. andbull; Avoid white as a color for your walls – they create a great deal of contrast with items in the room, which can make your space look smaller. Instead, use a soft, cool color – it reduces the contrast, but still reflects a lot of light, which can make a room appear larger. andbull; On the subject of light… the more the better. Make sure whatever window treatments you choose allow as much light into the room as possible. And hang the window treatments as high on the wall as possible – this makes the window appear higher, and makes the room seem more expansive. andbull; Have the window treatments blend with the color of the room. This reduces contrast. andbull; If you have any sleek surfaces in your new home, clean them up – they reflect more light. Aim for the windows, stove fronts, countertops or any glass-top furniture that can collect dust and grime left over after the moving company has dropped off your last box. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=412 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:08:00 GMT Apartment Home Living's sister site Apartments.com is searching for acts of roommate greatness as it kicks off its first-ever “Roommate of the Year Contest.” While everyone can likely recount and relate to roommate horror stories, the “Roommate of the Year Contest” seeks to find the best roommate qualities by asking renters across the country to define and demonstrate what makes them America’s most desirable roommate. The “Roommate of the Year Contest” offers one lucky roommate the ultimate bailout plan by rewarding them with a year of free rent, up to $12,000, and an additional $10,000 in cash for showing off feats of roommate greatness. Renters are encouraged to submit short video entries at http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. How to Enter Renters across the nation are invited to enter the “Roommate of the Year Contest” by submitting a video entry of two minutes or less to http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. Entrants are challenged to showcase feats of roommate greatness by competing in one of five contest categories that define their inner roomie. For detailed information on how to enter, including specific video instructions, an official entry form and contest rules, go to http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. All entries must be received by noon EST on June 30, 2009. Five Roommate Contest Categories “Roommate of the Year Contest” entrants should distinguish themselves from all of the other roommates around the country. Finding the category that best defines their special roommate skills is job number one. The categories are: 1. The Coolest Crib - Do you have a fantastic view? High ceilings? A supreme entertainment center? Show us how you have outfitted your apartment with all the necessary creature comforts that every roommate would appreciate. 2. The Lovable Compulsive - Do you scrub the bathroom with a toothbrush? Is cleaning the apartment on your daily to-do list? Do you make sure to pay the bills on time? Show us how you manage your apartment while still maintaining your sanity for the ultimate payoff. 3. The Superhero - Did you save the security deposit by fixing that hole in the drywall from last weekend’s party? Can you microwave popcorn to perfection? Show us your unique skill that makes your roommate value soar. 4. The Purr-fect Pet - Do you put your pet on a pedestal? Show us what makes you the best roommate to your pet - including games you play together and tricks they have learned so that freeloader can start pulling his or her weight by helping you win free rent. 5. The Individualist - Don’t see a category that best defines your roomie excellence? Enter this open-ended category. Squeeze every ounce of creativity into your entry to make it stand out from the rest. The Ultimate Bailout: Free Rent for One Year, up to $12,000, Plus $10,000 in cash All entries will be narrowed down to a field of up to 15 finalists across the five categories by a panel of judges looking for entries that best fit the criteria for “Roommate of the Year.” Once the finalists are selected, America, along with the panel of qualified judges, will vote for their favorite roomie using the judging criteria. Five winners (one in each category) will be selected. From the five winners, one grand prize winner will be named and will receive the $22,000 grand prize and roommate bragging rights. The four runner-up winners will each receive $500. What are you waiting for? Get out the video camera, get creative and get one step closer to winning $22,000. Enter today at http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=411 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:55:00 GMT Moving and the leasing process can be a daunting task. There are a lot of things that need to be done before you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new apartment. With a little strategy and ingenuity, the moving process need not be a strain on your energy, your time, or your finances. We've put together a list of 7 excellent tips to help you with a cheap, easy, and successful move. - Know the Community Office Hours - Have a Moving Sale and get rid of the old junk while making a little extra cash - Find free boxes at grocery stores, markets, and liquor stores and avoid having to spend money on new ones - Schedule your move so that everything is planned out from the packing stage through moving day and into the unpacking stage - Transfer your utilities as soon as possible and do not wait until the last minute - Change your billing address with your bank, credit cards, and other place or person that needs to get mail to you - Send an email out to your friends, family, and co-workers with your change of address noted so that they can send you some great housewarming gifts If you follow these 7 tips for a cheap, easy, and successful move, you'll be in great shape. Get to movin'! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=410 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:10:00 GMT The leasing process can become quite confusing and overwhelming on your search for the perfect new apartment. There are a number of items and info that you will need to bring with you when you apply to lease an apartment, so you'll want to be prepared. These items go beyond the obvious and having them handy will make you one step closer to leasing that perfect apartment. Before heading to the leasing office, be sure to grab: -A Form of State/Government Issued I.D. - Drivers License, State ID, Military ID, Passport, or Permanent Resident Card -Proof of Income - Most recent 3-5 paysubs including the newest one or with a new job you may be required to bring a letter on company letter head stating your salary - Names, Dates, and Addresses of your rental history over the past 2-3 years -Misc. Info: Social Security Number Make, Model, and Year of Vehicle Pet info Emergency Contact info - Payment for the application fee, deposit, and other fees. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=409 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:05:00 GMT Moving into your new apartment can be quite the endeavor, but there are a number of ways to make the moving day a breeze. We wanted to help you out on your upcoming move with these great tips for moving day that will have you all moved in to your new apartment with ease: - Before moving anything in, make sure that you walk through your apartment and inspect it for damages or any other costs that may come out of your security deposit one day. - Mark each moving box with a piece of tape that displays the room that it belongs in or what is inside. Be sure to mark fragile items as Fragile too! - Check your new refrigerator and cabinets before you start stocking them with food. They're much easier to clean when they are empty. - On moving day make sure to be understanding of your neighbors. Don't leave trash all around or block parking spaces. Try to keep noise down and not move late into the night. - Pack yourself a kit of the essentials that you will need upon first moving into your apartment like lightbulbs, scissors, a hammer, paper towels, and snacks including bottled water. - Make sure all of your utilities have fully been transfered over so to your new apartment. - Be careful when lifting heavy objects and always use caution on stairways - Have fun and remember that moving into a new apartment is a great adventure with a blank canvas http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=408 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:02:00 GMT As the weather warms up, we start creeping out of the apartment to enjoy the warmth of the spring sun. There are a number of things to remember around the apartment as the seasons change to a little bit warmer weather. 1) Remember there is no need to run the heater non stop to make your apartment habitable. As the weather gets more and more pleasant outside, pop open your windows and turn off your central units. The Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy lower electricity bills due to that lack of having to use your heater or AC. 2) Don't let all the junk from the winter pile up. Store away your extra blankets, sweaters, and jackets and then pull them out again when it is time next winter. We all know that in an apartment we are working with limited space, so do what you can to free it up some. 3) GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THIS WEATHER! If you are like me, you have spent the past few months holed up avoiding the freezing temperatures. You're aching to get outside and enjoy the weather, so do it. Take your dog for frequent walks. Get out of the apartment for a jog. Sit on your porch and have a margarita with you neighbor. However you need to do it, enjoy the spring time around your apartment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=407 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:30:00 GMT When searching for an apartment for rent many of us concentrate on amenities, features, and price which are all very important things to focus on, but often one extremely important factor is overlooked. Location! It's a HUGE deal when you are apartment shopping. Don't overlook it. The biggest factor in why location is important is saving yourself on GAS. There is no doubt that gas prices can get outrageous from time to time, so having a place that is somewhat close to your work or school is can end up saving yourself some ducats. The average 15-20 minute commuter can spend a big chunk of their pay in gas per week going to and from work alone. If you live in an apartment within biking or walking distance from school or work, not only do you have the opportunity to be physically fit just from you commute, but you also have the opportunity to save yourself some hard earned cash. Another thing to factor in when considering location is where the nearest grocery store or shopping center is. If you are having to drive 20 miles to pick up a 6 pack, you are not doing yourself any justice. Not just that, but what about all of the other little things? Getting your prescriptions refilled, visiting your bank, getting Mittens to the vet, or filling up your tank. All of these things and whatever else you need to do to get things done daily, should factor into your decision on location. You should also think about the places that you like to hang out. It won't make a lot of sense to hang out at your favorite spot downtown if you live out in the burbs. Pick a spot that is close to your favorite hangout. Then you have the whereabouts of your significant others or your friends and family. You should always take into account their locations in relation to yours. You'd hate to get an apartment that is close to work yet is 50 miles from your girlfriend who you drive to see several times a week. And if you are that far...she'll never come see you either. So make sure and pick a happy medium. It's very important to weigh all of these location factors in when deciding on the best place for you. If you can find a place that is within a mile from all of these places...YOU ARE SET!!! Good luck and if you have any questions...let us know...We have answers. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=406 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:58:00 GMT How messy is the shower in your apartment? Do you have haircare product bottles, soap, puffs, shaving cream, razors and who knows what else lining the base of your tub? You name it...we've seen it. And if you have found yourself in the situation, we are here to help. The shower/bathtub is often over looked as a part of the apartment that needs a little decorators touch or some storage help. These 5 tips will help you, your roommates, and whoever else may find themselves getting clean in your apartment enjoy a sweeter shower. 1) Corner Caddy - A corner caddy is an important part of any shower. They can be found in a variety of prices from cheap to expensive, but are extremely useful. Having several shelves discretely tucked away in the corner helps to store all of the shower junk that lines the base of the tub. 2) Shower Spray - There are a ton of options at the store for shower cleaning products and sprays, so you have no excuse not to have one. So many apartment residents let their showers get mildewy and gross...then complain about it when they have to scrub for hours to get it clean. Plus, doesn't it kind of defeat the purpose of getting clean if you are doing it in a dirty place. Avoid all of this and get a daily spray that you mist your shower with when you get out and let it do all the cleaning work. You may have to sponge off a little soap scum here and there, but it will be far better than if you left it alone. 3) Trash the Trash - While we are on the subject of keeping things clean, be sure and actually throw out your empty shampoo bottles, old razors, and other bits of trash that seem to just linger around the tub for years. If you aren't going to use it...dump it. Clutter is your worst enemy in every room of an apartment...even the bath. 4) Splurge On Nice Things - Spend a little money to make your bathing experience better. Don't just go with the cheap, plastic, see-through shower curtain. Instead get one in the color you really like..and then get another that matches and goes on the outside of the shower...the whole inner/outer curtain thing looks really nice. Look into adding a nice shower head with multiple settings, but only if the community manager approves you to do so. Plush towels will prove over time to be soooo much better than their cheap counter-parts and don't just go for the cheap soap. Get stuff that smells great or leaves your skin/hair feeling great. If you don't feel great in your apartment....no one will! 5) Don't Slip - Many embarrassing accidents happen in the shower every year. A slippery shower floor can cause all kinds of problems. Consider getting a rubber non-slip shower mat that matches your shower curtains to help your feet maintain grip and skip on the slips. Happy Showering! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=405 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:00 GMT Many of us all over the USA are dealing with recent freezing and well below freezing temperatures depending on where in the country our wonderful apartment is situated. There are a few precautions to keep in mind around your apartment when outside temperatures dip into and below the freezing range. 1) If you have plants on your porch, cover them. You can use a sheet, an old blanket, some old T-Shirts, or anything that you can get your hands on. Just remember that plants are people too...okay maybe not exactly...but they live, breath, eat, and can freeze to death too. 2) Keep your heater on a reasonable temperature and use extra blankets or warm clothes to help keep you warm. Blasting the heater will run up your electricity bill very quickly. Keep it on a reasonable setting and layer...you'll be warm and your bill will be happy. OH! Wear socks or house shoes too...makes a huge difference. 3) Be sure your curtains are closed when the sun is down. They can help the heat stay inside the apartment. Open them when the sun is out to let the sun shine in and add some natural warmth. It's the old "geo-thermal radiation" thing or something like that. 4) Drip, drip, drip. Please let your faucet drip overnight to keep your pipes from busting. Busted pipes can cause all kinds of problems for you and your neighbors. It is a truly "No bueno" situation. 5) Don't forget that your pets may need a little more warmth too. Most of them have fur, but in many cases...that fur just ain't enough. If you have a yard with a dog or an outside cat, be sure that they are inside and taken care of. Keep caged animals away from the windows or drafty areas to avoid the cold. The shiver too, so if you see your pet shivering...find a way to help them...pet them a little longer or throw a blanket over them. 6) Space heaters are great little items, but if not used right can be a fire hazard around the apartment. Be sure to check with you apartment manager to see if they are allowed and then only use space heaters in the proper places and proper ways. Keep them away from curtains, blankets, or anything else that can go up in flames. You want to stay warm, but the last thing that you and your neighbors want...is an apartment fire. Before you know it, the freezes will be over and we will be outside playing in the sun. Just take the easy precautions and you'll be fine. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=404 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:10:00 GMT Are you still recording your favorite shows on your VCR? If so, I wouldn't be surprised if you are using an abacus to figure your taxes and a coal furnace to hear your apartment. VCR recording is a way of the past. DVR is the wave of the present and the future. It's just plain easier. Many of the cable companies and satellite providers that offer services in most apartments, now offer you a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record your favorite shows when you are away from the apartment or asleep. The DVR is not only a video recorder, but it's also your cable box so there is no need for extra components. Some of the companies will even include it for free if you simply ask, but even if they don't, the others are pretty affordable. You may be reading this thinking, "Of course I am using DVR now!!!" and if so...good for you. There are surprisingly a number of folks out there who are still stuck reeling those video cassettes. A DVR also helps reduce clutter in your apartment as the shows are saved on the hard-drive on the unit much like on a computer, so you have no bunch of tapes to deal with and organize. It's just so much easier and can make you apartment life a zillion times better. You'll never miss another show, get the tape all jammed into the VCR, and you'll step forward into the 21st century. So get rid of your VCR and abacus and grab a DVR! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=403 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:03:00 GMT Do you have plans to travel, take vacation, or simply spend a few days or weeks away from the apartment soon? If so, we wanted to send you a list of some of the important things to remember to take care of around your apartment before and while you are away on your adventure. 1) Make sure all of your windows and doors are locked securely 2) Please take trash to the dumpster or appropriate trash pick-up spot before leaving 3) Take care of pet accommodation arrangements 4) Set thermostat to a good temperature so that it isn't running constantly and running up your bill while you are gone 5) Let your neighbors know you will be gone so that they can keep their eye out for you 6) Turn off your computer, TV, fans, and any other electricity consuming item 7) Do NOT leave the iron plugged in, stove on, or coffee maker brewing 8) Let management know if anyone will be coming by your apartment to water your plants or feed/walk your pets 9) Consider forwarding your mail if you will be gone longer than a few weeks 10)Clean up around your place, so you come home to a nice clean apartment Please keep in mind that although you may be out of town rent will be due by the regular due date, so if you need to make arrangements with your apartment manager to mail it in please do so. You should also keep all of this in mind anytime you are going to be away from your apartment for an extended period of time. Please let us know if you have more stuff to add to the list. Leave a comment below...PLEASE!!!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=402 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:38:00 GMT What’s best in an apartment…hanging the flat-screen on the wall or putting it on a stand? Either way looks great when you are watching it, but they both have some hidden issues that should be weighed before the decision is made. Mounting a television to your wall will inevitably leave a few holes in your drywall when you take the TV down or want to move your furniture around. If you don't repair the holes, they will stick around and look bad even after you move out. Some communities do consider this normal “wear tear,” but some don’t and you may end up paying a fee or losing some of your deposit to cover the damage. Also, even though you’re saving space putting on your wall, you’ll still need a DVD, stereo, PS3 or other component which have lots of cables that will run down your wall. If you don't cover them up somehow, they'll just dangle and make your living area look kind of ugly. You could try hiding the pesky cables a tall plant or a dresser, but then you wouldn’t saving much floor space, would ya? Sort of defeats the purpose. There are a number of very, very cool stands and entertainment centers available that will work really well in your apartment. Most of them aren't very big, have places to store your components, and are fashionable. Best of all, they don't leave any damage to your apartment. As an apartment-ite, the choice seems obvious...go with a stand. Don’t agree? We’d like to hear from you! Leave a comment and tell us how you would store your television. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=401 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:48:00 GMT Like last year or the year before that or even the year before that, you may be looking to move into a new apartment. The process of apartment hunting can be a challenging one...especially in a time of economic crisis, so having a few tips on the search can make it easier. First of all, your timing is Crucial. This is a very competitive market, so finding the perfect affordable apartment may seem like finding a needle in a haystack at times. It's important to keep your eyes and mind open and search around at a number of places. You should be ready to make quick decisions if you find a great "look-n-lease" special. Specials change constantly and so does pricing, so searching at the right time may prove difficult. You won't want to start your search too early, but when you do start it should be within several weeks of your anticipated move-in date if you wish to get the most accurate experience when hunting for prices. Hit the market vigorously for two to three weeks as you search through all the places you'd like to live. Most importantly, before you hit the pavement you should visit a site like ApartmentHomeLiving.com to sift through all of the communities in the area. You'll be able to see floorplans, specials, tours, amenities and more to base your decision on. Then, once you have narrowed your search down, you should call and set up visits to the communities that interest you the most. After a few visits, it should all be clear. Do your research online because once you get to the community they may offer you a special that you will lose out on if you walk out that door. No one wants that to happen. No matter where you end up finding the perfect apartment, it's important for you to be happy...so don't settle...keep searching....you'll find your golden palace! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=400 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:44:00 GMT Telemarketers...eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwww! They constantly tend to interrupt our dinners in our apartments or our relaxation time by calling our home phone lines and sometimes our cell phones, trying to sell us something that we are never going to buy or take a survey that we could care less about. WHY?!?!?!? It can be so frustrating to have your number on a list and get called over and over and over again. Fortunately, there is something that you can do and if you have been bothered by telemarketers in the past calling you apartment or your cell, it's time to start the New Year by doing something about it. Most of us have heard of the "Do Not Call" list where you can add your number to a list that the government requires telemarketing companies to use to scrub numbers off who opt out of these calls. The majority of the time, it works brilliantly. Occasionally, you have the stubborn, ignorant, or even poor business practiced company that keeps calling, but most of the time you'll be covered. To get your apartment's phone number added to the "Do Not Call" list, visit: https://www.donotcall.gov/ You can also file a claim against someone who keeps calling and harassing you too. (It won't work with your stalker ex though, only businesses.) So stop pulling out your hair because of telemarketers and get on the list....the greatest VIP list of all!!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=399 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:32:00 GMT I can see it now...January 2nd...all of the gyms are suddenly overcrowded until...January 11th. Cigarette and liquor sales go down nearly 65 % for...oh...about....4 days. Resolutions are meant to last the entire year, so this year resolve to make it the whole year with your resolutions…apartment resolutions! 10. Rent On Time- Actually pay rent on the 1st every month! This will help avoid late fees! 9. Fugitive Pet No More- Stop hiding pets from maintenance and cut corners to finally pay the pet deposit 8. Won't You Be My Neighbor? - Meet at least one neighbor...take them a gift even. You may make a great pet sitter! 7. Keep Things Clean- Scrub-a-dub your apartment one day and keep it clean all year! 6. Use Your Kitchen- Cook and eat in your apartment more often. You’ll end up saving hundreds by the end of the year. 5. Entertain!- Put the loud, obnoxious party days behind you and host an adult style dinner party this year. 4. Furniturize- Stop using empty boxes as end tables and splurge a little on something nice! 3. The Gym Is FREE- If your apartments have a gym, what is your excuse?!?! Spend three hours a week in the gym and get in shape! 2. Out with the Old- Dig through your all of the old clothes, toys, and other junk and DONATE it! You'll free up space and help people out! 1. Make Hunting Easy- If you’re apartment hunting this year or know anyone who is...use us! It will make your apartment hunt easier and fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=397 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:09:00 GMT New Years Eve is a time for celebration, having good times, counting down, and of course...fireworks. But, where OH where is it okay to set off some good ole' bottle rockets? Many cities and counties across the US have different laws regarding fireworks and where they are allowed to be set off, but one thing is constant through out: Fireworks should be kept away from apartment communities at all times. A stray rocket can wreak havoc on a community in a number of reasons. It could hit a passerby, land on a driving car in the parking lot causing an accident, or worse...fly through a window and set a complete building ablaze. Not good. Fireworks can be a lot of fun if used correctly. We hope that you enjoy a few this coming New Years Eve, but we just ask you to take them to a well hydrated open area that is safe and lawful to let the rockets red glare. OR you could always watch the great fireworks shows on your High Def TV in the comfort of your apartment living room! Happy New Years! PS- Want more Apartment Living Tips? Subscribe to the Trey's Apartment Tips YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/apartmentlivingtips. He'll keep you in the know on the best ways to love apartment life. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=396 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:12:00 GMT Ok, so there are some apartment residents out there who got out of the apartment at various points over the past month or two to get all of their holiday shopping done. Then there are the rest of us...who didn't. I know the scene well. It's a scramble that begins as you pull into the parking lot and search for a "hidden treasure" of a parking spot. It takes a bit of exploring and "racecar" like driving, but once you dodge the 30,000 people exiting the store and scrambling for their cars and find the perfect spot....you're ready to enter Dante's Inferno. Once you cross through those doors, there is no turning back and heading back to the apartment. You must complete your mission. Baby's will be screaming. Toys will be flying across the air. Parents will be scrambling for the last toy on the shelf. Carts running into eachother. People spilling drinks all over the floor creating hazards. and absolutely NOTHING will be in the correct place. (Never look at the price below the item....it could be waaay off!) Husbands and boyfriends are running around in circles with their arms full of random items. They look lost and have no idea what to get their loved ones, as they stare at the signs in the departments trying to make sense of this chaotic mess and NEVER stopping and asking for help. Wives and girlfriends slowly push their carts inspecting each item to the fullest extent and crossing it off their carefully planned list. They debate between two basic versions of the exact same thing for 30 or so minutes before deciding to go with something completely different for Aunt Edna. With seemingly no sense of urgency and completely oblivious to the chaos around them, their carts causing an endless number of traffic jams and more confusion for the already confused men. Once you get all of your items and it's time to leave, I hope you picked up a good magazine to read as you wait in line to check out for 1 to 2 hours because whatever big box superstore you are at didn't staff enough employees to open the 30 other empty lanes. Then, once you get back to the apartment you realize you forgot one important gift...MOM! And you swear you will never wait to the last minute again.... It is an absolute nightmare. So the moral of the story, is when you say that you aren't going to wait until the last minute...follow through on that and you will have way more time to relax at your apartment during the holidays. If you don't do shopping during the holidays or don't celebrate at all...AVOID THE STORES AT ALL COST from December 17th-December 25th. If you absolutely must get some shopping in during the chaos times, here are a few tips that should help you get back to your apartment for some R and R a little quicker: 1) Avoid big box superstores and see if you can get what you need at the corner store or neighborhood CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid or other drug store. 2) Have a plan and be focused. Don't get distracted by unnecessary items and certainly avoid conversation at all cost. It just slows you down. 3) Get off the cell phone. Nothing makes people wonder around aimlessly and clueless about their surroundings than being on the phone at the store. You cause more problems doing this than you could ever realize and it drags out your shopping time by leaps and bounds. That's a start. Now if you haven't finished your shopping, get out of the apartment and do it today. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=395 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:46:00 GMT You and I both know well that neighbors truly put up with alot. Whether it's noise, slamming doors, a barking dog, mud tracks in the breezeway, or a poorly parked vehicle...us and our neighbors put up with it all to get along well. The truth is, you may think that nothing you do ever bothers your neighbor, but I guarantee that they think the same thing about you......and we all know that isn't true. So this holiday season, take some time to tell you neighbor thanks for putting up with the things that you do, that you have no idea bothers them. It could be your alarm going off through the wall or the smell wafting over from the pizza you cook as a midnight snack. Whatever it may be...let them know you appreciate them. While we are on the topic of neighbors, if you are having guests over during the holidays for dinner or to celebrate a bowl game, be sure and be considerate of your next door neighbors when it comes to noise levels. They may not want to hear how excited you get when the University of Houston scores a touchdown against Air Force or whichever game you are watching! Bottom line: be nice to your neighbors this holiday season. Take them some cookies, a pie, or a turkey. You'd want them to be the same for you...and if you don't know your neighbors...TSK, TSK....you better get to know them! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=394 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:45:00 GMT T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse....at least I hope you don't have mice in your apartment! The stockings were hung from the chimney with.....wait a minute....chimney?!??! What chimney? I live in an apartment without a chimney. Where the heck do hang my stockings? Many apartment residents like you and I do not have chimneys to hang our stockings from with care over the holiday, so I have had to come up with a few different ideas over the years to substitute. If you are looking for an alternative place to hang up your stockings, try some of these: Entertainment Center- Tacking them around your entertainment center is a great idea if you have one. Just be careful not to hang the toes in the way of your view of the television. A Window or your front Door- Santa always came in through the chimney, right? So with no chimney, how's he going to get in? Obviously...he's going to come in through a door or a window, so try hanging your stockings around your front door (on the inside of course) or your window as your substitute for the chimney. Bathroom mirror- This is a little unconventional, but a really cool alternative to the chimney idea. Tack up your stockings around your bathroom mirror. They will be a fun reminder that it's the holiday season every morning when you're getting ready. Bar- If you have a bar or kitchen island in your apartment, you may try using that as a place to hang those stockings with care. Just be careful not to drop any food in the stocking...Santa may not enjoy finding that little surprise.... The number one rule in apartment decorations is to get creative, so be sure to use your creative side when deciding where, oh, where to hang those stockings. If your shopping isn't finished, I'd suggest you getting it done soon. It can be a headache as it gets closer to Christmas! Happy Holidays! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=393 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:54:00 GMT Finding moving boxes can be challenging. This quick tip from Trey can help make the move to your next apartment cheaper, easier, and BOXIER....in a good way! (I don't even know what that means, but I love it!) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=391 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:05:00 GMT Many of us have house guests staying with us at our apartments at some point during the holidays. Some of them may stay only a night and some might be crashing on our couches for weeks. It's often forgotten or overlooked that in many leases at most apartment communities, it states that guests who are staying in your apartment longer than a certain number of days need to be reported to the office and may actually become considered as tenants and not just guests. The common misconception is the thought, "They just want to charge me for having the guest stay there." While this could be the case at some apartment communities, with most the main reason for this information is to know that don't call the authorities or question your guest as some stranger walking around the community who doesn't belong. There are also legal responsibilities that a guest may be responsible for if something were to happen to your apartment during that time period they are staying there. Whether they "accidentally" put a hole in the wall, destroy the carpet, or anything else to the apartment...YOU will be responsible for it. So you may just think about reporting that Aunt Edna and her reckless automatic wheelchair may be staying with you for all of December. They may want to put her on the lease too, so that if that wheel chair crashes through your patio door she can be held legally responsible and not YOU or...they could just want to know. In most cases, management is understanding, won't charge any type of fee, and will simply add their names to the list. Either way...you should let them know...it's the right thing to do. After all, you sort of already are a long term house guest....aren't ya? http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=390 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 GMT It's holiday decorating time and we all know that isn't easy around the apartment. There are a few things that all residents must keep in mind before embarking on your holiday decorating adventure or on any decorating adventure for that matter. Here are a few to get you started: For some reason, people love using candles in the Holidays. You may not realize it, but candles (if allowed by your apartments) can be a safety hazard that you must be aware of. Never leave a candle burning when you are leaving the apartment or going to sleep. Also, be very aware of your candle placement. Candles near the Christmas tree or the Menorah near the curtains = Bad! Many residents also like to deck out there patios and porches with decoration. Be sure to keep these areas clutter free and make sure to check with your apartment management to see what stipulations they have on porch/patio decorations first though. Watch out for ornaments as Kids and small animals love the sparkles of an ornament and are magically drawn to remove them from the tree and play with them like a toy. I suggest using twist ties to hang your ornaments if you have small children, cats, or monkeys in your apartment. The big one: Christmas music is festive and fun, but beware, too much of it will ruin your Christmas. You will find yourself bitter about that little drummer boy by the end of December if you aren't careful. Also, in apartments, remember that you have neighbors. If you are blasting Silent Night, they may be none too pleased and all may not be calm and bright. In the end there are no rules to decorating for the holidays other than to use caution, be respectful of the neighbors, and be tasteful! Happy Holidays! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=389 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:15:00 GMT Is it really already Christmas tree time again??!?!? Time certainly flies as I get older. Sounds so cliche', but so true. None the less, the time has come to put up a tree!!! (Which SHOULD be a lot of fun if it's done right.) For those of us who are allergic, have family who are, or have animals that just love playing with the ornaments, it always seems slightly discouraging to find a really great tree to pop up in the corner of your apartment. Even some apartments won't allow real trees because a tree is such a fire hazard. On top of that you can always add the mess of pine needles and what to do with that bad boy after the holidays into the mix and having a real tree in an apartment, just may be too much trouble. But it's Christmas?!?!? Why not go with one of the old trusty "fake-o-trees"? Not only is there set up, take down, and storage easy as pie, but they won't litter your apartment with needles or strike up allergies. A plastic tree is also much less of a fire hazard than a real tree too! With plastic trees that light-up, spin, sing and more, it is much easier to get creative and express yourself with it too! So branch out this year and don't get leafed behind. Put a plastic tree up in your apartment and be free of the mess, be free of the sneezes, and be free of the hazards! Your sinuses, visitors, neighbors and apartment manager will all thank you! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=388 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:44:00 GMT We've all been there before. You have a slice of piping hot pizza and a tall glass of cold fruit punch on your coffee table. As you eagerly take a bite from the piping hot slice, you burn the roof of your mouth, tongue, and lips. The knee jerk reaction has you launch the hot piece of pizza from your hands towards the plate it had been on, but disaster strikes! The pizza misses the plate, crashes into the glass of punch, sending the bright red liquid cascading to your apartment's beautifully clean carpet. Red splashes all over it with an almost immediate stained. Astonished your cat vomits in the corner as it watches you struggle to clean up the mess. No matter how hard you try...that stain is never coming up....and worse....when you move out, you may lose part of your deposit money to cover new carpet. Your story may be a variation, but it's rather unfortunate however you look at it. So what should you do? The answer may be simpler than you think. When seeking out your next apartment, save yourself the headaches of carpet and look for a new apartment with tile, wood, laminate, or stained concrete floors. You'll be amazed at how much easier one of these is to maintain. The pros far outweigh the cons and fortunately, more and more apartment communities are building units without carpet. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to consider a non-carpeted floor: 1. Easy to dust and mop with no need for a vacuum. 2. You can put on old socks and use those to clean the floor and get a good workout while doing it 3. No stains. 4. It doesn't hold onto pet dander and allergens like carpet does 5. You'll look classy to your friends 6. Much easier to clean up "gifts" left by your pets 7. No chance of rug burns....(please don't ask) 8. Can't see dirt as easily and tracking mud is a much less sticky situation 9. Easier to hear unwanted guests and intruders 10. Less chance of fleas! The list could go on and on. Having non-carpeted floors is just better, easier, cooler, and sweeter!....well....it's not sweet...like literally....unless you found one made of CANDY!!!! Willy Wonka apartments, here we come! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=392 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:29:00 GMT It seems like the perfect time for a 1st time home buyer to buy a home, doesn't it? Low interest rates, quick sales, foreclosures, etc. Sure, on the outside it looks like a great way to get a home at a decent price, but what many people forget to factor in are the TAXES you will be paying every month. In your apartment, there are no taxes...remember that! Taxes on your home can range anywhere from $2000-$9000 depending on the size, value, and location of your home. Then, each year, as the home value increases (as most home buyers hope for) these taxes will go up. Many home buyers think, "Okay...taxes will be $3400 a year, so I am good to go." But...they don't take into account that that "$3400" could turn into "$4200" or more in a matter of years. The tax rate is not set for the life of your loan. So while a home may seem like a really good investment, if you can barely afford the mortgage every month as is...you could get yourself in real danger a few years down the road. Renting an apartment is just a better option. No taxes, no lawn, you aren't locked into a 30 year loan, and you don't have to worry about appreciation/depreciation and all that stuff. All you have to do in an apartment is live your life, have fun, and be understanding of your neighbors. The apartment life is the best life....stay renting! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=387 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 GMT It's about that time again. Time to break out the box full of crusty old Christmas lights. This quick tip helps remind you that you should always practice safe lighting when you are hanging your lights. Check strands for tears in the wiring and if you find some...dispose of the worn ones. Use caution on ladders, step stools, or using a chair to reach a higher level. Use a surge protector to plug your light strands into to avoid overloading a circuit. And most importantly....be understanding and conscious of your neighbors! There are a number of ways to be safe this holiday season, so just make sure and use caution when necessary and be careful! If all else fails....hire someone to take care of it for you! Happy Holiday!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=386 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:23:00 GMT It may be a little cold to head over to the state park or the national forest, pitch the tent, and tell ghost stories by the fire...but if you love camping....there's ways around that. Why not do it in your living room? Move the furniture out of the way, turn down the lights, set up the tent (NO STAKES) in the living room and pretend you are in the great beyond! Have fun! Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=385 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:10:00 GMT We know the common scenario: The junk is piling up and space is running out. We have all been through this routine umpteen times and living in an apartment with all this junk can prove challenging when looking for places to store things. You can only store stuff so much in your closet before the door busts off its hinges. It's time to stop shoving things in boxes in the closet and use some of these creative storage and organizational ideas that will help you keep the junk under control. Wall Shelves- Take small storage pieces like a two shelved shoe organizer and attach them to the wall to create wall shelves that can easily house books, collectibles, and other little conversational items. Mobile Storage Unit- Find a cheap plastic multi-level storage shelf unit and attach some easy to attach casters or wheels to the bottom. Add a few small containers and/or bins to those shelves and suddenly you have a rolling organizational masterpiece ideal for storing shoes, socks and undies, tools, and other small items. Storage Bench- This is my favorite storage idea! Basically, get a hold of an old upper kitchen cabinet or even buy a new one from Home Depot. Add some feet to the bottom and attach seat cushions to the top. Suddenly, you have an awesome sittable piece of furniture with storage space underneath the seat. Stacked Bench Bookshelf- How about this: Stack three colored simple wooden benches on top of one another against a wall. Throw a standing clock on the top and line each bench below with books like a bookshelf. Make sure and add some attached support from the wall and, viola, you have a standing bookshelf. Organized Entryway- When you come into your apartment, think of all the junk you bring in with you. From coats and hats to phones, mail, and keychains, the amount of stuff that you bring in with you and empty from your pockets far out number the junk going out. So, keep it all close to the entry. Line you entryway walls with hooks to hang coats, keys, and hats. Set up a small shoe organizer to keep those muddy foot pieces on the linoleum floor. Install some hanging drawers and a wall shelf to store the mail, tax write off receipts and other small pieces that get lost anywhere else in the apartment. Add a piggy bank or a cool change jar to the mix to chunk all the spare change that dump out of your pockets. Lastly, put a small, tasteful waste basket near the door to rid of the candy wrappers, unneeded receipts, and other bits of trash before it enters your lair. If you are having some organizational issues and your apartment is getting cluttered from random items of junkness entering your abode everyday, try a few of these ideas to get things organized. The organized entryway and the storage bench really upgraded my living and lifestyle. If you can only try a couple. Try those! Hope you had a good weekend. Talk to you tomorrow! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=154 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:01:00 GMT Are you ready for turkey day at your apartment? It's tomorrow!! If you are entertaining at your place for Thanksgiving this year, you seriously better get to cracking. Trust me...you don't want to wait until the last minute to get things done because if you do...your life is going to get extremely difficult...the grocery STINKS at the last minute. There are several steps that you can follow to insure that your Thanksgiving dinner will go off without a hitch and with the least stress as possible. Get Your Guests In A Row- Check out your list of guests. Make a few calls and send out the emails. The first step to keeping your sanity is to find out who is coming and who isn't as soon as possible. Once you find out who is coming, divvy up the food bringing responsibility. It would be helpful to make a list of the traditional things needed and mark down who is bringing what, so that you don't get confused and end up with two dishes of dressing and missing a green bean casserole. Here is a quick sample list that may help you out: -Turkey and Gravy (Typically that is the hosts responsibility) -Mashed Potatoes -Green Bean casserole -Dressing/Stuffing -Cranberry Sauce -Pumpkin/Pecan Pie -Rolls -Salad -Drinks Shopping Spree- Hit the stores like YESTERDAY. The stores will be crowded today, but the earlier you get there, the better. Not only will you run into a frantic, overcrowded, melee of destruction as soon as you hit that market parking lot, but you will more than likely not be able to find most of the stuff you need because the stores shelves will have already been picked dry by those who got their shopping done before you. Get to the store...Hurry! Time is running out. The Turkey Prep- If you haven't had it defrosting for several days, iIt's too late to cook a frozen turkey. In a last minute jam...run get one pre-cooked from your nearest grocer. Throw it in a serving dish and no one will ever know the difference. If you ARE going to cook your own turkey that you have defrosted for a few days, decide how you are going to cook it and have all of the necessary tools ready. There are literally hundreds of ways to cook a turkey and each year new recipes and techniques are created. Generally, at 350 degrees, the roasting time of your turkey of average weight should be between 3 and 4 hours. Don't be intimidated, but it's more challenging than you'd think. Cook it too long and you end up with a dry turkey. Cook it too short and it could be unsafe to eat. The important thing to always keep in mind is that if the internal temperature of the turkey is between170 and 180 degrees, you should be safe and good to go. For any turkey questions you can call Butterball's Turkey Talk Line at 1-800-Butterball Clean, Inspect, Then Clean Again- If there is ever a time to make sure that you apartment is extra spotless and in perfect condition, it's now. No one wants to be sitting down to a hefty celebratory Thanksgiving dinner only to notice dust all over the backs of the chairs, or candy wrappers on the carpet. Clean like you are getting paid to do it. Make sure that your silver and glassware is polished and spotless. The kitchen and bathroom need to look institutionally clean. Make several runs with the vacuum to make sure you don't miss any spots. Dust in places you usually overlook. Keep these simple steps in mind as you prepare for your awesome Turkey Day and you should be good to go. Thankfully, I am not entertaining this year. Woo hoo! No work for me!!! I'm sure I'll end up having to wash the dishes Later Turkey's, http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=384 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:47:00 GMT One of the more commonly overlooked areas of the apartment when decorating is the hallway. Whether it's your entry hall, the hall to the bathroom, or the hall to the garage, this may be a heavily traversed pathway to somewhere else in your apartment. Do you want travelers in this realm to think you are lacking on your decorative skills and to be bored on their 7-10 step journey from one room to another? Absolutley not! If your front door opens into your living area, you may not have to worry about the entry hall, but if not...it's a big issue. You never want the first thing people see when they walk into your apartment to be a blank wall. That's boring and it sets the example that you may not care how your place looks to your guests. Make an impact with them as they arrive by decorating that wall with something that says a little about who you are. Try pictures of you, family, and friends in cool frames in a unique arrangement or a large wall mirror surrounded by cool art and ivy. I even know someone who collected crosses and made their entry hall a wall of crosses because they didn't think any burglar would rob the place when they saw all the crosses. The guilt would be too much. Use the entry hallway or any hallway for that matter to set the tone for the rest of your apartment. You can even accent them with a different paint color than the rest of your place to add depth, but make sure the color is complimentary to the joining rooms. Plug in a lamp or track lighting to give some lighting effects or even set the tone by using the sense of smell with a glade plug in. It's also important to remember that your hallways are passages and should ALWAYS be clutter free. It's not a place to store boxes or your huge computer bag. It's not a place for the trash bag that you don't quite want to walk all the way to your apartment's dumpster. And it's most certainly not a place for your dirty clothes! Apartment living is the best way of life, so why not make the best of it. Don't forget the little things that help make it rock more...like your hallways! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=383 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:58:00 GMT Thinking about moving into a Denver apartment? If so, or...heck...if you are even just considering going for a visit, watch this video for some great info on the "Mile High City." Great Denver apartments can be found in places all over the Denver metropolitan area. Whether you want something fancy, simple, contemporary, old, or whatever...you are bound to find it in the Mile High City and at a cost you will love. The city ranks in the top among places with a high quality of living and the city is pretty darn clean. Skiing in the winter and great camping or white water rafting in the summer...Denver apartments Rock! For more information on where to live in Denver or for help finding Denver apartments for rent that match your wants and needs, visit http://denver.apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=382 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:05:00 GMT 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 The title really does say it all... Cheers! Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=398 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:14:00 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 the parking lot with many, many other residents and there is no time for parking wars. And if you are young and spry, let the old lady in the Hummer park close...you can walk a little. You might even benefit from the exercise. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=323 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:46:00 GMT When your eyes peer over a lease for the first time before signing it, you tense up not wanting to miss any of the fine print. Leases can be similar, but they can also be very, very different. Apartment leases must abide by state or local laws that govern both the resident's and the landlord/management companies rights. These can include regulations on security deposit limits, the eviction process and what happens when a lease is broken. Although lease may vary here and there, there are a few things that should be included in every lease. So when you go into that leasing office to sign the lease for your new apartment, be sure to keep the following things in mind to make sure you take a good look at before you put your signature on that dotted line. Names- I don't care if your best friend, cousin, girlfriend, or mother is living with you. If they are over 18, they need to have their name on the lease. If they live there and mess up the apartment, but the lease is only in your name...it all will fall down on you! And just because you can trust someone, doesn't mean that they job is trusting of them. Your New Home- The exact address and unit number should be indicated on the lease. If not, you need to make sure it is...you don't want to sign for one apartment and turn around and they give you a different one. Rent- Another thing that better be on there is rent. If the rent isn't indicated on the lease...you make them write it in there immediately. There should be no confusion or discrepancies on what you are going to be paying for your new home each month. Dates- Also, your start and end dates of the lease should be indicated as well as what happens after your lease expiration, the cost of going month to month, and what your penalty is for breaking your lease. The dates should also show you when your rent is due each month, when it is considered late and how much the fee is for paying rent late. You should also take note of policies on visitors, parking, subletting, repairs, renters insurance, and on pets. On top of that be sure to check for signatures on all pages and most importantly...read everything! If they try to rush you into signing without reading carefully, (which they shouldn't) you should just tell them politely that you would like to read everything that you are signing. The lease is LONG and COMPLEX, so don't get discouraged. Just think about the light at the end of the tunnel and having your new awesome place and you will pull through! Live For Fun http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=322 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:07:00 GMT Here's the situation: Maybe you have just moved into your new apartment. Maybe you are looking for a new place and are about to make a move. Or maybe you just really need to stock your place with all of the miscellaneous necessities that you will need as you enjoy apartment life to the fullest. So what types of things do you need to stock your medicine cabinet or under your sink? What kinds of supplies do you need to really make apartment living rock? We are here to help. Follow this simple checklist of items and you will soon have completed all of the necessary little items that go into being stocked for anything that pops up. -For The Medicine Cabinet or Medical Items- Aspirin Acetaminophen Antibiotic Ointment Hydrogen Peroxide Rubbing Alcohol Thermometer Heating Pad Ice Bag Band-aids Gauze Wrap Sunblock Lotion Antiseptic Mouthwash -For the Shower/Sinks/Bath- Soap Hand Soap Shampoo Conditioner Body Wash Face Wash A Loofa Razors Shaving Cream/Gel Tooth Brush Tooth Paste Floss Toilet Paper Q-Tips Cotton Balls -For The Kitchen- Hand Soap Dish Soap A Scrub Brush Sponges Drain-O Paper Towels Salt and Pepper Shakers Sugar Flatware Cups and Glasses Plates and Bowls Cooking Utensils -Cleaning Supplies- Shower Spray Carpet Spray Broom Mop Scooper Hard Surface Cleaner like 409 Duster Vacuum Wire Brushes Paper Towels Window Cleaner A Bucket -Tools and Hardware- Flashlight Hammer Screwdriver---Flathead and Phillips Head Light Bulbs Extension Cords and Surge Protector Nails and Screws Tape Measure Level Batteries And those are just the basics. Seems like a lot, but you really will find that at some point...you need ALL of this stuff! So make sure you stock your apartment with all of this stuff! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=321 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:00 GMT To give you a little breather on the apartment checklists, I thought that I would share a fun Apartmentite video today. What is more fun than scooters...especially with the price of gas these days. If I could give out an award for Apartmentite creativeness, the Scoobangers would definitely get a flashy trophy. These Apartmentites felt the gas crunch and instead of shying away to their apartments and trying not to drive as much as possible, they shelled out some cash for scooters! These bad boys of scooterness can get up to the 90 mile per gallon range without even increasing their aerodynamic coolness. That leaves you with a heck of a lot of extra gas money doesn't it? If you have an apartment in close proximity to your work there is no reason not to get a scooter. The trick is making riding a Scooter somewhat cool. Why not take something that until now seemed kind of dorky and make it sexy? And then on top of that save the Earth while you are doing it. Cool Scooters? Seems an oxymoron, but the Scoobangers educate their fellow Apartmentites how to have a little fun with a scooter while living the city life. It's edutainment at it's best and shows us that Apartment living is all about living for fun....even with a scooter. So whether you have a scooter or not, don't be afraid to get out there and live for fun. That's what apartment living is all about! DISCLAIMER: PLEASE DO NOT TRY THE STUNTS YOU SEE IN THIS VIDEO AT HOME. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOU, YOUR FRIENDS, PROPERTY, YOUR SCOOTER, or ANYTHING ELSE. Just ride the scooter and save gas.... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=320 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:45:00 GMT So the kitchen really doesn't need a lot of furniture, but it needs something more along the lines of appliances and tools. Some Apartmentites think all they need is a coffee machine, but that is far from the truth. Your apartment kitchen serves so many more purposes than just being a place to brew your coffee and grab a cereal bar. It's a place to entertain, prepare for your day, relax in the evening, and to become a king or queen of cleaning. To complete the perfect kitchen in your apartment, use this list as your guide to get all the equipment, utensils, and such that you need to have the perfect kitchen: Toaster- The toaster has been around for years and no kitchen is complete without one. It's easy to use and very little snacks can beat a toasted peanut butter and jelly or a toasted ham and cheese. The Poptart and Eggo waffle were even invented to create additional awesome eateries that are easily cooked in the toaster. Coffee Maker- Fine...you should have one. Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, you should pick one of these bad boys up just to take up some space on an empty counter. Plus, you never know when you are going to have a coffee desiring guest. You could even fancy up your apartment kitchen with an espresso machine instead. You'll be the talk of the community and you'll have people popping by like you are a Starbucks. Blender- Back in my workout days this little machine came in handy in a big way as I mixed up a number of protein shakes. Then in my margarita days...well...I don't remember, but I am pretty sure that gadget really helped me out. Seriously though....have a blender...even if you have it stored away for a rainy day you should have one. Microwave- It's so hard to tell these days because some apartments will come with microwaves and some won't. When you are looking for your place, you should be sure to check this little ditty of info out and if it doesn't look like one is coming built in,you should invest in a microwave. They are the cooking wave of the future, I tells ya! Measuring Cups/Spoons- You will need something to measure out the perfect amount of liquids in your cooking so be sure to pick up a measuring cup or two. While you are at it, add a meat thermometer in the case that you ever decide to make a roast! Knife Set and Cutting Board- You'll also want to pick up a decent knife set and cutting board. The knife set should include ones for chopping, slicing, sawing, and poking. Most sets will also come with a sharpener, but if it doesn't you'll want to get one of those too. Bottle Opener, wine tool, and Can Opener- We all know that you will really NEED a bottle opener. Why everyone doesn't make twist offs now, I have no idea, but having a bottle opener on hand for those moments is imperative. An automated can opener goes a long way too. Cloth- You'll need paper towels and a paper towel holder to begin with, but you will also need a few other types of cloth around the kitchen. You'll need dishrags, a hand towel or two, a few oven mits/pot holders, a rug for the floor, and place mats and napkins for the table. Salt and Pepper Shaker- No meal is perfect...at least not when I'm cooking. I am a chronic salt addict, so a salt and pepper shaker is a necessity. You can get some really funny and creative ones out there too. Look around and find the one that gives the flavor that you like...other than just salt and pepper! Dishes- You'll need to get bowls, plates, glasses, flatware (utensils), and some coffee mugs to stock your cabinets with some great dishes. You'll also want to pick up a few serving dishes and cooking utensils like a spatula, wooden spoon, and whisk. Furniture- If your apartment kitchen includes a dining area, you will need to purchase a kitchen table with 4 (yes..4) matching chairs. Don't have just one that doesn't match...either have 4 matching...or...go with none that match. You will also need a trash can to dump all of your junk! Lastly you'll need to stock your pantry and fridge with food. Set some dishsoap and a scrubber in the sink and you should be good to go. My kitchen even has a TV in it for those long hours of cooking! Enjoy your new kitchen! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=319 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:09:00 GMT It's time to hook up the bathroom in your apartment! And I am not talking about making the plumbing work as hopefully that has already been done. Rather, I am talking about getting all the pieces you need to fully furnish and decorate the room where you bathe and brush your teeth....among other things.... But I digress. Here is the list of all the items that you will need to make your apartment bathroom complete: Bath Rug, Toilet Rug- Yes. No bathroom is complete without these two simple items. Be sure that they are matching eachother as well as the other items around the bathroom. Personally, I'd go with soft rugs as they feel better on your bare feet when you step out of the shower. Shower Curtain w/ rings- You'll want to pick a curtain for the shower that matches your bathroom rugs. All three should match to help make a well rounded and matched bathroom. Plunger and Brush- You may laugh at this one, but having a plunger and a bowl brush tucked away behind the toilet is a necessity. You MUST keep your bowl clean. If you do not, the angry toilet monster will grow and come attack you. So...brusha, brusha, brusha! (You know exactly what the plunger is for) Towels Don't forget to have towels that match the rugs and shower curtain too. And keep the towels clean. Don't over stuff the towel rack and please, please, please wash your towels before they start to stink. Soap dish/Soap Dispenser- Be sure to pick up a soap dish or dispenser for the sink. Cleanliness is awesomeness. Other than that, you will need to stock the cabinet under the sink with cleaning supplies and get toilet paper and your bathroom should be good to go! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=318 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:56:00 GMT Yesterday I covered all of the essential items that you will need to complete your new apartment's living room set. No living room is complete however without a complimentary complete bedroom to match. What types of things do you need for the bedroom in your apartment? Bed- Okay, I know this is obvious to absolutely everyone, but your bed is the place where you will spend the majority of your time in your apartment. (Get your mind out of the gutter.) I'm talking about SLEEPING! You'll spend at least a quarter of an entire day resting in your bed, so you will want to make sure and get the perfect one. If there is one item to spend a little money on in your apartment...it's the bed. Word of warning: I thought I would go cheap in my first apartment and just used a futon as a bed. I spend 2 years sleeping on that bad boy and impressing absolutely no one. It was tacky and uncomfortable...Just shell out the extra cash for a real bed. This should include a great mattress, box springs, and the bedframe... Headboard- A head board makes the bedroom classy. You don't want your pillows slipping in between the bed and the wall while you are trying to sleep do you? Plus, it gives the cats a place to walk and haunt you when you are sleeping. Nightstand- I think it's always best to go with two night stands; one for each side. Where else would you put your alarm clock, charge your cell phone, or place your pictures of loved ones to watch over you while you sleep? You should make sure that these pieces of furniture match your bed so that all furniture pieces in the bedroom are complimentary. A Big Mirror- You could really have this in the bathroom or in the bedroom, but I suggest having a full length mirror somewhere so that you can make sure you look good before leaving the apartment. To guys this doesn't matter as much, but if you want to impress the ladies...you should make sure your shoes match your belt. Or if your significant other is getting ready to go out at your apartment, she will want to make sure her outfit matches before she leaves....having a mirror will really help. Alarm Clock- With the onset and overuse of the functionality of cell phones, the market for alarm clocks is dwindelling, but you should always have one. Whether its an advanced docking station for your Ipod or a cheap $5 travel alarm clock, you should always have it displaying the time and blasting you out of bed in the morning. Cell phone alarms are nice, but a real alarm clock is sassy! For Your Bed- Your bed won't come complete with the necessities for a good night's sleep. You will also need to purchase an even number of pillows...either 2, 4, or 6....any more and your bed is covered in pillows. Don't go with an odd number either...I had a friend who had 3 pillows on their bed and it just looked weird. Pillows should come in pairs. You will also need sheets. I'm not particular about sheets, but some people are. Just remember that the higher the thread count, the better quality sheet and the less often you'll have to buy new ones. Lastly you'll need a comforter and a duvet cover. This is what everyone will see first on your bed as it covers it. It is also what will keep you warm in the cold winter. With all of these things...your bed should be complete. Lamps- Whether you set yourself up with a fancy corner lamp or a small lamp on the bedside table, having the non overhead lighting is ideal. Especially if you plan on doing any reading. Add some additional decoration on the art and your bedroom should be good to go! Now you should have a good idea on the bedroom and living room of your apartment. Next time, we will hit on the bathroom....there's more to it than you'd think! Check back! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=317 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:02:00 GMT So you have recently moved into your new apartment and now comes the time to fill it up with all the right pieces. Maybe not. Maybe you have been living there for a long time, but want to make sure you have all the right stuff. Well whatever the case, you may need a little help out on knowing what exactly to get for what room. We will start with the most communal place in the apartment, the living room. There are a number of elements that you will need to put together that go beyond the obvious. Follow this checklist and you should be good to go. Couch- Let's start with the obvious. You'll need a couch. Comfort is as important as style when picking out a bad boy like this. You could make a visit to a furniture store or if you are working on a tight budget, check around and see if you can find a hand-me-down that is in good shape. Coffee Table- Unless you want to litter your apartment with TV stands and store your drinks on the floor, you will need a coffee table. Even though Grandma always said to take your feet off of the coffee table...it makes a great footrest too. Bookshelf- You will need a bookshelf. Whether you are using it to store and display books, DVD's, or picture frames a bookshelf is a simple storage necessity. Desk- If you have a computer or are going to need a work area, I would suggest picking up a desk that can sit in the corner and not take up too much space. Be sure and get a desk lamp with this for added lighting. Lighting is a big deal. Desk Chair- Often overlooked initially, but what any apartment living room with a desk shouldn't be without is the desk chair. If you are in school or work from home, be sure and get a comfortable chair because you will be spending much time in it. Floor Lamps- You'll also want to get a floor lamp to help out with lighting. This will sit in one of the corners of the room, but should be accessible so that you can turn it on or off. TV and TV Stand- I know there are still people out there who do not already have a TV, so you will need to be sure to have one now. It completes the living room and serves as the centerpiece rather you watch it or not! Rug and Throw Pillows- Adding a rug on top of the carpet will really give a homey feel as well as add decoration, color, and flair to the apartment. Adding matching throw pillows to the couch and/or chairs will also help in creating that decorated flavor! So those are the basics beyond the basics for what you will need in your living room. Beyond that comes the accessories like photos, paintings, etc. Get going right now on your living room because tomorrow I am bringing the checklist for the bedroom! Window Treatments- While most apartments will come stocked with blinds, you may want to add additional window coverage by setting yourself up with curtains. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=316 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:52:00 GMT Apartmentites all over the US are always looking for good deals right? Whether it is a coupon to cut down on grocery costs, a free movie rental, or any other area to cut corners. Well what if I was to tell you that soon you may be able to cut corners with cost on your apartment too? And I'm not talking about on energy bills either. I'm talking about rent. How? Easy. The Austin apartment market is becoming overwhelmingly saturated. Occupancy in Austin is also down 1.5 points since last year. There are nearly 1000 less occupied apartments than there were at the beginning of the year. The research firm M/PF YieldStar reports that average rent may actually level out this year and then drop by a few percent in 2009. M/PF also reports that there are nearly 12, 810 units to be built and added to the already overwhelming number of apartments in Austin by the end of '09! This is nearly double what the city actually needs. Higher gas prices are making it more appealing to live in-town leaving a drop in occupancy in the communities on the outskirts of town and in the suburbs. Will this drop rents? Possibly. I think near the end of the year through most of 2009, you will see many communities offering slight discounts and/or concessions to help retain YOU! They will want to keep you from moving and if you don't live there yet, they will want you to so that they can fill up and don't run the risk of a steep drop in occupancy. There will just be so many choices out there in places to live that it will become highly competitive in the Austin market. So if you are an Austin Apartmentite, use our search tool to check a few places out when you are close to the end of your lease. See what there is to offer and then talk things over with your leasing office....Find the best place for you. It's your right to enjoy where you live! And you better be living for fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=315 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:00 GMT Plastic shopping bags are a curse on our green Earth. If you are making an attempt at "Going Green," but using and throwing away plastic bags, you are committing a cardinal sin of the Green Living way. But there is a double edged sword here. Those horrible for the environment plastic shopping bags make incredible tools around the apartment. There are literally dozens of uses for them that can really make apartment living better and a heck of a lot easier. So what can you do? Is it okay to take the plastic bags? I say, "Yes. Go ahead and take them, but make sure to reuse them around the apartment for the various uses they are great for." But if you get caught by the Planet Police, I never knew you. If you need a little help on reusing these around the apartment, here are a few tips: Storing Old Clothes and things- Don't go out and buy boxes and such to store your winter clothes. Instead, bag them up and tuck them away in your closet. Shopping Again- Never be afraid to take them with you when you go grocery shopping. Then just hand them to the checker to rebag your groceries in. Umbrella...ella...ella- Keep one or two in your trunk or glove box to use as an emergency umbrella or to cover other items that you wish not to get wet in the rain. I have even seen people use them as shoe covers to walk through puddles and mud. Grill Brush- Need something to brush off the community grill before throwing on some brats or burgers? Easy! Just ball up a plastic bag and use it as an abrasive scrubber. Pooper Scooper/Trash Bag- One of the most common uses of these are to reuse them as a trash bag or to scoop up after your pet on community grounds. They can also be used when cleaning out Mittens's litter box. But the catch here is that you are still throwing the bag away in the end. Be sure to get as much use out of a bag before you do this. Tote Bag- You can also use these as very simple tote bags. Load them up with dirty clothes to take to the laundry mat or with your overnight stuff when you are crashing at a friends. Whatever you need to tote around...sacrifice the superficial need for a cool looking bag and save the earth! These are only a couple of examples of ways to reuse the bags, if you know any more...Please let me know in a comment. Happy Bag Collecting! Love Living For Fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=314 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:59:00 GMT Getting exercise is the key to being in shape. We all know this is an absolute fact, but the life of an Apartmentite can be a very, very busy with very little time for hitting the gym. Your body enjoys and responds well to being active. Sitting still for too long can actually be bad for you as tension develops. Being active also helps your body deal with stress too! I have stumbled across a number of activities that you can do from the comfort of your very own desk to help keep your bones, muscles, and joints happy. These tasks won't really help you lose weight or get you cardiovascularly fit, but they will help you feel more energetic and give you an overall feeling of healthiness. NOTE: Remember to always breath when you are doing any type of exercise. Holding your breath is bad for you. Here we go: Simple Stretch- Start with a simple stretch by reaching both arms up above your head, leaning back in your chair and stretching your arms. This really helps in loosening up the tension that the upper body suffers from due to sitting all day. Pecs- Giving your upper an additional stretch will really help relieve the upper body tension. Clasp your hands behind your head and try to press your shoulder blades together. Hold for a few seconds and repeat a few times. This will stretch the pectoral area as well as release some of the tension in your upper back. Chair Bend- While sitting in your chair with your feet flat on the floor about a foot apart from eachother...lean forward and attempt to touch your toes. Hold this for a few seconds and then slowly pull back up and repeat. Flexing your abdominal muscles as you do this will help. Tilt Your Headt- Make sure not to forget about your neck. Try tilting your head to the left, right, front, and back a few times holding still and tight for a few seconds in each position. Be sure that you are still breathing. Wrists- You can also stretch your wrists by pulling your hand back using your fingers on each hand and then pulling the fingers down at the wrist the other way. There are virtually a large number of small exercises that you can do to keep your body from being to static. Remember though, you should never substitute these exercises if you goal is to get in shape or lose weight. For those you need to hit the gym. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=313 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:51:00 GMT What do you think my favorite color is? Take a look at the colors we have used to decorate this site. Any clue? It's not green. And it's not red. That's right...BLUE! The greatest thing about blue is that it is a calming color and promotes a feeling of relaxing. Perfect for the busy Apartmentite like you that enjoys their rest time. I have a few awesome tips on decorating your apartment using the color: blue. Blue-Brown- You can find a ton of brown or tan furniture and accessories to fill a room. I have seen an influx in use of light blue and brown offsetting each other. This unlikely combination really gives a fresh warm feel to any apartment. I suggest coating your walls in a very pale blue and off set it with the use of browns in your furniture, accessories, and decor. Stay away from adding yellows or reds into this mix. For additional colors, think cream, off white, or various shades of dark blue to complement your main two colors. This entire ensemble will give a very elegant feel. Infuse It- Want to have a flash of color in your apartment? Easy! Just offset very light colored walls with cobalt or another vibrant shade of blue furniture upholstery. When you walk into your apartment you will feel a comfy blast of color with a contemporary feel. Go Bold On The Walls- Or...you could paint your walls a bold blue, like cobalt blue and have brightly colored furniture with shades of reds, or pinks. If your really want to be out there you could offset the cobalt blue with a bright orange like the colors for the University of Florida. Make Life Imitate Art- Take vibrant blue paintings or other pieces of art and accent the rest of the room using only the colors found in the painting. The piece of art will stand out and so will your room! Glass- Blue Stained glass comes in a variety of shades. Accent your room with these items throughout. Setting them in a window that gets a steady flow of sun can add great visual appeal when the sun shines through the glass and the shades of blue. Spot the Blue- Don't make blue your main color. Instead, use a cream or white as your main color and add speckles of blue throughout. Make the blue give the accenting feel. This also works in reverse, but is much more discrete this way. Water- What's more blue than water? Nothing..that's what. Use a water theme throughout your apartment. If your community will allow you to have a fish tank, even better. Bring a pretty fish tank in with some royal blue fish! Know any more good blue tips? Have some blue stories? I wanna hear about them so leave them in a comment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=312 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:04:00 GMT Working in a home office at your apartment? Trying to find a way to combine a chair and a table into one space saving piece of furniture? Your solution: The Trey Chair! Check it out. Trey Chair. It's not a flashy site, but this piece of furniture is an awesome way to increase seating and using as little space as possible. In no way am I in cahoots with, nor are we affiliated with the company who makes these chairs, I just think it would work perfect for my fellow Apartmentite's and I want to make sure to share that with you. Not only do these chairs roll with ease, but from the testimonials (which seems to be their main marketing strategy) it seems that they are really comfortable too. What sets this chair apart from a typical desk chair? Check this out... The seat part actually detaches with ease and can be used as an individual chair by itself. Then the stand turns into a height adjustable table, an ottoman, or virtually anything else you can think of to make it function as. How sweet is that?!?! At $239.99 it's right in the middle price range for a good desk chair, but from what I can tell...it's well worth it. You get a number of different pieces of furniture built into one. Perfect for an Apartmentite such as you or me. So check it out! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=311 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:29:00 GMT Nothing cools you off on a hot summer day better than a dip in the community pool. When it's not crowded, taking a visit to the community pool can be like relaxing at a private luxury pool in your backyard. Even at it's most comfortable times, it is always important to remember a few things when spending time at your apartment community's pool. First is common courtesy and to be respectful that there may be other residents enjoying the same amenities as you are. Whether it is keeping your noise down so that you aren't screaming in their space or keeping from splashing them in the face, you must always be considerate of your neighbors. Oh! And if you have the pool to yourself and then people all of a sudden show up to share it, don't be territorial like you own the place...because you don't. Just be aware and be considerate and you should be good to go. The second thing that you really should keep in mind on a visit to the community pool is the rules. They are kept printed on a sign and in display for all to see for a reason. EVERYONE SHOULD ABIDE BY THEM. Not just because rules are rules, but also for safety's sake. Last night in my community, police arrested a resident for trespassing on the pool area after the posted closing times. The rules post those times for a number of reasons. One, because mischief is more likely to happen at night and their is no one around to help if someone gets themselves in danger. Two, because a ruckus of noise at the pool late at night could be very disturbing to nearby neighbors. And three, because the apartments can't be liable for your safety in the case that something happens to you after those posted hours. So pay attention to the hours and do the community and yourself a favor by not going to the pool after those posted hours. No diving! If it tells you not to dive, there is a very good reason. The pool isn't deep enough to handle a dive and you could seriously injure yourself, so don't try it! Simple as that. Also, unless you are chosen or paid by the community to touch the pool equipment, you should keep your hands off. Many communities have 24 hour surveillance cameras and if you break it...you will pay for it. The bottom line is to be courteous of others, follow the rules, and just use common sense. Plain and simple. Now get to the pool and enjoy the sun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=310 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:07:00 GMT When apartment hunting many of us concentrate on amenities, features, and price which are all very important things to focus on, but often one extremely important factor is overlooked. Location is a HUGE deal when you are apartment hunting. Don't overlook it. Why is location important? The biggest factor in why location is important is saving yourself on GAS. There is no doubt that gas prices are outrageous now and there is now sign of them getting any better, so having a place that is somewhat close to your work or school is an important factor in saving yourself some ducats. The average 15-20 commuter spends between $50-70 in gas per week going to and from work alone. Multiply this by 52 weeks a year and your are well into the $3000 range. If you live in an apartment within biking or walking distance from school or work, not only do you have the opportunity to be physically fit just from you commute, but you also have the opportunity to save yourself some money. Another thing to factor in when considering location is where the nearest grocery store or shopping center is. If you are having to drive 20 miles to pick up a 6 pack, you are not doing yourself any justice. Not just that, but what about all of the other little things? Getting your prescriptions refilled, visiting your bank, getting Mittens to the vet, or filling up your tank. All of these things and whatever else you need to do to get things done daily, should factor into your decision on location. You should also think about the places that you like to hang out. It won't make a lot of sense to hang out at your favorite spot downtown if you live out in the burbs. Pick a spot that is close to your favorite hangout. Then you have the whereabouts of your significant others or your friends and family. You should always take into account their locations in relation to yours. You'd hate to get an apartment that is close to work yet is 50 miles from your girlfriend who you drive to see several times a week. And if you are that far...she'll never come see you either. So make sure and pick a happy medium. It's very important to weigh all of these location factors in when deciding on the best place for you. If you can find a place that is within a mile from all of these places...YOU ARE SET!!! Good luck and if you have any questions...let us know...We have answers http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=309 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:58:00 GMT Living room feel a little cramped? Mine was feeling really cramped until I made a few small changes to the layout of everything and now it all flows and feels free. Opening things up starts with your couch. It's best to really take a look at the overall shape of your room. If you have your couch in the middle of the room and parallel to a main wall, its going to seem like it takes a ton of space. Try angling your couch so that it faces the more open area of your apartment. It may seem odd at first, but it can really open things up. If you really don't have the layout to have the couch at an angle or even in the center of a room for that matter, be sure to have the couch up against a wall and try angling the entertainment center. If you really want to open things up, dump the entertainment center all together and go with a flat panel television. I have seen one Apartmentite who had his DVD player and Playstation actually hidden under his couch to save space. He then ran all the cables from the TV under a cheap throw rug from Wal-Mart. This took care of both the need for an entertainment center and need to cover up the cables. It was ingenious. The best part was that his end table also doubled as a DVD stand so you never even had to get up to put in a movie. Sweet! I've preached this a number of times in the past, but nothing can make your apartment seemed cramp like a bunch of clutter. Be sure to remove all items that clutter the room. Store things in their proper place and if you are a pillow fiend...make sure to keep them on the couch and not taking up floor space. Also, look into wall mountable items like speakers. You can even mount shelves on the wall rather than using a bookshelf. This should give you a plethora of extra floor space. There are a number of ways to open up the living area in your apartment. Just think outside of the box and be creative. Try a few things out and if they don't work, try something else. Whatever you do...make sure and let it sit for a day or two before you switch it up because sometimes something new takes time to really enjoy. Have fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=308 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:29:00 GMT I couldn't believe this when I saw it... this lady has 130+ cats in her small two bedroom apartment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=368 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:29:00 GMT I wanted to take a moment to wish congratulations to Summer Witting of Bridgehead in Austin for being the latest quarterly winner of our Live 4 Fun: Win 1 Month’s Free Rent Contest! Summer 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 March and June was automatically entered into the drawing to win. Her apartment community, Bridgehead, managed by Vaughn Management, will also win $250 simply because Summer resides there. One out of only 2 “Apartmentites” who wrote they “Live for Relaxing After Work,” Witting was chosen from more than 60,000 total people who visited the site and met the requirements in the last 90 days. An employee at the University of Texas, Witting found ApartmentHomeLiving.com during her online search for an apartment. While she did most of her work online through ApartmentHomeLiving.com, Witting also searched for apartments using word of mouth from her co-workers. She ended up using ApartmentHomeLiving.com the most because it was easy. She is thrilled that her next month’s rent will be taken care of by this winning. Look for more drawings throughout 2008, so get your chance to win 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 September 23rd, 2008. Anyone who tells us what they "Live For" and contacts a community between now and September 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=307 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:37:00 GMT Are you a jogger? I'm not really...in fact it's tough on my knees, but I get bored running on the treadmill or spending time on the elliptical. Luckily, my apartment community has a TV right in front of the machines so it can somewhat keep me captivated during my sweat routine. You should definitely find a way to keep yourself captivated by whatever you need to in order to keep using your apartment fitness center. If you apartment community has a fitness center...USE IT. That's what it is there for. Here are a few reasons why: 1. Convenience- It's close, easy to get to, and convenient. When you are through working out, you don't have to share a locker room or shower. You just walk back to your place and get fixed up in the comfort of your own apartment. 2. CHEAP- In most cases, it's included in your rent. Save yourself the money of going to a neighborhood gym that runs a monthly charge. Use the free one....seems obvious to me. 3. People- It's a great place to meet your neighbors. Don't be shy. Ask for a spot! 4. No Meatheads- Most apartment fitness centers don't have the meatheads that can be so annoying at a big gym. They try so hard to impress as many people as possible that they will skip on the apartment fitness center to go somewhere and be seen. Plus...that means on the way, they can do something really classy like drive without their shirt. 5. No Pollution- It's proven that working out or jogging outside in a city/urban environment is not as good for you as working out inside is. You are subject to a number of pollutants that can actually damage your lungs and cause them to become inflamed. By doing this, you will do less work and your body will feel like you did...resulting in a poorer workout. Plus...outside you have the danger risk of being hit by a car or struck by lighting . So the answer is clear to me. If you have an option of the apartment community's fitness center...beat the outdoor head and the third party gyms and USE IT! And use it well. If you are really hard core, use the money that you saved not getting a gym membership, by picking up a fitness expert to give you some good tips and help get you in shape. Always be safe when you are working out. Know any good tips, let me know in a comment. Peace! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=306 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:55:00 GMT If you find yourself bored in your old apartment like this guy...you should hop on our Find A Place page to help you find a new and exciting home. I really wouldn't try jumping your couch like this guy did...you might hurt yourself. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=325 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:59:00 GMT Does it seem like people are finding your place too easily? It does seem that with the advancements of web based maps using satellites and basically virtual tours of all streets and places, this can seem a little overwhelming. The best way to look at this situation is to look at the glass half full rather than half empty. So your annoying people from your past may be finding your place....no problem....look for a new place using our Find A Place section. Then use one of the neat street mapping and tour utilities like Google Maps and Google Street to really get an over-the-web first hand perspective of your possible new area. Use the tool to your advantage. It's actually pretty useful if you aren't scared of it.... Sort of like sushi.... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=304 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 GMT I have witnessed this a number of times at a number of apartments. Books and other stuff cluttered around the apartment in places where they are taking up too much space or just getting dusty. This is no bueno. Especially in an apartment that more than likely has limited space as it is. We talked about how important being organized is recently, but I wanted to add a few more tips to help you out with storage of books and such. Do it with shelves! Need some shelving space for your sweet apartment? Get affordable free-standing shelving units that you can pack up and move easily from places like Target, Wal-Mart, or Cost-Co. You'll even find some better and really slickly designed ones at DIY furniture stores like Ikea. They’re affordable, really easy to put together, and give you a great spot to store stuff. It's not necessary to go over the top and get a huge unit for your apartment. It would be better to get several smaller units that you can easily move, or if they are cheap enough...donate if you move one day. If you just want a few shelves for books, DVD’s, or other small items, you should look into mountable single shelf units. Then grab some cool looking storage boxes or baskets. Arrange the shelves in a staggered pattern with the boxes on top for that unique contemporary decor. It’s like art…or something like art at least...Don't you want to be something like an artist? You might also look into corner shelving units. They are very efficient space savers. You can use them for a wide variety of storage possibilities and they are not extremely expensive. Get shelving...now...Go! Know any good shelving ideas? Let me know by leaving a comment below! Apartmentites rock!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=303 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:06:00 GMT If cleanliness is the key, then what is the key to cleanliness? That's an age old question.... I have heard a number of my Apartmentite friends complain about the bugs in their apartments and not seem to understand why these creatures hang around their place. Is it their charm? Their good looks? or are they messy apartment keepers and they don't even realize it? Hey, we are talking bugs here and while most of my Apartmentite friends are cool to hang out with, I don't know if the bugs think they are either charming nor good looking. So with those options, I think we have to go for choice "C," they're messy and don't even know it. If you feel like you are doing everything right, but continue seeing bugs and such...maybe it's time to re-evaluate the situation. Maybe it's time to really get things in your apartment clean and keep them that way. First, make sure that your apartment manager is aware that you need a visit from the exterminator. Then follow these tips for keeping things clean. Dishes- Start with the kitchen sink. Dishes left in the sink for ANY period of time attracts bugs. It doesn't matter if you wash them 5 minutes later or 5 days later...you are going to catch the attention of bugs. Plus, if you have a roommate, nothing may aggravate them more than your dirty dishes being left for later. The easiest solution to this is to pick up a soap dispensing scrub tool from you grocery store and AS SOON as you finish eating, cooking, or dirtying a dish...CLEAN IT! Don't leave your cereal bowl in the sink all day even if you think you rinsed it well. Take the extra one minute to scrub and put on the rack to dry. If you are using your dishwasher, rinse the dishes well in the sink before sticking them on the dishwasher's rack! And always...ALWAYS...be sure to run the disposal to rid of any old food in the sink. Handle The Trash- We've mentioned this a number of times before. When your trash is full...take it to the dumpster. Absolutely do not delay. Don't just tie it up and save it to take in the morning...because it does what????? ATTRACTS BUGS....and not to mention is really, really gross. Just throw on some house shoes and take the 3 minutes it takes to take it to the dumpster. Dust- Dust...is your old skin cells. Plain and simple. Do you want that lining your shelves, TV, and tables. I think not. Be sure to dust everything off every few weeks. KEEP YOUR STUFF SHINY! Be proud! Toilet- Don't ignore the toilet...or the trash can next to it. Be sure to empty the bathroom trashcan quite often and clean the toilet even more often. Just give it a quick wipe down with a wet piece of toilet paper every few days, or better yet, buy some handy wipes to keep ready for the wipe downs. It doesn't matter how you do it, just keep the toilet clean. Same goes for the bathroom sink...toothpaste and soap scum both attract the attention of silverfish and roaches....Keep the bathroom clean. Clutter and Clothes- DON'T LET DIRTY CLOTHES PILE ON YOUR CLOSET FLOOR INTO A LITTLE MOUNTAIN. This is a haven for bugs to live and breed. Instead, get a dirty clothes hamper and when it gets full, take a break from your rock-star lifestyle and wash the clothes. Simple as that. You should also keep the rest of your house clutter free in general. This is a good practice to keep away the vermin. Open Bags of Food- This could be candy, chips, bread....whatever it may be...you want to make sure that you seal any type of food bag up when there is food left in it and you want to save it for later. An open bag is an open invitation for a roach fiesta. I normally store my bags of chips and such in the fridge with a bag clip on them. This seems to do a good job in keeping away the nasties. Counters- Don't just wipe down the counters with a cloth and think they are clean. Use some type of cleaning solution and scrub to really get all of the unseen roach bait out of there. Vacuum- Last and most certainly not least...DON'T FORGET THE FLOORS! Vacuum and sweep often. Microscopic crumbs are constantly being brushed off or dropped onto the ground and these items are just begging for bugs to come feast. Those are a good start in keeping your apartment clean. With just a little bit of care everyday, your place can be seemingly bug free and you can relax in a clean place. Get to work! But Have some fun doing it. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=302 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:47:00 GMT Do you love the beach and wish that you really, really had a beach house, but all you have is your awesome city-fied apartment? The solution is easy...Why not make your apartment FEEL like a beach house? Decorating your apartment with a beach house theme is simple and before you know it you will be relaxing on your couch and you'll swear you could hear the seagulls. Lucky for you, I have a number of ideas Here's how: Colors- Head over to the local paint store and pick up some nice, light blue hues for the walls. In many of the beach houses that I have ever seen, the walls are some type of blue or some type of green offset with white or off-white colored furniture. To truly give the beach house feel, the colors must be pretty close to this color scheme. Flowing Curtains- You'll also want to stay away from covering the windows with dark curtains. Rather, you should use light, flowing material that really lets the light in. It would be perfect if this material had some type of beachy themed print on it as well. This could be seashells, waves, seagulls, or anything that gives off the beach feel. Make sure though, that the print is not a distracting color and blends in with the curtain itself. Accessories- Pottery and Vases-The first step to beach like accessories is to use white pottery, vases, and lamps throughout. Maybe select a large china cabinet or bookcase, paint it white and show off your collection of pottery in this. Driftwood- Decorate with some driftwood art. You can find a ton of this stuff at trade shows, flea markets, and thrift shops. You could even make your own out of real driftwood, just make sure it isn't too rotten. Shells- The number one necessity needed in making your apartment into a beach house this summer, is shells. You MUST decorate with shells. Big shells, little shells, whatever kind of shells...they will make or break your beach house style apartment. For a cool center piece, place a mixture of shells and sand in a glass bowl. Simple, cheap, and looks really beachy! Vintage Map or Globe- No beach house is complete without a vintage map of a coastal area framed on a wall. Heck, you could even throw a globe in the corner. Either one would work. Getting Really Fishy- Mounted fish add that dish flavor to a beach house style apartment. You don't even have to catch them...get them at an antique store. Better yet...mix in one of those singing fishes. "Take Me to The River..." Nets , Chests, and Oars- If you really, really want to get beachy...add a treasure chest to the living room to store your extra blankets in. Drape an old fishing net atop a corner of each room. And place old oars or other antique nautical equipment affixed to the walls for decoration. You could even use an old boat chest as a coffee table! So that should get you started on making a vacation home out of your apartment. Seasonally themes may involve a little work, but they are a lot of fun and go a long way in keeping your apartment fresh, hip, and interesting. Have fun and if you have any additional tips, leave a comment and let us know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=301 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:30:00 GMT Your closet is filled to the brim. Every time you open your apartment hall closet, something is falling out on you. Your cabinets won't fit anymore stuff in them, but you just don't want to give anything up... Sound familiar? Well...your possessions will only keep growing and your apartment is going to stay the same size. As hard as it may be to say good-bye to some of those old possessions like that old, worn out coat in the hall closet that doesn't even fit anymore, you MUST! This summer...it's time to get things in order. Don't put it off any longer! If you are renewing your lease and staying for awhile, give yourself some room. If you are planning on moving soon, make your move easier by getting rid of the junk that you no longer need. Having a hard time deciding what to throw out or donate to a good cause? There is an easy answer. If it doesn't fit anymore and you don't think it will ever fit again...chunk it. If it is full of holes, stains, or smells...get rid of it. If it hasn't been out of storage in the past year and you haven't even thought about it, why are you hanging on to it? Give yourself some room. Then...once you clear out the junk...it's time to get your apartment organized. Head over to Target, Walmart, or a relative superstore. Pick out some storage bins that will fit under the bed, under your hanging clothes in the closet, on the closet shelves, on top of your cabinets, or wherever you can make room. Store things in these bins. During the summer, store your winter clothes in bins underneath the bed to free up your closet. I hardly think you'll be using that wool sweater or those flannel bed sheets until November, so store 'em. The important thing to remember is that your apartment doesn't need to be clunky and you don't have to hold on to everything forever. Some things are meant to be freed and for the greatest apartment experience you have and will ever have....get your stuff organized. Not only will it keep you sane, but being organized can help keep things clean and keep bugs away. The more clutter...the happier bugs are. And when you find silverfish or roaches in your apartment, it means either you or a neighbor is just plain dirty. Don't let it be you, you wouldn't want your neighbor thinking you are the dirty one would you? Get clean. Get organized. Get Fanapartmentastist! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=300 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:06:00 GMT Look, I know June is more than halfway done. Payday is 10 days away. Most Apartmentites are running out of cash and you are making sure to have enough for rent and bills at the first of the month. I know how it is because I've been there. But don't ditch the summer fun because you need to conserve on money. Make the summer improvements to your apartment, go to the beach, go have some fun, but don't spend any money on meals. Save that money for your rent and bills, etc. Just make sure that come July 1st, you get that rent in. Nobody wants to be apartmentless in July because after the 4th...nobody is going to be happy with you crashing on their couch. It may take discipline, but a mysterious, wise shaman-wizard-samurai-viking-ninja once told me of a recipe that is the secret to saving money on food. His recipe costs all of about 9 bucks and can last nearly two weeks. Follow this recipe and you are on your way to happiness and saving some cash. Purchase yourself a package of 48 tortillas. You can go cheap if you want. Then you need to get three of four cans of re-fried beans, a block of cheese, a jar of salsa, and if you like sour cream...some sour cream. All in all this should not cost you more than 9 or 10 bucks if you are shopping right. Cooking for one? Here's how to prepare it: 1. - Warm 3 or four tortillas at a low temperature in the oven. Don't let them get crisp, just warm. 2. - Cook about 1/3 a can of beans in the microwave or own the stove. Cover the other half and store in the fridge for later use. Spread the cooked beans over warm tortillas. 3. - Shred cheese from the block-o-cheese and spread over the beans to your liking. Cover and store the rest in the fridge. 4. - Lastly, place your salsa and sour cream on top to your liking and roll these bad boys up into tacos. Eat and enjoy. Honestly though...this is a cheap meal that everyone loves, so you could even invite over the neighbors at your apartment for a few tacos and margaritas to get to know them. Just a thought! Just be sure that you turn off the stove. Have a great weekend. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=299 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:01:00 GMT Seriously. There are not many things that you can do that bother both the apartment managers and your neighbors more than leaving full trash bags by your front door or on your front porch. If you have door front trash pick up and you put it out on the correct morning (NOT THE NIGHT BEFORE) than that should be the only exception. There are a number of reasons that leaving your trash out overnight or at inappropriate times is unacceptable. First of all, at most communities there are terms within the lease that specify if you leave your trash out, you may be fined a certain amount. Because these are in the lease...these fines are required and can be taken care of legally if left unpaid. This means that, left unpaid, these balances could lead to eviction. Is it really that difficult to walk that trash bag to the dumpster? I think not. No more excuses about not wanting to miss your favorite show...with TIVO and DVR you can just pause it and run the trash out to where it belongs. Another huge reason to keep your trash in the dumpster or in doors are animals! 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 a good way to do it. If you want less bugs and less of a chance of mice...TAKE YOUR TRASH OUT! Leaving trash out can also promote health issues as bacteria grows in the old food and such while the outside heat bakes the trash bag. You should also remember not to leave your trash out on your patio or balcony. Vermin and creatures can get there too. Not only that, but it trash on the patio makes people look filthy. So please do you part in keeping the community clean and only leave your trash out at appropriate times and keep in indoors or at the dumpster at all other times. Thanks! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=298 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:29:00 GMT Having a dog can be a lot of fun, but it can also be tiring. They are so full of energy all the time and that energy only increases when they are pinned up in the apartment all day. Get some exercise while making your puppy happy! It is very necessary to take your pup out for a walk at least once a day. With the difference in size of breeds and such, each type of dog requires a different amount of walking. Not only will this help get your dog in good shape, but if you get out walking it will help you get some fitness in too. So step it up a little, but be aware that you can overwork your dog so keep a healthy pace for the pooch. So use these few examples as a guide for your dog walking endeavor: Bulldog- Try to keep your pace at around 3 miles per hour Poodle- 3.5 miles per hour at a brisk pace Golden Retriever and Labs- You can jog at roughly 5 mph. These loving dogs usually have a ton of energy to burn. Corgi- Quick walk at 3.5 mph Jack Russell Terriers- These balls of energy have a lot to burn, so you can take them on a big time jog at more than 5 mph. Always pay attention to your animal to make sure they are doing alright during any walk. You should never drag them because this means either they can't walk anymore or something hurts, so don't make them work when they don't want to. When walking your pet around your community, always remember to be respectful of the other residents, keep them on a leash, and pick up after them. For more tips on pet etiquette, check out our Petiquette video. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=297 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:32:00 GMT Ever be in the middle of an important conversation over your cell phone with someone, but half of the conversation is muddled with nonsense noises or dead air? Or you keep dropping the call and losing the connection? I know you have. We all have. But rather than complaining, you need to face it. Your phone will drop calls. It's part of using a mobile phone. I don't care who you pay your bill and who promises fewer dropped calls, it happens. And many times it will happen within the comfort of your own apartment. There are a number of reasons that it can happen more frequently in your apartment versus other places. It could be that your apartment is located a little far away from the nearest tower. It could also be the fact that you live in a heavily trafficked area where many people with the same carrier are using the phone at the same time as you from the same tower. (An easy way to see if it is this is if your phone works fine during non-peak hours, but consistently drops during peak hours.) It may even be the fact that there are a lot of trees and buildings in your area that cut down your signal quality. Would you really want to trade your scenery for a SLIGHTLY better phone signal? Whatever it is...don't fret about moving or stress about your location. It's going to happen everywhere. It may happen a little more frequently in some places rather than others, but it WILL happen. So instead of getting frustrated, spend that energy on how to get around the issue. Try these ideas for bettering your signal: Windows- We all know about this little secret, but your phone will work better near the window or on your patio. Set a couple of relaxing chairs or sit upons in one of these areas that you can sit in when you want to chat for awhile. Heck you could even lay out your entire apartment with this in mind and line your couch up against the wall with a window...(although I think that may be bad Feng Shui). New Phone- Changing carriers won't make a huge difference and can rack up some pricey contract breeching charges. So don't waste time doing that...instead...look into getting a better phone. Ask the experts at the store, which brand phone works best. Some brands work better with certain carriers. Samsung and Sanyo work much better than Nokia or LG on the Sprint network, but Nokia and LG work magnificently for T-Mobile and Verizon. The people who will know the best are the people in the stores....and they aren't trying to "screw you over." The employees of the stores don't make money on the phones themselves or your plan. The higher ups set all the prices. So be aware of that before you go storming into the store. The people there are there to help you get into the best phone at the right price. Hint of advice...never go for the free phone. Usually it's free for a reason. If you aren't eligible for a discount, try looking on craigslist or ebay for a slightly used phone. I have done this for my past three phones and have been happy every time. Accesorize You can pick up one of the little copper antenna extenders that sticks to the back of your battery. I am not convinced that these make a HUGE difference, but I know that they make a big difference. Land Line or IP phone- Pick up a landline or phone over IP on the computer. They are becoming more and more affordable as more and more people are opting to not have one. It's cheaper to set up a land line that it is to move. I can promise you that! Schedule Your Calls- Pick your commute to have all of your big conversations rather than at home. Grab a bluetooth headset so that you can keep both hands on the wheel. Please save us all a head ache and don't text and drive...and DEFINITELY don't use the phone at all if you have the attention span of a child...keep your attention on the road. If you don't want to talk in the car, take evening walks with your phone...enjoy the whether and the scenery around you, while taking care of your calls. Your body will love you for the fresh air. There are a lot of tricks to the trade, so find what works best for you. Just never keep your phone in the bathroom with you when you shower....the steam will give it water damage. Also, never talk on the phone while you work out...the sweat gets into the keyboard and can also give it water damage. And we all know that water damage means your warranties are voided. So don't look into moving just because your phone doesn't work...try those tips. Trust me, in the end it will save you, time, money, and stress. Until next time... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=296 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:27:00 GMT Wow. All I have to say is "wow!" I 've heard of cheap fitness plans at gyms or affordable home workouts, but I can honestly say that I have never even imagined this different way to get your fitness on in my wildest dreams...and I have some wild dreams (get your head out of the gutter). If you don't have an accessible fitness center at your apartment community there are a number of alternative ways to workout. Getting a workout can always be easy and fun. You could develop a home workout system, join a gym or take up some endurance intensive outdoor activities like swimming or biking...but the idea I found in this video takes the cake. Work out in Wal-Mart! It makes sense! Doesn't it? The place is huge, so you can get all of your cardio with ease just by jogging around the place a few times. You'll need to watch out for customers and be aware that you will get a number of weird looks from EVERYONE. But it's worth it because it's FREE! Then, you can test out the fitness equipment, lift the free weights, grab a protein drink (which will be easily accessible), and then clean yourself up in the well-cleaned bathroom back by the lay-away counter. So simple. So cheap. Just don't get caught. Although this video is quite humorous, in no way am I suggesting that you actually work out at a superstore like Wal-Mart and can I be held responsible for any injury, fine, arrest, or other recourse from working out...where you....really shouldn't work out......But it's funny! Let's just hope that your community has a gym. If not, use our "Find A Place" tab at the top of the screen to find yourself a place with a Fitness Center. No matter what though....keep focused, keep that body healthy, and work off those french fries! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=295 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:54:00 GMT During our waking hours, the one area of the apartment that more than likely we spend the majority of our time in is... the living room. This wonderful room of joy goes by a plethora of different nicknames including, but not limited to the den, entertainment room, family room, lounge, sitting room, or TV room. The names go on and on... No matter what you call the main room of your apartment that houses the couch, TV, coffee table, and lamp, it's imperative that it's layout and design be perfect for maximum results and excellent relaxation and entertainment. Check out these few tips on creating the perfect living room layout: Let It Flow- Through out the time you live there, your living room will have much more traffic than any other room in your apartment. I'm not talking about car traffic, I am talking about feet and the people who are attached to them, running amok in your living area. You will entertain more guests there than any other room as well, so it is necessary to plan accordingly and place your furniture in a way that promotes the flow and doesn't block any walkways. Focal Point- I have seen way too many cluttered living rooms where you have no idea what you are supposed to concentrate on. To avoid this, pick one area or item that you would like to be the focal point of the room. This could be the TV, couch, painting, vase, or anything else your heart desires. Then...decorate around this item, still keeping it as the center focus. Symmetry goes a long way and helps the place look really, really nice. Plant Life- Plants are extremely important to making the perfect living room. You'll want to place some tall plants in the corners of your living room to give it some depth and make it look much bigger. You could also use soft lighting in front or around the plant to create shadows and add a dramatic effect. Be RUGged- A throw rug on the back of the couch is a nice bonus, but what can really add some great flair and life to your living room is having a rug in the center of the room. This rug should be placed over the carpet and under the furniture obviously. You will want to pick a rug that is complimentary of your carpet color, yet stands out. It should also match all of your furniture and everything else in your living room. Let It Breath- That's the key. Let your furniture breath. Placing pieces of furniture too close together could cause a cluttered look and feel, so be sure to give each piece of furniture some room to breath. The space will not only make the room less cluttered, but it will also make the space look much larger too! Out With The Old, In With The New- Don't leave old collectibles or other dated items out for too long. The longer they are out and the older they are...the older your room seems. Keep your little treasures up to date. Hey, it gives you a good reason to go shopping and get some cool new stuff for your apartment. So out with the old and in with the new. One more very, very important tip: NO OLD AND BROKEN FURNITURE. Replace all of your worn out furniture as soon as possible. Nothing is less impressive than trashy old furniture. It can even be slightly used, just make sure it isn't broken or worn. So that's it. Decorating your new living room, try to keep in mind those tips and you should be good to go! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=294 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:48:00 GMT Color matters and I have said a number of times that what color you use makes a huge difference in the feel your apartment gives off. Not only should a room in your apartment look good, but it should also make you FEEL good. When picking colors for your walls, make sure to pick paint colors that appeal to your emotions. Check out these ideas for colors that I like best for certain rooms: For the Bedroom-Lavender: A lighter shade of purple like lavender will bring about comfortable feeling of warmth and relaxation. This color will help you psychologically have a deeper and more restful night's sleep. For one of the best versions of Lavender, try Chateau Rose by Behr. Living Room-GreenShades of green have been proven to promote positivity and a happy relaxed feeling, especially in your living room. If you want to bring about more smiles, then this is the way to do it. Go with a green shade like Stem Green by Benjamin Moore to help you relax and recover in your living room. Dining Room-Orange- Want your dinners and dinner parties to rock? Go with a shade of orange like Melon by Behr on the walls in your dining area. Bringing red and yellow together, orange eases people and encourages social interaction. Studies have shown that people have a tendency to open up more in orange or red rooms versus rooms of other colors. Home Office-Blue- Shades of blue promote productivity. What more do you want out of your home office area? In tests, workers who were exposed to shades of blue in the work place were considerably more self disciplined and productive. Nothing says hard work like a great shade of blue! Bathroom-Whatever- When picking a bathroom color, be selective of a color that is complimentary to the rest of the apartment. Lighter shades of yellow look really nice in the bathroom, but no matter what....just see how it makes you feel......relieved I hope.....(-: So that's it. A few simple ideas for paint color in your apartment. Follow some of these rules and your pad will look lavish in no time. You should see mine! Leave a comment!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=293 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:30:00 GMT Making your bill a little cheaper isn't the only reason to watch your water usage. Many areas around the world have a limited fresh water supply and your contribution can go a very long way. Going "Green" doesn't just happen by recycling, wearing all natural fibers, not using chemicals, and driving a hybrid. You can also be "Green conscious" by saving on the water you use. To continue what we started yesterday, here are a few more ideas on saving some water around your apartment: 1. Drinking Water - Rather than run the tap to get the water cold, keep a jug or bottle of water in the refrigerator to pull out whenever you want a little cool agua. You could save 1 gallon this way. 2. Dishwashing Part 2- Not only should you try to limit the number of times that you run your dishwasher, but you should also limit the water you are using to wash those plates. If you avoid rinsing dishes before you place them in the dishwasher or fill a pot to soak, you could save 8 to 10 gallons! Also, look into an Energy Star appliance to save on energy when running your dishwasher. 3. Defrost- Quit defrosting your ground beef or other frozen goods with water in the sink. Instead, let it defrost overnight in the fridge! You can save 4 gallons this way! 4. Don't Bathe- Intead of bathing, take a shower. You can save 30 gallons, even with a long shower. Try getting a water limiting shower head as well or turn off the shower when you don't need to rinse. 5. Toilet- Stop using the toilet as a trash can. Throw your garbage away in the actual trash and don't flush it. You'll save 3.6 gallons! Give those a shot! You'll do your part for the environment and also save yourself a chunk of cash on your water bill. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=285 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:54:00 GMT Recently my monthly water bill nearly doubled. I didn't think I was using any more water than before, so I knew it wasn't a change in my usage that was causing it. I'm in a building at my apartment community that has 4 different units sharing one water meter, so every month the management splits the total bill for the building up 4 ways and sends us the bill. Honestly, I've heard of similar sudden water bill rising situations from a number of Apartmentites and it seems this issue is quite common. There could be a number of reasons for the sudden change. It could be a leak in the plumbing somewhere in the building, someone's toilet, or refrigerator could be running. If any of these are going on, they should be brought to the managements attention immediately. There could even be a new neighbor who showers four or five times a day or a vacant unit in your building is now filled with a normal water using Apartmentite. Whatever the reason, because you are more than likely sharing the water usage responsibility with other Apartmentites, it's always good to be conscious of your water usage. Since you can't control the other units' water or number of times they bathe, monitoring your water usage and finding ways to cut corners is the best way to do your part in keeping the usage down. There are a few key things that will help you minimize your wasting of water. 1. Report Leaks and Such- Whether the toilet runs because the handle sticks or you have a leaky faucet, let the management know about it immediately. You should always let them know as soon as a leak or something of the sort happens so that they can get maintenance in there to fix it ASAP and stop the water wasting. 2. Shorter showers- We all love a long hot shower, but the amount of water that is wasted during a 20 minute shower is egregious. If you cut your shower time down by 30 to 50% you will see a considerable difference in your bill. 3. Brushing Those Chops- Do you leave the sink running the entire time you brush your teeth? Stop. There is no need to waste all the water while you scrub your chops. If you need to wet your toothbrush first, do it with a slight drip and then shut off the faucet while you brush. Then turn it back on slightly to rinse and wash off the brush. 4. Sound Muffler- If you are using the sink or the running water in the tub to drown out sound, stop it! That is a huuuuuuge waste of water. That's what the fan is for. You could even run the hair dryer if you have to. 5. Dishes and Clothes- Try hand washing your dishes and only running the dishwasher when you absolutely have to and it is absolutely full. If you have a washer and dryer, only wash full loads of clothes when necessary. Do not arbitrarily wash small loads with lots of water. This is also a huge waste. If you follow these five tips to watch wasteful ways, you will lessen the amount you and possibly everyone else in your building owes every month, and might have some more fat cash in those pockets! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=171 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:36:00 GMT Just like you do, your apartment has needs! Sometimes these needs can go unnoticed and if not dealt with properly eventually could turn into problems. Some of these things you can take care of yourself, but a few are things that need to be handled by the management or maintenance team. Often they will come upon these needs without you having to give them notice, but from time to time you might have to let them know first. This is why it is important to pay attention to your apartment's needs. So what are these needs? The basics- There are two basics to cover. You always want to make sure to pay attention to the basics. Change out your air filter every couple of months or when the community suggests. The other basic is to be sure and keep a good battery in your smoke detector and make sure that it is in good working order. Making sure these two things are covered is a good start to paying attention to your apartment. Leaks- Leaks can be minor or major, but either way...they need to be fixed as soon as possible. Don't try to do any home plumbing or ghetto-rigged fixes for your leaks. Your apartment management should handle any leak as soon as they can, but you must report it first. So keep an eye out for the running toilet, dripping faucet, or whatever plumbing problem you may come across and call your manager at first notice. AC- Beyond the basic of changing out your filter, also listen to the unit outside of your window. When these are in good shape, there is a constant low hum of the fan. It shouldn't be too loud or make erratic noises like squeeks. If it sounds different to you...even just a little bit...tell your manager so that they can get it fixed before that fan blows out on ya. Bugs- Roaches and silverfish are either a sign that you are messy and gross or your neighbors are dirty and gross. The first time you see a pest (and I am not talking about your EX) report it to the leasing office so that they know to exterminate as soon as they can. No varmint is a good varmint, so be sure to report this for your sake and your neighbor's sake. Doors and Windows- Be sure to check the seals around your front or back doors and windows to make sure they still shut securely. Not only is this good for keeping out the bugs, its also a huge part of proper insulation and keeping down your energy bill. If you see space where space shouldn't be, what should you do? NO! Not stuff an old sock in the space...You report it to the office as soon as you can! You should also do this if you notice any other doors with bad hinges or windows are broken. Fans-If your fan is wobbling or making noise. Let your manager know before it gets too loose and falls off. The noise may be settling when you are slumbering, but trust me, you do not want it to ever fall off of the ceiling. Really, the big issue is to just nip a small problem in the bud before it becomes a bigger one. And if it starts off as a big one, you better get it handled ASAP. Remember that your apartment management team is always there for you. So don't be shy the next time your toilet won't stop making funny noises! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=283 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:01:00 GMT There are a number of great ways to save on energy around your apartment that range from inexpensive for those on a limited budget to those who can spend whatever they wish. If you are going to be living there for several years, spending any type of money on energy saving things should be looked at as a good investment. Remember though, if you install anything in your apartment that is a permanent fixture like storm windows or a super cool thermostat, you'll have wanted to check with your apartment manager to make sure this was okay first. They may also require that you leave it when you leave. One really easy way to conserve on energy and some money is to switch all of your light bulbs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL). Here's why: Less Energy- They use 75% less energy than standard bulbs. That means that if you could potentially cut your electric bill down to close to 1/4 of what you are currently paying with your standard bulbs. Plus...using less energy is doing your part to be green and help save the world. They Last Longer- Not only do they use 75% less than traditional standard bulbs, but CFLs can last 10 times longer! That means you'll have to change them out a heck of a lot less. Cooler- Not only do they look cooler than the traditional bulb, but they put out about 75 percent less heat as well. So they are literally cooler. Not only does this help keep things from burning, but it will also keep your apartment from being unnecessarily warmer and your AC working overtime. Why make it harder than it needs to? Less CO2- By the time it finally burns out the CFL will have stopped 1/2 a ton of CO2 from entering our atmosphere. How is that for saving the world? Imagine if everyone switched to these bulbs. They're Universal- Cfl's are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and wattages...so you should be able to find the one that is perfect for you... There you have it! Switching all your bulbs to CFLs can make a huge difference, so get on it. You will want to check with your manager and see if they have the option of giving you these bulbs before you purchase them. And always make sure you have the right wattage! Get to saving the world. Get to the store and get those new bulbs! (Please dispose of the old ones properly) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=282 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:02:00 GMT One of the greatest benefits to living in an apartment is that you are among a community of other people who can look out for you when you need help with something and vice versa. This goes way beyond just borrowing a cup of sugar. Living in such close proximity to others, wouldn't you like it if they were another set of eyes keeping you safe? I know I would. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when looking out for your neighbors and by the Golden Rule, they will be doing the same for you. Smell Smoke- If you smell smoke or something burning, don't just sit around and ignore it. Investigate. Go outside and see if your neighbors are fanning the remnants of the smoke from their burnt to a crisp oven baked pizza. If you can't nail it down, but it doesn't seem to be going away, give the apartment management emergency line a call or if you see smoke call the fire department. Only you can prevent apartment fires! Report Strangers- Seeing some suspicious characters around the community, sitting in cars, or wondering about? Report them to management. You may be stopping a burglar before he can commit a crime. It's all about crime watch. If you and all your neighbors are keeping an eye out, you can be better alert to what is going on. Leaks- If you notice water coming into your apartment from another one, don't just sop it up with a towel and pretend like it never happened only to have it happen again. Instead, report it to your manager as soon as possible and knock on your neighbors door at a reasonable hour to let them know that something is leaking. They may not even know that their water cooler had a leak or something like that. Pets- Know your neighbors pets, so that if you see that they have gotten loose, you can help round them up until they get home or help to keep them out of trouble. Neighbors also make really great pet sitters too! Always be sure to keep your ears and eyes open. Wouldn't you want your neighbors to do the same for you? Lets make our apartment communities rock with safety! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=281 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:20:00 GMT Brianne here with some hot decorating tips. Time and time again I have walked into my friends bare apartments and thought, "PLEASE LET ME HELP YOU!?!?! Get something on those walls!" Seriously, you would think that some of these Apartmentites lived in some type of asylum or jail cell. It doesn't have to be that way! I have some solid tips for decorating your walls to share with you today. Some for those who are on a budget and some for those who have some money to spend and some somewhere in between. Whatever it may be...learn from these tips and spread the word to your fellow Apartmentites. Let's end the bare wall epidemic, one wall at a time. Check out my uber sweet wall decorating tips: Get Classic- Stop by flea markets, antique stores, and garage sales to find classic looking things that you could frame and adorn your walls. These could be old pictures, record covers, patterned napkins...virtually anything that has that classic feel. The Collage Look- And for those who are bad at spelling, I am not saying, "The College Look." Rather get a large number of images and put them in 3 or 4 different styles of complimentary frames. Then arrange them all on the wall like a collage. Remember, symmetry isn't as important as creativity when making a collage wall. The important thing to remember is that the frames match eachother. If you want to go without the frames, that's cool. You can still accomplish a similar effect spacing out images all over the wall. Just make sure and not use a whole bunch of thumbtacks. Instead, you should use sticktac that doesn't rip off the paint. Plywood!- This one is a little out there and involves some work, but can end up looking really cool. First cover all of your walls with sheets of plywood. Then you can hang whatever, or paint whatever you want. By attaching anything to the plywood, you are not damaging your apartment walls. The less you do to the actual apartment walls, the less you have to worry about in losing your deposit. So cover up the walls with your own walls and get creative! Art Gallery- Make your walls into an art gallery! Seek out a number of cool paintings that you really like or buy several canvases and paint your own. Then, frame each one and hang them on a single wall that people can awe and admire. You will suddenly have a mini art gallery in your own apartment. I have three! One Big Piece- Decorating your walls doesn't have to be complicated. One really simple way to get some color and texture on that bare wall is to hang up one, large colorful wall hanging. This can be a large canvas that you simply paint yourself with a bold color accented with several white dots and slashes or even just a colorful stitched blanket hung across the wall. A Chinese rug works really well...plus they are way too expensive to be wiping your feet on anyway. So strap it to the wall! I hope these ideas get you started on decorating your walls. Even if you just get one wall decorated in each room it will make a huge difference. The guest will enter your apartment and truly admire your work. Remember to always check with your apartment manager before attaching anything to the wall or painting, to make sure that it is allowed in your lease! Good luck and if you know of any great tips...leave them as a comment! Talk to you soon! -Brianne http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=280 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:45:00 GMT No matter how great your abode may be, paying less for it would be even better. So, it will come as no surprise that in our never ending quest to help you find the right apartment home, we’ve come across innovative, creative and unique ways to cut housing costs. Although, these ideas pose no risk, they are admittedly not for the faint of heart. Tip One: Check the Surroundings One person’s annoyance can be another person’s serenity, especially when saving money is involved. Here’s the inside scoop on how to negotiate location negatives into cash flow positives. ul.square {list-style-type: square} Traffic- Congestion can cause likely residents to choose alternative areas. Maybe you have a home office or your work schedule is off-beat and traffic problems won’t affect you. Construction- Are any major building projects underway or starting soon? This can drive away prospective residents because the process can be unsightly, dirty, start in the early morning or go all night. Noise levels- Being near train tracks, or industrial businesses are often deal breakers for apartment seekers. Lights- Blinking traffic signals, bright street lights, and flashing neon can cast a shadow on the quality of life experience. Many will look for less radiant locations. Property managers know their property disadvantages and may be willing to offer unbelievable deals to those who are willing to live with nuisances. By revaluating your attachment to atmosphere, you could end up with a diamond in the rough. Tip Two: Take Your Lumps Like death and taxes, housing costs are a fact of life. While you may not be able to escape the first two, lump sum cost cutting approaches involve less personal sacrifice and more financial savvy. Property owners are sometimes willing to shave a percentage off yearly rent prices if paid in full in advance. Utilize your savings account to pay your total annual rent in one lump sum. Average savings account interest rates hover around 3% to 5% at best. If you’re getting a bigger price break by paying in one lump sum, you’ll reap the savings over time. Obviously, actual savings will depend on your access to cash and/or credit. If you can stomach writing checks for large amounts of money, lump sum rent payments may be perfect for you. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=152 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:15:00 GMT Selecting a roommate for a new place isn't as easy as it sounds. In many cases, a friend, family member or coworker will be an easy choice. You know them, you trust them (in most cases), and you shouldn't have any problems sharing the financial responsibilities of being roommates. But what if you don't know them? What if you find a roomy through Craigslist.org or one of the other online classifieds that are commonly used to find roommates? Generally, we are far too trusting about these people whom we hardly know. When we are children we are taught not to talk to strangers. Why shouldn't this carry over into adult hood? When you cosign on a lease with a roommate, you are accepting responsibility for their financial and physical actions when it comes to renting your apartment. This isn't smart to do with someone you hardly know. Before you move in with someone you met off the internet, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to try and do to screen them and make sure they are "A- okay." Check it: Credit Report- Ask to see a recent credit report. With this, you will be able to see if they are well in debt which could lead to inability to pay rent. You could also see if they are late on their payments for things, which could be a sign that they may be late on rent...which will reflect on you as well. If everything seems fine on the credit report...that's a great sign. Proof Of Employment- You want to make sure that they are going to be able to pay rent each month, so you may want to ask them to see proof of employment like a paystub. Not only will you be able to see that they are gainfully employed, but you'll also be able to see if they make enough to cover their part of the rent. Generally, you will want to make sure that they make at least 4 to 5 times the price of their part of the rent. References- You could also ask them for the phone numbers of past roommates or people from whom they have rented. You could follow up and make sure that these people had great experiences or poor ones. If they had great experiences and your prospective roomy meets all of the above, then its a green light. If not, proceed with caution. If only dating were that easy? Sheesh. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=279 Fri, 30 May 2008 08:48:00 GMT I have recently found one of the most enjoyable gems of a game that can help you and a friend (or foe) enjoy some outside sunshine on your apartment grounds without being drenched in sweat. Bocce Ball! The traditional Bocce ball game should be played on asphault, clay, or another hard service, but the best way to play is "West Coast" style....which is on wonderful green grass! It's simple: 1. Players- Two teams of 1 to 3 players 2. Equipment- Each team is given four balls. One extra, smaller ball is used as the marker (also known as the jack or pallino.) 3. Rules- One of the teams throws the marker anywhere on the field to begin the game. This is followed by the same team bowling the first of their four scoring balls and trying to get it as close to the marker as possible. Then the next team will have their chance to bowl. The two teams will alternate until all balls have been bowled. All throws or bowls must be underhand motion. 4. Scoring- The team who has the closest ball to the marker is the only team that can score points. The scoring team receives a point for each ball that is closer to the marker than the other teams closest ball. Frames are usually played to 11 and a full game consists of best of 3 or best of 5 frames. There you have it! The coolest thing about this game is that you don't have to spend a whole bunch of money on equipment. If you want to play absolutely the right way, you can buy a real bocce set, but I have found a cheap and easy way to play. Use 8 old tennis balls to make up the Bocce Balls and then 1 old golf ball as the marker. It works brilliantly! So get out on your apartment grounds and start playing some Bocce. Also, check with your manager there and see if you could set up an all day tournament/bbq event. They may even sponsor it! You'd be a Bocce League Commissioner. How sweet is that??!??!?! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=278 Thu, 29 May 2008 08:48:00 GMT Lights can add so much to your apartment. Sure, you could stick with the simple overhead light that comes installed in your place when you move in, but how boring is that?!?! Now we must keep in mind that most apartment communities will not allow you actually install new fixtures, so thinking outside of the box is the key in good lighting. One note on this however, is to ALWAYS check with you management first. They may actually let you purchase a fixture and then have their maintenance team install it for you. Remember that if you do this though, they more than likely will require that you leave whatever item that you install when you decide to move out. Rather than installing new fixtures everywhere, why don't you try a few of these ideas: Colored Bulbs- You can accent a number of different things just by changing the hue of the light striking them. The easiest way to do this is to change to a colored bulb. It will not only accent objects that the colored light reflects off of, but will also very much set the mood. Want a cool, relaxing vibe in a room? Try a light blue or aqua party bulb. Want to add that dark, mysterious, and naughty mood? Try a red bulb. Yellow and orange will give off the feeling of warmth as well. Floor Standing Lamps- If you need more lighting because a room is too dark, nothing compares to floor lamps. They are cheap, easy to move, and some of them look really really cool. You could even try the colored party bulbs in these! My favorite are the multi-bulbed ones that you can shine the beam in several directions at once. Place a plant in front or around and you can create great shadows. Light From Low- Another really fun lighting idea is to flood a wall with light from below. Usually you would need to go with a type of light that floods upwards. This could be a sconce, a flood, or an upside down desk lamp...virtually anything that flows light across your wall. Be careful when doing this that you aren't using a light that gets hot or could start fire. Be very, very careful. Not On The Wall- So you really like that wall sconce or track lighting, but can't install? Don't forget that your furniture is yours to do with what you please. Perhaps you have a tall book case that would be the perfect spot for some track lighting, or could run some neon lights around the bottom of your coffee table. Wherever it may be, remember that you can attach and modify anything about your furniture. Again, though, be careful of anything flammable. Natural Light- Use the sunshine to your best advantage. Whether you have colorful vases in the window sill or hang multicolored stained glass in the window itself, you can use the sun light to add color to your room. There are an endless number of things that you can do to enhance the lighting in your apartment. These ideas are only the start. Just try to think outside of the box and you should come up with the perfect idea for you. Experiment a little as well and you will soon see how easy it is. If you stumble upon something really cool, please let me know in a comment. -Trey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=277 Wed, 28 May 2008 08:41:00 GMT If you are looking for your first apartment and signing a lease for the first time, it can be a challenge to know what exactly you need to be doing during the process, what you should bring with you and how you should act when you are on the hunt. First of all, here is what you'll need to bring: 1) Valid Government Issued Id- Drivers License, Passport, Resident Card, or Military or state ID 2) Proof Of Income and Past Three Bank Statements 3) Personal Info including, but not limited to: SS #, address, rental references, vehicle info, DOB, emergency contact info. 4) Names, Dates, Contacts and Address of all of the places you have lived in the past. There are communities out there (especially luxury ones) that will require that you have proof of rental insurance coverage when signing the lease. They won't actual be able to accept you as a resident without it. Honestly, whether your prospective community requires it or not...YOU NEED RENTERS INSURANCE...and it's cheap! Check out our previous article Be Covered for more information on renters insurance and why it is so important! Also, when you are leasing, it's important to just relax and be yourself. I have had Apartmentite's ask me if I thought they should dress up like a job interview. That's a good question. While you don't want to look like a slob, it's not necessary to dress to impress. Although, it's always good to impress in anything you do, in this situation it is best to impress, but don't stress! If it makes you feel relaxed and good to dress up. Do it. If not...relax how you relax best. And, again, remember to be yourself. Your prospective apartment manager wants to know the true person who is moving into their apartment. There should be no pressure when you are apartment hunting or in the leasing process. You are looking for a place to live. You should always try to keep in mind that the community is needing and wanting you as a tenent. (If you have a good rental history). So don't be intimidated by the process. If you find that you are getting nervous, deal with it like you deal with stage fright. Imagine them in their underwear! You'll be fine and you'll get the place of your dreams. Happy Renting!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=276 Tue, 27 May 2008 13:24:00 GMT As usual, I am back with a few more tips on rocking out your apartment. I was recently talking with Brianne, our resident style and decorating expert, and she reminded me of the importance of decorating one's apartment to their happiness. If your place looks good, you feel good. It's as simple as that. We've posted a few articles on lavishizing your place, but I wanted to post a few more apartment friendly decorating ideas on making your digs a little less bare and a lot more lavish. Check it. Here are the facts: Paint, Paint, Paint- At Apartment Home Living we can't stress this enough. PAINT! (If you can). Be sure to check with your management to be sure that it is okay for you to paint and then make a visit to your nearest painting supply store. No Painting?- If you absolutely cannot paint, there are some alternatives to add some color to your place without the paint. Get a huge canvas, a few pieces of plywood, butcher paper, or other fabric. Paint them and then either attach them to or lean them against your walls. If you paint them strong vibrant colors, you will add a ton of color and won't have to repaint your walls before you move out! You could also decorate using old colorful clothes or fabrics that you drape about the apartment. You would truly be accenting with color Lighting- Another really easy way to add a little color is by using colorful lighting. Creative lighting can bring cool shadows, bring out the vibrancy in the colors of things that are illuminated, as well as add its own color. Try using colorful bulbs and track lighting or on a multi-bulb floor lamp. Lighting is one of the coolest...well...funnest way to get creative in your apartment and there are tons and tons of ways to get creative with lighting. Check back tomorrow for tips on decorating with lighting! IMPORTANT- Remember not to damage your apartment in any way and be careful with any tools that you may use around your apartment. If you put holes in or damage the apartment you may be liable to cover the cost of that damage when you move out. So just use caution when working on your place, but always...always have fun. Until next time.... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=274 Tue, 27 May 2008 12:23:00 GMT Hey all my fit and wanting to be fit Apartmentites! This is Demarcus and I am here to fill you in on a few fitness tips around your apartment. I will be adding my fitness and health "two cents" in every so often, so without further ado...let's rock. The summer heat is crankin' up as we get deeper and deeper into the warm months. Of course we all still want to be able to hit the beach in our swimsuits with pride, so we still need to be hitting the gym. I am a strong advocate on getting a little fresh air and doing cardio outside, in whatever way that may be. However I know that is hard for my folks in states like Texas that are really feeling the heat when they step out of their apartment. So what can you do for cardio around the apartment if it's too hot to run or bike outside? Well the number one rule in doing any cardio anywhere is to be sure and stay hydrated! Drink lots of water and, NO, soda, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages do not count. Water, gatorade, even kool-aid, but none of that other stuff. Then to avoid extreme heat, try these cardio ideas: The Obvious- If your community has a fitness center you can easily do your cardio on one of the machines. Yes, they can be boring, but if you get some really up beat music on your I-Pod and zone out thinking about how good you are going to look for your significant other or want to be significant other, the time will pass in no time. Work Out Tapes- If you live on the first floor of your apartment building, I would recommend getting some workout dvd's like Tae Bo or one of the other awesome programs out there. Then you can rock out in your living room and the only people who will look at you funny when you are flailing around are your cats. If you go this route, you have to stick to the tapes and do them everyday. Additional note: If you live upstairs....please be careful doing any type of workout in your apartment as your stomping around may bother your downstairs neighbors. Jump Rope- Jump Roping is my favorite bit of cardio. If you do it long enough, you will burn an incredible number of calories. The key to avoiding the heat is to find an area inside where it is okay for you to jump rope. Again, if you are on the bottom floor in your apartment and have high ceilings and non-carpet floors, you could do it there. You may also try in the fitness center or in a shady area by the pool. Pool- Speaking of the POOL. Swimming is another incredible form of cardio if done right. Hop in and do a hundred laps of freestyle swimming everyday and you will see a difference. You may switch up to the breast stroke a little to really tone your shoulders and upper body. Add water proof leg weights to build those legs! Remember to always be mindful of your neighbors who may also be enjoying the pool. Hit The Courts- One of my fellow A-Teamers here at Apartment Home Living, Trey, loves hitting the court and playing some round ball. He told me that to avoid the heat, but still get his cardio in, he joins some pick up games during the open hours at the YMCA. This is a great idea and doesn't get repetatively boring like a treadmill. I've played ball with Trey and have to say that if he can hang anyone can hang, so hit the court! You might also try your church or local gym for other indoor courts. OH! And don't forget about the other indoor court sports like raquetball and squash Spin Class- Join a spin class or an aerobics class at the Y or nearby gym. This is an incredible way to get fit, stay fit, and meet new people in the area. Plus, it's fairly inexpensive and some gyms include it with their membership. Heck...check with your community manager, maybe there is someone within the community that offer classes at the community gym. No matter how you do it, just make sure and get fit. It's good for you and it increases happiness, productivity, and overall life quality. Always keep hydrated and when working out around the community...be mindful of your neighbors. Until next time! -D PS- Know any good fitness tips? Leave them as a comment. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=273 Fri, 23 May 2008 08:41:00 GMT Again, I'm back to sharing these videos. Sick of seeing my pasty face yet? If not, you can see all of our videos with great tips on living in apartments, the leasing process, and having fun on the right column of the Apartment Living page. This one, "What to Bring With You When You Lease" was a whole lot of fun to shoot and can tell you some valuable info. If you are signing a lease for the first time, I know that it can be a challenge and this video can help let you know what types of things to bring with you when you are on the apartment hunt or going into sign a lease. Something that I didn't include in the video is rental insurance info. There are communities out there (especially luxury ones) that will require that you have proof of rental insurance coverage when signing the lease. They won't actual be able to accept you as a resident without it. Honestly, whether your prospective community requires it or not...YOU NEED RENTERS INSURANCE...and it's cheap! Check out our previous article Be Covered for more information on renters insurance and why it is so important! Also, when you are leasing, it's important to just relax and be yourself. I have had Apartmentite's ask me if I thought they should dress up like a job interview. That's a good question. While you don't want to look like a slob, it's not necessary to dress to impress. Although, it's always good to impress. I say in this situation it is best to impress, but don't stress! There should be no pressure when you are apartment hunting or in the leasing process. You are looking for a place to live. Always try to keep in mind that the community is needing and wanting you to move in. (If you have a good rental history.) It's sort of like dealing with stage fright...just imagine them in their underwear and you'll be fine. Happy Renting!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=272 Thu, 22 May 2008 09:15:00 GMT It's time to soak up some sun! Living in an apartment community you have the benefit of not having to go very far to do so. How awesome is that? Brianne, the resident style and fun expert, here with a few tips on fun things to do around the community and get a little bit of a tan while doing so. One of the easiest and more obvious ways of enjoying the summer sun is to lounge out by your community pool. It's time to try out that new swimsuit that you got on sale all the way back in November, but have not had the chance to wear. Mix up a batch of your famous margaritas, bring out the I-Pod, your new James Patterson book and whisk away to your special sunny place next to the pool. When at the pool, keep in mind: Sunscreen- I will say it millions of times...TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN! Be sure to cover all of the areas of skin that will be exposed to sun with sunscreen. Towel On The Lounger- Keep a towel underneath you on the lounger. You never know who was there before. Ew! Plus, it keeps you from getting burned by the rubber straps on that bad boy Remember There Are People Around- Unfortunately, this isn't your private grotto, so be aware that other people are sharing the pool area with you. Especially if you are trying to avoid tan lines from your swimsuit straps... Bug Spray- Skeeters love hanging out by the pool. You'll want to make sure that you have sprayed to keep them from bothering you too much. Want to try something other than the pool? Get a Group together in the courtyard or open areas of the community and have fun like you did as a kid! Here's how: Freeze Tag- Play an old fashioned game of freeze tag except make things a little more complicated. Instead of freezing your entire body when you are tagged, you should have that individual body part freeze until someone else unfreezes you. So if you get your arm tagged, you can still run, but you can't use that arm Marco Polo-Hop in the pool for a game of marco polo! You'd be surprised how quickly you'll get everyone involved. Hide and Seek-Play a simple game of hide and seek, but spice things up by adding a water gun into the mix. Whoever is it has to get the others with water to not be it. No matter what you are doing on the community, always remember that you need to be respectful and mindful of your neighbors. Don't trespass on other peoples patios and try not to splash people at the pool. Other than that...get outside and have some fun! If you know any other fun ways to spend some time in the sun, let me know by leaving a comment. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=271 Wed, 21 May 2008 11:41:00 GMT Gas prices just keep on rising. I think we are all aware of that horrendous fact. It is truly a big stinker. Not everyone can afford to just trade their old car in for a hybrid. Although if the government could work some sort of free trade, that would be AWESOME. Not only awesome for us...but doubly awesome for the environment. So what can we, as Apartmentite's do about it to save on gas money to use on cooler things around the apartment? I have a few ideas! Carpool- Make a road trip out of everyday! Whether you are driving to school or work, check with your roomy or significant other and see how close their everyday destinations are to yours. Talk to you co-workers and see if anyone lives nearby. Getting to work 15 minutes early is definitely worth splitting the cost of gas with someone else and riding in the same car. There is no shame in sharing. Didn't your mama teach you that? Mass Transits- If you are in a major city, take the bus! And in cities that have rail systems, you have even more options! With the internet, you can check all the routes and times for each one to determine the right course of action. This is really one of the cheaper ways to go and you might make a few new friends or witness some really funny characters! Bike It- This may not be the best option on a blisteringly hot, sweaty day, but on days where you wont sweat in your work clothes too much, riding your bike is always an awesome option. When I used to live about 2 miles from work, I did it all the time. I avoided traffic, got some exercise, and never had to pay for gas! It was awesome...except on the bad whether days.... Don't Backtrack!- Need to run errands, get groceries, pick up your dry cleaning, stop by and see mom, and return movies to Blockbuster? Don't make separate trips. Get on google maps if you have to, but map it out! Maximize your travels and your gas mileage all at once. Not only will you save money, but you'll also save time. And time is money. Mas Home Time- There is a massively increasing number of folks that are getting degrees online and have jobs that allow them to work from a home office. Maybe you could look into these and save yourself a ton of gas mileage. Check for Cheap Gas- Many of the local news channels and websites will report the cheaper gas stations in the city, so check into those for info on the cheapest gas! You can also go to msn.com to check for cheap gas! Go Credit- I am never an advocate of going credit, but in this situation. There are a number of gas companies out there who offer you a discount on gas if you use their card...so...do it. Lighten Your Load- Got too much junk in the trunk? Take it out and store it somewhere else. The more weight that you are carrying in your car, the more gas you will burn. Also, remove any bike rack or other external piece to your car that you aren't using. These things can cause drag and lower mileage. Maintain Your Vehicle- Get your oil changes, tune ups, fuel filter changes on schedule. Also, make sure that your tires are always full of air and you change your air filter quite often. You can save a ton of money on gas this way. Change Your Driving Habits- Quit thinking you have to accelerate off the line! This burns sooooo much gas. Accelerate and decelerate at a consistent pace. Also, keep your RPM's under the "3" as much as you can. The higher you get...the more gas you burn. Listen to your car, if it sounds like it's working harder...its burning gas like a madman! So there you have a few ways to save a little money on gas. Hope it helps. If you can, improve your apartment with the money you save. AND START RECYCLING if you don't already! -Eric G. Leave me a comment or visit my MySpace! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=270 Tue, 20 May 2008 08:43:00 GMT I have been into a number of apartments that did not have a coffee table. Sure, this gives an Apartmentite a little more room to move around in the living room and can help one avoid the occasional stumped toe, but it is a HUGE decorating faux pa. Everybody needs a coffee table. Whether you are using it to rest your tootsies when you kick back on the couch and watch your favorite movie or simply using it as a surface to place your cold, frosty beverage... a coffee table is a living room necessity. I have heard excuses like "Coffee tables take up too much space," or "they are so boring," which to these I say..."Make it INTERACTIVE!" Yes, an interactive coffee table like the one above can really bring a fun atmosphere to center your living room around. Here are a couple of great ideas that I have collected through the years to make your coffee table a mecca of good times: Nintendo Controller- See above video. I have never seen this before and I have to say that it is the best coffee table idea I have ever seen. Looks complicated, but if you can pull it off...you will have incredible times. Poker Table- Saw down the legs of a large poker table or mount a cheap poker table top from Target on just a regular old coffee table and suddenly you have a functional poker table in the middle of your living room. The felt will be soft for your feet and most of them have cup holders built in! White Board- Mount a small whiteboard on top of an old coffee table. Have a steady supply of whiteboard markers and an eraser on hand and you will have everything you need to play some rocking rounds of tic-tac toe! Pac-Man- This one is expensive, but AWESOME! If you can find one of the old table top Pac-Man arcades...saw the legs off to a much lower height and center it in front of your couch. There are a limitless number of ways to make your coffee table interactive, so if you come up with an awesome way, let me know in a comment. Happy Coffee Table making and always be sure to MIND YOUR NEIGHBORS! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=269 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:22:00 GMT I wanted to take a few minutes to remind you how easily you can be up for the chance to win a free months rent from Apartment Home Living in our "Free Rent Contest!" Who doesn't want a free month of rent??!?!?! All you need to do to be entered into the drawing to win is to have registered a "Live 4" when you first signed up with us and email or call a community for information on an apartment! The more communities that you contact, the more chances you have to win. IT'S EASY!!! Here's your step by step: 1) Sign Up and register a LiveFor 2) Click on the "Find A Place" tab at the top of the screen 3) Search for apartments in an area 4) Look at a property overview page 5) EMAIL THEM How easy as that? And it can be done in a matter of minutes. For a chance to win a months Free Rent, I don't know how anyone can pass that opportunity up. We have already had two winners and there will be three more throughout the rest of the year, so enter now!!! If I were eligible and I won...I would combine the money I saved on a free month of rent and combine it with the stimulus check that I received from the government and load up my apartment with a HUGE flat screen! But that's just me. Maybe you could take that trip to Vegas you have been trying to take. Who knows? JUST ENTER!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=268 Fri, 16 May 2008 09:33:00 GMT At Apartment Home Living, we're busy always trying to find new ways of getting you the goods on apartment living. We've gone a little Hollywood around here and have started production on a huge line of videos that can help you get the most out of your apartment lifestyle. Moving to a new apartment can be a challenge, so my production team and I put together this video to help you move with ease. Enjoy! And if you have videos that are related to apartments in anyway, even of just a tour of your crib, send them my way at apartmenthomeliving@apartmenthomeliving.com and I will share them with Apartmentites here. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=267 Thu, 15 May 2008 09:58:00 GMT Everyone seems to be saying since the housing market is down, it's a good time to buy. They couldn't be more wrong. Maybe, just maybe, it's an okay time to buy a home if you have perfect credit, a huge lump of cash (I'm talking 10k+) to put down, and are willing to jump through all kinds of hurdles to get a loan...but that's just ridiculous. Renting is just plain better. It's better because it makes you richer. Here's how: Don't invest in a house...invest in stocks and stay renting. Businesses are much better investments than homes or cars. The average return of investment on a business (stocks) is 7 %, while shockingly the average return of investment on a house is ZERO! And don't even get me started on cars...they depreciate more than you could imagine. It's a common misconception that you are throwing money down the drain if you are renting. Renting can be an extreme advantage to you if you play your cards right. Imagine you have a mortgage payment on a house of $1200/ month. Tack on another $300 for taxes. Now compare that $1500/month to an average cost of renting an apartment which is around $850. You have a difference of $650 dollars. Now...you can pay $1500/month on something that has on average...no annual return in value. Sure, you may be able to sell the home one day and break even, but what's the point. On the other hand...rent an apartment for $850 and invest the remaining $650 in stocks in a business and you will see annual returns and on average will make money on the deal. Seems obvious to me. Renting and investing in stocks is just a better financial decision than owning a home. Plus, when you take out a loan to buy a house...you become locked in to that loan for the entire term. Whether it is 15, 20, or 30 years, you OWE someone money and must pay that every month. When you rent you don't OWE anything. You pay your rent monthly and are free to do whatever you choose after the term of your lease. In summation, if I can pass down any advice to my fellow Apartmentites it would be this: Don't listen to all the fidder fodder about buying a home. Stay renting. It's cheaper, easier, more free, and a whole lot of fun. Then invest in stocks and make yourself a little spending money. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=265 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:52:00 GMT To move or not to move. That is the question. To me, it isn’t too difficult a question. The answer is easy. DON’T MOVE. RENEW! There are a vast number of reasons that it just plain works out better for you to renew your lease with your current apartment rather than move to another one. Even if your rent is going up, renewing is the best option. Not only can it save you time, money, and energy, but it goes way beyond just that. First of all, renewing will save you a hit to the bank account. The last time I moved, I had no idea how expensive moving could be. And after going through that, I can tell you that I will be staying in my current apartment for a long…long time. Let’s take a look at some of the expenses that go into moving: More than likely you are going to rent a moving truck like a Uhaul. On average, renting a truck to use like a Ryder or U-Haul for one full day just moving across town can cost around $100 before taxes and fees. All in all you will probably drop about $110 for the truck rental. Then comes the gas. Trucks burn through gas like no other vehicle and the more you move--the harder the truck works--the more gas you’ll burn. On a cross town move, you could safely mark down another $110 for gas. Remember, gas isn’t getting any cheaper. Now, if you’re going across country, you may go with a larger company that loads it for you as well. I know when I moved my one bedroom apartment from Dallas to Chicago, that set me back around $3,100 and also took me 7 days to get my stuff. Luckily at that time, gas was included. Of course, then it was only around $1.50 a gallon. So I imagine it will cost you quite a bit more. If you need moving boxes, you might have to buy them. A good box is roughly $3 and if you get 20 of them, you can tack another $60 on to your total. Then if you have friends helping you move, you’ll more than likely have to bribe them some how. Dinner? Beer? A big hug? Don’t forget to factor the cost of these things into your moving expenses as well. So far you are looking at roughly $350 in expenses and it doesn’t stop there. This amount will at least double when you factor in your food stop en-route during your move and all of the “little” items that you’ll need at your new place, but threw away because you didn’t want to pack them. Whether it’s toilet paper, food for the fridge, a broom, dish rags, an ashtray, or windex…these things must be factored into your total too. Now you’d be looking at roughly $700 and we haven’t begun to talk about new deposits, fees, and such. Renewing is starting to sound like a much better option isn’t it? Let’s imagine that you got away lucky and are only going to have to pay $100 for your new deposit (which is extremely lucky by the way.) Then you can’t forget about Fido or Mittens. You’ll have to shell out a few more benjamins on a pet deposit at your new place as well. You’re $700, just jumped to $1200. Then it’s time to pay your first months rent on top of that. Tack on the national average rent of $870 for a grand total of $2070! You could get two new flat screens for your old apartment for that much dough! Money isn’t the only reason renewing is way better than moving. No way-no how. Renewing and staying in your old place will also save you on time. You’d spend weeks seeking out a new place, taking tours, and going through the leasing process. Then you’d spend more time packing, planning, actually moving, unpacking, and decorating. Would you rather spend weeks doing all that or just 15 minutes renewing your lease? Remember time is money. Save on time, you’ll save on money. Renewing will also save you the headaches of transferring, canceling, or starting up your cable, internet, phone, electricity, or gas. If you move you’ll have to take care of all these things plus you’ll have to forward all your mail, change your address at the post office, your bank, and with anyone and everyone who sends you mail. All of that can be a real hassle. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like hassles. I like things easy and having fun. Then, what about your neighbors and your neighborhood. By renewing, you don’t have to meet a group of new neighbors and run the chance of living near someone you don’t like. You also won’t have to worry about moving to a new place where you find community issues that you’re now aware of like noise, barking dogs, nearby road construction, etcetera. So you’re current apartment may have a few faults here in there…who doesn’t? Often known evils are much better than the surprising and unknown ones. If you renew, you’ll also avoid having to get used to a new area of town where you have trouble even locating the car wash, bank, or nearest gas station. If you are thinking about moving because you want something new, just renew, rearrange, and relax instead. It’s much easier. Or if you are looking for a bigger place or feel it’s time to downsize? Check with your manager and move to a place within your own community…they can work with your schedule so you move when you need. Most places will transfer your deposit and you won’t have to waste money renting a truck. Before you even begin to think about moving, think about saving yourself a couple of grand, saving yourself some time, and saving yourself some headaches. Just renew. Simple as that. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=266 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:27:00 GMT Lately I can't tell you how often I have heard the term, "It's a buyers market" when people are talking about the real estate conditions of our country right now. There are many people out there who are hearing this and thinking that it might be the right time to stop renting and look into owning a home. People are saying its the time to buy and a young renter can be tempted by sliding prices, but no one is telling you about the risk. There is the risk of credit dangers and/or owning a home that you owe more on than its actually worth. One of the biggest keys in the fact that this might actually not be the best time to buy is due to the "credit crunch." Because of this, lenders have tightened the reigns on the requirements for a home loan. Where before, putting only 5% down might have been sufficient, now new home buyers are likely to need to put 10% down and still have the banks and loan entities eyeballing every single part of their credit history for mistakes or faults. So these days it may be hard to get a loan and with closing costs and a huge down payment, you may not have the cash to offer up front. If you can afford to though, should you go ahead and buy? The answer is again, probably not. Sure, the prices of homes have fallen an average of 3.3% over the past year, but all signs point to these prices continuing to decline. Would you buy stock in something that would be worth less next year than what you bought it for? I think not. The most important thing to remember here is that you don't want to be "upside down" in your first home. So to me the answer is simple: CONTINUE RENTING AT YOUR AWESOME APARTMENT COMMUNITY! I'll give you 5 more reasons why renting just makes more sense: 1) Rent is cheaper on your bank account every month 2) Your electric bill is much smaller than it will be in a home 3) You have maintenance included in rent 4) You have access to a number of facilities including fitness center, pools, etc 5) It's much more fun and when you are ready to move, you aren't locked in to a 30 year mortgage! I may be renting for life and I love it! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=258 Tue, 13 May 2008 13:25:00 GMT Don't try this in your apartment...PLEASE! My upstairs neighbors are an awesome band. They rock out shows, have a ton of fans, and have a lot of fun. But there's one BIG problem: They live in a three bedroom apartment! This is a full four member rock band living and rehearsingin a three bedroom apartment on the top floor above me. I myself have never turned them in, but I cannot imagine the number of noise complaints that they have gotten from other neighbors. Last night was pretty much the last straw with me, however. It was after midnight and I was trying to get some much needed sleep, but they seemed to just keep jamming and jamming and jamming the night away. My long, restful night of sleep turned into a tossing and turning night of frustration. The correct thing for me to do in this situation is let the leasing office know about the disturbance and they should be able to handle the situation accordingly. I also want to give my fellow apartmentites a few ideas on great ways on being considerate of your neighbors by keeping down the noise in your apartment. Check it: Rehearsal Space For Your Band- Rehearsing in your apartment should not be an option whatsover. No matter what instrument you are jamming with...you are disturbing your neighbors. Instead, look into renting a rehearsal space. Most major cities have rent-able spaces that are made for rehearsing. You might also try renting a storage unit and using that as your rehearsal space. The easiest though, is to hope that one of your band members or groupies is a home owner and has a garage that you can convert into your rehearsal studio. Whatever you do...stop jamming in your apartment. Nix the Surround Sound- Love playing video games or watching movies with you surround sound speakers on full blast? Well stop! You have neighbors. Instead, look into a set of bluetooth stereo headphones. They plug a transmitter into your stereo and transmit a signal to the headphones for you to turn up as loud as you want without bothering anyone else. I know that surround system is awesome, but not appropriate for an apartment. Bass Is A No No Listening to music and such from your computer or stereo can be okay if you keep it at an appropriate level and ALWAYS turn down the bass to a reasonable level. Bass is the neighbor headache maker. If you are blasting the bass, you will be much more likely to get a noise complaint. It's pretty simple really. Think outside of the box and be considerate of your neighbors when dealing with sounds in your apartment. No noise complaints means no fines...and no trouble and neighbors who like you much much better. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=257 Tue, 13 May 2008 09:21:00 GMT Most of us have seen the hit sitcom , "The Office." Personally, I think the show is absolutely hilarious, so I welcome any humor that relates close to it. It has also become known that I love Apartments, so if someone could truly find a way to combine apartments with "The Office," it would be a win-win, most sensational combination. While this teaser is quite funny, a more viable and realistic combination of an apartment and an office, is the apartment home office. There are a number of Apartmentites out there who are required to work from home whether it be for work or for school. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for getting the best results out of your apartment home office: Normal Day- Whether you are working out of the apartment or getting ready to take a big test for your online class, treat these events just like you would if you were leaving the apartment and going to the classroom or the office. Get up early enough to have a good breakfast, take a good shower, and get dressed normally. You will be much more productive if you aren't lounging around in your Jammies at the computer. The more you can do to separate yourself from a "day off at home," the better your work environment will be. Separate Room- This may be difficult to do in a small one bedroom apartment, but do what you can to separate your home office from the rest of your apartment. Your bedroom and living room are places of rest, so maybe setup the dining area as an office with a full size bookcase closing things off in a makeshift wall. Whatever it is, it is important to have a different space for where you work versus where you play. Use Distractions As Rewards- If you find yourself getting distracted by your favorite Tivo'd show or a quick round of Play Station golf, turn it into a reward. Make a list of all of the things that you need to get done at the beginning of your day. Then set a point in which you can take a short 15 minute break to rest your mind if you complete those goals. Rather than using those things as a distraction, use them to reward yourself. You will soon find yourself working harder and getting tons done. Making lists is IMPORTANT Lists- Let me reiterate that last statment, "Making lists is IMPORTANT!!!" At the beginning of each work day, you should set yourself up with a To-Do list and check things off as you complete them. It feels good to be able to see your progress and can keep you on task. There a ton of things that you can do to get the most out of working from the apartment, but if you keep these few things in mind, you should be able to get a ton of production out of diggin in your digs. Know of any good tips for developing your home office? Let me know by leaving a comment http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=256 Mon, 12 May 2008 08:45:00 GMT I've seen my fair share of empty coffee tables or ones containing the weirdest things. Maybe some apartmentites out there need a little guidance or ideas for ways to decorate their living room centerpieces and make them shine. Check out the Top Five Things To Place On Your Apartments Coffee Table 1) Coffee Table Book- There are a ton of really awesome coffee table books out there that range from cool artwork and photos to fun trivia and quick tips. Nothing gives guests something to check out and a conversation starter like a really cool coffee table book. Make sure and pick one out that really reflects you though, otherwise it might seem out of place. If you disslike animals, it would be really weird for you to have a book on cute puppies.....am I right or am I right? 2) Vases, Candles, and Other Art Pieces- Art pieces can also be eye catching on a coffee table. Whether these are yankee candles, some type of vase, or a ceramic, they will be great conversation starters and accent any room. If they are truly unique it will set itself apart from everything else in the apartment and become a working piece of art in your living room. 3 ) Baskets and Potpourri- You may place a small basket for the TV guide and your remote controls or a bowl full of potpourri in the center of the coffee table. If you use the remote basket correctly, maybe you'll stop misplacing it. 4) Magazines- Have a subscription to Maxim, Sports Illustrated, Home and Garden, or any other magazine? Throw each up to date issue on the coffee table for perusal of the latest and the greatest news in that particular periodicals range of focus. Remember though, whatever magazine you place out for people to see is a reflection of YOU so be careful what you put out there. 5) Pillows or Small Cloths- Why on earth would you put these things on the coffee table? To have a place to put your feet of course. Mama probably taught you to keep your feet off of the coffee table, but it makes a dang good foot rest. So instead of taking your feet off, put something under them. It will be a soft place for your heels and keep the table clean at the same time. Know any other great things to adorn your coffee table with? Leave a comment and let me know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=260 Thu, 08 May 2008 13:27:00 GMT I know that as Apartmentites, we are always looking for opportunities to save a little cash. We also know that we should never, ever skimp on taxes...except on days that the government says we can. Check here: 2008 Sales Tax Free Holidays Info to find out about the different Tax Free weekends in many different states. Texas Apartmentites...check this out: If you are planning on purchasing a new energy efficient product or appliance, you might consider making sure that you do it on Memorial Day weekend. Texas shoppers will get a break on state and local taxes that weekend with the purchasing of many different Energy Star products from just after midnight on Friday night through just before midnight on Monday. The following Energy Star products that an Apartmentite may need are qualified: - Clothes Washers - Ceiling Fans* - Dehumidifier - Light Bulbs - Programmable Thermostats* * - Be sure to check with you apartment management company to get an "okay" before you purchase any item that requires installation like the ceiling fans or thermostats. Some communities will allow this, but will more than likely require their own maintenance team to do the installation. They also may require that you leave these items in the apartment when you move out. Again, to qualify these items must be Energy Star. Air Conditioners and dishwashers will also be qualified, but I doubt that any of you fellow Apartmentites need either of those items. If you do need any of these, then that is something that you may want to discuss with the management company ASAP. Good luck with any shopping and look for those tax free weekends in your state. They rock! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=254 Thu, 08 May 2008 08:55:00 GMT One of my close friends and our fellow Apartmentites had a very bad experience with an apartment fire recently. They lived on the third floor in a three floor apartment building. Someone on the first floor had left a candle burning when they left for work. Somehow the candle got knocked over and set the carpet ablaze. From that point forward the fire spread throughout the entire building, turning everything in its path to ash. Luckily, no one was injured, but the loss of everything that these people in this building owned was complete. All of their clothes, electronics, keepsakes, everything. I had told this friend a number of times that he should look into renters insurance because it was very cheap and would cover all of his personal property in the case of something like this. But he never listened. He had just bought a brand new flat panel television and had thousands of dollars worth of nice clothes, suits, and shoes for work. He's in sales, he has to look pristine. He had a Joe Montana rookie card from 1983 that he had been preserving to help pay for his future child's college tuition. All of this gone. And because he didn't have renters insurance, there is no way for him to have any of the costs covered. If he had renter's insurance, almost all of the things that had a monetary value would have been reimbursed to him. But now he is out tens of thousands of dollars and in a really, really tough spot. PLEASE...I beg of you to listen to this story and take a lesson from it. The lesson should be to look very hard into renters insurance. You never know what could happen and for very little money monthly, you can be covered. Go to Netquote.com to compare rates between companies. It's easy and free to at least get the quotes, so you can see how cheap it is. Do it today..Be COVERED!!! I do not want to here about more Apartmentites who lose everything. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=253 Wed, 07 May 2008 09:43:00 GMT The perfect entertainment system is the key to movie, tv, sports watching or video gaming experience. I am honestly suprised at the number of people out there who think that a movie is just a movie no matter how you are viewing it. How wrong that is. And how simple it is to set up a great entertainment system in your apartment. There are a number of key elements that you will need to keep in mind when setting up the perfect entertainment system. Check this before you start to put together the pieces: 1) TV- Naturally this is the most important element of an amazing entertainment system and with the advancements in technology, really great flat panel televisions are becoming must easier on the bank account. When comparing TV's it's important to remember one thing: It's not necessarily the size that matters, it's the quality. Remember that you are setting up an entertainment center in your apartment, so a huge TV may not be the way to go because it might end up being like sitting in the front row of the movies. Ouch. Whichever TV you decide upon make sure that it is HD, has audio outputs, and multiple component inputs(this is important for hooking everything up with ease.) 2) Sound System- Arguably the second most important element of a complete entertainment system is a surround sound system. It isn't entirely necessary to blow your budget here, so do some shopping around, test out some systems, and get the word on the street. Then make your purchase accordingly. You'll want to make sure that the main receiver has a few separate inputs too. If you want to go ALL OUT in your sound system, look into wireless speakers that operate off of bluetooth technology. These are really sweet! You can even get headphones for these systems so that you can watch TV at whatever level you wish, while your roommates are sleeping because only you will be hearing it. Just be careful of your ear drums/ 3) Game System or DVD player- You'll also need a great gaming system to have a well rounded system. If you aren't an avid game player, that's okay...one or several of the many guests that you'll be having over will be. Even so, the Play Station 3 and the Xbox 360 both serve as DVD players and full multimedia systems. You can store all of your music, video files, and pictures from your computer and showcase them all for everyones pleasure on your entertainment system. The PS3 even plays Blu-ray as well! It's awesome. But...if you really want to skimp on the game system, you will still need something to play DVD's from...so be sure to pick up a DVD player. I would suggest avoiding HD-DVD systems and go Blu-Ray...and if you go Blu-Ray...you might as well spend the extra $100 for a PS3! Ha! It's a vicious cycle. 4) Entertainment Center- So what are you storing all of this stuff in? I'll tell you. A really awesome entertainment center or TV stand that looks sleek and can store everything while concealing all your wires. Housing your equipment is just as important as having it. 5) Something To Rest Your Butt On- Whether it's a chair or a couch, you will need an awesome sit upon that is very comfortable while you enjoy your sweet system. This element often goes overlooked and you may be watching I Am Legend in Blu-Ray with surround sound on a high quality TV, but having to constantly shift because your butt is falling asleep. If you wanted that, you'd have gone to the movie theatre. Am I right or am I right? So be sure to get yourself comfy furniture to round everything out. There are a number of other miscellaneous odds and ends that can help you out in completing and customizing your perfect entertainment system, but those 5 are the important ones. Not that I am advocating anyone ever getting into debt by any means, but there are a ton of "big box" shops out there that will offer no interest financing on all of these items for certain periods of time. If you do this...make sure you have it paid off by the end of the promotion period, otherwise they will hit you with all of the back interest at a ridiculous interest rate. But if you can pay it off. Go for it! Once you get it all set up...INVITE US OVER FOR A MOVIE MARATHON!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=259 Tue, 06 May 2008 13:26:00 GMT Tired of your old, traditional layout and looking for a way to mix things up in your apartment? Don't get bored with your place and think that you need to move. Instead, renew and switch things up in your place to make it new to you. Trust me, this is much easier.... Here are a couple of quick ideas: 1) Swap Your Room- If you are living in a one bedroom apartment by yourself, switch your living room with your bedroom. Yes, it may seem a little out of the ordinary, but can end up really cool. This way your living room becomes the room with the door on it and a completely different room. Beware though...typically you get a little more sunlight in the room that is actually meant to be the living room, so if your windows are facing the east and you are not a morning person you may want to think about that. Other than that, you should be good to go. Plus you'll never miss a guest because the front door is in your bedroom, so you don't have to worry about sleeping through their knock. I guess that could be a good or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. Even if you live in a two or three bedroom place with roommates, you can still switch things up. If your roomy and you can't decide who gets to turn the living room into their bedroom, why don't you just switch bedrooms with eachother. See life from the other side of the apartment. Maybe you'll find out why they are so grumpy. 2) Paint- Anytime you want a new feel. The easiest thing to do other than move furniture around is to paint. Get fun with your colors and pick a few complimentary or matching colors that are bright, vibrant, and really speak out to you. Paint different walls, different colors. Have a few friends over, a bottle of wine or two, and get to painting. Its a fun painting party! Always check with your management first through to make sure that you can paint the walls. 3) Game Room Boo on the traditional living room. Get rid of the boring side tables, couch in the center, coffee table look and turn your living room into a room for fun. Line the couch against the wall keeping your entertainment center with TV, stereo and game system on the other end. Then, look on craigslist or garage sales for an old foosball table, pool table, or arcade game. Set up a small bar and a few sitables around the room. Get "FUN" with your decorations and viola! Your living room has become a fun guest room. As Apartmentites, we are always looking for fun ways to spice up our apartments. The next time you feel your place is getting stale, try one of these tips and you are sure to freshen things up! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=252 Tue, 06 May 2008 08:38:00 GMT Many bedrooms tend to get neglected. Get your minds out of the gutter, I'm talking about through decoration. My first apartment bedroom was so boring that it would put you to sleep...no pun intended.... Many people honestly think that all you need is a bed, a bed stand, an alarm clock, and a dresser for your bedroom to be good to go. That's awesome if you want your bedroom being as boring a hospital room. We spend countless hours decorating our living areas, so why forget about the bedroom? And I will not accept the excuse that you don't spend money or time with the bedroom because no one sees it but you. You know that's not true or at least you know that you hope that's not true. There are a number of ideas out there for decorating your bedroom in many different ways. A contemporary bedroom looks clean, smooth, and is easy to obtain. Check out these ideas for contemporizing your apartment bedroom: Black and White- This is common, but it looks really awesome. Do everything in black and white. It says sophistication, while creating a fun energy. A white bedspread with black pillows or black and white throws is the way to go. Plus, its hard to see drool on a black pillow. You might also decorate the wall with black and white photos of your friends in black frames. This is my favorite and a very sleek look. Combine Some Styles- You might try decorating your room in a combination of contemporary and traditional. Add a flare of traditional with a floral printed pair of throw pillows or throw blanket on a bed with otherwise solid color. This leaves some flexibility with your wall decoration and table pieces. You could go contemporary with styled art, or you could go traditional with flowers and patterns. Remember...traditional is full of color and patterns and modern is a smooth solid color feel. Be Bold- You like to make statements? Well be bold in your design with vibrant color and many patterns. Have fun with all your decorating. Try bold, matching black and white patterns for the bedspread, wall paper, etc and off set these with vibrant colorful accessories. It will definitely make a statement. Class and a Wooden Bed Frame- Add some class to your wood toned bed frame. Get a tan bedspread to offset the dark wood. Use dark throw pillow covers. Make sure to have a good combination of light and dark varying shades of brown and tan. Don't go with black or white...these will not match your wooden bed frame. The important thing to remember is that you should decorate how YOU want to. In the end this is your bedroom and you are the one who has to live in it, so you may as well love it. Good luck! Know any good bedroom decorating tips? Leave them as a comment below and let me know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=264 Mon, 05 May 2008 13:48:00 GMT Need some shelving space for your sweet apartment? Get free standing shelving units that you can pack up and move easily from places like Target or DYI furniture stores like Ikea. They’re affordable, really easy to put together, and give you a great spot to store stuff. If you just want a few shelves for books, DVD’s, or other small items, you should look into mountable single shelf units. Get a few of them and arrange them in a staggered pattern for that unique contemporary decor. It’s like art…or something like art at least. You might also consider a corner shelving unit if you are looking to house just a few key items. You can buy a corner unit at virtually any big box or DYI furniture store. Some are a little more complex than others, so shop around to find the ones that fit your needs. You could always try building your own shelves with shelving irons and some strips of ply wood. One really great idea for a room is to put a home made shelf high up on your walls, completely around a room. Then put decoration items and things you'd like to display all along the shelves. Remember that if you custom build your own shelves though, you will need to remove them and repair any holes in the wall before you move out...if you move out. In fact, you should never move out. Stay in your apartment forever! Know any good shelving tips? Let us know at: apartmenthomeliving@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=251 Fri, 02 May 2008 08:43:00 GMT A change of address that is miles away from your previous apartment, can be a hectic move. I have moved from city to city and half way across the country a few times and from experience I can tell you that this process can be difficult. Some of the little things that MUST be taken care of after a big move can be forgotten in the excitement of adjusting to your new surroundings. Don't Forget the IRS- You don't want the IRS sending your tax information to your old place. Pick up the phone and give the IRS a call and ask for Form 8822 to change your address. Or if you are computer/internet savvy, which I imagine you are because you are here, you can download the form from the IRS online at http://www.irs.gov Head to The DMV- You also need to update your Driver's License. Go to your nearest DMV with your old License and proof of your new residence to have this updated. VOTE- It's one of our rights to vote, and without an updated voter registration card, you would have trouble exercising this right. Be sure to visit your new local town hall and change your voter registration information as soon as possible. Bank Account- If you had banked at a local bank in your previous place of living, you may want to open one in your new city. If you are banking with a nationwide bank, you'll want to make sure and update your address and contact information with them. Also do this with any credit card, car note, or other bill that you will continue to have. Groceries- Most importantly, don't forget the fridge! You don't want to exhaust yourself from moving, unpacking, and organizing only to open the refrigerator for a snack and a soda and find there is nothing there to quench your desire. Visit the store first and foremost and stock up on necessities. Then begin your epic journey of unpacking those boxes and decorating. It's A New Start- A new move gives you a fresh start. So try doing those things you always said you would do if you had a fresh start. Pick up recycling in your apartment, quit smoking, get some potted plants, or start being organized. Whatever it may be, try something new to help you dive head first into your new situation. Good luck on your new start. It's always a fun adventure and we hope your transition is smooth and hassle free. Happy Moving! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=262 Thu, 01 May 2008 13:31:00 GMT Does your AC seem to not cool as well as it used to? Seeing a ton of dust around? It's your air filter. Air filters get dirty, it's a matter of fact. And I am not talking about your car's air filter, I am talking about your apartment's AC filter. When it gets dirty the filter can cause all sorts of problems from kicking up your allergies to running up your electricity bill and much more that you may not wish to deal with. Changing the filter is one of the most common things that are forgotten to be taken care off when living in an apartment. As your apartment living guide, this is your friendly reminder. You should remember to change your air conditioning filter every 2-3 months. Most communities will have maintenance change it for you if you put in a request. So be sure to check with your manager today to see if they'll do it for you! It's also very easy to do yourself if you wish, but be sure to check with your apartment manager to make sure they allow you to do such things. Be aware that some communities prefer that only maintenance do any sort of handy work around your apartment and you don't want to break the rules...Do you? Also...make sure that you remember to replace the battery in your smoke detectors. When they start beeping, it's time to change it immediately. 9 volts are cheap if you want to do it yourself, but again...check with your management as they will do it for you and may prefer that. Don't forget the little things around the apartment. They must be taken care of! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=250 Thu, 01 May 2008 08:57:00 GMT Everyone seems to be saying since the housing market is down, it's a good time to buy. They couldn't be more wrong. Maybe, just maybe, it's an okay time to buy a home if you have perfect credit, a huge lump of cash (I'm talking 10k+) to put down, and are willing to jump through all kinds of hurdles to get a loan...but that's just ridiculous. Renting is just plain better. It's better because it makes you richer. Here's how: Don't invest in a house...invest in stocks and stay renting. Businesses are much better investments than homes or cars. The average return of investment on a business (stocks) is 7 %, while shockingly the average return of investment on a house is ZERO! And don't even get me started on cars...they depreciate more than you could imagine. It's a common misconception that you are throwing money down the drain if you are renting. Renting can be an extreme advantage to you if you play your cards right. Imagine you have a mortgage payment on a house of $1200/ month. Tack on another $300 for taxes. Now compare that $1500/month to an average cost of renting an apartment which is around $850. You have a difference of $650 dollars. Now...you can pay $1500/month on something that has on average...no annual return in value. Sure, you may be able to sell the home one day and break even, but what's the point. On the other hand...rent an apartment for $850 and invest the remaining $650 in stocks in a business and you will see annual returns and on average will make money on the deal. Seems obvious to me. Renting and investing in stocks is just a better financial decision than owning a home. Plus, when you take out a loan to buy a house...you become locked in to that loan for the entire term. Whether it is 15, 20, or 30 years, you OWE someone money and must pay that every month. When you rent you don't OWE anything. You pay your rent monthly and are free to do whatever you choose after the term of your lease. In summation, if I can pass down any advice to my fellow Apartmentites it would be this: Don't listen to all the fidder fodder about buying a home. Stay renting. It's cheaper, easier, more free, and a whole lot of fun. Then invest in stocks and make yourself a little spending money. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=249 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:13:00 GMT Many bedrooms tend to get neglected. Get your minds out of the gutter, I'm talking about through decoration. My first apartment bedroom was so boring that it would put you to sleep...no pun intended.... Many people honestly think that all you need is a bed, a bed stand, an alarm clock, and a dresser for your bedroom to be good to go. That's awesome if you want your bedroom being as boring a hospital room. We spend countless hours decorating our living areas, so why forget about the bedroom? And I will not accept the excuse that you don't spend money or time with the bedroom because no one sees it but you. You know that's not true or at least you know that you hope that's not true. There are a number of ideas out there for decorating your bedroom in many different ways. A contemporary bedroom looks clean, smooth, and is easy to obtain. Check out these ideas for contemporizing your apartment bedroom: Black and White- This is common, but it looks really awesome. Do everything in black and white. It says sophistication, while creating a fun energy. A white bedspread with black pillows or black and white throws is the way to go. Plus, its hard to see drool on a black pillow. You might also decorate the wall with black and white photos of your friends in black frames. This is my favorite and a very sleek look. Combine Some Styles- You might try decorating your room in a combination of contemporary and traditional. Add a flare of traditional with a floral printed pair of throw pillows or throw blanket on a bed with otherwise solid color. This leaves some flexibility with your wall decoration and table pieces. You could go contemporary with styled art, or you could go traditional with flowers and patterns. Remember...traditional is full of color and patterns and modern is a smooth solid color feel. Be Bold- You like to make statements? Well be bold in your design with vibrant color and many patterns. Have fun with all your decorating. Try bold, matching black and white patterns for the bedspread, wall paper, etc and off set these with vibrant colorful accessories. It will definitely make a statement. Class and a Wooden Bed Frame- Add some class to your wood toned bed frame. Get a tan bedspread to offset the dark wood. Use dark throw pillow covers. Make sure to have a good combination of light and dark varying shades of brown and tan. Don't go with black or white...these will not match your wooden bed frame. The important thing to remember is that you should decorate how YOU want to. In the end this is your bedroom and you are the one who has to live in it, so you may as well love it. Good luck! Know any good bedroom decorating tips? Leave them as a comment below and let me know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=248 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:45:00 GMT Ready to start relaxing in a serious summertime, Jimmy Buffett fashion? I'm not talking about Margarita's, although they would definitely add a little flavor to this whole summer thing. Rather, I'm talking about hammocks That’s right…it’s Hammock Time. Stop! Hammock time! Maybe that is more like MC Hammock and not Jimmy Buffett, but I digress. If you truly want to get some relaxing enjoyment out of the summer, it is imperative that you get a hammock to nap, siesta, and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Three of my favorites are brought to you by Sams Club or Wal-Mart (Don’t judge me!—Wal-Mart’s everywhere). Included among the plethora of hammocks are the hammock with stand (around $150) and the less expensive portable hammock (around $60). Make sure you’ve got 10’ of patio space for these puppies, string them up, and relax. It's as easy as that. If you don’t have 10’ of patio space though, try the one person hammock chair or buy two for you and a friend. They are loads of fun and you’ll feel like a 3-year-old-at-naptime—plus they are the cutest things since puppies. One very important thing to remember if you are getting a hammock that must be attached to walls or railing though, you should double check with your apartment management to make sure that hammocks are allowed. So get out there, start enjoying the sun in a hammock, and why not, add the margarita too! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=247 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:57:00 GMT If you have never leased an apartment before and been through the process, it may seem a little confusing. Throughout the entire process from time to time, you may be left wondering, "what happens next?" This uncertainty can bring about a number of different emotional responses that may add to your stress level. Fear not. At Apartment Home Living, we are all about reducing your stress level to the point of non-existence. To help you through this seemingly unknown process, we have compiled a quick list of what to expect and the steps you should be taking during the leasing process. 1. The Initial Hunt- First and foremost comes the apartment hunt; your search for the perfect place. There is no better place to do this than by hopping onto our website here and sifting through the number of listings in the area of your choice. You'll be able to compare prices, pictures, virtual tours, floorplans, and more. Once you narrow your choice of places down to a short list of no more than 5 places...its time to move on to the next step. 2. The Personal Visit- After deciding on just a few finalists, note their leasing office hours and drop by to meet the management and take a personal tour of the community. This will help you get a first hand view of your potential new home. It's important to remember that managers and leasing agents are your friends. They are there to answer any question that you may have and to help you get into the perfect new home. Take a tour of each of your prospective communities, take notes, and compare. Think about which one has the most appeal to you or has the most amenities that fit your wants, and move forward with it. 3. The Application- The next step in the leasing process should come along after you meditated, compared, and made the final decision on your top choice. You'll need to submit a rental application. The manager at the community of your choice will be able to give you the application as well as anything else that they may need to have filled out. You will need a plethora of information, so be sure to bring your ID, SS #, three of your past paystubs for income verification, and misc info about yourself and your rental history. Be aware that your criminal background and credit history will also be scanned during this part of the process, so it is very important to be upfront about issues that may arise during that time. Also be aware that you may be required to pay a rental application at this time. One you submit the application, all you can do now is wait the period of time that the leasing professional tells you. Sometimes this is a matter of hours and sometimes it's a few days, but once a decision is made they will let you know it. If you have been accepted...it's time to move on to step 4! 4. The Lease Signing- "Congratulations! Your application has been approved." Once you hear these words or a variation of them, it will be time to sign your lease and the leasing process will be nearly complete. The agent will more than likely give you specific directions in filling out their lease form, but in most cases you will stop by the leasing office and fill it out. It will be a number of pages and each page will require your initials or signature to prove that you are aware of everything included in the lease. The lease is a binding contract, so it is very important to pay attention as the leasing agents goes over it with you. It is perfectly normal for you to take your time and read all the fine print for your self. That is your right. You will also be given a copy of the lease to take with you and keep for your records, but it is very important to know everything included in your lease from the get go. You may be required to pay your necessary deposits at this point, but once your lease has been signed and deposits have been paid its time to move in 5. The Move-In- On your selected move-in date, after the lease has been signed, and deposits have been paid...you should be given your keys and more than likely a move-in form to fill out that has a "map" of your apartment. Here you will want to do an initial walk through of your apartment. Look for dings in the walls, cracked windows, or other irregularities and report them on this form. This will indicate that these things were there before you moved in and you will not be held responsible for them. After you finish the walk through, turn the form into your leasing office, drop them a thank you note, and it has finally become time to enjoy your new digs...well...you'll have to move all of your stuff in first...then it will be time to enjoy. The next process in this whole ordeal is the moving process. There are a ton of ways to help you move with ease and we have listed them in a number of articles like Moving With Ease: The Complete Checklist. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=261 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:00 GMT I love these time lapse moving videos! This apartment is a really sweet layout and best of all...IT HAS A FIREPLACE! How awesome is that? When a fireplace is the center of the room, your living room layout and the placement of your furniture can be a challenge. In the case of the above video, it seems they centered their living room around the fireplace itself and then off set the television to the side. If you are planning on using your fireplace alot, you may not want to place anything that close to it as you wouldn't want cables or parts of the TV catching fire or melting. In this situation, it looks as if they may not be planning on using it, in which case the fireplace can be used as a piece of art...or even a unique bookshelf. They have also lined both of the walls opposite the fireplace with couches, creating plenty of seating opportunities and really opening the living room up. Another great idea is turning the dining nook into an office area with a desk and computer. If you are a student or do work from home, it is very important to have an area to work in that is completely separate from all of your relaxation spaces. A dining nook becomes a quick an easy way of doing this. These folks had a smart moving strategy. Rather than worry about the opening and closing front door, they decided to come through the sliding glass patio door. This works great if your patio faces the parking lot and if you are on the first floor. CAUTION: For the sake of your safety and your apartment manager's happiness...please be careful of the glass door. Try your best not to pull a Hunter Pence from the Astros move. No bueno for all parties involved. I leave you with one last moving tip: The people in the above video only used two people to do their move. Don't do that. Enlist your friends! Offer to buy them a six pack or take them out for wings. More than likely they won't turn you down. A friend in need is a friend indeed. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=246 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:48:00 GMT Happy Earth Day! I wanted to take a second to introduce Eric, our resident Green Living Expert. From time to time Eric will be dropping articles and tips on maintaining full eco-consciousness and saving some bucks by going green. Without further ado...I pass the keyboard to Eric for his first article. Here you are, your Greenness. ERIC G. writes: Hello my fellow Apartmentites! I'm glad to be able to help share my knowledge with you all in hopes that you too, can begin more eco-conscious lifestyles and help us all do our parts in prolonging our lives here. "Going Green" has become a very popular trend among Apartmentites all over our great green Earth and spreads across several different generations. Naturally, how could anyone ever complain about a trend like this? It's trendy, chic, and great for the environment. Go Green! People! Get as Green as you can. Just take a shower please. You can be green without being gross. And no, covering up with a few natural scented oils do not substitute for a bath. Just do your part in helping to conserve water. Here's how: Conserve in the shower-Don't shower longer than needed and don't let it run too long before getting in. If you and your spouse can shower together to save on water...do it.......but don't get caught up and stay in there too long. Report Leaks- Leaky faucets and running toilets should be reported to your apartment management immediately, so that they can come help take care of the problem and you won't be wasting that water. Save it where you can! (Plus...it will save on your water bill too) Bottled Water- Quit using faucet water to drink from. That's just nasty. Instead, use refillable jugs at the refill station found at most major grocery stores. Then keep them stocked in your fridge and ice cold. Washing Machine- Don't wash just two pairs of jeans. Wait until you have a large load and wash as much as you can together. Also, make sure that you set it on the right setting to limit the amount of water needed for each one. Brushing Your Chops- When brushing your teeth, shaving, washing dishes, or doing anything over the sink, try not to leave the water running and running. Instead, turn it on and off as needed and don't turn it on full blast. Gather Rain Water- So you don't want to drink this, but gather rain water on your patio by using a number of different types of recepticles. You can use this water to wash your car, water your plants, or wash off your patio. Saving water is only a small step in helping to save the world. Although, that may sound drastic, the more and more the polar ice caps are melting, the more and more we need to do our part. Know any good green tips? Leave them as a comment or be my friend at Myspace and send me a message. Talk to you soon. E-Dawg Be Green...Not Gross! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=245 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:28:00 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=244 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:03:00 GMT With the school soon to be letting out for summer, the kids will be out playing on the community grounds more often. As this happens we need to make sure that we are aware of kids, pets, and others who are out enjoying the sunshine. There are a couple of key things to keep in mind about kids and your community. Check it: Parking Lot- Whether they are on bikes, skateboards, or their feet, kids can seem to jump out of nowhere and dart out from behind parked cars without thinking about the oncoming cars traveling through the parking lot. Be sure to slow down when driving through your apartment parking lot and be well aware. Watch for children playing to avoid a terrible accident. Close Doors- You should also make sure that the gate to the community pool or door to the fitness center are locked when you leave. Kids can injure themselves if they were to get into the gym and play around with the weights unsafely. Pool Safety- Never leave any children unattended at the pool. It says so in the pool rules and is a rule to be taken very seriously. There is no limit to the different kinds of accidents that may happen if a child is unsupervised at the pool. Don't take chances and keep an eye on them. Be a Good Neighbor- If you see a child playing in an area of the community they shouldn't be, speak up. If you are sunbathing poolside and see some kids playing at the pool unsupervised, keep a friendly eye on them. Who knows, you may get the opportunity to be a hero and save a life. Latchkey Lock- If your kids or young teens are home alone while you are at work, be sure to tell them to always keep the door locked and never to open it for strangers. You'd think this is obvious, but kids are forgetful and fly by the seat of their pants. They may be caught up in the latest video game and forget that they aren't supposed to open the door when a burgler scoping your apartment out, posed as a magazine salesman knocks. Just make sure they are reminded of the rules and check on them consistently while you are out. Time- During the summer, kids have a ton of time on their hands. Make sure that they have fun healthy activities to keep them busy and keep them out of trouble. Day camp is always fun for kids and a great way to keep them occupied on those long summer days. Kids will be kids, but at least we can help make them a little safer. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=243 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:05:00 GMT Decorating can be just like picking an outfit to wear. Seasons can effect what is "in" and what is "out." So don't get caught off guard this Spring/Summer and pay close attention, as I am going to give you some tips for decorating your apartment this season. Buckle Up! Airy, Fruity Colors- Add some bright vibrant colors to your living room. Perhaps an orange lampshade and throw pillow, off set by a light green rug or throw blanket. Match the color of your accessories with a freshly painted and vibrant wall. Stop by your local flea market in search of bright colored vases or other colorful pieces to place throughout and radiate the warmth of spring. Don't Forget The Bedroom- Wrap your beds headboard with a brightly colored fabric. it doesn't have to cover the whole thing, just part of it. Visit your local Target, Bed-Bath and Beyond, or other super store and pick out some "springy" new sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter. Have a big window in your bedroom? Cover it with a white sheer drape and then a brightly colored curtain. Springtime Centerpieces- We all know that the winter going away and the spring warmth brings flowers that last through the summer. Bring that natural decoration inside. Use fresh flowers as centerpieces! You might even float plants or flowers in a glass bowl as a center piece. Add a few floating votives to illuminate at night and you suddenly have a wonderful and conversational centerpiece. You might even go as simple as placing some bright colored fruit in a bowl and going with that. Simple, springy, and fun. Accent the Plain Walls- Bare walls can be a bore, so be sure and accent them with some color. One easy way to do this is to take some cheap frames and frame colorful wrapping paper or art. Then hang a series of these on the walls. You might also look into peel-and-stick wall decals to place throughout your apartment. They are a cheap, easy way to get accessorize those walls. You can even use them on furniture, cabinets, and other flat surfaces that need a little dressing up. One of my favorite wall decorating ides involves the cheap frames again. Take some cheap cardboard coasters and put each one inside their individual frame. Then hang them on a wall in a series to look at. Its a fun way to create some art. The patterns- If you are looking for patterns rather than solid colors for your fabric materials, try large dots, stripes, shapes, and floral patterns. Nothing says spring like that. (And don't try things like duck or animal patterns...they just look kind of tacky) Las Ventanas-Honestly, one of the best ways to "Springalize" any room is to do something new and bright with the windows. Whether its a new window treatment or hanging some stained glass or something else, changing this up will add a whole new dimension to any room. Follow some of these little ideas or come up with your own. Either way, just remember that your apartment and how it looks is a reflection as you. Decorate! It's fun and fantastic. Got any cool decorating or window treatment ideas? Let me know by posting a comment below? http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=242 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:53:00 GMT A change of address that is miles away from your previous apartment, can be a hectic move. I have moved from city to city and half way across the country a few times and from experience I can tell you that this process can be difficult. Some of the little things that MUST be taken care of after a big move can be forgotten in the excitement of adjusting to your new surroundings. Don't Forget the IRS- You don't want the IRS sending your tax information to your old place. Pick up the phone and give the IRS a call and ask for Form 8822 to change your address. Or if you are computer/internet savvy, which I imagine you are because you are here, you can download the form from the IRS online at http://www.irs.gov Head to The DMV- You also need to update your Driver's License. Go to your nearest DMV with your old License and proof of your new residence to have this updated. VOTE- It's one of our rights to vote, and without an updated voter registration card, you would have trouble exercising this right. Be sure to visit your new local town hall and change your voter registration information as soon as possible. Bank Account- If you had banked at a local bank in your previous place of living, you may want to open one in your new city. If you are banking with a nationwide bank, you'll want to make sure and update your address and contact information with them. Also do this with any credit card, car note, or other bill that you will continue to have. Groceries- Most importantly, don't forget the fridge! You don't want to exhaust yourself from moving, unpacking, and organizing only to open the refrigerator for a snack and a soda and find there is nothing there to quench your desire. Visit the store first and foremost and stock up on necessities. Then begin your epic journey of unpacking those boxes and decorating. It's A New Start- A new move gives you a fresh start. So try doing those things you always said you would do if you had a fresh start. Pick up recycling in your apartment, quit smoking, get some potted plants, or start being organized. Whatever it may be, try something new to help you dive head first into your new situation. Good luck on your new start. It's always a fun adventure and we hope your transition is smooth and hassle free. Happy Moving! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=241 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:38:00 GMT What would you do if you found a massive jackpot of cash on the street and noone was around? As kids on the play ground, we always heard the phrase, "Finders keepers, losers weepers." Maybe as kids over a kick ball or a nickel, this might be appropriate in society, but as Apartmentites in todays world this philosophy doesn't play well. Recently I read an article about a man in California who found over $100,000 cash money on the street and turned it into the police who were able to find the right owner. An officer from that precinct stated that it would indeed be a felony if the man had kept the money. They would have charged him with grand theft! I never knew this. Did you? Not only did this man do "the right thing," but he also avoided breaking some major laws. A few weeks ago, I lost my car keys somewhere on the grounds of the apartment community. I had no idea that I would ever get these back, but when I went to pay rent at the start of this month, I asked the manager if anyone had turned keys in and she said they sure did. She had my keys! She told me that a resident had found them underneath the driver side of my car and they turned it in immediately. They did the right thing. Always remember that when living in an apartment, you are living in a community with many other people that have many other belongings. Luckily, the leasing office is always there to turn anything in...almost like a front desk...so there is no excuse for keeping something for yourself if you find it out on the community. Sure, you could try going around to every unit and see if anyone had lost a check book or keys, but its much easier and more proper to just drop these items off at the office. Hopefully, from there they will get into their owners hands. And never go with the mentality, "I'll hold onto it for a couple of days and if no one claims it, I get it." How would you feel if someone did that to you? Be a good neighbor, turn lost items into the leasing office! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=240 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:54:00 GMT If you have never leased an apartment before and been through the process, it may seem a little confusing. Throughout the entire process from time to time, you may be left wondering, "what happens next?" This uncertainty can bring about a number of different emotional responses that may add to your stress level. Fear not. At Apartment Home Living, we are all about reducing your stress level to the point of non-existence. To help you through this seemingly unknown process, we have compiled a quick list of what to expect and the steps you should be taking during the leasing process. 1. The Initial Hunt- First and foremost comes the apartment hunt; your search for the perfect place. There is no better place to do this than by hopping onto our website here and sifting through the number of listings in the area of your choice. You'll be able to compare prices, pictures, virtual tours, floorplans, and more. Once you narrow your choice of places down to a short list of no more than 5 places...its time to move on to the next step. 2. The Personal Visit- After deciding on just a few finalists, note their leasing office hours and drop by to meet the management and take a personal tour of the community. This will help you get a first hand view of your potential new home. It's important to remember that managers and leasing agents are your friends. They are there to answer any question that you may have and to help you get into the perfect new home. Take a tour of each of your prospective communities, take notes, and compare. Think about which one has the most appeal to you or has the most amenities that fit your wants, and move forward with it. 3. The Application- The next step in the leasing process should come along after you meditated, compared, and made the final decision on your top choice. You'll need to submit a rental application. The manager at the community of your choice will be able to give you the application as well as anything else that they may need to have filled out. You will need a plethora of information, so be sure to bring your ID, SS #, three of your past paystubs for income verification, and misc info about yourself and your rental history. Be aware that your criminal background and credit history will also be scanned during this part of the process, so it is very important to be upfront about issues that may arise during that time. Also be aware that you may be required to pay a rental application at this time. One you submit the application, all you can do now is wait the period of time that the leasing professional tells you. Sometimes this is a matter of hours and sometimes it's a few days, but once a decision is made they will let you know it. If you have been accepted...it's time to move on to step 4! 4. The Lease Signing- "Congratulations! Your application has been approved." Once you hear these words or a variation of them, it will be time to sign your lease and the leasing process will be nearly complete. The agent will more than likely give you specific directions in filling out their lease form, but in most cases you will stop by the leasing office and fill it out. It will be a number of pages and each page will require your initials or signature to prove that you are aware of everything included in the lease. The lease is a binding contract, so it is very important to pay attention as the leasing agents goes over it with you. It is perfectly normal for you to take your time and read all the fine print for your self. That is your right. You will also be given a copy of the lease to take with you and keep for your records, but it is very important to know everything included in your lease from the get go. You may be required to pay your necessary deposits at this point, but once your lease has been signed and deposits have been paid its time to move in 5. The Move-In- On your selected move-in date, after the lease has been signed, and deposits have been paid...you should be given your keys and more than likely a move-in form to fill out that has a "map" of your apartment. Here you will want to do an initial walk through of your apartment. Look for dings in the walls, cracked windows, or other irregularities and report them on this form. This will indicate that these things were there before you moved in and you will not be held responsible for them. After you finish the walk through, turn the form into your leasing office, drop them a thank you note, and it has finally become time to enjoy your new digs...well...you'll have to move all of your stuff in first...then it will be time to enjoy. The next process in this whole ordeal is the moving process. There are a ton of ways to help you move with ease and we have listed them in a number of articles like Moving With Ease: The Complete Checklist. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=239 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:20:00 GMT I have a membership at a huge gym near my apartment because the fitness center of my community isn't very adequate. (I know to look for this the next time I am apartment hunting). Despite these facts, I find myself working out in my apartment daily and getting a better benefit with only 5 small pieces of equipment than I do with a whole gym of expensive machines. Previously, I had offered some advice on building a home gym, but I have discovered more about the topic that I am aching to share with you. This setup works tremendously well for me and gives me everything I need, requiring only a small amount of space (perfect for an apartment!). Check it out!: 1) Door jam pullup bar- ($70) It quickly mounts in any doorway and gives you many different hand positions for pullups and stretches. Plus it comes in really handy if you want to try sleeping like a bat. 2) Exercise mat- A place to stretch, do yoga, pushups, pilates, etc. Unfortunately, my dog has started confusing this little mat of exercise gold as some sort of doggie bed, so I have to put it up when I'm done. Most people can leave them out all the time, but if you have to put it up and take it out each time...its really easy and no big deal. 3) Nautilus dial-a-weight dumbbells- These guys are a bit expensive ($275 at Costco), but they are a great space saver and really help you get the lift you need. Everything from 5lbs to 52.5lbs in a little space. It's great! 4) Swiss Ball- This is the king of my home workout area. You can do an almost unlimited number of exercises with this thing! A trainer at the gym who helped me with a customized workout routine a few years ago taught me to use the swiss ball in place of a bench, and for stretching and balance exercises. This is the most versatile, and inexpensive (about $25) piece of equipment I have ever had. Buy a swiss ball book to learn all of the ways it can be used. Another great point of the swiss ball is that when I am done working out, I can use it as my computer desk chair! (The workout continues even when checking email… 5) Tennis Shoes- I have found that I can spend seemingly hours on a treadmill, stair climber, or elliptical trainer and feel like I only get half the burn of strapping on my tennies and hitting the pavement for a good 2 or 3 mile jog. So be sure to have a comfy pair of running shoes and hit the streets for cardio. Don't stress about the machines. There you have the five essential pieces to beef up your apartment home gym. If you can get this set up ASAP and actually use it you yourself should be in tip top shape in no time. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=238 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:50:00 GMT Tired of looking at the boring, generic window shades that came standard with your apartments? Well cover them up with some really fun and inexpensive curtains. Here's an easy guide on setting yourself up with a cheap and easy curtain: 1) Measure the height and width of the window that you are trying to cover up. 2) Go outside or to a local park and find a strong branch that extends just a couple of inches longer than the width of your window. This will be your curtain rod. Natural and fun! (Cost: Free) 3) Hit up your local hardware store to pick up two curtain rod rings that are able to fit the branch. (Cost:$ 2-5) 4) Stop by a fabric store and pick up a piece of fabric that is three to five inches taller than your window. (Cost: Ranges) 5) Attach the two rings above the window using a screw driver and the appropriate screws. 6) Fold the extra fabric over the branch and sew or pin the fabric to itself to secure it to the branch. 7) Place the ends of the branched curtain into the curtain rings and viola! It's as easy as that. The best part is that you probably won't spend more than $10 dollars! You might also try cutting the curtain straight up the middle to create a split when you'd like to open it. There are a ton of variations that you can do to this to make these curtains match your tastes perfectly, so try different things to figure out what works best for you. Know any cheap and easy decorating tips? Be sure and let me know by leaving a comment below this posting. Have fun decorating your apartment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=237 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:16:00 GMT I've seen my fair share of empty coffee tables or ones containing the weirdest things. Maybe some apartmentites out there need a little guidance or ideas for ways to decorate their living room centerpieces and make them shine. Check out the Top Five Things To Place On Your Apartments Coffee Table 1) Coffee Table Book- There are a ton of really awesome coffee table books out there that range from cool artwork and photos to fun trivia and quick tips. Nothing gives guests something to check out and a conversation starter like a really cool coffee table book. Make sure and pick one out that really reflects you though, otherwise it might seem out of place. If you disslike animals, it would be really weird for you to have a book on cute puppies.....am I right or am I right? 2) Vases, Candles, and Other Art Pieces- Art pieces can also be eye catching on a coffee table. Whether these are yankee candles, some type of vase, or a ceramic, they will be great conversation starters and accent any room. If they are truly unique it will set itself apart from everything else in the apartment and become a working piece of art in your living room. 3 ) Baskets and Potpourri- You may place a small basket for the TV guide and your remote controls or a bowl full of potpourri in the center of the coffee table. If you use the remote basket correctly, maybe you'll stop misplacing it. 4) Magazines- Have a subscription to Maxim, Sports Illustrated, Home and Garden, or any other magazine? Throw each up to date issue on the coffee table for perusal of the latest and the greatest news in that particular periodicals range of focus. Remember though, whatever magazine you place out for people to see is a reflection of YOU so be careful what you put out there. 5) Pillows or Small Cloths- Why on earth would you put these things on the coffee table? To have a place to put your feet of course. Mama probably taught you to keep your feet off of the coffee table, but it makes a dang good foot rest. So instead of taking your feet off, put something under them. It will be a soft place for your heels and keep the table clean at the same time. Know any other great things to adorn your coffee table with? Leave a comment and let me know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=236 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:33:00 GMT The perfect entertainment system is the key to movie, tv, sports watching or video gaming experience. I am honestly suprised at the number of people out there who think that a movie is just a movie no matter how you are viewing it. How wrong that is. And how simple it is to set up a great entertainment system in your apartment. There are a number of key elements that you will need to keep in mind when setting up the perfect entertainment system. Check this before you start to put together the pieces: 1) TV- Naturally this is the most important element of an amazing entertainment system and with the advancements in technology, really great flat panel televisions are becoming must easier on the bank account. When comparing TV's it's important to remember one thing: It's not necessarily the size that matters, it's the quality. Remember that you are setting up an entertainment center in your apartment, so a huge TV may not be the way to go because it might end up being like sitting in the front row of the movies. Ouch. Whichever TV you decide upon make sure that it is HD, has audio outputs, and multiple component inputs(this is important for hooking everything up with ease.) 2) Sound System- Arguably the second most important element of a complete entertainment system is a surround sound system. It isn't entirely necessary to blow your budget here, so do some shopping around, test out some systems, and get the word on the street. Then make your purchase accordingly. You'll want to make sure that the main receiver has a few separate inputs too. If you want to go ALL OUT in your sound system, look into wireless speakers that operate off of bluetooth technology. These are really sweet! You can even get headphones for these systems so that you can watch TV at whatever level you wish, while your roommates are sleeping because only you will be hearing it. Just be careful of your ear drums/ 3) Game System or DVD player- You'll also need a great gaming system to have a well rounded system. If you aren't an avid game player, that's okay...one or several of the many guests that you'll be having over will be. Even so, the Play Station 3 and the Xbox 360 both serve as DVD players and full multimedia systems. You can store all of your music, video files, and pictures from your computer and showcase them all for everyones pleasure on your entertainment system. The PS3 even plays Blu-ray as well! It's awesome. But...if you really want to skimp on the game system, you will still need something to play DVD's from...so be sure to pick up a DVD player. I would suggest avoiding HD-DVD systems and go Blu-Ray...and if you go Blu-Ray...you might as well spend the extra $100 for a PS3! Ha! It's a vicious cycle. 4) Entertainment Center- So what are you storing all of this stuff in? I'll tell you. A really awesome entertainment center or TV stand that looks sleek and can store everything while concealing all your wires. Housing your equipment is just as important as having it. 5) Something To Rest Your Butt On- Whether it's a chair or a couch, you will need an awesome sit upon that is very comfortable while you enjoy your sweet system. This element often goes overlooked and you may be watching I Am Legend in Blu-Ray with surround sound on a high quality TV, but having to constantly shift because your butt is falling asleep. If you wanted that, you'd have gone to the movie theatre. Am I right or am I right? So be sure to get yourself comfy furniture to round everything out. There are a number of other miscellaneous odds and ends that can help you out in completing and customizing your perfect entertainment system, but those 5 are the important ones. Not that I am advocating anyone ever getting into debt by any means, but there are a ton of "big box" shops out there that will offer no interest financing on all of these items for certain periods of time. If you do this...make sure you have it paid off by the end of the promotion period, otherwise they will hit you with all of the back interest at a ridiculous interest rate. But if you can pay it off. Go for it! Once you get it all set up...INVITE US OVER FOR A MOVIE MARATHON!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=235 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:21:00 GMT I wanted to take a moment to wish congratulations to Bradvid of AAI Century Park in Houston for being the second quarterly winner of our Live 4 Fun: Win 1 Month’s Free Rent Contest! Bradvid 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 December 21st, 2007 and March 20th, 2008 was automatically entered into the drawing to win. His apartment community, managed by Arruth Associates Inc, will also win $250 simply because Bradvid resides there. One out of over 30 other “Apartmentites” who wrote they “Live for Sun,” Vaughn was chosen from more than 25,000 total people who visited the website during the past 90 days. Bradvid, a warehouse technician in Houston, found ApartmentHomeLiving.com through a Google search. He also searched for apartments using his local paper, but ended up using Apartment Home Living because it was easy. Vaughn is excited that his next month’s rent will be taken care of by his winning. There will be three more drawings throughout 2008, so get your chance to win 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 June 20th, 2008. Anyone who tells us what they "Live For" and contacts a community between now and June 20th 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=234 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:11:00 GMT Spring has finally arrived and there are becoming less and less reasons to stay inside the apartment. There is just nothing like a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze and a temperature in the upper 70s. As you are slowly making your way out of your winter hibernation, there are a few rules and tips that you should follow around an apartment community that will help make sure everyone has some good times in the sun. Read up! You may have forgotten some of these during the long, cold winter indoors: 1. BBQ Pits and Grills- Most, if not all apartments do not allow you to have an open fire grill or pit on a covered patio. Remember to check with your management office on the rules and regulations regarding these things before you plan on having that birthday BBQ. Most communities have BBQ grills near the pool area where you can grill away with no fear. (Just remember to clean up after yourself) 2. Splish Splash- It may be time to hit the pool, but it is definitely not time to go around splashing your fellow Apartmentites. Before jumping in be sure to check the pool rules on jumping and diving and then look around to make sure you aren't going to splash some relaxing sunbathers with your cannonball. 3. Pets- Remember that as bad as they love the outdoors, your pets should never be left unattended outside. You should be with your pet at all times and in control of their actions. But with the added sunshine, you should for sure get outside and take Fido for a few extra walks. 4. Trash- Be cautious not to ruin the beauty of spring by leaving your trash out. Take it to the dumpster or only put it out in the morning of trash day. Leaving trash bags out for an extended or overnight period makes your place look unattractive and also draws the attention of unwanted animals. 5. Storage- Remember you have that storage closet on the patio or extra room in the coat closet by the front door. Be sure to put all of those extra winter blankets and decorations up in there. 6. MOST OF ALL...ENJOY YOURSELF. Live For Fun!!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=233 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:57:00 GMT Lately I can't tell you how often I have heard the term, "It's a buyers market" when people are talking about the real estate conditions of our country right now. There are many people out there who are hearing this and thinking that it might be the right time to stop renting and look into owning a home. People are saying its the time to buy and a young renter can be tempted by sliding prices, but no one is telling you about the risk. There is the risk of credit dangers and/or owning a home that you owe more on than its actually worth. One of the biggest keys in the fact that this might actually not be the best time to buy is due to the "credit crunch." Because of this, lenders have tightened the reigns on the requirements for a home loan. Where before, putting only 5% down might have been sufficient, now new home buyers are likely to need to put 10% down and still have the banks and loan entities eyeballing every single part of their credit history for mistakes or faults. So these days it may be hard to get a loan and with closing costs and a huge down payment, you may not have the cash to offer up front. If you can afford to though, should you go ahead and buy? The answer is again, probably not. Sure, the prices of homes have fallen an average of 3.3% over the past year, but all signs point to these prices continuing to decline. Would you buy stock in something that would be worth less next year than what you bought it for? I think not. The most important thing to remember here is that you don't want to be "upside down" in your first home. So to me the answer is simple: CONTINUE RENTING AT YOUR AWESOME APARTMENT COMMUNITY! I'll give you 5 more reasons why renting just makes more sense: 1) Rent is cheaper on your bank account every month 2) Your electric bill is much smaller than it will be in a home 3) You have maintenance included in rent 4) You have access to a number of facilities including fitness center, pools, etc 5) It's much more fun and when you are ready to move, you aren't locked in to a 30 year mortgage! I may be renting for life and I love it! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=232 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:56:00 GMT For all of you Apartmentites out there who fear going to the gym, fear no more. If your community has a state of the art fitness center (which most of them do), it's time for you to take full advantage. Don't waste money and time driving to a big expensive gym, when you have everything that you will need to get in shape and stay that way included in the cost of rent and right there in your own community. I have had several fellow Apartmentites mention that they feel uncomfortable at the BIG GYM with all the greasy people who stare all day and try to impress eachother. Most apartment fitness centers are NOTHING like this. In fact, many times you will be able to find a nice peaceful workout without anyone else around you. There are a few simple rules of etiquette that you and your neighbors should follow when working out in your apartment's fitness center. 1. Wipe It Down- Some communities will supply this, but if not, bring a small towel or old cloth with you that you can wipe the machines down when you get done with your work out. Nothing is more gross than getting on a machine, sticking your hands on the handles, and realizing that you just pressed your clean hands on someone else's nasty sweat. So be kind and wipe your machines down. 2. No Body Thinks You're Cool if you are slamming weights around with the loud clang. In fact, they may think that it is more of a nuisance when you make that noise. If you can't control it while you lift it, you should take some weight off. Dropping the weights down do no good for you or anyone else and can even lead to injury. 3. Replace Your Weights- Make sure and put the weights back on the rack when you finish working with them. Don't just leave them on the floor for someone to trip over. 4. Volume- When you get done with your workout and are headed home, make sure you turn the volume down on the television or radio if you were the only one using it. I've walked into the fitness center a few times to a blasting TV and noone in there. Not fun for my ears. 5. Share- Remember that you and those around you in the fitness center are all neighbors, so share the weights and machines if need be. Be kind to your neighbors. Who knows, You might make a good friend! Know any good fitness center etiquette rules? Let me know by posting a comment. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=231 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:51:00 GMT From time to time, an apartment may feel small. In all honesty, if you look at the square footage between a three bedroom apartment and a three bedroom house, you'll find that they aren't far off from one another. Some of us, however, have no need for three bedrooms at this point and choose to live in a lavish and wonderful one bedroom pad. I have found a plethora of techniques to making a smaller apartment have a much grander feel. The best and easiest way to do this is with mirrors. Plants- Placing a plant in front of a mirror turns it from just a simple plant into an indoor jungle of sorts. While that may be a slight exaggeration you'll find that the mirrored plant does give off a much larger feel as well as the reflection provides more exposure to sunlight for the plant itself. Life Size- Leaning or hanging a life size mirror against a wall in your living room will really open things up. It will also serve as a huge piece of art and may serve as a conversation piece as well. Either way, it will make your living room feel as if it were twice the size. Here, There, and Everywhere- If you really want to get creative and open things up, you might try hanging or placing a mirror on every open wall space. You might end up with a museum type feel, but it will be a lot of fun looking at all the infinite reflections of mirrors reflected one another. Outside In- If you have a place with limited windows, try placing a mirror on a wall directly across from one of your windows. You will not only reflect more sunlight into the room, but you might also give off the feel that the place has more windows. Shards- Find uniquely shaped, small pieces of mirror at your nearest craft store and arrange them all on a wall or door to give it an avant-garde feel. It will take some creativity, but could end up looking really cool. The most important thing to remember when hanging or decorating with mirrors is to have fun with it. Realize that things will be reflecting and pay attention to how they look when reflected. Good luck! If you have any cool ideas or uses with mirrors, please leave a comment and let me know! Share with your fellow Apartmentite! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=230 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:46:00 GMT All in all, apartment parking lot etiquette seems like it would be simple...right? Wrong. After observation over many years of my various apartment communities' parking lots, I have come to the conclusion that not everyone may have knowledge of the rules, regulations, and general niceties that come with sharing a massive parking lot. We're here to help. There are some very simple ideas and tips to follow when parking at an apartment community that can make storing your vehicle easier for you and the residents around you. Assigned Parking- One thing to always be aware of is if a community has assigned parking. Lots with awnings, usually are marked with numbers and these are assigned to particular residents of that apartment. You should avoid parking in these spaces at all costs. Even if you notice that no one ever seems to park in space "107", you should park in your assigned spot. Parking in the wrong assigned spot can cause a domino effect of residents parking or the assigned resident might even call to have you towed. So pay attention and park in your own spot or general shared spaces...not the assigned ones. No Double Parking- I assure you that parking your car at an angle and taking up more than one spot will do you more harm than good. This action is more likely to anger other parkers who can't find a space, which can end in your car being towed or worse. Sure, your tricked out Honda Civic is a really great car, but keep it in one space please. Private Property- Remember that the other residents' vehicles are their own private property. Be respectful of this and try not to lean on, sit on, or damage someone else's vehicle. You should also keep in mind that vandalism is unacceptable at all times for any reason. Even if you are really peeved at that double parked Civic, vandalism is NOT an option and is prosecutable by law. There are sometimes security cameras and a good number of witnesses around at a community, so be respectful of other resident's property. Slow it Down- The speed bumps that are found throughout the drive aren't made to be jumps. The speed bumps are their to slow you down. Remember that there are often families with kids that live in apartments too. Kids, animals, adults, and other cars can dart out into the drive or around the corner. If you are going to fast, you might not have time to react and can cause a really bad accident or worse. So, please, slow it down. Accidents Happen- We all know that from time to time accidents happen. Whether you bump another car while opening your car door or some other accident, be a responsible resident and leave your information on a piece of paper under their windshield wiper or if you know which apartment they live in, drop by and let them know what happened. Trust me, its better to let them know this way than to have them find out it was you from another witness or worse...the law. If every single resident were to follow these very easy and respectful rules when parking at their communities, parking would be a simple and headache free endeavor. (Oh and never park in a handicap space unless you have a handicap pass or sticker) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=229 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:44:00 GMT You found your new Apartment Home! Yeah! Congratulations! As we all know and have mentioned before, the act of moving has a lot of pesky details. Here’s the handy checklist to help you remember all of those pesky details. If I've left anything off that you can think of write me at Jeff_Swett@apartmenthomeliving.com or leave a comment here and tell me what else you’ve done to help with your moves. • Secure moving boxes at the local Wal-Mart after 12 midnight for FREE! Always get more boxes than you think you will need. • Get quotes on renting a moving truck. To secure the best deal and get the best rate, plan on moving Sunday through Thursday. If someone else will be moving you, arrange for a quote with a personal meeting to review your belongings. Consider buying extra insurance if you’re concerned. • Pack up rooms that you use the least in advance. Set aside cleaning supplies and paper towels, toilet paper and a few bottles of water to take in the car with you to the new place. • Label all of your moving boxes accordingly to the room they will go in. Tell the movers to look for the labels, then place them in the room specified. • Mentally place your furniture in the new place. Then, sketch a draft on a floor plan of your new apartment and label each piece of furniture with a number. Photocopy for your movers and apply your numbering to your furniture with a fat piece of masking tape and a number. Have your movers place accordingly upon move in. • Once you secure your new apartment home, complete an address change form for your mail at usps.com. Remember to also update your new address at your work place and on your driver’s license, insurance cards, magazine subscriptions, and with your best friends. • Call and arrange for your utilities to be switched to the new location, preferably five days prior to your move. • Confirm 2 days prior to your move with your movers and friends (if they’re helping you move). Re-confirm delivery date of your furniture if moving across country. • Arrange for a friend to keep your pet on moving day, if possible. Movers will be going in and out all day, so it will be hard to keep an eye on your pet. • Clean your old apartment as soon as it is empty. Remember to clean the oven (look for “self cleaning” instructions on many ovens), the refrigerator, vacuum, and dispose of stuff you don’t want to take with you in the dumpsters. Don’t forget to clear your garage, if you have one. You can be charged for leaving things in your apartment or garage. The goal: get your deposit back. • Order Pizza and have beer on hand to feed your family/ friends moving crew. If you’re using movers, make sure to offer water or colas. • Walk your old apartment with the manager or assistant manager. Discuss where they may charge you. Ask for what you can expect to receive back of your deposit. • Send out your “I’ve just moved” note via email to all your friends! • Have fun in your new digs! Hopefully this combined with our other moving tips will help you rock your move and you'll be living it up in luxury in NO TIME! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=228 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:42:00 GMT We all dread the terrible, headache causing move, don't we? I know I do. That's why I try to stay in my apartments as long as I can before needing to move anywhere else. Plus, its kind of fun to get to know the management team, neighbors, and the neighborhood. None the less though, from time to time as Apartmentites we have to move. Whether the reason is a good one or a bad one, the time comes for us to move on to hopefully bigger and better places. If you are moving now or planning one in the future, remember these simple tips that will help ease the pain of a tough move: Walk Through- Make sure that you schedule a time with your community's management to walk through your apartment and inspect it for damages or any other costs that may come out of your security deposit. Remember that it is always better to talk about things in person than over the phone. Hopefully you filled out and kept up with your move in sheet that they more than likely had you fill out that showed damages and such upon your move in. You shouldn't be held responsible if the damage was there when you moved in and this sheet can help you prove that case. Do A Floor Check- We all know that floors can be dirty at move in, so be sure to check your new apartments carpet to make sure it doesn't need any additional cleaning before move in. Mark Your Boxes and Rooms- If you hire movers, its always a great idea to mark each box with a piece of tape that displays the room that it belongs in. You should also do this to the furniture. Then in your new apartment, put marked tape with the correct room name in each of the rooms so the movers get all the right stuff in the right places. Need a mover? Check for one here. Fridges and Other Appliances- Make sure to clean very well your refrigerator before you leave and do a spot check on the new one before you start stocking it with food. It will be much easier to clean the new one if it needs it before you put stuff in. You'll also want to double check that all other appliances are clean and at your old apartment you didn't leave any dishes in the dishwasher or clothes in the dryers, etc. Moving Day- Remember that you have neighbors at both places, so on moving day make sure to be understanding of that fact. Don't leave trash all around, don't block parking spaces, and whatever you do...do not bang around and try to move a lot of stuff late into the night...and yes you night owls...9 PM is too late to be making noise and moving stuff. Do your moving during the day when noone can be bothered. Make a Pack- Be sure to have packed yourself a kit of the essentials that you will need upon first moving into your apartment. These things include: lightbulbs, scissors, hammer, paper towels/toilet paper, a general cleaning product, and some snacks including bottled water. Bills- I've mentioned this before and I'll mention it again...make sure all of your utilities have fully been transfered over so everything is ready to go in your new apartment when you get there. Nothing stinks worse than having to wait a week for someone to come out and turn on your cable, internet, or even electricity. There are a ton of tips that can you get into your new place quicker and with ease, so if you know of any that have helped you in moves past...let me know in a comment. Share with your fellow Apartmentite's and don't leave them out in the cold. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=227 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:40:00 GMT You found your new Apartment Home! Yeah! Congratulations! I gave a few tips last week on moving with ease and since we are on the subject I'd like to give you a complete check list of the things to take care of when moving. As we all know and have mentioned before, the act of moving has a lot of pesky details. Here’s the handy checklist to help you remember all of those pesky details. Lleave a comment here and tell me what else you’ve done to help with your moves. • Secure moving boxes at the local Wal-Mart after 12 midnight for FREE! Always get more boxes than you think you will need. • Get quotes on renting a moving truck. To secure the best deal and get the best rate, plan on moving Sunday through Thursday. If someone else will be moving you, arrange for a quote with a personal meeting to review your belongings. Consider buying extra insurance if you’re concerned. • Pack up rooms that you use the least in advance. Set aside cleaning supplies and paper towels, toilet paper and a few bottles of water to take in the car with you to the new place. • Label all of your moving boxes accordingly to the room they will go in. Tell the movers to look for the labels, then place them in the room specified. • Mentally place your furniture in the new place. Then, sketch a draft on a floor plan of your new apartment and label each piece of furniture with a number. Photocopy for your movers and apply your numbering to your furniture with a fat piece of masking tape and a number. Have your movers place accordingly upon move in. • Once you secure your new apartment home, complete an address change form for your mail at usps.com. Remember to also update your new address at your work place and on your driver’s license, insurance cards, magazine subscriptions, and with your best friends. • Call and arrange for your utilities to be switched to the new location, preferably five days prior to your move. • Confirm 2 days prior to your move with your movers and friends (if they’re helping you move). Re-confirm delivery date of your furniture if moving across country. • Arrange for a friend to keep your pet on moving day, if possible. Movers will be going in and out all day, so it will be hard to keep an eye on your pet. • Clean your old apartment as soon as it is empty. Remember to clean the oven (look for “self cleaning” instructions on many ovens), the refrigerator, vacuum, and dispose of stuff you don’t want to take with you in the dumpsters. Don’t forget to clear your garage, if you have one. You can be charged for leaving things in your apartment or garage. The goal: get your deposit back. • Order Pizza and have beer on hand to feed your family/ friends moving crew. If you’re using movers, make sure to offer water or colas. • Walk your old apartment with the manager or assistant manager. Discuss where they may charge you. Ask for what you can expect to receive back of your deposit. • Send out your “I’ve just moved” note via email to all your friends! • Have fun in your new digs! Hopefully this combined with our other moving tips will help you rock your move and you'll be living it up in luxury in NO TIME! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=226 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:29:00 GMT We all dread the terrible, headache causing move, don't we? I know I do. That's why I try to stay in my apartments as long as I can before needing to move anywhere else. Plus, its kind of fun to get to know the management team, neighbors, and the neighborhood. None the less though, from time to time as Apartmentites we have to move. Whether the reason is a good one or a bad one, the time comes for us to move on to hopefully bigger and better places. If you are moving now or planning one in the future, remember these simple tips that will help ease the pain of a tough move: Walk Through- Make sure that you schedule a time with your community's management to walk through your apartment and inspect it for damages or any other costs that may come out of your security deposit. Remember that it is always better to talk about things in person than over the phone. Hopefully you filled out and kept up with your move in sheet that they more than likely had you fill out that showed damages and such upon your move in. You shouldn't be held responsible if the damage was there when you moved in and this sheet can help you prove that case. Do A Floor Check- We all know that floors can be dirty at move in, so be sure to check your new apartments carpet to make sure it doesn't need any additional cleaning before move in. Mark Your Boxes and Rooms- If you hire movers, its always a great idea to mark each box with a piece of tape that displays the room that it belongs in. You should also do this to the furniture. Then in your new apartment, put marked tape with the correct room name in each of the rooms so the movers get all the right stuff in the right places. Fridges and Other Appliances- Make sure to clean very well your refrigerator before you leave and do a spot check on the new one before you start stocking it with food. It will be much easier to clean the new one if it needs it before you put stuff in. You'll also want to double check that all other appliances are clean and at your old apartment you didn't leave any dishes in the dishwasher or clothes in the dryers, etc. Moving Day- Remember that you have neighbors at both places, so on moving day make sure to be understanding of that fact. Don't leave trash all around, don't block parking spaces, and whatever you do...do not bang around and try to move a lot of stuff late into the night...and yes you night owls...9 PM is too late to be making noise and moving stuff. Do your moving during the day when noone can be bothered. Make a Pack- Be sure to have packed yourself a kit of the essentials that you will need upon first moving into your apartment. These things include: lightbulbs, scissors, hammer, paper towels/toilet paper, a general cleaning product, and some snacks including bottled water. Biils- I've mentioned this before and I'll mention it again...make sure all of your utilities have fully been transfered over so everything is ready to go in your new apartment when you get there. Nothing stinks worse than having to wait a week for someone to come out and turn on your cable, internet, or even electricity. There are a ton of tips that can you get into your new place quicker and with ease, so if you know of any that have helped you in moves past...let me know in a comment. Share with your fellow Apartmentite's and don't leave them out in the cold. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=225 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:20:00 GMT From time to time, an apartment may feel small. In all honesty, if you look at the square footage between a three bedroom apartment and a three bedroom house, you'll find that they aren't far off from one another. Some of us, however, have no need for three bedrooms at this point and choose to live in a lavish and wonderful one bedroom pad. I have found a plethora of techniques to making a smaller apartment have a much grander feel. The best and easiest way to do this is with mirrors. Plants- Placing a plant in front of a mirror turns it from just a simple plant into an indoor jungle of sorts. While that may be a slight exaggeration you'll find that the mirrored plant does give off a much larger feel as well as the reflection provides more exposure to sunlight for the plant itself. Life Size- Leaning or hanging a life size mirror against a wall in your living room will really open things up. It will also serve as a huge piece of art and may serve as a conversation piece as well. Either way, it will make your living room feel as if it were twice the size. Here, There, and Everywhere- If you really want to get creative and open things up, you might try hanging or placing a mirror on every open wall space. You might end up with a museum type feel, but it will be a lot of fun looking at all the infinite reflections of mirrors reflected one another. Outside In- If you have a place with limited windows, try placing a mirror on a wall directly across from one of your windows. You will not only reflect more sunlight into the room, but you might also give off the feel that the place has more windows. Shards- Find uniquely shaped, small pieces of mirror at your nearest craft store and arrange them all on a wall or door to give it an avant-garde feel. It will take some creativity, but could end up looking really cool. The most important thing to remember when hanging or decorating with mirrors is to have fun with it. Realize that things will be reflecting and pay attention to how they look when reflected. Good luck! If you have any cool ideas or uses with mirrors, please leave a comment and let me know! Share with your fellow Apartmentite! J http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=224 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:37:00 GMT Spring is here in full swing and other than the allergies, everything should be rocking around your apartment. People are out walking their dogs, picnics and barbecues are starting to happen more frequently, and you will slowly see folks sunbathing at the community pool. As we dive into spring with all of our might and head towards summer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you might have done a number of things around your apartment to get yourself braced for the cold of winter. The time has come to change things back to the way they were before that. Stop Using the Flannel Sheets- You can put away your flannel sheets, thick down comforter, and the extra blankets that you have had on top of the couch. Hopefully your apartment has a little extra storage either in your master, entry, or patio closet to store these things. Heater- Pop open the windows and let the fresh spring air in. Turn off the central heat and put away and store the space heaters. Make sure that you wipe all dust off of the space heaters before you store them in a clean DRY place off of the ground. Flowers- Spring not only brings showers, but it also brings flowers. Guys, whether it's your girlfriend, wife, fiance, sister, mother, best friend, etc, be sure to take the ladies of your lives flowers to decorate their apartments. Ladies, I wouldn't sit around waiting for guys to bring them, go out and pick some up and add a ton of color to your place with spring flowers. And guys, you could decorate with flowers too...It would impress the ladies and you'd look more sophisticated. Other Plants- If you had moved your plants inside during the winter, you can start taking them back out on the porch for some spring sun. They'll enjoy it, but make sure to water them too. I neglected a small potted plant that I had on my desk at work once....I'll never do it again...\ Pool- The community pool may soon become bustling with activity. Remember to keep in mind that you are sharing this pool with other people and families so be respectful of others. Try not to splash the sunbathers and clean up after yourself. So enjoy spring around your apartment. Get outside and soak up the sun. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=223 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:56:00 GMT Looking to entertain during the exciting March Madness tournament? If your apartment is decked out with a great TV and is well suited to host a few guests, then you are in great shape. Here are a couple of quick tips on hosting a great basketball watching function without having a hitch: 1. Remember Thy Neighbor- I've mentioned it before and I'll mention it again. Do not forget about inviting your neighbors. At the very least, you and all of your guests need to be understanding and conscious of the fact that you have neighbors and you'll want to keep you cheering at a level that doesn't bother them. If you have one friend that constantly jumps up and down during sports games and you live an upstairs floor, you may want to tie them down. 2. Clean Up- You know that you are going to have to clean up. Whether its food, drinks, or what, your house guests will leave in a rush after the game. You may want to "employ" one or two of your guests to stick around and help out. Always use paper plates, cups, and plastic utentsils. This way...all you have to do is chunk them a big trash bag when you are done. Also, have your friends take their shoes off when they come in to keep from tracking up the carpet. 3. Overcompensate- Nothing is worse at a gathering than running out of food or drinks in the middle of the game. You'll want to make sure that you are stocked up on whatever you may be serving so noone has to go on a run and miss an exciting part. Don't want to host it at your actual apartment? Check this out: A ton of the communities out there have really great clubhouses. Most of those have sweet TV's and a really great set up for hosting fun gathers for you and your close friends. If you are looking to entertain a few friends during March Madness, you should check with your leasing office to see if they let residents check or rent out the clubhouse or media areas of their community for private events. Heck, you may even peak their interest in hosting an all out, full community bash. Who knows? Whether you host at your apartment or your community's clubhouse. Remember to always be safe and courteous! In any sense, enjoy your time and make sure that if you are living in an apartment, you'd better be living for fun. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=222 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:34:00 GMT Getting good sleep may be one of the most important factors on happiness, health, and hanging on to those youthful good looks that you have. If only if it were as easy as being a cat.... Living in an apartment gives you an opportunity to get better sleep than any other living situation. It's warmer than a cardboard box. It's your own place, so Mom doesn't come screaming about breakfast when you are trying to sleep. Most importantly, you don't have to lose sleep about the money that you are spending on repairs and maintenance to a home you own...all you have to do is call the office. It's little known, but I am actually an expert on sleep. There are a few things out there that can help you sleep more soundly at night in your apartment. Turn down the fan and sleep on your side- Sometimes trouble sleeping can be applied to the actual way you are sleeping. Many times, if you sleep on your back, your mouth has a tendency to hang open when you are asleep. This in-turn causes wake ups with a dry sore throat and sadly...loud snoring that can wake you or your significant other as you breath from your mouth. Try intentionally laying on your side or stomach as you fall asleep. You could even scotch tape your mouth shut if you wanted. Ha! Really though, try switching it up and see if it makes a difference or turn down your fan when you are down for the count. A fan on blast will certainly circulate the air, but it can also stir up dry air and late night cedar fever.....and more SNORING..... Rest Your Mind- Ever been laying in bed and can't stop thinking about something that has you tossing and turning for hours? Of course you have. You should practice what is called "thought stopping." As the thought creeps into your head, tell yourself to "STOP." If it creeps back, do it again. The word Stop! forces an immediate shifting of our attention, which will lead us away from preoccupying thoughts. Worrying about having to be asleep will only cause anxiety and keep you awake. Try and relax your mind...sleep will soon follow. Sleep Items- From aromatherapy aides like a Lavender Pillow Mist to relaxing sounds or music cd's to a warming blanket, there are a number of items available that can help you get a few more zzzz's. The important thing is to try a few and see what works. My friend's Granny used to always have a hot toddy before sleep. His Grandpa had a shot of whiskey. Neither one of them ever had sleeping problems. I would hate to know the long lasting effect it had on their livers though, so if you use that therapy, make sure it's a last resort. Get some rest! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=149 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:58:00 GMT For all of you Apartmentites out there who fear going to the gym, fear no more. If your community has a state of the art fitness center (which most of them do), it's time for you to take full advantage. Don't waste money and time driving to a big expensive gym, when you have everything that you will need to get in shape and stay that way included in the cost of rent and right there in your own community. I have had several fellow Apartmentites mention that they feel uncomfortable at the BIG GYM with all the greasy people who stare all day and try to impress eachother. Most apartment fitness centers are NOTHING like this. In fact, many times you will be able to find a nice peaceful workout without anyone else around you. There are a few simple rules of etiquette that you and your neighbors should follow when working out in your apartment's fitness center. 1. Wipe It Down- Some communities will supply this, but if not, bring a small towel or old cloth with you that you can wipe the machines down when you get done with your work out. Nothing is more gross than getting on a machine, sticking your hands on the handles, and realizing that you just pressed your clean hands on someone else's nasty sweat. So be kind and wipe your machines down. 2. No Body Thinks You're Cool if you are slamming weights around with the loud clang. In fact, they may think that it is more of a nuisance when you make that noise. If you can't control it while you lift it, you should take some weight off. Dropping the weights down do no good for you or anyone else and can even lead to injury. 3. Replace Your Weights- Make sure and put the weights back on the rack when you finish working with them. Don't just leave them on the floor for someone to trip over. 4. Volume- When you get done with your workout and are headed home, make sure you turn the volume down on the television or radio if you were the only one using it. I've walked into the fitness center a few times to a blasting TV and noone in there. Not fun for my ears. 5. Share- Remember that you and those around you in the fitness center are all neighbors, so share the weights and machines if need be. Be kind to your neighbors. Who knows, You might make a good friend! Know any good fitness center etiquette rules? Let me know by posting a comment. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=221 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:44:00 GMT We all know that living on a budget is a part of life. As Apartmentites we look everywhere for ways to save. Why not save on your decorations too? Here are a couple of ideas that can help add some flavor to your apartment, but not take too much from your wallet. Free Art- Grab any frame from your local craft store or craft section of a supermarket. Then find some dried twigs, branches, cool leaves, pinecones, or anything else. Hang the frames on the wall, each one containing one of your free "pieces of natural art." Voila! Free art. You don't have to stick to the nature thing either. You could frame virtually anything...as long as its free! Fruit Centerpiece- Don't blow your budget on expensive flower arrangements for a kitchen table centerpiece. Instead, just throw some fruit or something else that looks cool and colorful in a ceramic bowl and place it in the center of the table. It will serve its purpose and will look nice too. A friend of mine filled up a bowl with bottle caps and used that as a centerpiece. It was tacky, but it was cheap and pretty cool. Need Cheap Lighting- Many kitchens and bathrooms can be ill-lit. Living in an apartment, you can't really install some new fixtures, can you? An easy fix for this is to purchase cheap desk lamps and place those in your dimly lit areas for extra light. You can find these lamps virtually anywhere and at a wide range of prices, including cheap! Craigslist- People are always trying to get rid of furniture quickly on Craigslist. I myself once sold a really nice futon for only 60 bucks because I didn't have a truck to move it at the time and was moving that night. If you are needing some furniture or even stuff to decorate your place, hop online there and look through the For Sale section for cool things you'd like. Sometimes people are even giving away things for free. If you know of any CHEAP cool decorating ideas, please post them as a comment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=220 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:48:00 GMT Have an empty corner in your apartment that draws attention away from the rest of the room because its just soooo...empty? Or have an empty corner that you just want to fill? Here are a few simple ideas to help fill in the blanks. Plant Life- Putting a potted plant in a corner will always accent a room, add oxygen and fill the void, but requires work. I found out the hard way that plants can take day to day care almost like a pet. You have to water it, trim it, talk to it....well maybe not talk to it, but you get the idea. The Random Chair- We've all seen it used at one time or the other. Someone places a chair in a corner. Maybe this chair was orphaned from a set or maybe it is an antique, but it always serves as a practical corner filler. You could even put a stool there. Some may think its out of place, but others will choose to have a seat. Let There Be Light- Setting a tall floor lamp will not only fill the space, but also help add ambiance and lighting to your apartment. This is probably the best way to kill a dull corner and one of the most common. The best part is that it is relatively inexpensive if you are shopping at the right places. Bookshelves- You could also purchase a corner bookshelf or 3 Tier Corner Metal and Wicker Shelf and place that in the corner to store books, DVD's, collectables or anything else you'd like to display to your apartment guests. Know of any good corner filling ideas? Leave them in a comment and let us know! Share, Apartmentite, share! See ya! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=219 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:40:00 GMT I had an Apartmentite email me and ask why I didn't post videos anymore. I wasn't sure exactly what to tell them, so I decided to give the Apartmentites what they wanted. This AWESOME video goes to show that when if you are moving or have just moved into a new apartment there may be the opportunity to meet new neighbors. This video may exaggerate the situations quite a bit for humor's sake, but making friends with the new neighbors is a really fun deal and simple to do. Need help meeting the neighbors? Try these ice breakers: 1. Cup of Sugar- The age old "Cup o' Sugar" routine is a great one and always works. Even if you don't need the sugar, just pop next door with an empty measuring cup at a reasonable time and politely introduce yourself and ask if you could borrow a "cup of sugar." This works best at dinner time. Do it any earlier and you'll just look silly. And don't stand around talking for too long either, get the sugar, exchange names and greetings, and get back to your apartment. This opens up the conversation route for the next time you pass each other and you no longer have to put your head down and act like you are making sure your laces are tired. 2. The Community Areas- Hit the fitness center, the clubhouse, or the laundry room at your community. Areas that are commonly visited by the other residents. Strike up a conversation with someone who looks friendly and receptive. Who knows, you may make an awesome friend. If you have a dog, take them out walking often. People love making friends with dogs and their owners. Just don't hang out by the dumpster...that's just weird...and stinky. 3. Hang Out On The Patio - Get some lawn chairs and chill out on your patio or balcony whenever you have a nice day. Chit chat with the passer-by's. Just don't hoot and whistle like a construction worker. Nothing is more offensive and is a very easy way to NOT make friends. Hopefully, you will have a few new friends in no time and you'll find that most neighbors aren't Apartmental like the ones in the video. Who knows, maybe you are my neighbor? Come and meet me! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=218 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:48:00 GMT It's getting down to crunch time for taxes and I wanted to let you, my fellow Apartmentite, know of a few tips and things to watch for when filing your taxes. If you are anything like me, I know that you are planning on filing them over the web from the comfort of your cozy apartment. It's cheaper than having an accountant do it for you and is general pretty dang easy. Not too mention convenient! Unfortunately though, along with the convenience comes a few things that you should look out for. There are a variety of scammers out there who may try to take advantage of people during tax time posing as the IRS. Here are a few tips for preventing scammers from bothering you. Email?!?!- The IRS will never contact you by email. They will always contact you the old fashioned way with snail mail and waste the tax payer's money for the postage (What efficiency?!?!?). If you do your taxes online through a service like TurboTax or HR Block, they will send you emails and confirmations...but it will never be from the IRS. If you get something that specifically states that it is from the IRS and are suspicious of it's authenticity, you should forward the email to the IRS directly for them to investigate. Web Address- Before clicking any links on things that claim to take you to an IRS website, double check the URL. Any site that is directly related to the IRS will start with: www.irs.gov Attachements- This is a good general rule with emails in general. If you have an attachment on an email that is sent to you. DO NOT open it unless you know exactly what it is and who it's from. Keeping these three simple things in mind when you are dealing with your taxes this year should really help you make sure everything comes out alright. Hopefully, you'll get a return and can get some really cool new stuff for your apartment. Maybe that cool couch you've always wanted or a new mirror to go over your dresser. The least you could do is stock your fridge! That thing is empty. HA! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=217 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:42:00 GMT Yes. It can seem to happen at the most inopportune time at your apartment. Whether you are trying to study for a final exam, have an important work related phone call, or even just trying to sleep in on your only day off...you suddenly hear the annoying sound. Its a constant buzz of lawn mowers, weed eaters, and edgers making your apartment grounds look really really nice. You often wonder why they have to do it right at that time, but I want to remind you that it always could be worse. It could be YOU out there having to mow that lawn. YOU could have to take time out of your busy schedule or on that day off to cut the grass and pull the weeds. If you were a home owner rather than an Apartmentite, you would have to do it all yourself. That is just another one of the HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of reasons that living in an apartment rocks! At least they aren't making all that noise in the middle of the night and although it seems like it lasts a long time, the sound will end before too long anyway. So don't stress. If they weren't doing this, you'd have a lot harder time looking for "landmines" through tall grass as you walk through the apartment grounds and it might be embarrassing to bring guests to an apartment that isn't groomed well. The noise is nothing that earplugs can't handle. So the next time you hear the buzz of the lawn machines start going off at 8 AM on a Saturday, don't throw your pillow across the room in frustration, just put it over your head to drown out the sign. Drift back to sleep knowing that you, yourself don't have to go out there and smell like sweat and grass because it is AWESOME living in an apartment. (PLUS...YOU NEVER HAVE TO CLEAN THE POOL EITHER) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=216 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:31:00 GMT As a valued Apartmentite, I wanted to give you a quick tip on what to do if the toilet in your apartment seems to be overflowing. We've all been there. You flush the handle and watch in anxiety as the water rises higher and higher with no recession in sight. Your breathing gets quicker and the panicky feeling sets in as you utter the words, "Oh! Crap!" (No pun intended.) Sure it feels like the natural reaction to freak out and run around the apartment screaming for help as the water rises over the tip of the bowl and begins to cascade down the sides onto the bathroom floor. Although natural, this reaction pretty much does no good except disturb the neighbors and add time for more water to run out and get closer to your carpet and other things that just shouldn't get wet. The key, however, is not to panic. Don't let this situation get the best of you. Most of you know this, but I have found that a surprising number of Apartmentites out there don't. There is a brass knob behind the toilet that actually shuts off the water going to the toilet. This knob turns clockwise to shut off the amount of water going to the toilet and counterclockwise to let more water run through. So as soon as you see that the toilet may be backed up and may overflow...reach behind the toilet and turn this knob clockwise to turn off the water. You will find that the water stops filling the bowl and now you have an easier opportunity to plunge your way to freedom. This is where keeping a plunger by the toilet at all times comes in handy. Make sure that when you first stock your apartment with all of the apartment necessities, that this is included. After you are plunged...be sure to turn the water back on and give it a flush to see if all is working right. Remember that a backed up toilet isn't always your fault and could in fact be something within the apartment building's plumbing, so its always a good idea to contact your apartment manager and let them know of your unfortunate incident. Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=215 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:58:00 GMT Community laundry is such a joy. Really though, having laundry centers in your apartment community is a huge, HUGE bonus over having to go to the laundromat next to the stop and go. Although some communities actually offer laundry hookups and even washers and dryers in their actual units, most other communities offer on-site laundry centers. There are a few really great benefits to having a community laundry center. Check it out: 1) Money Saving- Running the washer and dryer at home is convenient, but it eats up electricity and if you are constantly washing loads, you will run up your bill quite quickly. Not only that, but if you have the connections, but don't have a washer and dryer yet, they can be quite expensive and a pain to lug up to a second or third floor apartment. 2) Noise Prevention-Then there is always the unbalanced dryer that bangs around and can cause all kinds of disturbing noise through out your building. Do you really want to be the cause of all that noise? 3) Meet People- Honestly, if you are an outgoing person...its a good place to meet your neighbors and make friends in the community. 4) Time Saver- If you can get into the laundry center when noone else is in there, you can start a few loads at once and save time by washing several loads at one time! 5) Maintenance-- If a washer or dryer breaks, it's not your responsibility to get it taken care of. So keep things clean and don't be afraid to use your community laundry center. Make sure to bring a book, laptop, or good conversation topic while you wait. AND REMEMBER YOUR QUARTERS! I think it's time for me to wash and dry! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=214 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:38:00 GMT So you are on the apartment hunt? You have found a few places that you absolutely love, but there is a drawback: They’re on the top floor. Not to fear, my fellow Apartmentite! There is a huge plus side to top floor living. It might save you some cash! Often communities will price units that are on the 2nd and 3rd floors at a cheaper monthly rate than those on the ground. Sure, a higher floored apartment at times can be frustrating...especially when you are trying to lug groceries ofurniture up three flights of stairs. But keep in mind the perks: 1) No above neighbors - You will never have any upstairs neighbors pounding on the ground and bothering you with noise. If you start hearing noises above you, it could only be either thunder or some really big squirrels. You also don't have to worry about an upstairs neighbor dumping a cooler full of ice over the balcony, and onto the edge of yours. 2) Best Views - Looking out of your windows or going onto your balcony from the 3rd floor can provide you with some of the best views in the community. How can you beat that? 3) Further Away from Car Noise - Up high, you are further away from the parking lot and the cars passing back and forth. This helps isolate yourself from the noise, as well and increased general quietness. 4) Harder for Crime - It may also be more difficult for a burglar to break in to your apartment through the windows on a higher floor (unless they are good at scaling walls). They might also be less prone to take things out of your place, because they would have so far to lug that stuff. 5) Work Out - The best bright side of all is that you get a little more of a work out and burn more calories than you would in a downstairs apartment just by simply going to and from your place (this is no way to get fully in shape, but every little bit helps). If you have any other great ideas on how living on the top floor can be a lot of fun, or if you need help finding the perfect place, send an email to posts@apartmenthomeliving.com. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=213 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:24:00 GMT Moving from a small town to a big city can be a huge adjustment. Cliché as it may be, you’re soon going to be a “small fish in a big pond.” And in some cases in some cities…that pond can seem more like an ocean! Whether going from a very small town (say, less than 5,000 people), or from a larger small city (say, 50,000 people), an apartmentite is going to face challenges that they’ve had very limited exposure to. Like what? I’m glad you asked. Traffic Gone Crazy - Ugh. If three or four cars stopped at a “one-light intersection on the downtown square because Old Man Johnson walked his dog across the street” is what you would call traffic, you’re in for a huge surprise. Big city driving is a whole different story. Three important things to always keep in mind when driving in city traffic: don’t be scared, catch on to traffic patterns fast, and don’t drive angry. If you feel yourself getting agitated by the terrible driving around you…just breathe. It’s out of your control. I promise, you will eventually get used to it. What do I mean by “catch on to traffic patterns fast?” Let me give an example. I once moved from Wichita to Dallas. In Dallas, people drive at lightening speed (seriously, like 85) on these narrow highways (think 75 thru downtown Dallas). You need to speed up to avoid getting run over. Eventually, the speed will feel normal. But in Chicago, people drive at a normal speed, but right on your tailgate and honk all the time. At first, this is very unnerving. But eventually, you won’t even notice the horn blowing. And when your sister comes to visit, she’ll be scared and tell you you’re too close to the next car too—and why are you honking at everyone? Distance is Skewed - In a big city, saying something is “around the corner” or “down the street” can mean anything from 5 to 45 minutes away…without traffic. Only One Way in Big Downtown - Be aware when driving downtown, many of the streets are only one way. As long as you pay good attention, you should be okay. So Much to Do, So Little Time - Suddenly, you’ll find nearly limitless options for food and entertainment. There are shopping centers on almost every corner with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, retail stores, and anything you’ll ever imagine that you need. No longer will you have to drive to the next town over to get some milk or eggs. All you’ll have to do is drive 5 minutes, “right around the corner,” to the nearest grocery or corner store. Along with all the options for shopping and dining, your choices for entertainment multiply. You’ll never be bored with major sports teams, theater, bowling allies, parks, putt-putt golf courses, regular golf courses, movie theaters, game centers, clubs, bars, and lounges (and many don’t close till 4 a.m. or later). The Law: To Protect and Serve - Along with many more citizens, the call for the law increases as well. As long as you aren’t breaking any laws, these folks are on your side. But remember: being the High School quarterback or the city’s biggest philanthropist will NOT get you out of a ticket here. Moving to a big city requires patience to adjust and an open mind to take in the changes. No matter what city you’ve chosen for your move, having your own apartment in a fun, fast-paced city can be a really, really exciting move. Check out all of the cool stuff at our site to help you make your new apartment incredible. Feel free to ask our team of experts anything about the apartment living lifestyle at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com or visit our Answer’s page and pose your question there. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=212 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:22:00 GMT Living on the third floor at your apartment can at times be frustrating...especially when you are trying to lug groceries or furniture up three flights of stairs. However, as frustrating as it may be from time to time, there are some really great bonuses to living on the top floor. 1) No above neighbors- You will never have any upstairs neighbors pounding on the ground and bothering you with noise. If you start hearing noises above you, it could only be either thunder or some really big squirrels. You also don't have to worry about an upstairs neighbor dumping liquid or a cooler full of ice over the balcony passed your balcony. 2) Best Views- Looking out of your windows or going out on your balcony from the third floor can provide you with some of the best views in the community. How can you beat that? 3) Further Away From Car Noise- Up high, you are further away from the parking lot and the cars passing back and forth. This helps you isolate yourself away from the noise as well and things are a little quieter. 4) Harder For Crime- It may also be more difficult for a burglar to break in to your apartment through the windows on a higher floor unless they are good at scaling walls. They also would be less prone to take things out of your place because they would have so far to lug that stuff. 5) Work Out- The best bright side of all is that you get a little more of a work out and burn more calories than you would in a downstairs apartment just by simply going to and from your place. (This is no way to get fully in shape, but every little bit helps) So there you have the top 5 reasons that living on the top floor in your apartment building is a really awesome thing. Enjoy it! Relish it! Remember to live for fun! Extra Tip: Keep a big brown box broken down in your trunk that you can put together and use to bring your groceries up in bulk and in one trip! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=211 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:19:00 GMT All in all, apartment parking lot etiquette seems like it would be simple...right? Wrong. After observation over many years of my various apartment communities' parking lots, I have come to the conclusion that not everyone may have knowledge of the rules, regulations, and general niceties that come with sharing a massive parking lot. We're here to help. There are some very simple ideas and tips to follow when parking at an apartment community that can make storing your vehicle easier for you and the residents around you. Assigned Parking- One thing to always be aware of is if a community has assigned parking. Lots with awnings, usually are marked with numbers and these are assigned to particular residents of that apartment. You should avoid parking in these spaces at all costs. Even if you notice that no one ever seems to park in space "107", you should park in your assigned spot. Parking in the wrong assigned spot can cause a domino effect of residents parking or the assigned resident might even call to have you towed. So pay attention and park in your own spot or general shared spaces...not the assigned ones. No Double Parking- I assure you that parking your car at an angle and taking up more than one spot will do you more harm than good. This action is more likely to anger other parkers who can't find a space, which can end in your car being towed or worse. Sure, your tricked out Honda Civic is a really great car, but keep it in one space please. Private Property- Remember that the other residents' vehicles are their own private property. Be respectful of this and try not to lean on, sit on, or damage someone else's vehicle. You should also keep in mind that vandalism is unacceptable at all times for any reason. Even if you are really peeved at that double parked Civic, vandalism is NOT an option and is prosecutable by law. There are sometimes security cameras and a good number of witnesses around at a community, so be respectful of other resident's property. Slow it Down- The speed bumps that are found throughout the drive aren't made to be jumps. The speed bumps are their to slow you down. Remember that there are often families with kids that live in apartments too. Kids, animals, adults, and other cars can dart out into the drive or around the corner. If you are going to fast, you might not have time to react and can cause a really bad accident or worse. So, please, slow it down. Accidents Happen- We all know that from time to time accidents happen. Whether you bump another car while opening your car door or some other accident, be a responsible resident and leave your information on a piece of paper under their windshield wiper or if you know which apartment they live in, drop by and let them know what happened. Trust me, its better to let them know this way than to have them find out it was you from another witness or worse...the law. If every single resident were to follow these very easy and respectful rules when parking at their communities, parking would be a simple and headache free endeavor. (Oh and never park in a handicap space unless you have a handicap pass or sticker) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=210 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:02:00 GMT Want to have some cheap fun in your apartment without causing too much destruction and havoc? Have a picture party! And by party, I don't mean inviting tons and tons of people. I'd advise, for your sake and for your neighbors' sake, limit your guest list to 5-8 people. Also, be sure that the ones whom you invite are creative and good with cameras. At the end of this event, you want to come away with hundreds of really great photos from a variety of different eyes that will immortalize your apartment and help you retain those often awesome, yet fleeting memories. And if you take some really awesome pictures that feature your sweet looking apartment...be sure to share them with your apartment manager! Maybe they could use them to show how great and fun their apartments can be...Just a thought. There are two ways of having this event. 1) Got Digital? - Have each of your guests bring their own digital camera and the cables or card readers they'll need to transfer any pics to your computer. Schedule some board games or other fun activities as well as place a number of fun, cool looking objects around the apartment. Of course, you will want to have a few snacks and refreshments available. (Remember adult beverages should be for adults only and handled responsibly) You'll want to have a timer that goes off at a set time every couple of minutes or so, which will be time for every guest to take a picture. Doesn't really matter of what as long as it's a cool pic! Then after a couple of hours, transfer all of the pictures over to your computer, have a slide show, and a ton of great laughs! Disposable Disco- This one is more for those who are less concerned with perfect pictures and more concerned with the element of surprise. Supply each of your guests with a disposable camera as soon as they walk through your door. Follow the same activity and time guidelines as above, but every 10 minutes have everyone put all the cameras into a bag, shake them up, and then pull out another camera. This really mixes it up! You could then take a group trip to your nearest one hour photo lab and see if they'd be able to actually print all the pics within an hour. If so, kill some time shopping or grabbing a drink while the pictures are being developed. After you pick them up, take them all back to the apartment and spread them out all over the floor. You'll come away with a bunch of great pics and possibly some great new decorating ideas with all the excellent photos. Quick tip: If you keep your apartment well lit, make sure that you don't use the flash. Flashes have a tendency of really white washing out pictures and if you can get around using one because your room is really bright...do it! Either way you decide to do it, if you end up hosting one of these picture taking events, post your pictures on an account at Flickr and post a link to your pics in a comment on this blog. I'd love to share them in our blogs! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=209 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:33:00 GMT Hey Apartmentites! Brianne here, your apartment decorating and style expert, and I want to share with you a little insight on making your apartment fit the mold of our motto here at AHL. Okay, so at this point I think it is safe to admit that there is a huge variety of things that people "Live 4" out there, but one specific "live for" is our motto around here and it rings true with just about everyone...(except those sad and forlorned emo-kids.) We (most of us at least) Live for Fun! So why not let it show in your apartment decorations too? Here are a few simple ideas to help you decorate your apartment to reflect playfulness and energy. 1. Keep the Dining Area Simple- Try a small wooden table and don't decorate it too heavily. Allow the wood grain to shine and show off the simplicity. Let all the attention be put on the furniture. It becomes cheaper for you and makes a bolder statement. Avoid bulky drapes and let the sun shine through using light fabrics and light colors on the windows. You want you kitchen area to feel fresh and rejuvenating. The light provides energy! 2. Extra Space Can Be Great- If you have a ton of extra space in your apartment, turn some of it into an area for you to do the things that you really enjoy. Whether its a game station or a reading spot, maximize your storage and space possibilities by building shelves to house your favorite games, DVD's, or books! Nothing says "fun" like having a space that is purely meant to celebrate what you do for "fun." 3. Mirrors and Candles- So you want to have some really energetic, expressive, and fun walls but not sure how to do it? Easy. Take a bunch of left over or old mirrors and attach them to a wall at varying levels first. Right there, you suddenly have created an "open" feel that goes beyond fun and free. Then if you are feeling like really make the place great. Take a ton of candles (if allowed in your lease) and place them on small shelves in front of each mirror. It gives off a classic almost Victorian type feel in a fun and energetic way! 4. Accent Wall!- Don't waste the time and energy painting an entire room. Instead, roll one solid (and very bold) color of the most important wall in a room and let it draw all of the attention. In your living room, make this either the wall behind your entertainment center or couch. In your bedroom, make it the wall behind the headboard. In the bathroom, make it the wall with the mirror. Remember...everything on that wall is going to stand out more, so don't put your ugly old stuff there. 5. Put Your Life Into Your Environment- You should always have your apartment reflect yourself. In fact, it should be a spitting image! If you have a bold, bright sense of humor, using bright colors and letting in lots of light can really help match your apartment to you. One of my friends once framed a dozen different jokes and hung them all throughout his apartment. Everywhere you went...you could have a laugh. If music is your thing, how about framing cd inserts and hanging them throughout. If you can't express yourself through the way your apartment looks and feels, when can you?! If you follow these simple tips and have a little fun while decorating, your place will feel incredible in no time with energy and tons of flowing freedom! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=208 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:41:00 GMT Recently, I blogged about going green in your apartment. Well going green isn't the only thing I try to live better by. I also am big on eating organic as well. Now with the booming business that is organic food, it's easier than ever to eat organically in your apartment. Not only can you go to the grocery store or market and find vast sections that are dedicated to the organic lifestyle, but it's getting even easier than leaving your apartment. The web is becoming populated with a number of incredible sites that offer ideas, recipes, and ways to go organic at the click of a mouse button. DoorToDoorOrganics.com delivers a box full of seasonal certified organic fruit to your apartment every week for as little as under $40 per box. You can customize your order all the way up until the day before it ships. That's not the only one out there though. Many of these sites are regional, so you can just hop on google and look for grocery delivery in your area to find the place that best suits you and can get you fresh organic food while you relax on your couch. Know of any good ones? Let us know by posting a comment below! Until next time, Eric- The Green Living Specialist PS- If you live in the New York area, try Freshdirect.com. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=207 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:36:00 GMT So a neighbor at your apartment who you hardly know has invited you to attend a gathering at their place, but you barely know them? You have nothing to do that night and would love to get out of your apartment and away from your attention needy cats, but the fact that you don't know anyone is intimidating and discouraging. Sound familiar? I've attended a few dinner parties and other events where I barely knew anyone and have to admit that it can be uncomfortable and time ticks by quite slowly. Not only that, but there are a number of reasons other than just not knowing anyone that can lead to an sour time for you. However, through learning from my experiences, I'm here to tell you to get out of the house and get to that neighbors apartment gathering. Have some FUN with the following tips on going from uncomfortable and awkward to having a blast, meeting new friends and maybe even being the life of the apartment party in a matter of minutes! Hit The Bar/Kitchen- Don't know anyone there? NO PROBLEM. Head to the bar or kitchen area full steam at your first on set of uncomfortableness. You'll get to check out the entire place on your way there and look like you have a purpose. Try not to aimlessly wonder around cluelessly, it will show that you feel uncomfortable and many times people find it awkward to talk to a stranger who gives off that uncomfortable vibe. The bar and kitchen area is the most populated area throughout the party and will give you the best chance to strike up convo with some potential new friends. Whatever you do, don't head for the couch. You'll disappear into the background of the party in the worst hiding spot at a party. Plus, if someone smelly or obnoxious sits next to you....you're done for! So, if you don't know a soul, hit the bar! What Do I Say?- This is an age old question that spans across more than just apartment party banter. However at a party, conversating is as simple as keeping it simple. It's a proven fact that people love sharing their opinions, so ask tons of questions! (This works great on impressing a date as well.) These questions can be simple or complex, as long as they are generic. Ask about great vacation spots, current events, sports, movies, nearby restaurants, careers, kids, etc....but be sure to steer clear of politics and religion! Scared To Be Stuck With No Way Out- Some folks are scared that they will be stuck in a boring conversation or even worse, at a boring party. Keep in mind that there is always a way out! If someone keeps gabbing about a topic that is straining and of no interest to you, politely excuse yourself to the restroom or to step outside to make an important phone call that you suddenly remember you have to make. Trust me, they won't be hurt by your quick exeunt. To Dress Or Not To Dress- Never waste any thought on dress code. If you have questions, just call the host and ask. They'll think it's great that you're double checking. Plus, if you are dressed up, most of the other people would be thinking, "Gosh! They look GOOOOD!" or if you are underdressed, they'll be wishing they could be as comfortable as you are. It's a win-win situation, so like I said, don't waste thought. Do you have any good tips on making yourself comfortable at a party? What things do you do to make sure that you are having a good time at your apartment party? Post a comment and let us know! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=206 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:01:00 GMT If you have been considering changing the window treatments in your home, then you should definitely look into the growing popularity of wood blinds. These blinds come in a great many styles and materials, and are precisely suited to fit any decor. When you add wood blinds to your home, it says to the world that you have exquisite style and taste. But how does one go about choosing just the right style of blinds for their home? Well, that all depends of which room of the house they are being pot into. You can have a different style of wood blinds in each room of your home, and still be at the height of interior fashion. Take a look at this room by room guide which our interior design experts have put together for you, in an effort to help make the process of choosing wood blinds for your home that much easier. Horizontal Blinds- Horizontal wood blinds are beautiful window treatments that are designed to look exactly like Venetian blinds, but made with wooden slats. These blinds are excellent in rooms where more light is preferable, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. If you are choosing horizontal wood blinds for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important that you choose blinds that have been specially treated to withstand the mold and mildew that can occur on untreated blinds due to the high levels of moisture in these rooms. There are several different typos of wood used in horizontal blinds, but the most popular are red cedar, and white oak or pine. Vertical Blinds- Vertical wood blinds are the perfect choice for a room that should be well-lit, such as a living room, or dining room. These blinds can be easily pulled to the side of the window, to allow full sunlight in; and easily closed tight at night for the utmost in privacy. Vertical wood blinds, or hanging blinds as they are also known, are also quite excellent for offices as they allow the most light through the window, when pulled off to the side. Roman Shades- For bedrooms and nurseries, where the ability to darken a room is important, the Roman Shade style of wood blinds is preferred. These wood blinds cover the entire window when down, and are opaque so as to provide the most light blockage. These blinds are rather stylish when raised, as well; as they fold accordion-style, slats together. Bamboo Shades- If you are looking for privacy, but still want to let the light in, then bamboo shades are just the thing. These wood blinds are made with only the finest bamboo, and roll as they are raised. When down, these wood blinds are thin enough to still allow plenty of light to enter a room; yet closely enough woven to provide the utmost in privacy. If you prefer to have curtains on your windows for darkness, these bamboo shades are excellent window treatments for bedrooms; although, we do not recommend them for nurseries. Slider Panels- For the utmost in room darkening, try slider panels for rooms such as media rooms. These wood blinds come in a variety of darker wood, including dark walnut bamboo; and are the ideal treatment for windows in rooms with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. Backed with an opaque fabric for maximum density, sliding wood blinds can be used not only as window treatments; but can also be installed to divide rooms, or to create closure on rooms with extra-wide door-less entrances. As you can see, there are a great many different styles of wood blinds that you can choose from, in a variety of different materials. Choose a wood that matches your furniture, and add instant elegance to any room with wood blinds. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/choosing-wood-blinds-for-your-home-a-room-by-room-guide-271346.html About the Author: Pj Germain Pj is a certified webmaster and author currently researching wood shutters and blinds. See his current site here: Choosing Wood Blinds: Room-by-Room Guide http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=205 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:29:00 GMT When out on the apartment grounds, never leave your pets unattended. The great outdoors is for you AND Bruno, not you OR Bruno. Dogs and cats should never be left to wander outdoors unattended. If you’re not there, your pet shouldn't be there either. Also, there should be no such thing as an "outside cat" when living in an apartment. Cats left to stray often go feral, get into fights, and can even die. I think everyone’s heard the eerie, “child-like” screams as two cats claw it out in the night—it's freaky! There is an obnoxious cat in my community who's owners let roam the apartments and cause trouble. It actually tries to fight my cats through my window! Keep that cat indoors and safe. The same goes for your pooch. Dogs can get hurt or carted off to the pound when out alone. Not to mention get into a whole slew of additional trouble. In the end, your pet is YOUR responsibility and so are their actions, so be sure to not leave them unattended. Pets should also not be left unattended on patios or balconies. You’re not planning on teaching your dog to grill out there, are you? And you can almost make it a safe bet that curiosity will have your cat leap the rail and take off if left alone on the balcony. They, too, are very aware that they always land on their feet. As long as you are with them, outside is the perfect place to take Rufus or Mittens out for some exercise. Even then though, there is one thing to always keep in mind. You've got to keep 'em on a leash. Leashing keeps your pet from darting out in front of cars and causing all types of trouble. Even if he's on a leash, you should still be in full control of Rufus. Make sure he doesn’t approach children or others too quickly, doesn’t jump on them, or even look like he’s straining to get a piece of their leg. Not good. Taking care of a pet isn't supposed to be simple and requires a little work and consideration of those around you. In the end, as long as you respect your neighbors and those around you, your pets will to. Naturally, because you should be in control of their actions. WOOF! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=204 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:35:00 GMT Clutter is a very common problem among every single Apartmentite that I have ever come across in my entire life. It's perfectly natural, but the bad part is: it spreads! Then before you know it, you have tons of clutter of junk that you don't really need piling up all over your apartment. We clutch on to these things for dear life for reasons that seem beyond our control. Are they truly beyond our control? Heck no! So why do we hang on to these things and let the clutter build? There are three main reasons: Maybe You'll Need Or Want It One Day- Many of us cling on to stuff and let it store up for the day that we will be able to use it again. I call this, "The Plastic Shopping Bag Effect." Like we hang on to plastic shopping bags that build a ball of plastic in our pantries, we also have a tendency to store books, clothes, cds, etc, etc, etc in hopes that we will break them out again. You have to distance yourself from these things. Let them go. If it doesn't work for you or you don't use it now, toss it or donate these items to someone else who will use them. It Meant So Much To Me- That awesome worn out T-Shirt that your Aunt Ethel gave to you when you were twelve, that means so much to you shouldn't be collecting dust in your closet. Another huge reason that Apartmentites let clutter build up is with stuff that is very sentimental to them. If you have items that are near and dear to your heart and you absolutely must keep, stuff them in a box or trunk and get rid of the rest. You'll be pleasantly surprised how much clutter that you get rid of and how good you'll feel being clutter-free. Besides, what would Aunt Ethel say if she saw you living in filth and clutter? Stuff Does Not Make The Person- Sometimes clutter builds from all the stuff that an Apartmentite collect to show off their different eclectic sides. Whether its artsy-fartsy books, alternative cds, or obscure cool looking pieces of junk, remember that all it does is add clutter. The things that you own and try to show off, does not show anything about who you truly are or your character other than you possibly being a base show off. So if you never touch it and don't really need it...put it in a bag and toss it away! Easy as that. If you follow these tips in helping keep yourself and your apartment clutter free, you'll be smiling in freedom in no time! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=203 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:12:00 GMT Wow! These little apartment pets seem to have a little too much fun hanging out with one another. Cats or in this case kittens are perfect apartmen pets because they are relatively clean, quiet, and self efficient. The best part is that most of them use the litter box. Dogs are great too, but often need a ton of attention, baths, walks, excercise, etc. But dogs are a whole lot of fun! Pets rock! We now have a resident pet expert at Apartment Home Living who will be providing you with all of his expertise on pets and living with them in your apartment. Brian has his P.H.D. (Pet Handling Degree) and is also pretty knowledgeable in Home Improvement and repairs, so look forward to getting enriched in some pet and home improvement knowledge from Brian AKA petsandplungers. Apartmentites unite! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=201 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:22:00 GMT There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of tips out there to help Apartmentites live the green life. Yes, "going green" has become a very popular trend among Apartmentites that spreads across several different generations. Naturally, how could anyone ever complain about a trend like this? It's trendy, chic, and great for the environment. Not to mention it is helping us prolong our stay on this huge apartment we call the great, green Earth! So I say: Go Green! People! Get as Green as you can. Be proud to be a greeny....just take a shower please. You can be green without being gross. As always I have a few tips to help my fellow Apartmentites achieve great Greenness in their daily cleaning and become trendy as they do it. Here's how to make cleaning Green Candle Switching- If you are still burning old oil based paraffin candles, STOP. Switch it up and grab beeswax or soy candles. They burn cleaner and are in no danger of harming the environment. Best of all, they're affordable. Soap- Use all natural and organic soaps! It appears that many Green folk out there tend to just stop bathing and using soap all together. This is not the answer. Rather, pick up a nice smelling organic soap at virtually any grocery store and remember to bathe thyself daily. All-Natural Cleaners- Stop using cleaning products that are filled with harmful chemicals that no one but scientists can pronounce. If you have baking soda, vinegar, and organic soap...you have everything you need to make all-natural cleaners. Baking soda can be used on animal messes, grease stains, and deodorize other tough to get out stains, while vinegar will help you get up the tea, coffee, and rust! Try cleaning the toilet or hardwood/tile floor with vinegar or shine up your small appliances and counters with baking soda. The soap always works well with water at getting out the simple dirt and grime. sponge-tastic- Dump the old plasticy rubber sponges and use loofas or sea sponges to scrub-a-dub in the bath and beyond. You also want to replace using paper towels with fragments of an old flannel shirt-It's washable! Simple Green Cleaner- There are a wide variety of "green" cleaning products out there if you wish not to make your own. I suggest using Simple "Green All Purpose Cleaner." It's chemical free, biodegradable, and rocks the house! There you have a few tips to help you clean up around the apartment, but stay consistent with being Green and helping the environment. You can do your part in helping preserve our beautiful world, one apartment at a time, but remember though, be Green, not Gross! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=202 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:02:00 GMT When out on the apartment grounds, never leave your pets unattended. The great outdoors is for you AND Bruno, not you OR Bruno. Dogs and cats should never be left to wander outdoors unattended. If you’re not there, your pet shouldn't be there either. Also, there should be no such thing as an "outside cat" when living in an apartment. Cats left to stray often go feral, get into fights, and can even die. I think everyone’s heard the eerie, “child-like” screams as two cats claw it out in the night—it's freaky! There is an obnoxious cat in my community who's owners let roam the apartments and cause trouble. It actually tries to fight my cats through my window! Keep that cat indoors and safe. The same goes for your pooch. Dogs can get hurt or carted off to the pound when out alone. Not to mention get into a whole slew of additional trouble. In the end, your pet is YOUR responsibility and so are their actions, so be sure to not leave them unattended. Pets should also not be left unattended on patios or balconies. You’re not planning on teaching your dog to grill out there, are you? And you can almost make it a safe bet that curiosity will have your cat leap the rail and take off if left alone on the balcony. They, too, are very aware that they always land on their feet. As long as you are with them, outside is the perfect place to take Rufus or Mittens out for some exercise. Even then though, there is one thing to always keep in mind. You've got to keep 'em on a leash. Leashing keeps your pet from darting out in front of cars and causing all types of trouble. Even if he's on a leash, you should still be in full control of Rufus. Make sure he doesn’t approach children or others too quickly, doesn’t jump on them, or even look like he’s straining to get a piece of their leg. Not good. Taking care of a pet isn't supposed to be simple and requires a little work and consideration of those around you. In the end, as long as you respect your neighbors and those around you, your pets will to. Naturally, because you should be in control of their actions. WOOF! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=200 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:09:00 GMT We all want our apartment to stand out from the run of the mill places that can be drab and a bore. Adding colorful and unique patterns throughout your humble abode will bode well with those who judge you by your apartment style. If decoration and style is a key to your apartment happiness, how can it be achieved on a modest budget? Okay, I guess there's no need to sugar coat this. How can you make your apartment decoration rock and keep things cheap? Easy. The key is in using a cheap material: PAPER! There are several really awesome decorating ideas that can be accomplished through the use of paper products, so check it out! Wrapping Paper- Go to the store and pick up a few rolls of wrapping paper that matches your apartment color scheme, as well as have some really great patterns that you enjoy. At this point you are at most, $20 out. There are several sweet things you can do with these, beyond just wrapping presents! You could start by covering and gluing some of that paper around a cheap lamp shade to give it some flair. Then you could wrap a few art canvas, old record covers, or empty frames in various matching sections of the wrapping paper and hang those on your wall. For accents, you could cover or cut small patterns of paper to place on books, vases, candle holders, or other accessories that match your theme. Frame It- Whether its wrapping paper or some sheets of other kinds of paper. It can be highly impacting to throw a frame around them and then center them on a wall. You don't even have to use fancy patterns to make this interesting and a home version of modern art! Create a Centerpiece- Those simple clear glass vases that you put flowers in can become wonderful looking centerpieces, by simply adding the cheap ingredient of paper as a wrap around the glass. Double sided scotch tape works perfectly for attaching the paper to the glass. Who would have ever thought that paper would make the perfect decorating material? And the best part of all is that its affordable. Just be careful not to tear it, but if you do...it's always easy to replace! Live 4 An Awesome Apartment that really sets you Apart! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=199 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:02:00 GMT With the advancement of cable internet and incredible mobile phone technology, most Apartment-ites have done away with their silly little landlines. It's all about the mobile, baby! But if I had a nickel for every time that I have heard a fellow Apartment dweller complaining about their phone not working right, the terrible customer service they've received, or their bill being all jacked up, I'd be loaded. In these trying times, it's always good to remember that you have options! We're here to help you break free from mobile phone hell and save you a little cash every month that can be used elsewhere to help make your wonderful apartment life even better. Thousands of Apartmentites are locked into long-term mobile phone contracts with ridiculous early-termination fees whether they like it or not. Most phone companies will give you a 14 or 30 day trial period to make sure your phone works well in your apartment, on your commute, and at your place of business, which is great. But what if you move to a new apartment and your phone starts acting on the fritz, dropping calls, rarely finding service, and cutting in and out of conversation. Are you just supposed to deal with it until the end of your uber long contact? No! There are a number of tips to consider in helping you deal with a frustrating situation of having your phone not work in a new apartment(***DISCLAIMER: In the end YOU and only YOU are responsible for the terms of your contract with your cell provider and any suggestion we make here, is merely an idea and should NOT be used as definite answer to your mobile ailments. Apartment Home Living is not responsible for any issues or charges that may be faced for following any of these ideas. Just use them at your own risk please, and check with you phone provider about charges you may face before making any decisions.) Out Of Coverage- Move to an area where your current phone company doesn’t provide coverage. If this is the case, many companies will let you out of your contract because they cannot up hold their end of the deal and provide you service in your new area. Check with them to see if they offer service in your zip code and if not, ask them what options you have on getting out. Swap-A-RooniWeb sites like celltradeusa.com is a forum that allows an unhappy customer of one carrier to match up with an unhappy customer from another carrier and swap plans. This reminds me of the old adage: One person's trash, is another person's treasure. Negotiation Tactics- Try calling your customer service rep and their supervisor, explain your situation, and see if you can negotiate the early termination of your contract without or with lessoned fees. ALWAYS remember to be calm, collected, and friendly. Absolutely do NOT get angry and come across as rude. This will only make the rep defensive and unwilling to help. Remember, legally, they do not have to do anything, but many times if they feel that they are helping someone, they will. It's one of our innate desires as humans to help one another. Go Pre-Paid- For your next phone, avoid contracts all together and go with a pre-paid cell phone. Many of them out there have really great deals and are really really cheap. Don't DO IT - Whatever you do, DON'T sign up for the things that send you a joke a day. They get you roped in to a monthly charge and are nearly impossible to discontinue as they are not from the phone company. They are third party vendors. Getting info on an apartment via text messaging will work wonderfully though and won't cost you a penny! Taxes- Watch your taxes. Some cities have different taxes than other cities, so if you change your area code, you will reflect those new taxes. If they are higher...don't do it. Save your old number! Hopefully these tips will help save you some money that you can reroute into some apartment improvements or at the very least some apartment fun! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=198 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:19:00 GMT We all want our apartment to stand out from the run of the mill places that can be drab and a bore. Adding colorful and unique patterns throughout your humble abode will bode well with those who judge you by your apartment style. If decoration and style is a key to your apartment happiness, how can it be achieved on a modest budget? Okay, I guess there's no need to sugar coat this. How can you make your apartment decoration rock and keep things cheap? Easy. The key is in using a cheap material: PAPER! There are several really awesome decorating ideas that can be accomplished through the use of paper products, so check it out! Wrapping Paper- Go to the store and pick up a few rolls of wrapping paper that matches your apartment color scheme, as well as have some really great patterns that you enjoy. At this point you are at most, $20 out. There are several sweet things you can do with these, beyond just wrapping presents! You could start by covering and gluing some of that paper around a cheap lamp shade to give it some flair. Then you could wrap a few art canvas, old record covers, or empty frames in various matching sections of the wrapping paper and hang those on your wall. For accents, you could cover or cut small patterns of paper to place on books, vases, candle holders, or other accessories that match your theme. Frame It- Whether its wrapping paper or some sheets of other kinds of paper. It can be highly impacting to throw a frame around them and then center them on a wall. You don't even have to use fancy patterns to make this interesting and a home version of modern art! Create a Centerpiece- Those simple clear glass vases that you put flowers in can become wonderful looking centerpieces, by simply adding the cheap ingredient of paper as a wrap around the glass. Double sided scotch tape works perfectly for attaching the paper to the glass. Who would have ever thought that paper would make the perfect decorating material? And the best part of all is that its affordable. Just be careful not to tear it, but if you do...it's always easy to replace! Live 4 An Awesome Apartment that really sets you Apart! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=197 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:40:00 GMT Happy Valentines Day!!! While we hope that your day is filled with love, gifts, smiles, and happiness, we also want to thank you for your support and your participation in letting us know what you Live For! Since it's inception about 4 months ago, Apartmentites have shared nearly 50, 000 unique Live Fors. (And that's not counting the ones that...how should I put this...we were unable to approve for obvious reasons). Regardless, 50, 000 is incredible and means given a full year a couple of hundred thousand Apartmentites will share the unique things they Live For. We are here for way more than just helping you find an apartment, we want you to LIVE FOR FUN and help you learn how to get the most out of your apartment living experience. We noticed through their Live For's, more people lived for their Sons than their Daughters, while about the same amount of people who lived for Love, live for Travel. Living for God and living for Happiness didn't even make the Top 10! The Top 10 Things that Apartmentites Live For so far are: 1. Their families 2. Their kids/children 3. Shopping 4. Travel/traveling 5. Love 6. Music 7. Reading 8. Fun 9. Dancing 10. Life We have also awarded one Apartmentite with a $750 check towards rent as being the randomly selected winner of a contest in which all you had to do to be considered was share what you lived for. Congrats Porsha! Aren't you glad you told us that you "Live for Ice Cream?" The best part is...THERE IS ANOTHER DRAWING FOR ANOTHER WINNER IN MARCH!!! So be sure to tell us what you Live For to be entered in the drawing! Express yourself!! What do you Live For? http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=196 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:09:00 GMT Limited for space, but want to get a good workout In your Apartment? You could always go to the fitness center if your community has one. That's what it's there for and is usually top of the line. But if you are truly more comfortable and want to work out in your actual apartment. There are a few ideas that you should keep in mind as you are burning the calories and pumping up those muscles. First and foremost, try making a purchase on a space-saving total work out machine like the new Personality Gym. Sure, it may be a bit pricey on your budget, but this awesome piece of machinery can turn from a sleek looking piece of furniture that is standing up in your living space, into a total gym designed by fitness professionals for ultimate performance. This workout monolith is truly incredible. If that's a little out of your price range, but still want to have a small total work out weight bench, check a social networking classified ad web site like Craigslist. You'll find that often people are dumping their slightly to moderately used weight lifting and workout equipment on the classifieds when they give up on their resolutions. This brings me to the most important part of a home workout: NEVER GIVE UP! Sometimes you see quick results and sometimes it takes a few weeks or even months of work. It's important to keep at it and keep a strict routine. You may try working yourself a little harder and keeping a better diet to see more enhanced results. If you don't have room for a weight bench or small work out machine in your apartment, EASY! Just buy several dumbbells (which you can easily hide in the closet when not in use) and use them to do various free weight lifts using the furniture you already have. You can do curls and incline bench press from your kitchen chair. Lay on the floor or a long, sturdy, and non-glass coffee table to get your bench press in. And work out your legs with some lunges virtually anywhere. No matter how much you lift though, you will have to find a way to do some cardio if you want to see great results. you could jog in place in your apartment for 30 minutes everyday, but your downstairs neighbor may not like that very much, so I'd say...hit the neighborhood, jog around, and get out of your apartment for a little bit of your workout. After all, the sun is good! If you have any great workout ideas that have helped you get into rockin' shape, send them over to me at: posts@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=193 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:01:00 GMT Limited for space, but want to get a good workout In your Apartment? You could always go to the fitness center if your community has one. That's what it's there for and is usually top of the line. But if you are truly more comfortable and want to work out in your actual apartment. There are a few ideas that you should keep in mind as you are burning the calories and pumping up those muscles. First and foremost, try making a purchase on a space-saving total work out machine like the new Personality Gym. Sure, it may be a bit pricey on your budget, but this awesome piece of machinery can turn from a sleek looking piece of furniture that is standing up in your living space, into a total gym designed by fitness professionals for ultimate performance. This workout monolith is truly incredible. If that's a little out of your price range, but still want to have a small total work out weight bench, check a social networking classified ad web site like Craigslist. You'll find that often people are dumping their slightly to moderately used weight lifting and workout equipment on the classifieds when they give up on their resolutions. This brings me to the most important part of a home workout: NEVER GIVE UP! Sometimes you see quick results and sometimes it takes a few weeks or even months of work. It's important to keep at it and keep a strict routine. You may try working yourself a little harder and keeping a better diet to see more enhanced results. If you don't have room for a weight bench or small work out machine in your apartment, EASY! Just buy several dumbbells (which you can easily hide in the closet when not in use) and use them to do various free weight lifts using the furniture you already have. You can do curls and incline bench press from your kitchen chair. Lay on the floor or a long, sturdy, and non-glass coffee table to get your bench press in. And work out your legs with some lunges virtually anywhere. No matter how much you lift though, you will have to find a way to do some cardio if you want to see great results. you could jog in place in your apartment for 30 minutes everyday, but your downstairs neighbor may not like that very much, so I'd say...hit the neighborhood, jog around, and get out of your apartment for a little bit of your workout. After all, the sun is good! If you have any great workout ideas that have helped you get into rockin' shape, send them over to me at: posts@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=191 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:01:00 GMT Typically, many Apartmentites don't spend a ton of time worrying about color in their apartment, but color is the key to emotional response in the place you love! The color that you paint your walls can help promote certain moods and can reflect on your decorative capabilities in huge ways. But the mood that you wish to create can vary from room to room. It's important to remember to connect the colors from room to room to make sure they flow together. How do you do that? Easy! Select A Carry Through Color- One important rule to remember in making a variation of colors work in different rooms yet flow together is to make sure and give each one originality that doesn't clash with a common color. Select one color that you love that will run throughout each room to combine them with a common thread. You could do this with more than just paint. If you want to be subtle, make the common color come out in your fabrics, blankets, candles, and accents. Contrast, but Include- Maybe you want to have two different rooms with very contrasting colors like pink and green. Great. Just make sure to accent the green room with the same color pink and the pink room with the same color green from the other room. This is a technique of basically cross-linking the two different colors and will still create a flow among the two rooms. For best results, use a common trim color for each. Painting this common trim white will create an awesome and easy way to connect every room in the apartment. Limitations Are the Key- Don't go overboard trying to mix and match many different colors. Pick two to four and stick with those. Otherwise your place may end up looking like a complicated, clashing rainbow....and nobody wants that. Be Aware Of Lighting- Lastly, but very important is to be aware of the lighting that you have in an individual room. The same color orange can look very different in a room with several windows versus a room that is lit by lamps or an overhead light. Play with the color swatches that you can get from paint stores to find the right color for the right room. Just remember that decorating, styling, and painting your apartment is FUN! So the most important rule in doing any type of decorating is to have fun doing it and always remember that if you end up not liking what you did...it can always be redone! Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=190 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:14:00 GMT Typically, many Apartmentites don't spend a ton of time worrying about color in their apartment, but color is the key to emotional response in the place you love! The color that you paint your walls can help promote certain moods and can reflect on your decorative capabilities in huge ways. But the mood that you wish to create can vary from room to room. It's important to remember to connect the colors from room to room to make sure they flow together. How do you do that? Easy! Select A Carry Through Color- One important rule to remember in making a variation of colors work in different rooms yet flow together is to make sure and give each one originality that doesn't clash with a common color. Select one color that you love that will run throughout each room to combine them with a common thread. You could do this with more than just paint. If you want to be subtle, make the common color come out in your fabrics, blankets, candles, and accents. Contrast, but Include- Maybe you want to have two different rooms with very contrasting colors like pink and green. Great. Just make sure to accent the green room with the same color pink and the pink room with the same color green from the other room. This is a technique of basically cross-linking the two different colors and will still create a flow among the two rooms. For best results, use a common trim color for each. Painting this common trim white will create an awesome and easy way to connect every room in the apartment. Limitations Are the Key- Don't go overboard trying to mix and match many different colors. Pick two to four and stick with those. Otherwise your place may end up looking like a complicated, clashing rainbow....and nobody wants that. Be Aware Of Lighting- Lastly, but very important is to be aware of the lighting that you have in an individual room. The same color orange can look very different in a room with several windows versus a room that is lit by lamps or an overhead light. Play with the color swatches that you can get from paint stores to find the right color for the right room. Just remember that decorating, styling, and painting your apartment is FUN! So the most important rule in doing any type of decorating is to have fun doing it and always remember that if you end up not liking what you did...it can always be redone! Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=188 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:56:00 GMT Does it often sound like your upstairs neighbor either runs an underground wrestling federation, trains elephants, or is a giant who plays a whole lot of Dance, Dance, Revolution with heavily weighted clown shoes? My last upstairs neighbor was constantly so incredibly loud that it drove me nuts. I tried many tactics to filter out the noise. I turned up my music to try and drown it out, but I think it may have actually bothered a different neighbor. I wore earplugs while I was sleeping, but the vibration of the pounding above still woke me throughout the night. Honestly, I don’t think these people ever slept. In fact, maybe they were robots. Very loud, disruptive robots! So what can you do about a noisy neighbot? (Combo of neighbor and robot) This can be a tricky situation. You could always beat on the ceiling with a broom, but where is that going to get you...really? Revenge is not going to get anyone...anywhere. Personally, if it's the first complaint, I would go to them directly, but make sure to be very friendly about it. You could leave them a nice note to just let them know that the noise is a concern. Make sure to point out the fact that you wanted to let them know directly. If you have never met them, introduce yourself and then in a nice way let them know that sometimes because the floor is thin, you can hear pounding around and it disturbs your Soaps. It's very important to not come across as confrontational or rude. Coming across this way does nothing, but aggravate a situation. The last thing you really want is to make enemies with a neighbor that you'll have to spend the next year or so living next to. Calling the police before ever letting them know personally that they are bothering you is sure to make them highly resentful and possibly seek revenge. Yikes! The truth of the matter is that most Apartmentites are actually considerate when it comes down to things. They don't realize that they are causing a raucous until you let them know. I'd say the majority of people will be much more cautious of the noise after being made aware of the problem. In some cases however, it may be better to contact your apartment manager and let them handle the issue. This is a great tactic if you feel threatened by the neighbot in any way. If you wish to remain anonymous, you could request that the management post a notice on each door in your building about bringing down the noise and bringing down the funk. Barbyfirefly of Dove valley Ranch in San Antonio says, "I think you should go to the office first. That's what they're there for. Keeping you happy should be their main goal. Being a girl, I would not go to them personally. I value my safety and I would rather not get into any kind of possible situation. If the noise doesn't stop then I would call the police. Any property you are at should have a courtesy officer that can take care of things like that." Either approach will hopefully result in you being able to get some better rest and relaxation without tons of noise from above. Just put yourself in their position and think how you would react if someone politely let you know that you were bothering them in some way. Would you get defensive and angry or would you correct the problem? Most likely you'd correct the problem. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=187 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:55:00 GMT Does it often sound like your upstairs neighbor either runs an underground Wrestling federation, trains elephants, or is a giant who plays a whole lot of Dance, Dance, Revolution with heavily weighted clown shoes? My upstairs neighbor at the last apartment that I lived in was constantly so incredibly loud that it drove me nuts. I tried many tactics to filter out the noise. I turned up my music to try and drown it out, but that never worked and I think it may have actually bothered another neighbor. I wore earplugs while I was sleeping, but the vibration of the pounding above me still woke me throughout the night. Honestly, I don’t think these people ever slept That can be a tricky situation. Personally, I would go to them directly, but make sure to be very friendly about it. If you haven't met them, introduce yourself and then in a nice way let them know that sometimes because the floor is thin, you can hear pounding around and it disturbs your soaps. But make sure to not come across as confrontational. The last thing you really want is to make enemies with a neighbor that you'll have to spend the next year or so living next to. Going straight to the office and getting them fined or calling the cops before ever letting them know personally that they are being loud is sure to make them highly resentful and possibly seek revenge. Yikes! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=186 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:58:00 GMT Want to add some extra flavor to a somewhat boring room? Easy! Check it out. Pick a dark color that matches your furniture and the other parts of the room you wish to accent. Then paint one of the walls in the room that very color. Be sure to check with you manager to make sure that you are allowed to paint your wall first though. If you are feeling really outrageous, go ahead and paint two walls that color, but make sure that they are opposite each other. Add a rug that matches the new and old wall colors in the center of the floor in the room and underneath the furniture. You can then get a matching blanket and pillows to throw on your couch. If you want to add some fun decorations around the room, now you have a great color scheme to work with. Select a number of framed paintings that match, place a few candles on your end tables, shelves, and coffee tables, and even get new drapes that fit the scheme. If you are feeling really ambitious, buy some track lighting from your nearest superstore, and mount them to the ceiling to lighting that effects mood. Voila! You have a whole new decorated room. Now, just sit down and enjoy it! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=185 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:44:00 GMT Yesterday I threw some tips your way on getting through tax season and maximizing your possible return. When you get that return, what are you planning to do with it? Hopefully, you take my advice and use that money to do somethings that improve your apartment. Whether its new furniture, electronics, curtains, paint, or cooking tools, you should remember that a fresh perspective in your apartment is a happy home. Plus it gives you another reason to invite your friends over to show off your cool new stuff. Naturally, I have a few suggestions on awesome improvements in decorating, style, and kitchen that you can accomplish on a modest budget. Check it out! Cap, Coat, and Key Rack- Tired of your boyfriend's or friends ball caps being left everywhere all over the apartment? Constantly searching for where you placed your keys? Try purchasing a rack to hang in your entry that would house all of these things. Something like the Wooden Cap Display Wall Rack from Touch of Class.com would be perfect. Modify it by placing a few simple hooks to hang your keys and you should be good to go. It's easy enough to mount to the wall. Don't feel like purchasing anything? Paint and decorate an old plank of wood. Then attach some hooks to it and, viola, instant cap, coat, and key rack. Get Organized- You could also use your return to free up some room in your apartment and make things seem less cluttered by getting a few organizational pieces of furniture. If you don't have a bookshelf, get a small one to house those stacking books and magazines that are stacking up in various places throughout your apartment. They are also a great place to display framed photos or even place candles if they are allowed. I have a friend that keeps all of her DVD's in a bookshelf because she felt that a wire DVD holder was too tacky looking. Also, look into pot and pan, or spice racks for the kitchen, so that you can stop having to dig around in cabinets for the right stuff. In the bath section of any super store you'll find great organizational items that can be used to keep control over your soap, shampoo, and other shower items. Whatever it may be, you may look into buying something to help you get more organized with that tax return. Stylin' Those Walls- This is the fun one! How about decorating your walls? If you are a sports fan nad looking to show off your love of your favorite team try getting a Fathead of the world champion NY Giants or whoever your favorite team tends to be. If you aren't a sports fan, remember that curtains aren't just for windows. If you really want to accent a wall, buy some curtains that match the rest of your room and hang them directly on the wall centering you entertainment center or some other object. I once saw an apartment in which they had completely covered their dining area wall with curatins. It looked very royal or regal. It was really neat. Got any great ideas on ways to improve your place ? Any neat decorating ideas? Send them over to us at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=184 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:02:00 GMT It's tax season again and that can mean only one thing: time to file those returns. The process of filing your taxes, doing write offs, and keeping track of everything can be a daunting one and can cause a few headaches. There are a few things that a tax filing Apartmentite needs to keep in mind to (hopefully) maximize their return and get it as quickly as possible. 1.) Organization- Make a list of all of the documents, receipts, and statements that you will need to file your taxes. Then organize your time to set a little bit of time aside in your busy Apartmentite schedule for filing. If you are filing your taxes yourself or through an online service like Turbo Tax, be sure to allow yourself ample time to complete all the steps. 2.) Double Check Your Numbers - Be sure to go over your numbers and your math several times to assure accuracy. Mistakes in your numbers can possibly lead to large errors in the outcome, or worse...an audit! Ugh. Don't only check the math, but make sure that you input the correct numbers from your income statement. 3.) Don't Stretch The Truth - The IRS receives a copy of all of your income statements so that they can check your return for accuracy. They know how much you make, so its best not to try to stretch the truth and exaggerate your income. If you mark down outrageous write-offs, they may also bring you up in question. It's always the best practice to be honest and accurate in your filing. 4.) Time Is On Your Side- If you filed online, are due a refund and are not in dire need of the money right away, keep your extra cash and let them mail the refund to you. Many of the online tax paying software companies charge fees for direct depositing the money into your bank, but if you can wait...it's well worth saving the money that it would have taken for the fee. 5.) Spend It Wisely - Hopefully your refund is not money that you were really accounting for in your budget, so do something special with it...DECORATE YOUR APARTMENT. You know you have been waiting to buy that awesome new piece of furniture or that cool painting to go above the couch. Whatever your choice of improvement is, splurge a little and make you apartment better than ever. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=183 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:28:00 GMT Have you ever suspected your roommate of stealing money or something else from you? I have, and it is a very tough confrontation and can complicate friendships if you end up being wrong. Even when you don't have a really strong nor bad relationship with your roommate, this situation can be quite complex. How can you confront them without upsetting them or making them feel falsely accused? You also need to keep in mind that you could be right and they could get defensive, so you must bring this up in a way that makes you safe as well. Trust me, you don't want to accuse them of something, be wrong, have them move out and leave you with the huge lease to cover by yourself. Then there is also the possibility that they may not admit to their wrong doing when you accuse them, so how do you bring this up? You may not want to cause pain to someone who may be innocent, but this is the best time to talk to them about this because the situation is fresh and you are in the right state of mind. If you feel that you are super-angry though, you may want to let yourself calm down a bit before bringing this up because you'll want to be caring to worry about how your accusation may effect an innocent roommate. Here are some ideas on how to bring it up depending on the severity of the evidence: No evidence- You can't figure out what the heck happened to your money. Nothing really points to your roomy's direction, but there just doesn't seem to be any choice. The best strategy here is to tell them about the missing money, but don't directly accuse them. Be vague and judge their response. If they were involved, it will let them know that you aren't afraid to bring it up and may in fact be more direct next time. This also may lead either to them helping you out, or admit to the theft. There's Evidence, But Don't Want to Raise Cain- In this situation there is evidence that points to your roommate as being the culprit, but you are timid about bringing it up because they have a known temper and it could lead to big time confrontation. Is it worth the chance of conflict? Don't harp on what to do too long. Take action. Either adapt to the insecure environment and start locking your stuff up or move out and get over it. If you don't speak up, don't live in fear for the rest of your lease. No Doubt About It- All evidence points in their direction and you are for sure going to confront them about this. If so, don't bring it up until you have fully planned out what you will do if your roommate denies it. Will you move out? Will you consult authorities? Be ready to enact the back up plan. You'll also want to bring it up sincerely, showing that you are hurt. DO NOT attack them. This will just make it much more conflictive. Also, make sure that you are very descriptive about the story of having the money and it then being gone. Be sure to let them know, that you know you had it. When this happened to me, I gave them an out and a chance to admit that they made a huge mistake. I told them that if my money showed up, I would attempt to pretend this never happened. I was stern and direct enough, yet showed some compassion and understanding that people made mistakes. My money showed up the next morning and nothing bad happened for the rest of the time we lived together. This is definitely a tough situation, but speaking up is imperative, otherwise this will remain looming over your head and build resentment for your roommate. Just remember to be honest and although it really stinks that they may have done this, try to be open-minded and understanding! Good luck. Have a story about this: Send a mail to Posts@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=182 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:23:00 GMT Moving from a small town to a big city is an exciting new adventure that can really open your eyes to a varying number of surprising new things that you might need to adjust to. Cliché as it may be, this move will have a person truly become a “small fish in a big pond.” And in some cases in some cities…that pond can even be more like an ocean! Whether going from a very small town with less than 5000 people or from a larger small city with 50,000 people, a person will face challenges that they’ll have had very limited exposure to. Traffic Gone Crazy- Ugh. If a three or four car pile-up at an intersection on the downtown square while Old Man Johnson walks his dog across the street is what you would call “traffic,” you’re in for a huge surprise. Big city driving is a whole different story. Two important things to always keep in mind when driving through the city is to not be a scared driver and don’t drive angry. If you feel yourself getting agitated by the seemingly terrible driving around you…just breathe and tell yourself to relax because it’s out of your control. You’ll run into many, many more vehicles, especially in rush hours. More than likely your commute to and from work or school will introduce you to massive congestion at stop lights and on the highways. Sometimes you may even sit on a highway barely moving at 5 MPH for an hour or so and never find out why everyone was going that slow in the first place. Remember…just breathe. Distance is Skewed- In a big city, saying something is “around the corner” or “down the street” can mean anything from 5 to 30 or even 40 minutes away…without traffic. You’ll also want to be aware when driving through the downtown areas many of the streets are only one way. As long as you pay good attention, you should be okay. So Much to Do, So Little Time- Suddenly, you’ll find nearly limitless options for food and entertainment. There are shopping centers on almost every corner with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, retail stores, and anything you’ll ever imagine that you need. No longer will you have to drive to the next town over to get some milk or eggs. All you’ll have to do is drive 5 minutes, “right around the corner,” to the nearest grocery or corner store. Along with the many, many options for shopping and dining you’ll find in a big city, your choices for entertainment will also be plentiful. You may find it hard to be bored with an always growing number of things to do including bowling allies, parks, putt-putt golf courses, regular golf courses, movie theaters, game centers, clubs, bars, and lounges. The Law: To Protect and Serve- Along with many, many more citizens, the call for the law increases as well. As long as you remember that if you aren’t breaking any laws and continue to try and uphold yourself as a law abiding citizen, these folks are on your side. Also remember though, you are now a small fish in a vast ocean, so being the High School Quarterback or the city’s giving philanthropist, will NOT get you out of a ticket. Moving to a big city requires patience to adjust and an open mind to take in the changes. No matter what city it is, having your own apartment in a fun-fast paced city can be a really, really exciting move. Check out all of the cool stuff at our site here to help you make your new apartment incredible and feel free to ask our team of experts anything about the apartment living lifestyle at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com or visit our Answer’s page and pose your question there. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=181 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:36:00 GMT With a little strategy and ingenuity, the entire moving process from the exciting apartment search to the exhausting transfer of your belongings, can actually be quite painless and buckets of fun. Proper planning with the following 3 tips is the secret ingredient to a stress-free move that will leave you enjoying a warm cup of coffee on your comfy couch in your brand spanking new apartment as soon as you can click your heels together and say, “There’s no place like home.” Schedule Out Your Move- To insure the most efficient and head-ache free move possible, it’s best to schedule out the entire process from beginning to end. Be sure to include ample time in the schedule for all packing, loading, transportation, and unforeseen issues and/or complications. You’ll even want to schedule a good amount of time unpacking to keep you on schedule and keep you sane. Pre-Plan Your Billing Address Changes- They may not be your favorite thing to think about, but in any move you’ll want to call the cable, internet, electric, and any other utility company to either transfer, cancel, or open service. Make sure that this is preplanned and that you don’t wait to the last minute. It’s also imperative to remember to change your address listed with any credit card, bank account, or other company that often sends mail your way. An additional great step is to forward all of your mail to your new address through the USPS at either their website or an office. Enlist Your Friends- It's time to call on those favors that friends, co-workers or family have said they owed you. A friend with a truck is an optimal candidate for helping you complete a true move of ease. You may have to bribe them with some cash, but for most truck owners dinner and a six pack of their favorite frosty cold-ones will do. Call on other friends to help you tote boxes and such from one place to the other. If you're really lucky, you may enlist a whole crew and automatically become a finger pointing foreman. No matter how you look at it or how you pull it off, moving is definitely a challenge. Cutting corners here and there, proper planning, and a well thought out strategy will help make you more successful at moving than our apartment experts...and they're good! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=180 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:22:00 GMT Because of inflation, keeping your apartment as warm this winter as you did last winter could cost you an estimated 11 % more. It's a proven fact that for every degree that your thermostat is set back, you could save approximately 1% on your bill. Many of us try to remember to set the thermostat down to a reasonable degree when we leave the house, so that it doesn't run all day heating our apartment for no one and wasting our hard earned cash. Sometimes a roommate may not be very conscious about their heat and money wasting, so your best bet is to mention it to them, post a reminder note by the front door that they can't miss, or even try to remember to handle the issue for them. I had a roomy once who's argument was that he didn't want to come home to an uncomfortable house after a long day of work. I told him I didn't want to come home to an outrageous electric bill after a long day's work, so we were at a standstill. I ended up betting him the entire cost of the electric bill that our bill would drop considerably if he turned off the heater before he left for work and then turned it back on when he got home. He tried it and in the first month our bill went from averaging $130/ month to roughly $80. After that, I got no more lip about it! Programmable Thermostat- You could even check with your apartment manager and see if they'd let you upgrade your thermostat to a programmable one that will automatically fluctuate at certain times. In most, if not all cases, you will have to pay for the new thermostat and the apartment will require it to remain in the apartment if you were to one day move out...but it would be well worth it. Extra Help On Keeping Down That Bill- Losing heat through your windows and doors can add a significant difference to your heating expense as well. Try these extra easy things to keep cash in your pocket: 1) Let more heat in during the day by leaving your blinds open. Then close the blinds right before nightfall to trap in the heat. This is similar to the way the clouds trap heat on the earth through solar radiation. (Little science lesson for ya!) 2) Installing drapes can block a cool draft. 3) Adding carpets to a tiled entry can help absorb more heat than the tile alone. 4) Let your apartment manager know about old or worn weather stripping and crack seals around windows and doors. They should fix this for you. Space Heater- If you find yourself in one area almost all of the time, you may try turning your central heat off all of the time and just use a space heater for that limited area. You will save a considerable amount of money, but be very careful when using space heaters. Never place them near curtains, cloth furniture, or anything flammable. It's best to check with your apartments and see if they are allowed first. Hopefully these tips can help you keep your energy bill down as we keep getting these waves of cold fronts all over the US. You can always pile on the blankets to save yourself some ducats! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=178 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:57:00 GMT You're hitting the apartment gym a few times a week, breaking a sweat, and working on those arms pretty hard, but you honestly aren't seeing results? Been there, done that. The answer to this may be simple. Kick things up a notch. During a study at Ohio State University it was found that often weights are chosen to work out with that are 50 % of the wait that can actually be handled. Think about the last time you moved up to the next sized dumbbell for those curls. I switched from 15 to 20 pound weights and almost immediately saw a difference. It's important to push yourself if you would like to see results. You should typically only be able to do 8 to 12 reps in a set and should be too tired in those muscles to go on without taking a few minutes of rest. For a complete muscle workout, you should do 3 to 5 sets of 8 to 12 reps. It's also a great idea to remember to stretch properly before any workout and to make sure that you isolate certain muscle groups on alternating days to give them time to repair. When you lift weights you are actually slightly damaging your muscles, then they strengthen as they heal and repair. This is why it is very important to not work out the same muscle group on back to back days. If you are on a three day a week work out, try this: Day One: Chest and Triceps Day Two: Back and Legs Day Three: Shoulders and Biceps Your abs have a tendency to recover quicker than other muscle groups, so you may be able to work them out everyday. Just monitor how sore you are, and if you are still very sore with a certain muscle group, skip it for that day and work out something else. Following these simple rules the next time you are in your apartment's fitness center should give your muscles and metabolism a boost and have you seeing better results in no time. PS- If you ever want to read a great sports blog, check out The Tenth Inning http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=177 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:04:00 GMT While no one can truly assure your safety, there are a number of steps that you can take to help you avoid problems and make yourself feel more comfortable in any situation. The first and most important thing is to always be aware. Awareness of your whereabouts and the goings on around you is the key to helping you be more safe. When walking to your apartment from your car or vice versa, always have you keys out and ready. For added safety, try to vary the time that you arrive home everyday to throw off possible burglars from knowing when you will consistently be home or not. Once you get home, make sure to lock your locks. That's what they are there for. You may also look into getting a can of pepper spray and attach it to your key chain. Sure it will make your keys big and bulky, but it can also deter any trouble. When parking, always park in well lit areas and look around before getting out of your vehicle. Also, double-check underneath your car and the backseat before jumping in. While many apartments offer limited-access gates and an on-site courtesy patrol, they are really there to deter minor criminal activity (think vandalism and teenagers out joyriding around the apartments at 4 a.m.) than violent crimes, etc. Think of it this way—could a courtesy patrol hear you if you screamed in apartment #102 and he was near apartment #1603? Doubtful. And all of us have had a run-in (or near run-in) with the gates just following some friend into another apartment community. Remember though, NONE of these things can absolutely assure your safety, but being aware and choosing to make your decisions and actions safe ones may help. Don’t be afraid…be aware. PS- If you want to be extra safe, check out this stun gun that is shaped like a cell phone. Cell Phone Stun Gun http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=176 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:55:00 GMT You had some posters and frames hung up on the walls with tacks and nails, but now you've decided to redesign your place, take them down, and move a few onto a different wall in your apartment. The problem is: those nasty looking holes are still there...staring at you...laughing in that hole in the wall sort of way. You'd love to patch them up and forget about them, but aren't exactly sure how. Learning is worth it though because you'll have less to worry about when you one day, many years down the line move into a different place. As always, we're here to help you! Our apartment hole patching up experts, whom bear the title "Apholepatchperts," have come up with a "how to" check list to help you get those holes fixed in no time! It's Putty Time- Apply a color-matched wood putty to the nail or pin hole. Try to fill in the hole completely then level it with the surrounding area. Allow the putty to completely dry. A Light Sanding- Sand the putty gently until it's smooth and level with the surrounding area. Stop! it's Painting Time- Once the puttied area seems flush and smooth with the rest of the wall, you'll want to paint the area the same color as the rest of the wall. In many cases it's best to go ahead and paint the entire wall to make sure your color matches. Don't forget to put down plastic paint clothes to protect the carpet as well as tape off the areas of touching other walls and ceiling that you don't want to get paint on. Let the paint dry and your holes should be patched up. Depending on the type of paint used and the thickness of the coat put on, you may want to paint over the wall one more time. This sounds more complicated than it really is. Once you have all the supplies, get to working, and it should only take you a few hours! Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=175 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:59:00 GMT There’s a strong chance that once you see the place, you’ll fall absolutely in love with one of the communities and be ready to submit a rental application immediately. Remember, if you have to leave to go get any needed info and comeback at a later time, your perfect new place may be rented out to someone else. You’ll want to come prepared. So, what do you need to be prepared? What things should you bring along with you on your apartment viewing adventure? What info will the apartments need to get you approved ASAP? Valid ID(s)- First things first, let’s state what may be obvious to some, yet commonly overlooked by others. You’ll need your ID. We’re not talking about your student ID, gym card, library card, or work ID. Rather, you’ll need a government issued piece of identification with your picture on it. Whether it’s your Driver’s License, state ID card, or military ID, be aware that the apartment manager may need to photocopy this for their records. NEVER try to use a fake ID. It could mean really bad news for you when they run the background check. Not to mention instant rejection of your application. Cash Flow- You’ll also need to bring official proof of your income such as your pay stub. Some communities may require more than one, so it’s always a great idea to bring your latest 3 stubs. For best results, one of them should be less than 30 days old. If you work in a position where you’re paid cash only, you’ll want to bring BOTH your past three bank statements as well as a letter on company letterhead from your employer that states your income. If you’re relocating to a new position and have no pay stub from this position, you’ll need to bring either your offer letter that shows your income or another letter on company letterhead that displays your income. Why are they all up in your business? Because they want to know that you’ll be able to pay your rent. Rental History- The third most important piece of information to bring with you are the addresses, dates, and phone numbers of all of the places you have lived over the past two years. Even include the time you spent living with your mom, dad, or friend, when you didn’t rent for awhile. Gaps in your living location history will definitely come in question when evaluating your application. If you have good rental references from the previous places you have rented, be sure to bring that information as well. Rental references are a key ingredient to helping gain a fast approval. Extra Info- You will also need to know a variety of additional information for your application including: 1) Social Security number 2) Make, Color, Year, and License plate of your car(s) 3) Contact information for your person to contact in case of an emergency 4) And all of the above info for your spouse if needed 5) Pet Status Money, Money, Money- Lastly and very importantly, don’t forget to bring along your checkbook and your pocket book for the necessary application fee(s) and/or deposit(s). During the approval process, the prospective apartment will check your criminal history, previous rental and credit histories, validity of current employment and income, and accuracy of all information given to them when you apply. Failure to meet the requirements under each of these categories may lead to rejection of your application. If you have a good rental history, a clean criminal background, decent credit, and are honest and thorough with all of the information in your application, you should be good to go and ready to move-in soon! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=174 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:47:00 GMT As Apartmentites, we're commonly on the run. We're limited at times on funds, time, and kitchen space to prepare massive extravagant meals. However, there are a few shortcuts to major recipes and a TON of other tasty, quick, easy, light on the pocket book recipes out there that are awesome for the Apartment Chef! Want a quick Italian dish for limited space and limited funds? Chicken Parmegian is one of my favorite dishes. It sounds a lot more complicated to prepare than it actually is. To prepare it full out, takes quite a bit of time, but a friend of mine has developed the perfect apartment version of this dish adapted to make it quicker, easier, cheaper and perfectly fit to make in an apartment. First, heat up some pre-cooked breaded chicken patties and a pot of tomato sauce. Place the warm chicken patties in an oven safe casserole dish and smother with the hot tomato sauce. Layer slices of Parmegian cheese over the top of it and place in the oven on 250 until the cheese is melted. Let cool and, voila, Chicken Parmegian in 15 minutes for less than $5! We will be bringing you some great recipes for your apartment from time to time, so make sure you print these out and throw them in a cookbook to use in your apartment! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=173 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:15:00 GMT Maybe you are just now experiencing winter this year or maybe you are in an area that's been hit several times by the freezes, ice overs and wintery mixes. There are a number of things that you can keep in mind to help make your apartment life a lot easier during these times of cold. Drip, Drip, Drip- First off, protect those pipes! If you are expecting an overnight freeze, it is very important to leave one of your sinks dripping to prevent the pipes from freezing, busting, and your apartment building having a terrible leak. Plants are People Too- Okay, so plants aren't really people of course, but they are effected by freezes just as we are and can in fact be killed by being stuck out in the freezing cold. So, if you have plants on your porch, you'll want to bring them inside if possible. If you can't bring them inside, cover them with some bed sheets, to try and help sheild them from the blistering cold. Pets- Bring any and all pets inside. Just because they have fur, means nothing in the face of a wintery mix. Heaters- Crank up the heaters to be safe. With a central heating unit you should be in good shape, but to prevent your electric bill from sky rocketing, be sure to turn off the heater when your apartment is not being occupied. Try not using space heaters if possible, but if you do, always remember to use them safely! Layers and Blankets- Break out the ugly old ski jacket or the millions of blankets. Whatever you need to do to maintain your comfort, do it! Trust me, staying warm is well worth the embarrasment of a silly old jacket, or the work of getting your old heavy blankets out of storage. Parking Lot Care- If the roads freeze over and you absolutely must drive on the iced roads, use extreme caution everywhere...especially in the parking lot of your apartments. Let your car heat up a little before you begin driving and be careful if you are sliding around in the parking lot. Many of us love the winter, but we ALL need to take the right precautions and most importantly, be cautious of the dangers and prepared to overcome them. Enjoy the winter! I know I will. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=172 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:09:00 GMT This stuff is 'da bomb! My apartment was a wreck. Clothes were everywhere, the fridge was littered with old pizza boxes, each room looked like it was hit by a different tornado and an atomic bomb at the same time. I'd blame it on house-guests, but hadn't had any. I'd have blamed it on my buddy Schultz, but he's been wherever he goes to when he's not bothering me. Truth is, its all me. I had been so busy lately, that I had let my apartment slip a little. I couldn't take it anymore. No excuses! I'd been looking past the grime and stepping over who-knows-what on my way out the door for days. For a Master Apartmentite this seems all so wrong. I decided it was time to make things right. It was time to hit my apartment with the clean stick and make all the junkiness magically disappear. The clothes, trash, random pillows and clutter were simple. Just put everything in its proper place. I ran the vacuum and mop over the floors until they looked sparklingly clean. Making my bed with military tightness and shaking out the bathroom and kitchen rugs, I frantically cleaned like it was going out of style. It was all looking pretty ship-shape with the exception of one thing: the scum. The counters, tub, tile, toilet, and sink had developed various forms of scumminess. It was the kind of build-up that spraying some cleaner and a wipe of a paper towel wasn't going to handle it. It was time to call in reinforcements. Aimlessly wandering the cleaning aisles of my supermarket, I eyed the plethora of possible cleaning solutions. The myriad of choices was slightly overwhelming until I saw it. A small box with a bald man who could have been an ex-pirate that would make all my cleaning woes disappear. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser truly proved to be magical. With very little effort and elbow grease all of the grime around my place seemed to just wipe up. This product is so incredibly awesome that I wouldn't let any of my beloved apartmentites go without it. If you are having the same problems I have had with scrubbing and scrubbing at something that just doesn't want to scrub, try this. It worked for me. You know of any other awesome cleaning solutions? Hypothetically, if someone needed a solution to a pet hair problem, what would you suggest? Drop us a line and let me know. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=72 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:24:00 GMT It happens to us all. One moment we're enjoying a really tasty hot dog drenched in cheese, ketchup, and relish. Then suddenly, in slow motion, a huge drop of ketchup launches off the back end of the hot dog bun and plummets towards the floor ending with a splash on the carpet. Uh-Oh! The thought flashes through your mind that it may be stained forever and you might have to pay for the carpet to be professionally cleaned or even replaced to avoid being charged for the damage at the end of your lease. You scrub violently with a wet old rag, only to find that you aren't doing much other than spreading it around. You dab, pat dry, and are frustrated to find that after all that work, a dark spot will live forever where the ketchup once was. Not to fear. It doesn't have to end this way, my friends. Here are a few tips on removing stains from your apartment carpet that have worked for me in the past and may help you get out some of those tough to lift spots. Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, and Salad Dressing- Initially, after a dressing, BBQ, or ketchup spill, if there is a huge glob of it, you will want to scoop up the excess sauce that is globbed on top with your hand or a maybe the corner of some paper. Next use an oil solvent to remove the grease followed by a good dabbing with white vinegar to help retain the carpets color. After you have done those steps, you'll want to dab the area with cool water and then a dry towel. Lastly, let it air dry. If done properly, you should be stain free!!! This should also work for mustard, but in some cases because of its strong staining properties, mustard may require additional cleaning. Blood- I don't need to know why you need to get out bloodstains, but accidents happen...and so does carelessness with scissors and such. So, if you are needing to get blood, egg, or grass stains out of you carpet, you'll want to try using dish-washing detergent and then dabbing with cool water. Blot to get out any excess moisture after dabbing and then let dry. Red Wine- If I had a nickel for everytime this has happened to me, I'd be rich. First use denatured alcohol on the stain. Then dab with white vineger to remove the remaining color. Dab with cool water and then let dry. Tea or Cola- You'll want to dab with lemon juice to remove the color, then dab with water. Blot dry. If you are lucky, well coordinated, and not clumsy many of you will more than likely not ever need to worry about using one of these stain removal techniques. If you are like most of us though, you will, so don't panic and most importantly, remember the golden rule of stain removal which is never to Rub the stain...you'll only make things worse. Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=170 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:12:00 GMT So, you finally made your decision on a new flat-panel Television for your apartment! Awesome! Whether you went with the plasma or an LCD is now a conundrum of the past, only to be replaced with another troubling question: Should I hang the television on the wall or put it on a stand? While many would naturally gravitate to the wonderful benefit and space saving positive outcome of hanging your new precious mecca of entertainment on the wall, there are several things to consider before doing so. First off, mounting a television to a wall will inevitably leave a few holes when you take it down. This becomes an additional challenge for you when you one day take the TV down because it will be up to you to patch up and paint over these holes. If you were to not patch them up, your apartment may end up charging you for the damage. It's also important to keep in mind that although you are saving some space because the flat-panel is attached to your wall, you will still need a place to put your DVD player, Nintendo Wii, or old school VCR. Not only that, but you will also have all the appropriate cables running from these peripherals and into the TV. How are you going to hide the cables? You can try with a tall plant or a dresser, but then you won''t be saving much floorspace after all, will ya? With all of these things in mind, I personally made the decision to go with a nice looking TV stand to hold the TV and all all of the peripherals beneath. It still looks great, was very close in price to a wall mount, and isn't near the size of an entertainment center and the best part is that I can move it around anytime I want without drills, screws, and holes in the wall! For an Apartmentite, it seems to me that the choice is obvious...go with a stand. What do you think? I'd love to hear if anyone mounted theirs to a wall in their apartment and how it went? Share!!! Please!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=169 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:01:00 GMT One of the toughest shopping decisions in the apartment decoration and retail world today may be choosing between an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a Plasma flat-panel television. Lcd or Plasma...that is the question? When choosing between these two you're actually selecting between two competing technologies that come in very similar packages and achieve very similar features with bright colors and clear, crisp pictures. Although they seem quite similar on these two fronts, the actual method the two technologies use to deliver the picture are very different. In LCD's, thin film transistors send an electrical charge to a series of many cells that are filled with liquid and pressed in between two sheets of glass to invoke a reaction that filters light through from a lamp behind the screen. Plasma technology has electric pulses that react with hundreds of thousands of natural gas filled pixels to create a glow and release light. There was a time when the gap between the two was much wider as each had certain common problematic issues, but with the ever growing number of technological advances for both types of display, the problematic issues of the past are becoming less and less frequent. In the past and still somewhat evident with plasma televisions is the "Burn-In" effect when a certain image remains static for long periods of time, eventually burning into the screen itself and remaining there as a shadow even when the image is gone. LCD televisions do not have this effect. While LCD doesn't have any burn-in issues, plasma has a slightly better contrast ratio between black and other colors, a better viewing angle, and at times more vibrant color. On the other hand, LCD's are a lot better on the electric bill consuming about 50% of the electricity that a plasma does. They also work much better in high altitude areas than plasmas. If you are going to play a lot of video games or will be hooking your computer up to it, you definitely want to have an LCD television. If you watch more sports and movies, plasma has a slight edge. Either way you decide, you are looking at an awesome purchase and a huge step in the direction of truly giving yourself a top-of-the-line lavish apartment. I highly advise you to pick-up the optional extended warranty or insurance coverages as they are offered by whatever retailer you get the TV from. These plans are well worth the cost and keep you protected from virtually anything that goes wrong... Good luck! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=168 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:05:00 GMT Well Mark's living in Ikea adventures should be over by now, but the videos keep being cranked out. Waking up in your normal apartment everyday may seem drab, simple, and routine, but if you had to wake up each morning the way Mark does at his apartment in Ikea, you'd be in for a few headaches. Seems that he has a few inconsiderate neighbors, but in their case at least they have the excuse of him being a stranger in their environment. In a normal apartment, 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...VERY EARLY. This is a little hint on apartment living that you should take with you until the end of times. 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. Is this considerate of your neighbors? Absolutely not. I've also experienced those who dwell above me dumping unknown liquids off of their balcony to get rid of them. I guess they were assuming that it would disappear into oblivion, but, rather, it ended up splattering on the railing and floor of my balcony. Not good. I think we should all start a pact to try our hardest to be a good neighbor. You in? The key to being a good neighbor is in being aware of your actions and how they effect your environment. 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 you are hearing it over the vacuum, you may be highly disturbing to someone relaxing next door. Spread the good neighbor word. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=167 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:06:00 GMT Is the cold winter weather keeping you from enjoying a wonderful camping trip? Last year I camped in 20 degree weather and as much as I can say that I am a rugged camper and can "endure the elements"...I was freezing my tookas off. There is only one solution: Bring it indoors! Move the living room furniture aside and set up your tent and camping chairs in the living room. If you have a really tall tent, you will definitely want to watch out for the ceiling fan. No need to worry about the tarps as with living room camping you will never have to deal with the rain. WOO HOO! This sounds fun and all, but how do we get a campfire? Easy!!! Throw a Virtual Fireplace DVD on the TV to simulate the whole campfire experience. I would avoid any sort of grilling out though. Smores won't cook well over the TV. If you want to look at the stars, you could even grab a Discovery Channel DVD on space and watch the stars in the comfort of your living...er...camping room. If you want to smell the fresh air just crack open the patio door or a few windows. Put the heater on a comfortable temperature and, voila, your indoor camping experience is on full blast! Turn off all your lights and break out the beef jerky…it’s time for some ghost stories! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=166 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:43:00 GMT Every now and then I pick up some great tips and ideas to help give my place that clean, gleaming feel with as little stress as possible. Cleaning and keeping your apartment in tip-top guest shape can be an overwhelming thought when you are limited for time. Then, sometimes, no matter how hard you clean and try to keep your place in shape, it just gets out of shape again... Here are a couple of tips to help you keep your place suited for visitors and keep them from going "Ewww." Sparkling Mirrors - I used to get so frustrated that every time I cleaned my mirror, it always ended up spotty. Turns out I was doing a major thing wrong. I was spraying the mirror directly with Windex rather than on a clean lint-free cloth. To get sparkling results in your mirror cleaning spray commercial window cleaner on a lintless cloth like an old T-shirt and wipe down the mirror. Dry immediately with another clean lintless cloth to prevent streaking. Do this once every couple of weeks and you'll be sure to impress when your guests are glancing back at themselves. Handle the Wobblemeister- Have a wobbly chair or table? Don't pull the restaurant fix and shove a folded napkin or sugar packets underneath. A much better solution is to re-use old corks. Just take an old wine cork, cut a horizontal slice, and place it underneath the leg of the chair or table that is doing the wobble-wobble. Fresh Flowers- Don't receive flowers as often as you'd like? Let your man know he needs to pick up his game and then try extending the life of the ones you do get. A common solution for this is to make sure and cut the stem of the flower at an angle rather than straight across , but for even better results and a longer lasting flower, add a little bit of sugar and a small amount of an acidic ingredient like Sprite, which allows for better water absorption. But...you should still get on your man about stepping up his game... I hope you take these tips and are able to use them in ways you've never used tips before. You better not start calling me "Martha!" Always be ready for guests because you never know when someone may drop by. Watch out because it may be me or if you are really lucky it may be Ed McMahon with a huge sweepstakes! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=165 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:35:00 GMT The security gates at my buddy Schultz’s apartment community seem like they’re always broken and have been since he moved into the place almost three years ago. Every time they fix them, something happens and they’re suddenly non-operational again. He asked me the other day, “You’re the expert. Why can’t they just keep them fixed?” The answer is simple. First of all, I had to make sure he knew that I am hardly an expert…I just play one on TV. But more importantly maintaining security gates is Expensive with a capital “E.” The truth of the matter is that the gates go down for a number reasons ranging from general malfunctions to weather to just being old and run down. In most of these cases the apartments are able to get them functioning without much down time. However, many other times the gates go down because someone…who apparently doesn’t understand how an automatic gate works or tries to recreate a scene from an action movie car chase…runs their automobile into the gates. Perhaps they believe that the gates aren’t opening quickly enough and impatiently speed through only to clip the edge and knock it off its tracks. Or maybe their foot slipped off the brake as they were waiting patiently in front of the gate for someone to buzz them through. Or it could have been that they forgot their code and thought, “I’ve got a gas chugging tank of a sports utility vehicle. I’ll just force my way through.” Or…perhaps they were really drunk and shouldn’t have been driving around in the first place. However a resident or a visitor damages it, the cost of repairing the gate in many cases is paid by the damager or their insurance company. Video surveillance is a fortunate tool for a community to find out who decided to play Dukes of Hazzard with their security gate and who they should seek to pay for the repair. Three times in my last apartment the gates went down because a resident had attempted to enter the EXIT ONLY gate. Signs are there for a reason. Pay attention and abide by them…please. Honestly, there’s no easy way to answer Schultz’s question and it’s answer will very from community from community. But one sure fact is that when they’re working…security gates are a really awesome feature to have at your community. They do really well at keeping out the riff-raff and making things a little safer around your humble abode for you, your family, and your pets. Not to mention that they keep uninvited and unEXpected guests from popping in to say hello because they “were in the area.” Vote “No” on Running into Gates! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=164 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:52:00 GMT Schultz just asked me: What's so wonderful about apartment living? After I looked at him like he had lost his mind for not automatically knowing how awesome apartment living is, just as is, I came up with a few quick reasons why apartment living kicks living in a home or being homeless for that matter in the butt. It took an extensive brainstorming session, but my team of me and me, came up with the Top 6 reasons that living in an apartment ROCKS! Schultz won't be asking me any more dumb questions....wait...yeah right! It's Schultz, he always asks dumb questions. What's so wonderful about apartment living??!??!?! I'll tell you what's so wonderful: 1) NO LAWN!!!- This is by far the number one reason to live in an apartment. You have no yard to mow. You'll never have to pull weeds. You'll never have to worry about taking care of a fire ant problem. You don't have to waste water on the lawn to keep your grass green. No raking leaves, etc, etc, etc...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!?! 2) Freedom!!!- There's so much more freedom in an apartment. You have the freedom to move anywhere you'd like at the end of your lease. You aren't locked into a 15, 20, or a 30 year mortgage. It's an obvious perfect situation for someone who likes to live footloose and fancy free. 3) The Benefits of a Pool without the Work- This is my favorite. At apartments, you get the full use of their pool and deck areas, but never have to worry about the upkeep. With a pool at your home, YOU have to skim for leaves, YOU have to check the chemicals, YOU have to do all the work. In an apartment you can kick back and let the apartment management take care of that for YOU! 4) It's Cheaper - All in all and across the board, renting an apartment can be much cheaper every month than paying a mortgage. Plus your electricity bill is cheaper. There is no lawn to water, so your water bill is cheaper. It's just plain cheaper. 5) Maintenance - In a home, if your toilet breaks, refrigerator runs, sink leaks, door falls off it's hinges, develop a pest problem, or any number of the possible things that can happen happens, you have to find a way to take care of the problem yourself. In an apartment, all you have to do is let the apartment management know and they will take care of it for you! (In a reasonable time of course.) 6) Free Gym - Most apartment communities have their own fitness center on location provided for the residents. With state of the art equipment, these gyms are free and you don't have to travel at all to get in a good workout. As a home-owner, you'd either have to build a home gym or get a gym membership that may cost you $40/ month. Eck! Those 6 reasons are just cracking the tip of all the awesome reasons apartment living is so incredibly great and a cut above living any other way. What do you enjoy about apartment living? Drop me a comment or an email to let me know... -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=163 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:44:00 GMT Still living with bare, drab, white walls in your apartment? It's time to end it. In my previous post, Much Ado About Wall Art, I went over several artistic options for decorating those boring walls. What if you want to go a different direction in your decoration? Understandable. I've come up with a whole different option to slap on your walls and break up the white space. Hop online and get a 'Fathead' from Fathead.com At first I wasn't very familiar with these, but they are actually really really cool. Schultz has this huge-life size Homer Simpson in his "game room." It's hilarious! They literally "slap" on the wall and stick up there without the need for tacks, nails, screws, glue, tape, or that sticky goo stuff that leaves a residue when you take your posters down. You just peel and place. No clutter! And it looks pretty sweet too....well....depending on what you put up there of course. With the NFL playoffs in full effect and Super Bowl parties coming up, you could even get some huge helmets or a life size players to put up as decoration. I've found that these things aren't just for kids anymore. They are great for a gameroom and even in the garage. Check them out. Have you had any experiences with Fatheads? (I'm not talking about people with terrible self worshipping attitudes either.) Let me know how it went. If you have one up on your wall now, send me a pic! I want to see your apartment and if you are living in style. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=161 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:38:00 GMT I wanted to follow up on my post from a couple of days ago about Mark, who is living in Ikea while his apartment is getting fumigated. His adventures are continuing as he has his first night in his new HUGE and overly furnished apartment. How nice would it be to have your choice of whatever you wanted in Ikea? Mark even has his own Night Security while staying in his new abode as you will see in the following clip. To continue following Mark in his week long stay at an Ikea superstore check out MarkLivesInIkea.com -Jeff PS- Need cable in your new apartment? Sign up at: Time Warner Digital Cable - Up to $100 Cash Back http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=160 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:39:00 GMT Still living with bare, drab, white walls in your apartment? It's time to end it. In my previous post, Much Ado About Wall Art, I went over several artistic options for decorating those boring walls. What if you want to go a different direction in your decoration? Understandable. I've come up with a whole different option to slap on your walls and break up the white space. Hop online and get a 'Fathead' from Fathead.com At first I wasn't very familiar with these, but they are actually really really cool. Schultz has this huge-life size Homer Simpson in his "game room." It's hilarious! They literally "slap" on the wall and stick up there without the need for tacks, nails, screws, glue, tape, or that sticky goo stuff that leaves a residue when you take your posters down. You just peel and place. No clutter! And it looks pretty sweet too....well....depending on what you put up there of course. With the NFL playoffs in full effect and Super Bowl parties coming up, you could even get some huge helmets or a life size players to put up as decoration. I've found that these things aren't just for kids anymore. They are great for a gameroom and even in the garage. Check them out. Have you had any experiences with Fatheads? (I'm not talking about people with terrible self worshipping attitudes either.) Let me know how it went. If you have one up on your wall now, send me a pic! I want to see your apartment and if you are living in style. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=159 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:33:00 GMT Imagine that work, school, or another important factor in your life is forcing you to relocate, but there's only one problem...you are still under your lease. You definitely never want to break your lease because that will go on your rental history and can make it very difficult to have future apartment applications approved. One option that you might look into would be to sublet your apartment to someone else until the end of the lease. By doing this you can avoid having to pay the hefty fees that come with breaking your lease. You can also reserve your apartment this way if you are planning on one day moving back in. BEFORE you sublet though, you should consider the following facts: Check Your Lease and the Legalities- The first thing that you need to do before you even begin acting upon finding a subletter is check your lease to see if you are even allowed to sublet your apartment. You will find that in some cases subletting is strictly forbidden. If this is the case, do not attempt to sublet as you will be breaking your contractual obligations and run the risk of fines and even being taken to court. If you are unable to find anything about it in the lease or you have questions about it, talk to your apartment manager. They will be able to give you the best advice as it pertains to your lease. Who's It Gonna be? Once you have okay'd to be able to sublet with your community's management, the next step is finding the person who will take over for you. The best idea is to find someone that you know and trust. Perhaps its an old friend who needs a temporary place or a cousin who wants to take an extended vacation in your city. Regardless of who it is, it's important to remember that you are the one who is still legally bound to the apartment. If something goes wrong while your subletter lives there...the onus is on you. In the case that you don't know anyone who can sublet, put a listing in the newspaper or on a message board site like Craigslist. Set up a meeting with the potential subletter and even request former rental references to ensure their rental history. You must also be clear and upfront about the rental price and the term of the sublease. I suggest drawing up an agreement signed by both you and the subletter that outlines every detail and responsibility. It's imperative to remember that YOU are still responsible for the apartment, paying the rent, and paying any fees. If you are unable to collect the rent from your subletter, you still must pay that months rent to the apartment. Just be careful, follow all of the guidelines of your lease, and screen your possible subtenents well and everything should go well. Have you ever sublet your apartment? Tell us how it went. Need cable? Check out this link for great deals: http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=158 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:17:00 GMT After visiting a very good friend of mine who had just moved into a new apartment with very bare and boringly white walls, I have been reminded of the importance in having art and/or pictures hanging on our walls. Seriously...get rid of the bare and add a painting of a bear...or anything. Just add something to break up the space, so your apartment doesn't look like a school hallway, institution, or worse...a prison. Because of landlord and property management's guidelines, sometimes wall decorating in an apartment can be challenging. Before making any decorating decisions, be sure to check your lease or check with you apartment management professional to find out the rules regarding: painting your walls and hanging things. Once you determined the set rules and begin your ever so engaging search for art, keep several tips for picking and placing your art in mind to really get the most out of your decorating and impress your guests. Picking Art - Ever been to someones house who has eight thousand different pieces of art of varying colors and styles crammed onto one wall? Blech! It's so busy it may make you nauseus. When picking art for your apartment, first try and select a style, motif, or genre that really draws your interest. If you like several motifs, pick one for each room. Never try and combine them. It only makes things seem cluttered. Once you pick your motif, search through pieces of art keeping in mind there are virtually millions of options for paintings, wall art, and pictures. Don't just jump on the first cool painting you see because you may pigeon hole yourself. No matter what, when picking your art, be consistent. Being Aware of Furniture - Preferably, I think it looks much better to use one large piece of art on a wall that has furniture like a couch, and 2-4 smaller pieces on a wall that has no furniture. Go beyond 4 and you run the risk of getting cluttered. "Clutter be bad" should be your mantra! Side note...hanging above a couch or a bed is much different than hanging above a TV or entertainment center. Above the couch you could use a thought provoking large piece of art that draws attention, but do you really want your attention drawn away from your favorite TV shows? Above the TV you may want to consider three smaller, less busy pieces of art...or a clock. With the addition of flat panel televisions, they themselves can become great wall art. Proper Hanging - There are a few general rules to keep in mind when hanging your art. 1) For best results, hang your art where it's center is as close to 57" off the ground as possible. Studies have shown that the closer art is to 57" the more appealing it is to the eye. 2) When hanging above a couch, you want to fill 2/3 of the wall space above the couch, which on most walls is why a large painting or print works wonderfully above a couch. With this in mind, make sure that you leave about a 5"-9" gap between the piece of art and the top of the couch to make room for peoples arms and to lean back their big-hair heads. For some unknown reason...some people...have big ole Texas Hair...and with that hair....comes grease....that can ruin a painting. Framing - Yes...the art itself is the most important part, but if you are putting a print, photo, poster, or painting in a frame...the frame is very important too. Make sure the frame fits the style of what it holds. For instance, don't hang a rough military picture in a frilly frame. Also...if you have several framed pictures in a room. Be consistent! Make sure all of the frames match! Background Wall Color - The last of the important tips to keep in mind when hanging art is the wall color itself behind your wall art. If it is okay to paint the walls in your apartment, have fun with picking colors that accent your wall art. Art that matches, yet contrasts in dark vs. light with its background will stand out more to the eye of the beholder. If you hang a predominantly white picture on an all white wall...guess what? It will blend in too much. So be aware of your colors. If you are like me and are terrible with colors...rely on a friend with a good eye for it. Keeping these tips in mind when you are getting your diggs' walls all decorated up, will ensure that your apartment ends up looking more like the Metropolitan Museum and less like the Metro. Good luck and happy apartment living... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=157 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:43:00 GMT Mark is really on a stretch for finding a place to crash for a week while his apartment is being fumigated. His wife is staying with the in-laws, but that doesn't sit well with Mark. After a realization of the source of the majority of his place's furnishing and a surprising open living invitation by a massive corporation, he comes to the conclusion that he will stay somewhere you'd never expect...an Ikea store! Don't try this at home. Check it out. In most cases, fumigation is a hazardous operation, so please don't try to do it yourself. And don't leave your pets behind! Check out more on this at CNN or follow his progress at www.marklivesinikea.com. Hilarity ensues... I hope your week has started off well and the and 2008 is rocking so far. It is for me. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=155 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:57:00 GMT What's so wonderful about apartment living??!??!?! I'll tell you what's so wonderful: 1) NO LAWN!!!- This is by far the number one reason to live in an apartment. You have no yard to mow. You'll never have to pull weeds. You'll never have to worry about taking care of a fire ant problem. You don't have to waste water on the lawn to keep your grass green. No raking leaves, etc, etc, etc...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!?! 2) Freedom!!!- There's so much more freedom in an apartment. You have the freedom to move anywhere you'd like at the end of your lease. You aren't locked into a 15, 20, or a 30 year mortgage. It's an obvious perfect situation for someone who likes to live footloose and fancy free. 3) The Benefits of a Pool without the Work- This is my favorite. At apartments, you get the full use of their pool and deck areas, but never have to worry about the upkeep. With a pool at your home, YOU have to skim for leaves, YOU have to check the chemicals, YOU have to do all the work. In an apartment you can kick back and let the apartment management take care of that for YOU! 4) It's Cheaper - All in all and across the board, renting an apartment can be much cheaper every month than paying a mortgage. Plus your electricity bill is cheaper. There is no lawn to water, so your water bill is cheaper. It's just plain cheaper. 5) Maintenance - In a home, if your toilet breaks, refrigerator runs, sink leaks, door falls off it's hinges, develop a pest problem, or any number of the possible things that can happen happens, you have to find a way to take care of the problem yourself. In an apartment, all you have to do is let the apartment management know and they will take care of it for you! (In a reasonable time of course.) 6) Free Gym - Most apartment communities have their own fitness center on location provided for the residents. With state of the art equipment, these gyms are free and you don't have to travel at all to get in a good workout. As a home-owner, you'd either have to build a home gym or get a gym membership that may cost you $40/ month. Eck! Those 6 reasons are just cracking the tip of all the awesome reasons apartment living is so incredibly great and a cut above living any other way. What do you enjoy about apartment living? http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=146 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:20:00 GMT Cats and dogs love to be outside. Heck, we all love to be outside, but some of our pets have a tendency to be escape artists at the mere chance to sneak away. Our fellow apartmentite, KHouse, shared a story with me about how her cat, Snowball, loves to leap over the patio railing or even squeeze under it when she is left alone on the patio for just a couple of seconds. Thankfully, she lives on the first floor, so the cat doesn't have much of a fall. Apparently, though, getting the cat back over the railing and into the apartment is quite the challenge as Snowballdini will cower in a corner and hiss and mew anytime you get close to her. My mother had a dog who would bolt out the front door anytime my grandmother opened it because he knew she was too slow to stop him. It was amazing to watch, but very tiring to chase him down. You would have thought that animal was on some sort of performance enhancer. So, what steps can you take to prevent your pets from escaping your apartment? On the patio, you want to create a barrier without sacrificing the looks. Stapling some chicken wire across the bottom would serve the purpose splendidly, but would look really trashy. Plus any loose ends in the wire could be sharp and may harm you or the animal. An alternative would be to take a 1 x 6 piece of strip wood and place that along the bottom to block the escape area. Then run potted plants in front of it to hide the bored look of the board. Heck, you could even paint and decorate the wood if you wanted. Just don't leave it looking like a plank. That's almost worse than chicken wire. Regarding the top railing...cats like to jump. That's a certainty. The best way to prevent a cat from leaping onto something is to place items there that block their landing. They're smart. Most cats will see this and won't take the leap. Potted plants work great along the railing and should take up enough space to keep them from leaping. Almost anything will work, just make sure it looks good. Remember not to sacrifice your style. How your apartment looks, is a reflection of you...so are your pets, so that's a delicate balance. The easiest and one of the most common solutions to keeping dogs from running out of the front door or running into rooms that they aren't allowed to, is putting up a baby gate. No dog owner should ever be without one of these. Even when you are training them as puppies, a baby gate comes in handy for keeping the little un-potty trained puppies in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom and off of the carpet. If you want to give your dog some fresh air, but don't want him running out of the door, just throw up a baby gate and let them hang out right there soaking up the sun. They don't look bad either! There are number of methods and tips out there to help prevent the unfortunate event of an escape artist pet. Losing a pet is always a very saddening experience, so please take these tips and apply them or find something to keep your little lovable creatures in your apartment. If you know any great tips, please send them my way so that I can share them with your fellow apartmentite pet lovers. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=143 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:13:00 GMT Okay, so animals aren't actually people, but they have feelings like we do. Which makes them like people, doesn't it? If a group of us were sitting around the living room hanging out, my old dog would sit in his own place and just look around at everyones faces because he thought that's all we were doing. He thought he was a person too. People like to have fun, right? So do pets! In fact, I guarantee your pets need more fun. Imagine how boring it must be to sit around the house all day with no company, as you wait for your owner (your best friend mind you) to get home from school or work only to be too tired to show you the attention you've been craving all day. Don't forget to play with your pets. It is sometimes difficult for a pet who lives in an apartment to get the appropriate amount of exercise when they are cooped up in a smaller space with no back yard. If you have a dog, make sure to take it out for walks not only to go the bathroom, but also to stretch its legs, chase a ball, and run around. Some apartments even have dog parks or huge courtyards that welcome your animals expenditure of energy. Be sure to clean up after your pet though! You don't want to get in trouble with a neighbor or management for Fido leaving any land mines. If you have a cat I recommend fun stringy toys with catnip. The catnip itself will make your cat run around in circles and act like a sugar crazed school child. Throw a piece of string with some sort of feathery object at the end to a stick and bounce it around, the cat will go nuts. They also sell laser pointers that any animal loves to chase around the house. Sometimes I'll turn out the lights and focus a flashlight on the wall for my friend's cat, Peg Legs. She goes crazy for it! There are a massive number of toys and treats out there that can be used to entertain you pets, but always remember that no matter how tired or busy you are, you should take a few minutes to show them some love, attention, and play with them. Remember, they've been cooped up all day in YOUR apartment and can get restless, adventurous, and curious. For your sanity...make sure your animals are having fun. A smiling apartment pet has a smiling apartment owner. Woof! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=150 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:23:00 GMT Decorating your place for the holidays or a party? There are a few things that all apartmentites must keep in mind before embarking on your holiday decorating adventure. Candles- You may not realize it, but candles (if allowed by your apartments) can be a safety hazard that you must be aware of. Never leave a candle burning when you are leaving the apartment or going to sleep. All it takes is one random act of nature to knock the candle over and send your place ablaze. Also, be very aware of your candle placement. Candles near the Christmas tree or the Menorah near the curtains = Bad! Make sure to keep an eye on your pets around open flames as well. I had a cat once who was completely entranced by the candle flame until he tried to bite it. Then he learned his lesson the hard way. Thankfully the whiskers grew back. Porch/Patio Decoration- Keep these clutter free and make sure to check with your apartment management to see what stipulations they have on porch/patio decorations. Christmas Lights- Always be sure that you follow proper electrical safety guidelines with your Christmas lights. Check each strand for tears in the wires or protective covering and discard them if you find any. Plug all strands into a surge protector rather than directly into the wall outlet. Decoratively...pick either one color and keep it consistent...or...do the multi-colored things, but do not mix in strands of only white lights...BE CONSISTENT! Otherwise it just has a tendency to look trashy. Kids and Presents- Keep a watchful eye on your kids and the presents under the tree. There isn't a kid out there who won't jump at the chance to tear a corner of a present neatly to see whats inside and then effortlessly close it back up to make it appear to have never been tampered with. Ornaments- While we are discussing kids, watch out for your ornaments. Kids and small animals love the sparkles of an ornament and are magically drawn to remove them from the tree and play with them like a toy. The sharp hooks that hang them on the tree can be a danger to both children and animals. Also, the bulbs break easily and can also pose a danger. I suggest using twist ties to hang your ornaments if you have small children, cats, or monkies in your apartment. Dogs tend to leave the ornaments alone, but drink out of the tree's water dish. Music- Christmas music is festive and fun, but beware, too much of it will ruin your Christmas. You will find yourself bitter about that little drummer boy by the end of December if you aren't careful. Also, in apartments, remember that you have neighbors. If you are blasting Silent Night, they may be none too pleased and all may not be calm and bright. Turkey Time- If you are entertaining for Thanksgiving, make sure to have a number of blankets and pillows around for your guests to cat nap after the chemicals in the turkey set in. During your shopping, make sure to get ziplock bags and small disposable containers so that you can send people home with left overs. Otherwise, you will end up with a fridge full of food...which isn't a terrible thing if you eat like me. Keeping these simple tips in mind should help add to your safety this holiday season. You may also want to double check your locks every night and when you leave the apartment as break-ins increase during the holidays. It's even a good idea to vary the times that you come home everyday, so that if a crook is casing you...they are unable to see any sort of consistency. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=139 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:06:00 GMT Here’s the happs: Everybody wants to have a wonderfully pristine place to lay their heads. If cleanliness is next to godliness, than entering your new, clean abode should be like a religious experience. So what can you do to insure you’re about to move into a spotless apartment? I’ve been through this about umpteen times, so I have some pretty solid advice for you. So listen up! First and most important is a personal visit. Go on a tour of the actual apartment you’ll move into. Or as Kenny Rogers might suggest, “just drop by to see what condition their condition is in.” Any place that shows you an apartment that’s dirty should be a red-flag. Are the walls coated with a fresh coat of paint? Are the counter tops and kitchen floors so glisteningly clean that you want to eat off of them? Have the carpets cleaned? To see an apartment lingering with the stench of cigarettes and carpet that rivals turf after a rainstorm should concern you. You may want to steer your attention to a place that has carpet that makes you just want to take off those shoes, run your toes through it, and breath in that fresh new apartment aroma. That's more like it! Oh! Make sure to check out the exterior. Don’t be afraid to judge the book by its cover in this situation. Are the buildings freshly painted? Do stairways or fences need repair? What about the landscaping? If you drive-through at night, did they “leave the lights on for you?” Generally, a very well kept community contains incredibly kept apartments. Although these are seemingly the most important steps to take, they’re only the beginning. I’ll be throwing you a couple of more pieces of advice here soon to help make sure you end up finding the place of your dreams. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=147 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:25:00 GMT Need some ideas to spice up your bathroom? Does it look cold and empty like a public school bathroom? Nothing but the toilet sink, walls, mirror, and a few towels? Trust me. That's not impressing anyone or anything. Often overlooked in decorating, the bathroom is in truth one of the more visited rooms in the house. With people spending an average of 45 min. a day using it, showering, and primping, why should you ever even think about leaving it bare? There are a few simple things that I've learned throughout my years of being an apartmentite that really help turn a boring bathroom into a rich, resilient restroom. Pick a Theme- Schultz went with a Superman theme in his bathroom and it actually looks really great. It helped him easily narrow down a color scheme to red and blue with accents of yellow. All of the matching and color picking had already been done for him, he just had to go with something he liked. Superman it was. Combining a blue shower curtain and rugs with red bath towels and a yellow hand towels, this theme can appeal to anyone. Throw up a few framed classic Superman comics and a retro Superman toothbrush if you want to really push the theme and suddenly you have a extremely fun bathroom. Picking a theme is an easy idea for anyone to incorporate fun and flavor to their water closet. So find something you lilke...be it a sports team, a movie, or anything else...pick it...analyze the colors and go! Keep It Clean- Always keep your bathroom clean and clutter free. Keep the clutter off the counter. Find a hiding place for your brushes, cologne, make-up, hair products, etc. It looks good to no one to walk in and see piles of make-up on one side of the sink, medicine bottles and hairspray on the other, dirty clothes on the floor, and an over-flowing waste basket. And if you have chosen that to be your theme....you should choose another. Oh..most importantly...keep the toilet sparkling and the TP on the TP holder. What good does the empty cardboard roll do for you or your guests? Don't just leave the new roll on the back of the toilet and wait for a guest to do your work for you. Remember, guests don't just see the living room and kitchen...they also see the bathroom, so keep it clean and clutter free. Candles, Dispensers, and Other Fine Things- Want something neat on your counters? Try a few candles with cool candle holders. Also, don't just use the disposable soap dispenser. Instead, buy a cool soap dispenser that goes along with your theme and refill the soap as needed. Matching soap dispensers and toothbrush holders always look great. A picture frame with one of your favorite 4x6's could work great on the counter as well. It may be cliche', but a novelty or funny book in the bathroom is always a great idea. No matter what. Quit forgetting about or putting off the bathroom decoration. When you visit other bathrooms, take notes, see what you like and don't like about them. Then apply that to your own. Have fun and I hope reading this didn't make you ...flushed. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=142 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:12:00 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, because Larry chose a community that participated in our reward program, we gave him their $102.00 reward! 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 to find an apartment that is participating in our reward program, 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 http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=141 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:10:00 GMT Does it often sound like your upstairs neighbor either runs an underground wrestling federation, trains elephants, or is a giant who plays a whole lot of Dance, Dance, Revolution with heavily weighted clown shoes? My last upstairs neighbor was constantly so incredibly loud that it drove me nuts. I tried many tactics to filter out the noise. I turned up my music to try and drown it out, but I think it may have actually bothered a different neighbor. I wore earplugs while I was sleeping, but the vibration of the pounding above still woke me throughout the night. Honestly, I don’t think these people ever slept. In fact, maybe they were robots. Very loud, disruptive robots! So what can you do about a noisy neighbot? (Combo of neighbor and robot) This can be a tricky situation. You could always beat on the ceiling with a broom, but where is that going to get you...really? Revenge is not going to get anyone...anywhere. Personally, if it's the first complaint, I would go to them directly, but make sure to be very friendly about it. You could leave them a nice note to just let them know that the noise is a concern. Make sure to point out the fact that you wanted to let them know directly. If you have never met them, introduce yourself and then in a nice way let them know that sometimes because the floor is thin, you can hear pounding around and it disturbs your Soaps. It's very important to not come across as confrontational or rude. Coming across this way does nothing, but aggravate a situation. The last thing you really want is to make enemies with a neighbor that you'll have to spend the next year or so living next to. Calling the police before ever letting them know personally that they are bothering you is sure to make them highly resentful and possibly seek revenge. Yikes! The truth of the matter is that most Apartmentites are actually considerate when it comes down to things. They don't realize that they are causing a raucous until you let them know. I'd say the majority of people will be much more cautious of the noise after being made aware of the problem. In some cases however, it may be better to contact your apartment manager and let them handle the issue. This is a great tactic if you feel threatened by the neighbot in any way. If you wish to remain anonymous, you could request that the management post a notice on each door in your building about bringing down the noise and bringing down the funk. Barbyfirefly of Dove valley Ranch in San Antonio says, "I think you should go to the office first. That's what they're there for. Keeping you happy should be their main goal. Being a girl, I would not go to them personally. I value my safety and I would rather not get into any kind of possible situation. If the noise doesn't stop then I would call the police. Any property you are at should have a courtesy officer that can take care of things like that." Either approach will hopefully result in you being able to get some better rest and relaxation without tons of noise from above. Just put yourself in their position and think how you would react if someone politely let you know that you were bothering them in some way. Would you get defensive and angry or would you correct the problem? Most likely you'd correct the problem. Sharing this world and your apartment community peacefully is the key to happiness!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=140 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:09:00 GMT It's the holidays and that can only mean three things: You're going to eat a lot over the next several weeks, gifts may be passed from person to person, and so many photos are going to be taken that it'll be like the paparazzi chasing Britney. I can't count how many times a friend has scrolled through all of their holiday photos and half of them were really hard to see or honestly not that interesting. I understand most of us aren't professional photographers, but there are a few tricks to keep in mind that may really help you come up with some awesome pictures this holiday season. 1) Get on Their Level- If you're focusing on a subject that is way below or above your direct eye level like a child, try getting down at the eye level of the subject and take the photo. This creates a much more warming and inviting picture with a much more personal angle. You could even try to tilt the camera a little one way or the other to create a neat angle. It's always great to get creative. 2) Check Your Background- Be sure to check out what's going on behind your subject before you click that button. If its really busy behind them or they have poles or a Christmas tree growing out of their head, try re-situating them in front of a more plain background. This will help the subject of your photo stand out and not have distractions behind them. The sky is always an awesome background if you are outside. Again, work a little with your angles and don't be afraid to be a little bit of a picture director. (Everyone secretly likes to be the center of attention, so set up a great picture!) 3) Be Aware Of Your Flash- If a face is in the shadows or if the source of light is behind your subject, make sure and use your flash as a fill light...even outdoors. If your subject is wearing a hat that covers their face, in most situations, make sure your flash is on. Now...there is another side to this. Many times the flash is used when you can actually get a better picture without it. When this happens, the photo becomes almost washed out with the light. So...moral...be aware of your flash. In most apartments, unless you get a lot of natural light from several directions...the flash will nearly always need to be on. 4) Flashes Range - While I'm on the topic of flashes. Know the range of your flash. If you take a photo at a concert..sixty feet away from the stage...your flash does absolutely nothing. In fact at concerts, the flash will reflect off of smoke and make you have just a washed out bright grey picture of nothing. Generally a flash's effective range is 8-12 feet, so having the flash on to take pictures any further than that is not necessary. 5) Get A Little Off Center- So many photos can be just plain boring. Give it a filmmakers touch and move your subject off-centered in the frame. This creates a really interesting and artistic feel that almost tells a story and breaks through the traditional photo barrier. It seems to always prove very effective to place your subject in the middle-lower-right hand corner of the frame. I'm hoping that these tips will help you take some really great photos this holiday season. In fact...let's make the photos this year the greatest EVER! If you have any great ones that are taken in your apartment, send them over. I am starting a collection of our members' awesome apartment photos to have a slideshow online! Send them to posts@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=138 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:05:00 GMT I'm sure that we have all found little random other uses for items that were not their intentional use. There are a ton of them out there. Coca Cola used to clean off rust, a hair dryer used to dry glue, or an old box covered in a blanket to make an end table. I have found a few more items that can be used in multiple ways to help you around the apartment. Check it! Cotton Swabs- These little buggers can be used for so much more than just cleaning out your ears, so you can hear me better. Dip them in rubbing alcohol and wipe the charging connectors on your cell phone or laptop. (Make sure they are turned off before you do this.) The alcohol will help rid the battery and charging contacts of any corrosion and help them hold a better charge. You can also use cotton swabs to touch up paint on your walls or even your car. Just make sure it's the exact same color or things could end up looking really weird! Flossin' with Floss- Yes, we should all be flossing every day. I'm not talking about flossin' as mentioned in Hip-Hop vernacular. I'm talking about true, old fashioned..dental floss. Someone could literally write an entire handbook on the hundreds of uses for this age old household item. Not only can it be used to dig out those annoying bits of popcorn or beef jerky from your chicklets, but it can also be used to hang paintings, pictures, or other light weight decorative items from walls and ceilings. You can take a coat hanger, string up several pictures to it with dental floss, hang it from your ceiling, and bam, you have got a picture mobile. Need to cut into cheesecake, but can't find a clean knife anywhere? Cut it with some unflavored floss. Also, if you're washing your face and tired of getting your hair wet in the sink, tie it back with some dental floss. Antacid as a cleaner- Drop some alka seltzer into the toilet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then scrub with a brush. Watch it gleam. Scotch Tape bag clip- Want to keep your chips fresh? Fold back the opening and tape it closed to the back of the bag. Then stick them in the fridge for even more freshness. Rubber Bands- So this may look pretty ugly, but can help in a jam if you need to keep your little ones out of your cabinets. Tie rubber bands around the door knobs. You can also use rubber bands to tie your bread closed, so it doesn't go stale too fast. I'm sure there are hundreds upon hundreds of little tricks that you can use items for, so if you know of more that I didn't mention...put up a comment and let the people know!!! Hope your apartments are in good shape after a very fun New Years. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=137 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:10:00 GMT I wanted to take a few moments to wish all of you wonderfully superb apartmentites a very Happy New Year! Make sure that you eat your black eyed peas today for good luck and cabbage to wish you wealth this year. Hoping everyone had a very fun and safe New Years Eve and are enjoying some football! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=136 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:56:00 GMT You like robots too, don't ya? How can you not? Robots are the ultimate entertainment experience, plus can apparently be great for getting chores done too. Last night, I was sitting on my couch, staring at the floor, looking at a piece of...something...I couldn't figure out what it was, but I was thinking, "Man, Jeff, you should really vacuum that up." Did I? Of course not. My couch was way to comfortable and it had been way too long a day. Instead, I kept thinking about how cool it would be to have a little helper monkey that cleaned up after me. How sweet would that be? However, then I realized a monkey would more than likely cause more mess than clean up, so I decided that a helper robot would have to do. They're clean, efficient, quiet, and don't swing from trees or steal bananas. Check it: It's a flippin' ROBOT, ya'll!!! And it cleans up whatever junk or dirt is left on the floor. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=148 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:34:00 GMT After much anticipation, New Years Eve is finally here!!! Tomorrow begins the year 2008 and with the new year comes a whole slew of resolutions to improve yourself and those around you next year. I can see it now...January 2nd...all of the gyms are suddenly overcrowded until...January 11th. Cigarette and liquor sales go down nearly 65 % for...oh...about....4 days. Your Credit Card payment nearly doubles for the month of January, but come Valentines day, you end up owing more than you did at the turn of the New Year. Resolutions are meant to last the entire year, so this year I resolve to make it the whole year with my resolutions. I also resolve to help make not only myself better, but also those around me! That being said, I want to help you make some resolutions that will rock for both you and your apartment with my Top 10 Apartmentite Resolutions for 2008. 10. Rent On Time- Actually pay rent on the 1st every month! This will help avoid late fees! 9. Fugitive Pet No More- Stop hiding your animals from maintenance and cut corners to finally pay your pet deposit 8. Won't You Be My Neighbor- Meet at least one neighbor...take them a gift even. You may make a good friend...or at least a great pet sitter! 7. Keep Things Clean- This may be difficult, but scrub-a-dub your apartment one day and then keep it clean all year! I tried it last year and made it about 3 months strong. 6. Use Your Kitchen- Resolve to cook and eat in your apartment more often. You will end up saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars by the end of the year. 5. Entertain!- Put the loud, obnoxious, stumbling around party days behind you and host one adult style dinner party this spring. 4. Furniturize- Filter some of your extra income into furniture improvements. Stop using empty boxes as end tables and splurge a little on something nice! 3. The Gym Is FREE- If your apartments have a gym, what is your excuse?!?! Spend three hours a week in the gym. Hit the elliptical on level 4 for 30 minutes and do some light free weight exercise for 30...Do that three days a week and you can guarantee to see a difference! 2. Out with the Old- Dig through your attic and closet to find all of the old clothes, toys, and junk that you don't need anymore, but someone else could get some use for and DONATE it! You'll free up space and help people out! 1. Make Hunting Easy- If you are apartment hunting this year or know anyone who is...use us! It will make your apartment hunt easier and fun! And you also may have the chance to win $102 if the community you sign with is participating in our program. So there you have 10 great resolution for the New Years! I hope you have a very fun and SAFE night tonight and get to relax tomorrow because with the new year comes new responsibility, new adventure, and a whole rush of stuff to take care of! Talk to you next year! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=135 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:15:00 GMT Check this out! A pair of my really creative pals at Apartment Home Living put together this awesome flash video to wish you a very very Happy New Year. I know it's still a few days away, but I'm so excited about it and wanted to share it with you as soon as I could. Please be very safe this weekend and then on New Years! If you are entertaining at your apartment, remember to use some of my tips from the style section to help make your party unforgettable. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=134 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:11:00 GMT Bonus Room on FunnyOrDie.com I've heard of renters getting a deal on their rent if they had a service to offer the other residents like maintenance, personal training, or some other type of lessons....but...I've never heard of this! How would you like to have a huge cooperation's conference room as a room in your apartment? The responsibility you would have running a massive company from your guest room. Best of all...every morning it is stocked fresh with bagels!!! Maybe you could handle it a little better than this guy. Know of any funny apartment videos? Let me know about it them by commenting here or emailing me at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=133 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:29:00 GMT Rumor has it that you like to kick it "Old School" style. Well, why not let your Apartment reflect it? There are a number of really cool and inexpensive things that you can grab to give your apartment a little "Old School" Flava'. If you've been thinking about doing some cool things with your apartment that take you back and now you may have a little gift cash or gift cards to spend, consider some of the following: Nintendo Power - No, I'm not talking about the silly video game magazine that kids used to ache for in the 80's. Rather, I'm talking about setting yourself up with a system that can play all the old games like Mario Brothers, Tetris, and Zelda. A system like the FC Top Loading Nintendo System that will play all of your old school NES cartridges without any errors. This little machine is really sweet! I recently got one and it works incredibly. I have been trying to break my old records on all my games since.....except...now I'm playing them on a BIG SCREEN! Bottles and Cans....Just Slap Your Hands- Seriously. Hit up thrift stores, junk shops, and E-Bay for cool looking old bottles like the 80's glass Dr. Pepper bottles or other stuff like that. You can find a ton of great stuff that you can line the top of your cabinets or window sill with that will help with that old school flavor. Boom Box- And I am not even joking. No apartment can really be classified as "Old School" if it doesn't have a boom box that is easily carry able over one shoulder as you stroll down the street! Movies!!!- Okay...so....there is no justification for keeping old VHS tapes around, but....start expanding your DVD collection to include the movies that really ring true for the 80's and 90's. You can grab a ton of DVD's like The Goonies, Weekend at Bernies, Dirty Dancing, Top Gun, Rambo, and Die Hard for really cheap at most electronic stores. And come on...you can watch these over and over again...can't you? I know I can and I make my friends too! T-Shirts and Album Covers - Get to a craft store and buy a few matching frames. Then dig through your closet, head to a thrift store, and search online for Old School t-shirts and album covers. You can frame these timeless treasures and throw them up on one of your walls to create a retro-walls that is sort of like a museum of cool. You could also search for old toys like GI Joe's, Ninja Turtles, M.U.S.C.L.E.S., Barbies, and Care Bears to line some shelves with and show your appreciation for the classics. My buddy, Schultz, framed all of his old Garbage Pail Kids. It looks really cool. There are a few ideas to help get you started on ways to set your boat adrift on memory bliss. Do you know of any other great ideas to take apartmentites and their apartments back to their roots? Let me know! Hope everyone has had a safe holidays and are back at work working hard! Talk to you later! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=132 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:31:00 GMT Shopping at the last minute?!?!?!? You need to stop reading this posting right now, get in your car, and head to the nearest CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, or corner market. Seriously, if I were you, I would avoid the huge supermarkets, malls, and shopping centers as much as possible. They are mad houses today. Even the traffic in the vicinity will be terribly out of hand. Shopping early would have been a great measure for avoiding this jam, but I understand that from time to time...things come up...or...you suddenly remember, on the morning of the 24th, that you completely forgot someone on your list..... So, instead of shopping this morning, I am going to help you shop. Jump out of your cozy apartment and hop up the street to the nearest corner market or drugstore to get one the following easy last minute gifts: A Bottle Of Wine- You can virtually get one of these at any store (assuming that you are 21) and, trust me, Aunt Bertha or Uncle Stubbin will not complain a bit about receiving a bottle of wine. It's a great last minute gift. You can even get away with just sticking a bow on it and not wrapping it if you want. Candy - I'm not talking the cheesy chocolate assortment, even though they are an option, but rather, get some real candy. One year, my buddy Schultz was always eating a Snickers, so I bought 25 Snickers and wrapped them up. I was even able to cut a deal with the gas station owner. Consumer Electronics- I know at a place like CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens, which should be easy to get out of, they have a whole plethora of consumer electronics like cool alarm clocks (as cool as an alarm clock can get), DVD players, digital photo frames, etc. Digital photo frames are huge this year and for just 20 bucks, you can find a small digital photo keychain that can store up to 60 pictures. They are really cool! I got a few Hopefully, this will give you a few last minute ideas for gifts this year. The important thing to remember is to take a shower before you leave your apartment, so that you don't stink up the stores. Also....avoid the crowds.......even if you smell clean..... -Jeffrey Claus http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=131 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:13:00 GMT I wanted to take a moment to wish congratulations to Porsha of Colony Oaks in Houston for being the first winner of our Live 4 Fun: Win 1 Month’s Free Rent Contest! Porsha won a $750 check by random drawing after registering on our site and entering her “Live For.” Anyone who entered what they “Lived For” between November 1st, 2007 and December 20th, 2007 was automatically entered into the drawing to win. Her apartment community, managed by The Finger Company, will also win $250 simply because Porsha resides there. One out of four other “Apartmentites” who entered that they “Live for Ice Cream,” Porsha was the lucky selected winner out of over 24,000 total what do you “Live For” entries. Excited about her $750, Porsha's newest apartment at Colony Oaks will be her first off-campus. “I haven’t moved in to my apartment yet, but I’m definitely living for fun,” she said. “It’s bigger, more spacious, and has more light—I actually painted a wall already. It’s gorgeous.” There will be four more drawings throughout 2008, so get to the Live 4 page and make sure to tell us what you "Live For." And tell your friends too!!! Our next drawing will take place on March 20th, 2008. Anyone who tells us what they "Live For" between now and March 20th 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!!! Hope everyone is having a happy Friday! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=130 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:14:00 GMT At Apartment Home Living, we “Live for Fun.” Looking for some ideas to inject a little more fun into your lifestyle? Now you’re talking. Here’s a list of what makes apartment living fun, from A to Z... Apartment living = freedom. Balconies. Sublime. Community events to socialize. Dinner parties with neighbors and friends. No place like an apartment to find your inner Rachel Ray … or Emeril … or just nuke a Hot Pocket and kick back on the couch. Extreme apartment makeover? Choose your own style, décor and feng shui that puppy. Fact -- you can (and should!) protect your stuff with renter’s insurance. Gotta get some exercise? Hit they gym. It’s right downstairs. Have a drink. Invite some friends. Hang out. If it’s broke … not your problem! Maintenance will fix it. Just a hop, skip and jump away from shopping centers, restaurants and of course “Targét”. Kitchen with a fully-stocked snack cabinet? Heaven. Laundry services? Convenient in your place or, if you share a laundry room, hide those skidmarks! Many apartment communities are pet friendly. Bring a pooper scooper and you’re golden. Nightly summer BBQ with fun-loving gang from upstairs and down the hall. Dogs are on! Ordering in some good old take out! AWESOME! Pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast and tennis courts. Plenty of apartments offer these great services. Find one! Quality movie nights, TV show fan club groups and board games (no shame in “Taboo”). Be a kid. Rock star parking directly in front of your building. Swimming in a pool that you don't have to clean...Priceless. Trash pick up at your door or just down the hall ….take the smell outside! Use your space as a fitness factory. Grab those free weights and sweat to the oldies in privacy. Visitors welcome 24/7—or not. It’s your place, your rules. Wireless internet signals picked up from your neighbors. They’re clueless. Xebec is an actual word that starts with X. We could have gone with x-ray or xylophone but everyone does that. You can walk around naked and no one will ever know. Remember, blinds closed please. Zzzzz...in your own bedroom, complete with an attached bathroom and walk-in closet. YES! Want to become part of this elite group of fun-loving apartment dwellers? What makes you happy is very much about you. That’s why Apartment Home Living offers an online matching service to fit your specific needs. Live for fun. Visit www.apartmenthomeliving.com and click on our “live for fun” tab to see other ways people are living for fun in their new apartments. Then join ‘em! Tell us what you Live For! Happy Holidays! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=129 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:50:00 GMT In most (if not all) apartment communities, burning candles is actually against the rules. Naturally so, because if you are burning candles, you may be putting an entire building and not to mention several people's lives at stake. Sound severe? It's not. Fires caused by candles happen more often then you'd think. All it takes is a small gust of wind, a cat, or your uncoordinated-clumsy boyfriend to knock over that pretty smelling yankee candle and make the whole building go up in flames. That reminds me....did you sign up for renters insurance yet? If candles aren't an option you are definitely still in luck. There are several great alternatives to having yourself a little burning wick with melting wax. Check it out: If it's a fine scent that you're after, try Glade® PlugIns®. They come in a ton of different smells that keep your place smelling way better than a measly apple cinnamon candle. Lamp oils or incense are also great options for spreading a little scented love around your apartment. The best part of all of these: none of them use an open flame! I truly hope that you aren't trying to go George Washington on me and read by candlelight, but if you are indeed needing the candles for light...please work your way into the present century with an invention called the "light bulb" You could go with electric candles, lamps, or a night light if you are needing to get around in the middle of the night. Needing it for mood lighting? Try opening the blinds a little and letting the moonlight spill in or use the calming iridescent glow coming from your computer monitor. Okay, I'm kidding about the monitor, but you may even want to try using small track lighting with dimmers. They can set the mood really well too. And if you are using candles for heat...please...PLEASE...use something that can actually provide you with real warmth like your central heating unit. When you actually think about it...candles really aren't that practical...so I figure...who needs 'em? Those archaic-old lighting utensils belong in a wax museum. Hope the holidays are treating you well! -Jeffrey Claus http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=128 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:27:00 GMT Saturday, I got stuck at my neighbors little Holiday party with no easy way out. Luckily, I don't think my neighbor has figured out the old internet so they won't read this, but if I had only had some way to break out of his apartment without seeming rude, I would have been much happier. This party was honestly about as entertaining as watching reruns of a PBS nature show on a broken television with no picture. Okay, okay. I admit that I am exaggerating. it really wasn't that bad, but I had a splitting headache and I really needed to get my apartment cleaned up before my guests arrive this week. After waiting for what seemed like hours to get my chance to bounce, I finally got out of there and got home. Then yesterday, Krista, a fellow Apartmentite, let me know about The Popularity Dialer. Say you were in my situation at an apartment Holiday gathering, on a bad blind date, or even have someone at your apartment who doesn't get the message to leave; you just hop online to Popularity Dialer and schedule a free, recorded get-me-outta here call from your boss, a family member in need, among others. The calls even have pauses for you to insert your responses to authenticate the phone call. How awesome would that have been if I'd known about it two days ago??!?! So it may be a little late for me, but I wanted to let you know about this in case you needed to break away from an overcrowded Apartment event. Unfortunately, the functionality of the site seems to be on a hiatus due to the FCC, but should be back up in the near future to help you make a hasty escape. Hope that helps you out. Only one week 'til Christmas!!! Happy Tuesday! -J-man PS- What do you want for Christmas?!??! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=127 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:52:00 GMT Hurry!!! There are only 7 shopping days left before Christmas. That’s if you are not shopping online. Really, there's only 1 day left if you are doing the online thing. I tried heading to the mall this past weekend to get a few things and I almost lost my mind among the tons and tons of holiday shoppers. In a way, I felt claustrophobic; turning from corner to corner and constantly running into another person. People were stumbling around in awe because, like me, they have no idea what they are going to shop for. What we don’t realize when we do this is: We are holding everyone else up. So I decided that I need to shop online! Then I can stay in my warm apartment and get it all done with ease. Today is the last day to shop online and be pretty sure that your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas. I am here to help! Here are some really great sites that you can go to shop for gifts online if you'd like to relax in your apartment too and avoid the crowds: Regular Online Shopping Supersites- Buy.com is my favorite for finding tons of stuff at good prices. I also think Overstock.com and Amazon provide great shopping deals and a huge amount of options Untraditional Cool Sites- If you are looking for a site that allows you to search and compare over 55,000 different retailers and their prices in one simple step, try Shopzilla.com. You can visit Woot.com for a really neat blog (almost as neat as mine) that is updated daily with cool gifts and items that are for sale on the web! Product Specific and Best of the Rest Shoes and handbags? Go for Zappos.com. For one of the most awesome and unique stores to get really cool and odd gifts like Bacon Strips Band Aids or The Amazing Yodeling Pickle, check out Archie McPhee.com. That site is sooooo cooool! So there you have a few places to start if you need to get some last minute shopping done. Sure you might have to pay a little for shipping, but it is well worth it! Good luck. Stay brave! It will bring you shopping success! -Jeff PS- You can also complain about products that don’t work well for you or really just plain stink, at Complaints.com! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=126 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:35:00 GMT Here’s how it went down. Last Sunday, my buddy Schultz was over at my apartment. He’s the type of guy that is highly intelligent, but has the common sense of a stapler. He got like a 1400 on his SAT, but can’t match his socks (and even forgets to put on shoes sometimes). Anyhow, he was telling me how pissed off he was that he leased with locator. She apparently kept urging him, with profound glory, to lease at this one particular community. Well, that placed turned out to be a grade ‘A’ dump. I rolled my eyes because I remember him telling me, literally, the same thing last year, and the year before, and the year before that. Stubborn much? I guess he will never learn. It’s like a toddler’s beloved little puzzle box that has shaped pegs that go into shaped holes. Eventually you should learn that the round peg doesn’t go into the square hole. Friends, please listen very closely. Here's a quick thought about apartment hunting: Apartment Locators might seem like a good quick option in finding a place, but they may rush you into picking a certain apartment because they get fat cash when you sign that lease. That’s most of their single motivation—not your happiness. I highly recommend using our personality matching engine at http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com instead. I want you to compare places, be happy, and actually find the home you want to live in. So, grab your square peg, get on our website, and we’ll help you find the square hole or the right apartment. I want you to be happy and not insane. If anything…I want you insanely happy! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=145 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:17:00 GMT This video is absolutely hilarious! Who would have known that Santa was such a balla? But the reindeer are kind of creepy. It took some developers and artists quite some time to make this video and it shows. Kudos to these folks. Only 11 days until Christmas! Have an awesome weekend! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=124 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:46:00 GMT T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse. The stockings were hung from the chimney with.....wait a minute....chimney?!??! What chimney? "I live in an apartment without a chimney. Where the heck do hang my stockings?" If I had a nickel for every time that I have heard this question, I'd be loaded. As Apartmentites, many of us do not have chimneys to hang our stockings from with care over the holiday, so I have had to come up with different ideas over the years to substitute. If you are looking for an alternative place to hang up your stockings, try some of these: Entertainment Center- Tacking them around your entertainment center is a great idea if you have one. You can then put a continuous looping fireplace DVD on and sit around the "fire" with the stockings hanging. Just be careful not to hang the toes in the way of your view of the television. A Window or your front Door- Santa always came in through the chimney, right? So with no chimney, how's he going to get in? Obviously...he's going to come in through a door or a window, so try hanging your stockings around your front door (on the inside of course) or your window as your substitute for the chimney. If you are tall, make sure to duck, so you avoid hitting your head on the stocking every time you walk through the door. If you hang it on your window, its a little way of letting everyone know that you are getting into the festive spirit! Bathroom mirror- This is a little unconventional, but a really cool alternative to the chimney idea. Tack up your stockings around your bathroom mirror. They will be a fun reminder that it's the holiday season every morning when you're getting ready. Wherever you hang your stockings, make sure that you don't hang them up too high because Santa's little helpers might have trouble reaching them. If your shopping isn't finished, I'd suggest you getting it done soon. It can be a headache as it gets closer to Christmas! Happy Holidays! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=123 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:34:00 GMT Does it often sound like your upstairs neighbor either runs an underground wrestling federation, trains elephants, or is a giant who plays a whole lot of Dance, Dance, Revolution with heavily weighted clown shoes? My last upstairs neighbor was constantly so incredibly loud that it drove me nuts. I tried many tactics to filter out the noise. I turned up my music to try and drown it out, but I think it may have actually bothered a different neighbor. I wore earplugs while I was sleeping, but the vibration of the pounding above still woke me throughout the night. Honestly, I don’t think these people ever slept. In fact, maybe they were robots. Very loud, disruptive robots! So what can you do about a noisy neighbot? (Combo of neighbor and robot) This can be a tricky situation. You could always beat on the ceiling with a broom, but where is that going to get you...really? Revenge is not going to get anyone...anywhere. Personally, if it's the first complaint, I would go to them directly, but make sure to be very friendly about it. You could leave them a nice note to just let them know that the noise is a concern. Make sure to point out the fact that you wanted to let them know directly. If you have never met them, introduce yourself and then in a nice way let them know that sometimes because the floor is thin, you can hear pounding around and it disturbs your Soaps. It's very important to not come across as confrontational or rude. Coming across this way does nothing, but aggravate a situation. The last thing you really want is to make enemies with a neighbor that you'll have to spend the next year or so living next to. Calling the police before ever letting them know personally that they are bothering you is sure to make them highly resentful and possibly seek revenge. Yikes! The truth of the matter is that most Apartmentites are actually considerate when it comes down to things. They don't realize that they are causing a raucous until you let them know. I'd say the majority of people will be much more cautious of the noise after being made aware of the problem. In some cases however, it may be better to contact your apartment manager and let them handle the issue. This is a great tactic if you feel threatened by the neighbot in any way. If you wish to remain anonymous, you could request that the management post a notice on each door in your building about bringing down the noise and bringing down the funk. Barbyfirefly of Dove valley Ranch in San Antonio says, "I think you should go to the office first. That's what they're there for. Keeping you happy should be their main goal. Being a girl, I would not go to them personally. I value my safety and I would rather not get into any kind of possible situation. If the noise doesn't stop then I would call the police. Any property you are at should have a courtesy officer that can take care of things like that." Either approach will hopefully result in you being able to get some better rest and relaxation without tons of noise from above. Just put yourself in their position and think how you would react if someone politely let you know that you were bothering them in some way. Would you get defensive and angry or would you correct the problem? Most likely you'd correct the problem. Sharing this world and your apartment community peacefully is the key to happiness!! Talk to you later- Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=122 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:27:00 GMT Make a gameandnbsp;|andnbsp;Shareandnbsp;|andnbsp;Free gamesandnbsp;|andnbsp;Pictogame It's Friday, so let's have some fun Apartment Home Living style. Try to break all the $100 bills to reveal a picture that holds the secret to $100 for you!!! Remember: In order to get your reward, you must follow these steps: 1) First, lease an apartment at one of the communities that are participating in the reward program and make sure that you put on your lease and rental application that you found that place through us. 2) Claim your reward by going to www.apartmenthomeliving.com/claim_reward/ and filling out all of the info. 3) Allow 6 to 8 weeks for us to verify, process the lease, and get your check in the mail! Questions? If you ever wish to follow up on your reward claim process, feel free to email our Apartment Specialists at specialists@apartmenthomeliving.comor give them a call at 888-945-9545. They're good people! I Wishing you an excellent weekend! Talk to you soon! -Jeff PS- HAVE SOME FUN TODAY, DARN IT!!! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=120 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:46:00 GMT All that talk yesterday about cleaning my closet made me curious to see if other Apartmentites were cleaning and having some fun doing it. Low and behold, I found a plethora- "Did you say 'plethora'"? Yes, a plethora, hundreds, gobs and gobs of Apartmentites out there who were documenting, ON CAMERA, both their knack for being unorganized and their ability to clean like wild motel housekeeper. Check out the videos yourself. They should be renamed: Maids Gone Wild! or Uber-Clean: The showdown. These two show not only evidence that they let their rooms go a little, but it also shows that they have super-human speed! Wow! I wish I could clean with the vigor that these folks clean their apartments with. Actually, it kept looking for a video where someone pulled the old camera trick where they would film the mess for a few minutes, then stop the camera without moving it, clean the room completely, and then start the camera again...so it looked like they magically cleaned it...but could never find it. Maybe I'll make one........if my apartment ever gets messy again. I'll snap my fingers and make it clean! If only things were that easy. If only. That's it, all I want for Christmas is the ability to super clean! See you soon, -Jeff *This episode brought to you by the Apartment Buster 5000. Half robot-half humanoid....uh.....um........ahem......three quarters robot and one quarter man, this machine is programmed to bust a dirty room like MC Hammer busts a move. Your room will be cleaned, quicker than the blink of Paris Hilton's singing career! Pick one up today! Sold exclusively on the moon. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=119 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:36:00 GMT Let's take a journey through what an image of havoc, mayhem, and disarray my closet has looked like recently. Ever seen the streets of Times Square in New York after New Years Eve? Imagine bottles, trash, and debris from tens of thousands of people having a massive party in the streets, trampling over garbage and each other, and no one cleaning anything up. Then imagine a small tornado came through and mixed up all of that chaos a little more, spreading it around so the asphalt underneath is scarcely viewable by the naked eye. That's about what the floor of my bedroom closet looked like with clothes (both clean and dirty), hangers, and who knows what else strewn about. Above the chaotic floor, many of my clothes hung on for dear life from the closet's rod in an almost viney-treelike Rain Forest fashion, twisting in and out of one another. There were single socks everywhere. In the mix of the floor mess, hanging up, draped over boxes on the top shelf. Oh, the top shelf! The top shelf was a disastrous mix of stacked unmarked boxes who's contents were completely unknown to me. Does my closet sound vaguely familiar? Let me tell you how I took care of it and hopefully it will help you do the same. Dump the Junk Overboard - Hit the top shelf first and work your way down. Boxes of old junk just take up usable space. Go through the junk. Have a parting ceremony if you have to, but trash all of those little mementos that you're hanging onto for sentimental value. It's a huge relief once you get past the initial, "I can't do it," and dump that stuff. If there is something that you absolutely can't live without, a better spot for them would be the attic, or in some long tupperware containers using the area under the bed or couch for storage. Thin that Bad Boy Out- That old school Price is Right t-shirt with pit stains is doing you no good just hanging there. You'll still be able to reminisce about your teen years and wearing that shirt even after you dump it. Go through your clothes, pick out the stuff you are never going to wear again and chunk 'em. You'll suddenly realize how much extra space you have as well as how many more coat hangers become available. If you don't dump the junk now, when you eventually move in with your significant other...they'll make you do it! A good general rule when choosing clothes to throw out: If you wouldn't want your boss to see you in or appear on the front cover of the newspaper in that outfit...get rid of it! Make That Top Shelf Usable- Now that the top shelf is cleared off, get a couple of Tupperwear bins to throw up there for useful day to day storage. Pick up all of the stray socks and pair them up. Throw these and all of your other socks into a "sock bin" on the top shelf. Do the same with your undies. I keep all of my caps and shoes on the top shelf as well, so they aren't trip-able objects throughout the apartment. The important thing to remember is to use that upper space to help keep things off of your floors. You could even use an area up there to stack your folded jeans or shorts. Work Your Way Down- Now that the junk is gone, organize your hanging clothes in whatever way you see fit. Whether that is outfit type, color, texture, or whatever you choose, this is a great way to help keep you organized. Plus, you'll even find more stuff to donate and make more room with this step. Time For the Floor- Last, but certainly not least, take care of the floor. Buy two dirty clothes bins; One for lights and one for darks. Place them underneath your hanging clothes. Pick up all the dirty clothes from the floor and around the apartment and put them in their respective bins. Now you'll want to place your dirty clothes actually in these bins as you take them off. Contrary to popular belief, they will not magically walk from the floor to the bin. Pick up and throw away any dry cleaning bags, candy wrappers, receipts, and other trash you find on the floor and throw them in the trash. Pick up the spare change you find too. (I found $3.57 at the bottom of my closet.) Importantly, make it where your closet floor is vacuum-able and hit it with the vacuum. Keep Things Organized- Now your closet should be in much better shape. The key to keeping this a successful mission is to make sure that you stay organized with it. Tupperwear bins, rolling shelves, and even wire bathroom organizers all serve as wonderful tools to keep in the closet to have a place to keep your clothes. Put a small trash bin in there so you can properly dispose of trash as you pull it out of your pocket. I have a friend who even placed their dresser in their closet underneath the hanging clothes to free up space in the bedroom. Take note of how good it feels to have an organized space and be sure to make an effort to keep things organized Wow! Things are looking so much better, aren't they? I know they are for me. I hope these tips help you make a castle out of your closet and save you the embarrassment of a messy messy apartment. -Jeff PS-Always...hide Christmas gifts in the trunk of your car. Trust me...your kids will search your closet no matter how messy it is. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=117 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:37:00 GMT If you have been considering changing the window treatments in your home, then you should definitely look into the growing popularity of wood blinds. These blinds come in a great many styles and materials, and are precisely suited to fit any decor. When you add wood blinds to your home, it says to the world that you have exquisite style and taste. But how does one go about choosing just the right style of blinds for their home? Well, that all depends of which room of the house they are being pot into. You can have a different style of wood blinds in each room of your home, and still be at the height of interior fashion. Take a look at this room by room guide which our interior design experts have put together for you, in an effort to help make the process of choosing wood blinds for your home that much easier. Horizontal Blinds- Horizontal wood blinds are beautiful window treatments that are designed to look exactly like Venetian blinds, but made with wooden slats. These blinds are excellent in rooms where more light is preferable, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. If you are choosing horizontal wood blinds for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important that you choose blinds that have been specially treated to withstand the mold and mildew that can occur on untreated blinds due to the high levels of moisture in these rooms. There are several different typos of wood used in horizontal blinds, but the most popular are red cedar, and white oak or pine. Vertical Blinds- Vertical wood blinds are the perfect choice for a room that should be well-lit, such as a living room, or dining room. These blinds can be easily pulled to the side of the window, to allow full sunlight in; and easily closed tight at night for the utmost in privacy. Vertical wood blinds, or hanging blinds as they are also known, are also quite excellent for offices as they allow the most light through the window, when pulled off to the side. Roman Shades- For bedrooms and nurseries, where the ability to darken a room is important, the Roman Shade style of wood blinds is preferred. These wood blinds cover the entire window when down, and are opaque so as to provide the most light blockage. These blinds are rather stylish when raised, as well; as they fold accordion-style, slats together. Bamboo Shades- If you are looking for privacy, but still want to let the light in, then bamboo shades are just the thing. These wood blinds are made with only the finest bamboo, and roll as they are raised. When down, these wood blinds are thin enough to still allow plenty of light to enter a room; yet closely enough woven to provide the utmost in privacy. If you prefer to have curtains on your windows for darkness, these bamboo shades are excellent window treatments for bedrooms; although, we do not recommend them for nurseries. Slider Panels- For the utmost in room darkening, try slider panels for rooms such as media rooms. These wood blinds come in a variety of darker wood, including dark walnut bamboo; and are the ideal treatment for windows in rooms with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. Backed with an opaque fabric for maximum density, sliding wood blinds can be used not only as window treatments; but can also be installed to divide rooms, or to create closure on rooms with extra-wide door-less entrances. As you can see, there are a great many different styles of wood blinds that you can choose from, in a variety of different materials. Choose a wood that matches your furniture, and add instant elegance to any room with wood blinds. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/choosing-wood-blinds-for-your-home-a-room-by-room-guide-271346.html About the Author: Pj Germain Pj is a certified webmaster and author currently researching wood shutters and blinds. See his current site here: Choosing Wood Blinds: Room-by-Room Guide http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=114 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 08:41:00 GMT I went through a few apartment College Bowl watching party ideas yesterday to give tips to the host who may not know the most about the college football bowl season. I almost couldn't sleep last night coming up with more ideas to share with you on two more huge Bowls. So sit back, relax, and enjoy getting your apartment ready for your Bowl watching parties! ATandT Cotton Bowl - In this matchup... the black and gold Missouri Tigers are going to attempt to sink their teeth into the deep cardinal-red Arkansas Razorbacks (which are wild hogs by the way). Although violent and nasty, a hog in the wilderness wouldn't stand a chance at the preying capabilities of a wild Tiger. On the football field though, this will prove to be a really great game though. So other than having some readily available cotton candy in representation of the Cotton Bowl, what can you do to make this a rocking apartment party? You could always grill some pork tenderloins or a pork roast. Heck...brats on the grill would go with the pork (Razorback) theme too. Don't wanna do pork...go with beef brats. There really isn't much that you can do with the Tigers, but definitely use their black and gold to decorate the apartment. Trivia-ish Thoughts: Missouri's Quarterback, Chase Daniel, and Arkansas' running back, Darren McFadden, have both been in the highest consideration recently this year for college football's most prestigious award: the Heisman trophy. Arkansas is also the only major football team that uses a porcine as their mascot! The BCS National Championship- The biggest game of the year pits the Ohio State Buckeyes versus the LSU Tigers...yes...more tigers. These Tigers, though, are gold and purple, while the Buckeyes are red and grey. Whatever you serve...don't serve Buckeyes because they are a poisonous nut of the Buckeye Tree. You may want to go with Gumbo or a Cajun theme to represent those wild and crazy LSU Tigers of Baton Rouge. Appropriately enough, you may want to decorate your apartment with a Tailgating theme! LSU has been named the number one team for tailgating in the nation with people coming from miles and camping for days before a game to make tailgating their second biggest party to Mardis Gras. Trivia: For many years LSU was the only team to wear white jerseys at their home games. Coaches throughout the years have changed this rule back and forth, but currently they wear white on opening day and in only home conference games. They should be wearing purple in this game, but who knows! None the less....this game will be excellent. There you have it! My last little bit on the Bowls, the teams in them, and a few ideas to turn your apartment into an incredible Bowl watching experience. If anything...relax on your couch in your comfy apartment with some chips and dip. Remember to have fun be safe and make the most out of your apartment living experience. Talk to ya later, -Jeff PS- If you ever want to read a great sports blog, check out The Tenth Inning http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=113 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:09:00 GMT Bowl Season is ready to begin with college football nearing its end and if you, your significant other, or your roommates are anything like me and my friends, you may be throwing some Bowl watching parties at your apartments. While some of us study college football, the players, mascots, stats, and standings religiously...I know many of you out there haven't the faintest idea...so I want to make sure you can still make your place look great. It's always fun to entertain, but it's never fun to not know what's going on or to find out you could have decorated your apartment with a bowl related theme and you went with completely the wrong color scheme. You'll want to make sure, your paper cups, napkins, streamers, etc., all match either the team that you should be pulling for or just include the colors of both teams in the match up. I thought I would drop a few hints on the colors and mascots of the teams in the major bowls, so if you are decorating...you'll get it right and your apartment will be rockin' for your festivities. Plus I'll throw in a little trivia to help you seem like you know what's up! Check it out... Tostitos Fiesta Bowl- Nothing says party like the Fiesta Bowl and, man, can you go with the "fiesta" theme all day with this one. First off, chips and queso are a necessity at this one. So your snack choice is done. Margs and cold Cerveza could be easy beverages to match. The two teams facing off in this one, are the Oklahoma Sooners and the Virginia Cavaliers. Oklahoma's colors are a dark red (almost maroon) and white, while Virgina is very dark-dark blue/orange/white. That should give you some good color choices when going for your napkins etc. A little Trivia: We all know what a Cavalier is, but what the heck is a Sooner? In the 1800s before Oklahoma was a state when it was all Indian territory to claim a lot of land, prospective settlers had to participate in a land run. They lined up and waited for the blast of a shotgun to signal the beginning of the run, at which point they would race eagerly to claim a homestead. A "Sooner" was someone who snuck past the territory markers ahead of the gunshot to get an early start. Fedex Orange Bowl - In my opinion, this will be the most exciting bowl game of the year. Although they aren't ranked as the two best teams, the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Kansas Jayhawks will make for an incredible match-up. You could a number of different ways with this one. First off, the Hokies are Orange and Maroon, while the Jayhawks are Blue and White. Again...great colors for your cups and plates, but the real twist here is the food to serve. You must serve Turkey. This will help you out on your trivia too. For many years, Virginia Tech had a live turkey as their mascot, which has now been replaced by a man in a maroon bird suit called "The HokieBird." But the traditions with the turkey run deep with this school, so I would for sure run with it as my food to serve for an Orange Bowl apartment party....after the Oranges of course. (Trying to find out what a Jayhawk actually is will send you on a wild goose chase, so stick to the Hokies). Allstate Sugar Bowl - Just because its sponsored by Allstate, don't start pushing insurance on your guests. Instead, you could go the easy way out and serve any kind of sugar. You could take on the location factor and since the game is played in New Orleans, you could serve up some Gumbo and cajun rice. Or, if you want to take the challenging route...you could throw a luau with leis and serve something native to the Hawaii Rainbows. Yes..they're mascot is really the rainbows, but don't think that has anything to do with their colors which are Dark Green and Black. The Rainbows, the only undefeated team in the country, will be taking on the red and black Bulldogs from the University of Georgia. The Rainbows taking on the Bulldogs....sounds like a really crazy L. Frank Baum story that happens somewhere over the rainbow. Either way...black is a common color. Go with black table cloths and then either green or red plates napkins and such. Your trivia for this game: Two choices 1) The Quarterback for the Rainbows, holds the all-time NCAA record for most TD passes as well as over 20 other NCAA passing records. Or 2) The Bulldogs mascot is a live white bulldog who is always named Uga. Currently...Ugi VI is the living mascot. So that should get you started on thinking about what you may be doing for your bowl parties. I will brainstorm on a few more bowls and bring you some ideas soon.....maybe tomorrow even.... Remember, even if you don't like football...it's always fun to have a reason to entertain in your apartment! PS- If you ever want to read a great sports blog, check out The Tenth Inning http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=112 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:09:00 GMT Do you sometimes feel the blues, agitated, or flustered entering or leaving your home? Most likely because you cannot find an item, stubbed your toe, or do not like how your home looks? If so, then follow the below short checklist to be on your way to HAVING and MAINTAINING comfort in your home. Remember, YOU have the power to change HOW you live! These are the top (3) rules that you can implement to see and feel immediate comfort in your home: (1) Mail and Keys (Where are thou?). Just like there is an alarm for finding your car in a crowded parking lot, don't you wish you had one for your keys? Are you one of many people that remember receiving mail, but just can't seem to remember where they placed it; or do you have different "mail mountains" piled up. A MUST in order to have the sense of "ahhh" when you arrive at home and "yeeeahh" when you leave your home (without having to play detective to find your keys) is to have a shelf, bin, or key/mail holder near your entry door where you can easily drop or pick up these necessities. Key work is "ENTRY DOOR" not kitchen table, or living room console, but the space you enter and leave from every day. Even if you do not open all your mail, it is imperative for your comfort to keep it ALL in one place. Don't believe me? Try it out for one week and you will feel the difference and fall in love again (or even more!) with your home. Even a simple duck with a clothespin as the beak can HELP hold your mail! (2) Good lighting (peek a boo)! There are 3 types of lighting: task (such as for reading), general (overall lighting that consumes a room), and mood lighting (like many used in a restaurant for a romantic dinner). So if YOU have the wrong lighting, YOU will not be comfortable. Imagine being in a spa - you enter a room with dim lights - you lay down for the massage, you close your eyes, you hear the relaxing sounds of cascading waterfall, you feel the soothing hands massaging away every single stressed muscle in your body when someone "SMACK" HITS THE SWITCH WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS SHINNING IN YOUR EYES! Not too relaxing anymore IS IT? So look around your home and see if YOU have lighting that is appropriate for your space - reading area, working area, preparing food in the kitchen (be extra careful with the knife if you do not have appropriate lighting - BIG ouch!) (3) Declutterize (work out your body and mind)! To keep your "body" and "home" healthy why not declutterize (meaning = exercise while you de-clutter). Stretch - grab - sort, stretch - grab - throw out, stretch - grab - donate. Drink water! Stretch - grab - get the picture? So stop procrastinating and start declutterizing. Hey, you won't have to spend a dime on a gym membership to get wonderful emotional and physical results. Having an uncluttered home gives a peace of mind and body (no items toppling onto you anymore). Unfortunately, many people live with these discomforts without realizing how easy it is to fix and how it will DRAMATICALLY change the way you feel at home. You should and CAN live in comfort and LOVE YOUR HOME! Feel free to share this article with friends and family members by emailing it to them. Remember, live BEAUTIFUL and COMFORTABLE! by Ada Gonzalez © 2007 Ada’s Interior Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Website: www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/decorating-solutions-top-3-rules-for-instant-comfort-at-home-261056.html About the Author: Ada Gonzalez is the creative director of Ada's Interior Design, Inc. in New York. She designs solutions that provide comfort and function with a BIG SPLASH of style WITHOUT having to spend hi-end prices on furniture and furnishings. Her designs have appeared in the Life and Style section of The Journal News and the Lohub Blog of Westchester County. In April 2007 she won a design competition called "Interior Motives". She was an Interior Decorating subject specialist for DETC (Distant Education Training Council) spring 2007. Her weekly newsletter called “Smart Decorating! E-News” is her way of reaching out and sharing decorating tips to people across the United States. To get more information go to www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=115 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:44:00 GMT Is it really already Christmas tree time again??!?!? Man, is time flying by as I get older. Sounds so cliche', but so true. Okay, well let's accept it and move on. The time has come to put up a tree...again. For those of us who are allergic, have family who are, or have animals that just love lapping up a real tree's water, it always seems slightly discouraging to find a really great tree to pop up in the corner of your apartment and decorate. Heck, even some apartments won't even allow real trees. You could always go with one of the old trusty "fake-o-trees," but they just seems to be made of cheap plastic and don't seem to spread the holiday feeling and cheer that you're looking for. So what can you do? I'll tell you what you can do. Get creative and have fun with it. Be different and flashy! I've dug up a variety of different alternatives to the traditional tree and "fake-o-tree" that will not only put a fun twist on your apartment's Christmas theme, but also make you look like a creative guru as well. Authentic Whoville Tree- Whether we know the whole story or not, we have all heard of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the small town of Whoville. Dr. Suess was known for the interesting, cartoony, and whimsical illustrated stories that have lasted from generation to generation. At about 2 feet tall, this tree which is modeled after the classic Suess illustration, could feasably be put either in a corner of your room or up on a counter with your gifts tucked underneath. So if you want a fantistical, original, and timeless Christmas theme, this may be the way to go. And on sale for $20...the price can't be beat. The 7-Foot Upside-Down Pre-Lit Christmas Tree- Although, quite a bit more expensive than the Suess tree, The 7-Foot Upside-Down Pre-Lit Christmas Tree from Hammacher Schlemmer can serve as another really neat option to Christmas Treeing your apartment. Inspired from the 12th Century tradition of hanging your tree from the ceiling this one comes fully decorated with lights, so less work will need to be done in putting it up. Another awesome benefit of this 54" tall piece of PVC, plastic, and wire comes from the fact that it's upside down conical structure lends itself to easily being used in an apartment with tight footspace. You can place it in between two arm chairs or in a corner that a normal tree would never have a chance to fit in and with its heavily weighted base, you will have no problem with it leaning or falling. This fancy tree is surely worth the money on it's creativity alone. LED Ice Tree- Now this, is a really cool tree. The LED Ice Tree from Festive-Lights creates a cool blue glow with it's 200 replaceable LED lights in whatever room it's placed. The perfectly shaped and hinged transparent plastic branches allow the glowing light to resonate within the tree and create a wonderfully original visual effect. One of my favorite features of this tree is the fact that you can even place it outdoors, so it could piece of your elaborate porch-light decorating schematic. How sweet is that? There are a vast variety of alternative trees out there for you to choose from, but these three are a few of the ones that really stood out as original to me. And none of them will create an allergic mess on your carpet or be hard to dispose of after the holidays. All you'll have to do is collapse them down and store them away. Good luck on your search for the perfect tree and if you find anything really neat....please...please....please....let me know. -Jeffrey Clause http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=109 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:24:00 GMT Yesterday, I was dusting my apartment and realized that my flat screen television had an input to be a computer monitor. So..I hooked my computer up to my television and it became the biggest, coolest monitor I had ever seen. Surfing the web was a whole new cookie. (Get it...cookie...OK...maybe not funny for anyone who isn't a tech wizard...) Anyway, after spending about three hours looking for fun videos on the web about apartments, I decided I'd share two ones that I really liked with you. I have given several apartment scrubbing and cleaning tips in the past. I mentioned that the Mr. Clean Foaming Eraser is the best sponge on the market for getting up grease, grime, and unknown goo on your hard surfaces. I'm indeed a very big advocate of using sponges to clean counter tops over a dirty towel. You should always make sure to use antibacterial soap when using a traditional sponge and make sure that you swap the old ones out with new ones frequently to avoid the build up of bacteria. The following video is what you should NEVER do with a sponge. DISCLAIMER: Please DO NOT perform this stunt in your apartment. I'll have to tell you what I had to tell my 3 year old niece. "The Mikey-Mikey is for food only. Not for fun. No more toys in the Mikey-Mikey!" That goes for sponges too! Food only! And still..with that...use caution. This next video is amazing. This very young child knows better geography than anyone I have ever talked maps with. And trust me folks. I talk maps a lot! Isn't that amazing?!?!? They put this together in their small One Bedroom apartment, which goes to show you, with a little fun, familly/friends, and faith...there are no limits to what you can accomplish from your pad. Be cool...stay in school! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=111 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:53:00 GMT I know I gave out tips on wall decorating yesterday, but while surfing the old world wide web I came across this awesome piece of wall hanging art that I couldn’t wait to share with you. This is really saaaaawwwweeeeet! Check it out! This bad boy is one of the coolest little decorative gadgets that I have seen in some time…and I see stuff like this daily. A room with no windows? No problem. Set up Makoto Hirahara's Bright Blinds and you can make any room look like it has a source of natural sunlight blasting through the blinds. What’s even cooler is that these blinds are actually functional, so if you wanted to make it brighter, you merely twist the stick to open them more or vice versa. The Bright Blinds system consists of normal-functional window blinds that are backlit by electroluminescent sheets which provide simulated daylight in even the darkest apartments or offices. At this point they appear to be hand made only, but something this cool should definitely be on the market and available for mass production and purchase soon. Be on the look out! If you can’t wait, you might try creating your own “window box.” It’s a cheaper and slightly not as cool looking version of the Bright Blinds, but works well. First, make a square wooden frame of whatever size you’d like the window to be by using 1 x 4 pieces of wood. Second, mount a small florescent strip-light on the inside of the squares top piece of wood. Make sure the light’s cord is in a spot that will be easily and discretely be extended to an outlet. Now mount window blinds and curtains on the outside of the frame. Finally, mount the entire gadget to your wall using small angle irons on the inside corners of the square. Voila! Let there be light! I hope these ideas help shed a little light on any otherwise darkened apartment. Even try it in your cubicle. Might be fun to make a really little one…and call it…Mini-Blinds! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=108 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:46:00 GMT After visiting a very good friend of mine who had just moved into a new apartment with very bare and boringly white walls, I have been reminded of the importance in having art and/or pictures hanging on our walls. Seriously...get rid of the bare and add a painting of a bear...or anything. Just add something to break up the space, so your apartment doesn't look like a school hallway, institution, or worse...a prison. Because of landlord and property management's guidelines, sometimes wall decorating in an apartment can be challenging. Before making any decorating decisions, be sure to check your lease or check with you apartment management professional to find out the rules regarding: painting your walls and hanging things. Once you determined the set rules and begin your ever so engaging search for art, keep several tips for picking and placing your art in mind to really get the most out of your decorating and impress your guests. Picking Art - Ever been to someones house who has eight thousand different pieces of art of varying colors and styles crammed onto one wall? Blech! It's so busy it may make you nauseus. When picking art for your apartment, first try and select a style, motif, or genre that really draws your interest. If you like several motifs, pick one for each room. Never try and combine them. It only makes things seem cluttered. Once you pick your motif, search through pieces of art keeping in mind there are virtually millions of options for paintings, wall art, and pictures. Don't just jump on the first cool painting you see because you may pigeon hole yourself. No matter what, when picking your art, be consistent. Being Aware of Furniture - Preferably, I think it looks much better to use one large piece of art on a wall that has furniture like a couch, and 2-4 smaller pieces on a wall that has no furniture. Go beyond 4 and you run the risk of getting cluttered. "Clutter be bad" should be your mantra! Side note...hanging above a couch or a bed is much different than hanging above a TV or entertainment center. Above the couch you could use a thought provoking large piece of art that draws attention, but do you really want your attention drawn away from your favorite TV shows? Above the TV you may want to consider three smaller, less busy pieces of art...or a clock. With the addition of flat panel televisions, they themselves can become great wall art. Proper Hanging - There are a few general rules to keep in mind when hanging your art. 1) For best results, hang your art where it's center is as close to 57" off the ground as possible. Studies have shown that the closer art is to 57" the more appealing it is to the eye. 2) When hanging above a couch, you want to fill 2/3 of the wall space above the couch, which on most walls is why a large painting or print works wonderfully above a couch. With this in mind, make sure that you leave about a 5"-9" gap between the piece of art and the top of the couch to make room for peoples arms and to lean back their big-hair heads. For some unknown reason...some people...have big ole Texas Hair...and with that hair....comes grease....that can ruin a painting. Framing - Yes...the art itself is the most important part, but if you are putting a print, photo, poster, or painting in a frame...the frame is very important too. Make sure the frame fits the style of what it holds. For instance, don't hang a rough military picture in a frilly frame. Also...if you have several framed pictures in a room. Be consistent! Make sure all of the frames match! Background Wall Color - The last of the important tips to keep in mind when hanging art is the wall color itself behind your wall art. If it is okay to paint the walls in your apartment, have fun with picking colors that accent your wall art. Art that matches, yet contrasts in dark vs. light with its background will stand out more to the eye of the beholder. If you hang a predominantly white picture on an all white wall...guess what? It will blend in too much. So be aware of your colors. If you are like me and are terrible with colors...rely on a friend with a good eye for it. Keeping these tips in mind when you are getting your diggs' walls all decorated up, will ensure that your apartment ends up looking more like the Metropolitan Museum and less like the Metro. Good luck and happy apartment living... HAVE FUN!!! LIVE FOR IT!!! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=107 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:38:00 GMT I hate to say it and sound like a social biscuit, but my social calendar is ridiculously booked. This weekend I traveled out of state to attend a friend’s birthday bonanza. Honestly, there was a birthday, but I was looking all over for the bonanza. I was sorely disappointed when his apartment was littered with 20 party hungry guests and he resorted to putting on old college videos that only 2 people knew anything about. I looked around at the looks on the other guests’ faces and you would have thought they were at a chess tournament. If it was my party, I would’ve livened things up a little with some games, some fun drinks, some jokes, and a little bit of guest involvement…but it wasn’t my place. So I sat….and sat……….and sat. Please. I beg you. Help the world put an end to boring apartment parties and parlays. If you are going to be entertaining this holiday season or at anytime in the future, keep these simple 5 steps in mind to help your guests boogie down. Check it out: One- The Invitation Make sure that you have a high energy, fun invitation that grabs your guest’s interest and makes them excited about your shindig. Fun pictures, jokes, and taglines always help. Use exciting verbiage that gets people up and going. Two - Greet Your Guests When a guest arrives, greet ‘em! Don’t just let them enter your apartment and uncomfortably attempt to integrate themselves into an already mingling group. Be at the door to shake their hands and make them feel welcome. The sooner they feel welcomed, the sooner they’ll let themselves have fun. Then introduce them around and be a true host of the party. Three- Ambiance You’re throwing a party. You’re entertaining in a situation that should be fun, interesting, and exciting. You must set the ambiance. Change your lighting to create a different mood or move your furniture around. In a normal situation, your apartment layout is set up for just living, but now you have to get it ready for entertaining! Have fun with it. If your ambiance isn’t fun and open, your guests won’t feel it. Throw music on in the background, but try not to make it too loud where people have to scream over it. Four - Make it Involving How many parties have you been to where you are just standing around eating or drinking? LAME! Give your guests something to do. Have something planned that gets them involved. Play a game, give away door prizes, sing songs, anything entertaining that can draw some laughs will get your party bumpin’! (BTW- Remember to be aware about your neighbors and not disturbing them…unless they’re at your party…and they should be!) Five- Fun Food and Drinks Beer and pretzels are a great little snack for you and a couple of buddies watching the game, but if you are truly entertaining you need to have fun food and a variety of great drinks. Unique food and hors’ dourves will leave your guest pleased and keep them interested. Try California rolls instead of pizza rolls or chocolate covered pretzels mixed with peanuts rather than just one or the other. It’s also always good times to create a themed drink for the night and give it a fun, applicable name that breeds interest and laughter. Some friends of mine created Yucca Juice which was a simple variation on the traditional margarita with some other added goodness. The important thing to remember is to have fun with it. If you have fun, than the guests will follow! Keeping those five simple steps in mind when you are throwing your next party should have your guests saying how much fun they had at your party and asking when you are going to have another one rather than have them dreading ever setting foot in your place again. Remember…HAVE FUN! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=106 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:36:00 GMT So your refrigerator may be packed full of leftovers from a plentiful thanksgiving meal at your apartment. Sick of just picking at the turkey and heating up the potatoes? Leftovers are my favorite part of the whole holiday meal experience and I have several ideas to help you get rid of them before they go bad without making you feel fowl about eating so much turkey. Make a Sandwich - This may seem obvious to everyone, but making a turkey sandwich, doused in mayo is the easiest and most proficient way to go. The mayo keeps the turkey from seeming too dry. If you wish to delve outside of traditional turkey sandwiches, try this: Smear leftover mashed potatoes on the bread, throw some slices/pieces of turkey on top, and then smother that in a little bit of gravy. Put the pieces of bread together and you have a messy, but incredibly tasty "leftover" sandwich that is quite filling. Casserole - Honestly, this sounds a little gross, but a friend's mother used to make a casserole dish out of all of their left overs. It's fairly easy to do, and honestly tastes incredible. First, layer the bottom of a casserole dish with your leftover mashed potatoes. Next, layer green bean casserole on top of the potatoes. If no green bean casserole, just pour a can of cream of mushroom soup and two cans of green beans into the dish on top of the potatoes. Now its time for the turkey. Break up the turkey into bits and pieces and spread it around in the casserole. For best results, mix all of the ingredients well inside that dish. Pop this in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Being careful of it being hot, pull the dish out, sprinkle some french fried onions on the top and pop it back in the oven for 3-5 minutes. After that, you should be all set with a leftover casserole that tastes wonderful and helps combine all of those separate dishes into one! Donate them - Another great thing to do with leftovers is to donate them to either a homeless shelter, through a church, or even directly to the homeless. Sometimes the shelters are a little wary of taking in food donation wise, but many churches have programs set up to take in your leftovers and make sure they are received by those in need. This may also be a time to go through your closets and find old jackets or blankets and donate them as well. Remember, what may be doing you no good sitting in your closet or fridge, can do a ton of good to those in need. Now...for getting rid of your pie...I would like to give you my home address so that you can hand deliver them to me and I will find a proper way of disposing your pies and/or your cakes. (-: Okay...not really, but I'm sure you will have no trouble getting rid of your dessert leftovers. I hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend. Time to start decorating for Christmas. I'll be throwing you some Christmas decorating tips very shortly! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=103 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:57:00 GMT These days everyone is investing in improving their Home Theater system with new flat screens, high tech video game systems, HD DVD players and such. But if you really want to make your apartment the desired hang out spot and impress your friends, you’ll want to go beyond just beefing up the movie watching experience. After a brainstorming session with a few friends, I have 5 additions to the rest of your apartment that’ll be sure to leave your friends nodding in a approval and make your place the place to be. Kegerator- Cold beer? No one likes constant trips to the store to buy more beer because you just ran out. Then sometimes you have to wait for it to chill. Then you always have to throw out the mess of cans and bottles at the end of the night. Let’s by pass all that. Impress your friends, save time, and money by investing in a Kegerator. My friend Shane even built his own from scratch. He even has a “Keg Donation” jar next to it that people actually donate to fill up the keg. Think of all the money saved in the long run. Refrigerated Wine Chiller- Not a beer drinker? With this slick invention you can keep your wines chilled and constantly display that your taste in wine has become highly evolved since your days drinking it straight from a bag. If you’re on a budget, you can get a twelve bottle fridge for about $90, but if money is not an issue, look to the Marvel Three Zone Refridgerator. Not that I’m a wine expert or anything, but I do know that you need to keep those white wines chilled and those reds just a hair below room temperature. I-Pod Stereo- It seems like everyone I know has an I-Pod, but what’s the good of having all your music in your pocket if you can’t blast your “Best of Hair Metal” play list while hanging with your friends? Thankfully, there are a wide variety of boom boxes that cater directly to playing I-Pods; varying in styles, wattage, and features. Hop over to Best Buy, Target, or any electronics store and check them out! High Tech Coffee Machine- Do you hit up Starbucks all the time, spending 5 bucks a pop on a venti? Why not save yourself t $35 a week by grabbing yourself a gourmet coffee machine, like the Philips Senseo Supreme Single Serve. Your body will thank you for the extra 15 minutes of sleep you’ll be able to get in the morning and then you can spend the extra $140 a month savings on something nice for your significant other. If you don’t have one, you can just spend it on me…that will suffice. The Jimmy Buffet: Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker- Personally, I’m not a huge frozen drink guy because I can’t stand to get brain freeze, but nothing says really good times better than a party that has margaritas, pina-coladas, or daiquiris. Unfortunately, we’ve all had the experience of trying to make these drinks for a party and finding out that standard blenders are only good for making clunky hard to drink margaritas. Luckily for us, the master of margaritas himself, Jimmy Buffet, has come to the rescue with the Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker. All you do is add ice and your preferred ingredients, then the Concoction Maker does all the work for you. Just try not to lose that shaker of salt…of salt…of salt. So there you have it. Sure, for most of these items you will be shelling out a couple of Benjamins, but the investment will be guaranteed to be well worth it and provide a number of great times at your apartment. I better get invited! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=105 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:35:00 GMT I'm beginning a video revolution. Here at Apartment Home Living, we live for fun. Whether it's with jokes, games, cool photos, great stories, general tomfoolery, and now...video...we want to make sure that everyone shares in the fun. Starting with you! Two of my wonderful cohorts, Theresa and Lydia, took a trip over to Greystar Management's corporate office in Houston, Texas on Halloween. They brought with them a handy video camera or "handi-cam" if you will, and ran around the office asking everyone what they lived for. I dug around my closet for a book on video editing and threw some transitions, filters, and a few title pages on the video...and viola! Check out what the Greystar Management employees live for....and what kinds of fun stuff they were for Halloween! Share a video of what YOU live for. Just record it and either email it to me at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com or post it on YouTube and send me the link! I will then make sure and post it to share with everyone! What do you live for? Easy as pie! Thanks Greystar! You all rock! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=100 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:01:00 GMT I wanted to take a moment to wish you a very very.....very...Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that you are getting to eat tons, relax with family and friends, watch football, and be thankful for everything that you are thankful for. Myself, I am thankful for many wonderful things. I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to share my apartment living experience with you to help you and others get the most fun out of apartment living. I am also thankful to have so many great family members and friends who are an extremely important part of my life. This being the case, I am going to have to cut this blog short and get to visiting... HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!! GOBBLE GOBBLE and GO PACKERS! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=102 Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:15:00 GMT It's the holidays and that can only mean three things: You're going to eat a lot over the next several weeks, gifts may be passed from person to person, and so many photos are going to be taken that it'll be like the paparazzi chasing Britney. I can't count how many times a friend has scrolled through all of their holiday photos and half of them were really hard to see or honestly not that interesting. I understand most of us aren't professional photographers, but there are a few tricks to keep in mind that may really help you come up with some awesome pictures this holiday season. 1) Get on Their Level- If you're focusing on a subject that is way below or above your direct eye level like a child, try getting down at the eye level of the subject and take the photo. This creates a much more warming and inviting picture with a much more personal angle. You could even try to tilt the camera a little one way or the other to create a neat angle. It's always great to get creative. 2) Check Your Background- Be sure to check out what's going on behind your subject before you click that button. If its really busy behind them or they have poles or a Christmas tree growing out of their head, try re-situating them in front of a more plain background. This will help the subject of your photo stand out and not have distractions behind them. The sky is always an awesome background if you are outside. Again, work a little with your angles and don't be afraid to be a little bit of a picture director. (Everyone secretly likes to be the center of attention, so set up a great picture!) 3) Be Aware Of Your Flash- If a face is in the shadows or if the source of light is behind your subject, make sure and use your flash as a fill light...even outdoors. If your subject is wearing a hat that covers their face, in most situations, make sure your flash is on. Now...there is another side to this. Many times the flash is used when you can actually get a better picture without it. When this happens, the photo becomes almost washed out with the light. So...moral...be aware of your flash. In most apartments, unless you get a lot of natural light from several directions...the flash will nearly always need to be on. 4) Flashes Range - While I'm on the topic of flashes. Know the range of your flash. If you take a photo at a concert..sixty feet away from the stage...your flash does absolutely nothing. In fact at concerts, the flash will reflect off of smoke and make you have just a washed out bright grey picture of nothing. Generally a flash's effective range is 8-12 feet, so having the flash on to take pictures any further than that is not necessary. 5) Get A Little Off Center- So many photos can be just plain boring. Give it a filmmakers touch and move your subject off-centered in the frame. This creates a really interesting and artistic feel that almost tells a story and breaks through the traditional photo barrier. It seems to always prove very effective to place your subject in the middle-lower-right hand corner of the frame. I'm hoping that these tips will help you take some really great photos this holiday season. In fact...let's make the photos this year the greatest EVER! If you have any great ones that are taken in your apartment, send them over. I am starting a collection of our members' awesome apartment photos to have a slideshow online! Send them to posts@apartmenthomeliving.com. Happy Holidays! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=101 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:23:00 GMT I hear you may be moving. Is that true? Well, I know you want a location you'll be happy with. But how can you find this? With a single question: what will make you happy about where you live? Is it being close to your office? Next door to your best friend? By a park with a running trail? Ask around the office, your best friend, or your running buddy if they recommend their place or where they would recommend you start looking. Similar people often have similar taste in nearly everything including home locale. Commutes can make you or break you. I know sometimes my commute breaks me! So one important factor would be to calculate in travel time, driving routes, gas money, and the stress causing traffic levels to where you’ll be going the most often. Perhaps you want to be more “in the mix” and in a central location to everywhere you go. Easy. Get out the map. Mark on it the places you hit up the most; both personally and professionally. Then find a spot in between all of your marks. Bam! That’s a darn good place to be looking for your new place. Let’s hope it’s not in the middle of a cow pasture. It never hurts to ask, ask, ask people at work or at your favorite hang out spots where what they suggest. You never know what great info someone may surprise you. Heck, you may even find a roommate. Good luck on the move. Let me know if you need any help. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=99 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:31:00 GMT Hey apartmentites! As we are getting ready to host our turkey day parties and what-nots, we have done a bit of talking on redecorating and cleaning. I just finished all of my cleaning last night and my place looks incredible! When you see it, you better tell me that it looks great. Hopefully, you've been able to get some cleaning done yourself, but sometimes as we have it, time just doesn't allow. Need some last minute clean-up help, but just don't have the time? Hire a maid! I've done it through Molly Maid on multiple occasions and it's always worked out for me. Sometimes you just have to shell out the cash to have it done right. If you don't want to go with that. I'd suggest heavy brainstorming on which of your friends owe you a favor and call it in. Some lucky apartmentites even have "maid day" included in the rent, where they have their own maid come clean for you. How sweet a deal is that? Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I polished a bunch of silverware for my Thanksgiving and I wanted to share with you a little quick silver polishing tip. Mix two tsp of baking soda, one tsp of salt, and water in a container lined with foil. Drop the pieces of silverware in for about a minute and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. In no time, it will look brand spankin' new. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=98 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:29:00 GMT These days everyone is investing in improving their Home Theater system with new flat screens, high tech video game systems, HD DVD players and such. But if you really want to make your apartment the desired hang out spot and impress your friends, you’ll want to go beyond just beefing up the movie watching experience. After a brainstorming session with a few friends, I have 5 additions to the rest of your apartment that’ll be sure to leave your friends nodding in a approval and make your place the place to be. Kegerator- Cold beer? No one likes constant trips to the store to buy more beer because you just ran out. Then sometimes you have to wait for it to chill. Then you always have to throw out the mess of cans and bottles at the end of the night. Let’s by pass all that. Impress your friends, save time, and money by investing in a Kegerator . My friend Shane even built his own from scratch. He even has a “Keg Donation” jar next to it that people actually donate to fill up the keg. Think of all the money saved in the long run. Refrigerated Wine Chiller- Not a beer drinker? With this slick invention you can keep your wines chilled and constantly display that your taste in wine has become highly evolved since your days drinking it straight from a bag. If you’re on a budget, you can get a twelve bottle fridge for about $90, but if money is not an issue, look to the Marvel Three Zone Refridgerator. Not that I’m a wine expert or anything, but I do know that you need to keep those white wines chilled and those reds just a hair below room temperature. I-Pod Stereo- It seems like everyone I know has an I-Pod, but what’s the good of having all your music in your pocket if you can’t blast your “Best of Hair Metal” play list while hanging with your friends? Thankfully, there are a wide variety of boom boxes that cater directly to playing I-Pods; varying in styles, wattage, and features. Hop over to Best Buy, Target, or any electronics store and check them out! High Tech Coffee Machine- Do you hit up Starbucks all the time, spending 5 bucks a pop on a venti? Why not save yourself t $35 a week by grabbing yourself a gourmet coffee machine, like the Philips Senseo Supreme Single Serve . Your body will thank you for the extra 15 minutes of sleep you’ll be able to get in the morning and then you can spend the extra $140 a month savings on something nice for your significant other. If you don’t have one, you can just spend it on me…that will suffice. The Jimmy Buffet: Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker- Personally, I’m not a huge frozen drink guy because I can’t stand to get brain freeze, but nothing says really good times better than a party that has margaritas, pina-coladas, or daiquiris. Unfortunately, we’ve all had the experience of trying to make these drinks for a party and finding out that standard blenders are only good for making clunky hard to drink margaritas. Luckily for us, the master of margaritas himself, Jimmy Buffet, has come to the rescue with the Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker . All you do is add ice and your preferred ingredients, then the Concoction Maker does all the work for you. Just try not to lose that shaker of salt…of salt…of salt. So there you have it. Sure, for most of these items you will be shelling out a couple of Benjamins, but the investment will be guaranteed to be well worth it and provide a number of great times at your apartment. I better get invited! Until then- - J-Baz http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=97 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:51:00 GMT Ready for Thanksgiving? Do you have your turkey, your guests, and all of your other recipes in order? What are you waiting for? It's only a week away! If you are entertaining at your apartment for Thanksgiving this year, you seriously better get to cracking. Trust me...you don't want to wait until the last minute to get things done because if you do...your life is going to get extremely difficult. There are several steps that you can follow to insure that your Thanksgiving dinner will go off without a hitch and with the least stress as possible. Get Your Guests In A Row- Check out your list of guests. Make a few calls and send out the emails. The first step to keeping your sanity is to find out who is coming and who isn't as soon as possible. Once you find out who is coming, divvy up the food bringing responsibility. It would be helpful to make a list of the traditional things needed and mark down who is bringing what, so that you don't get confused and end up with two dishes of dressing and missing a green bean casserole. Here is a quick sample list that may help you out: -Turkey and Gravy (Typically that is the hosts responsibility) -Mashed Potatoes -Green Bean casserole -Dressing/Stuffing -Cranberry Sauce -Pumpkin/Pecan Pie -Rolls -Salad -Drinks Shopping Spree- Hit the stores several days early. If you wait until the day or even a couple of days before Thanksgiving, you are truly asking for trouble. Not only will you run into a frantic, overcrowded, melee of destruction as soon as you hit that market parking lot, but you will more than likely not be able to find most of the stuff you need because the stores shelves will have already been picked dry by those who got their shopping done before you. Get to the store...Hurry! Time is running out. The Turkey Prep- There is way more to a great Thanksgiving turkey than just popping the sucker in the oven for several hours, carving, and then gobbling it up. The proper prep of a turkey takes a little care. If you are going with a frozen turkey, you must keep in mind that when defrosting that frozen gobbler in the fridge, it takes an entire day for each 5 lbs. So if you have a 20 pound turkey...it's going to take 4 days to defrost. Also, decide how you are going to cook the turkey and have all of the necessary tools ready. There are literally hundreds of ways to cook a turkey and each year new recipes and techniques are created. Generally, at 350 degrees, the roasting time of your turkey of average weight should be between 3 and 4 hours. Don't be intimidated, but it's more challenging than you'd think. Cook it too long and you end up with a dry turkey. Cook it too short and it could be unsafe to eat. The important thing to always keep in mind is that if the internal temperature of the turkey is between170 and 180 degrees, you should be safe and good to go. For any turkey questions you can call Butterball's Turkey Talk Line at 1-800-Butterball Clean, Inspect, Then Clean Again- If there is ever a time to make sure that you apartment is extra spotless and in perfect condition, it's now. No one wants to be sitting down to a hefty celebratory Thanksgiving dinner only to notice dust all over the backs of the chairs, or candy wrappers on the carpet. Clean like you are getting paid to do it. Make sure that your silver and glassware is polished and spotless. The kitchen and bathroom need to look institutionally clean. Make several runs with the vacuum to make sure you don't miss any spots. Dust in places you usually overlook. Two Minute Warning - On the couple of days before your dinner, make sure to double check your lists and make sure that everything is covered. Run the vacuum over the carpet one last time. Check to make sure you are stocked up on everything from napkins and toilet paper to bottled water. Put everything in its proper place. And make that last minute store run...only if you have to... Keep these simple steps in mind as you prepare for your awesome Turkey Day and you should be good to go. Thankfully, I am not entertaining this year. Woo hoo! No work for me!!! I'm sure I'll end up having to wash the dishes Did you know.... - If a turkey looks up when it is raining it can drown -The entire United States of America will go through 675 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving day alone -The heaviest turkey ever raised was the size of a large dog at 86 pounds -Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited -The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger -"Big Bird's"feathers on Sesame Street are rumored to be from a turkey Later Turkey's, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=96 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:57:00 GMT Cats and dogs love to be outside. Heck, we all love to be outside, but some of our pets have a tendency to be escape artists at the mere chance to sneak away. Our fellow apartmentite, KHouse, shared a story with me about how her cat, Snowball, loves to leap over the patio railing or even squeeze under it when she is left alone on the patio for just a couple of seconds. Thankfully, she lives on the first floor, so the cat doesn't have much of a fall. Apparently, though, getting the cat back over the railing and into the apartment is quite the challenge as Snowballdini will cower in a corner and hiss and mew anytime you get close to her. My mother had a dog who would bolt out the front door anytime my grandmother opened it because he knew she was too slow to stop him. It was amazing to watch, but very tiring to chase him down. You would have thought that animal was on some sort of performance enhancer. So, what steps can you take to prevent your pets from escaping your apartment? On the patio, you want to create a barrier without sacrificing the looks. Stapling some chicken wire across the bottom would serve the purpose splendidly, but would look really trashy. Plus any loose ends in the wire could be sharp and may harm you or the animal. An alternative would be to take a 1 x 6 piece of strip wood and place that along the bottom to block the escape area. Then run potted plants in front of it to hide the bored look of the board. Heck, you could even paint and decorate the wood if you wanted. Just don't leave it looking like a plank. That's almost worse than chicken wire. Regarding the top railing...cats like to jump. That's a certainty. The best way to prevent a cat from leaping onto something is to place items there that block their landing. They're smart. Most cats will see this and won't take the leap. Potted plants work great along the railing and should take up enough space to keep them from leaping. Almost anything will work, just make sure it looks good. Remember not to sacrifice your style. How your apartment looks, is a reflection of you...so are your pets, so that's a delicate balance. The easiest and one of the most common solutions to keeping dogs from running out of the front door or running into rooms that they aren't allowed to, is putting up a baby gate. No dog owner should ever be without one of these. Even when you are training them as puppies, a baby gate comes in handy for keeping the little un-potty trained puppies in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom and off of the carpet. If you want to give your dog some fresh air, but don't want him running out of the door, just throw up a baby gate and let them hang out right there soaking up the sun. They don't look bad either! There are number of methods and tips out there to help prevent the unfortunate event of an escape artist pet. Losing a pet is always a very saddening experience, so please take these tips and apply them or find something to keep your little lovable creatures in your apartment. If you know any great tips, please send them my way so that I can share them with your fellow apartmentite pet lovers. Later, -J-Real http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=95 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:01:00 GMT Need some ideas to spice up your bathroom? Does it look cold and empty like a public school bathroom? Nothing but the toilet sink, walls, mirror, and a few towels? Trust me. That's not impressing anyone or anything. Often overlooked in decorating, the bathroom is in truth one of the more visited rooms in the house. With people spending an average of 45 min. a day using it, showering, and primping, why should you ever even think about leaving it bare? There are a few simple things that I've learned throughout my years of being an apartmentite that really help turn a boring bathroom into a rich, resilient restroom. Pick a Theme- Schultz went with a Superman theme in his bathroom and it actually looks really great. It helped him easily narrow down a color scheme to red and blue with accents of yellow. All of the matching and color picking had already been done for him, he just had to go with something he liked. Superman it was. Combining a blue shower curtain and rugs with red bath towels and a yellow hand towels, this theme can appeal to anyone. Throw up a few framed classic Superman comics and a retro Superman toothbrush if you want to really push the theme and suddenly you have a extremely fun bathroom. Picking a theme is an easy idea for anyone to incorporate fun and flavor to their water closet. So find something you lilke...be it a sports team, a movie, or anything else...pick it...analyze the colors and go! Keep It Clean- Always keep your bathroom clean and clutter free. Keep the clutter off the counter. Find a hiding place for your brushes, cologne, make-up, hair products, etc. It looks good to no one to walk in and see piles of make-up on one side of the sink, medicine bottles and hairspray on the other, dirty clothes on the floor, and an over-flowing waste basket. And if you have chosen that to be your theme....you should choose another. Oh..most importantly...keep the toilet sparkling and the TP on the TP holder. What good does the empty cardboard roll do for you or your guests? Don't just leave the new roll on the back of the toilet and wait for a guest to do your work for you. Remember, guests don't just see the living room and kitchen...they also see the bathroom, so keep it clean and clutter free. Candles, Dispensers, and Other Fine Things- Want something neat on your counters? Try a few candles with cool candle holders. Also, don't just use the disposable soap dispenser. Instead, buy a cool soap dispenser that goes along with your theme and refill the soap as needed. Matching soap dispensers and toothbrush holders always look great. A picture frame with one of your favorite 4x6's could work great on the counter as well. It may be cliche', but a novelty or funny book in the bathroom is always a great idea. No matter what. Quit forgetting about or putting off the bathroom decoration. When you visit other bathrooms, take notes, see what you like and don't like about them. Then apply that to your own. Have fun and I hope reading this didn't make you ...flushed. Talk to you later, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=94 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:55:00 GMT You're soon to decorate your place for Thanksgiving and Christmas, aren't you? There are a few things that all apartmentites must keep in mind before embarking on your holiday decorating adventure. Candles- You may not realize it, but candles (if allowed by your apartments) can be a safety hazard that you must be aware of. Never leave a candle burning when you are leaving the apartment or going to sleep. All it takes is one random act of nature to knock the candle over and send your place ablaze. Also, be very aware of your candle placement. Candles near the Christmas tree or the Menorah near the curtains = Bad! Make sure to keep an eye on your pets around open flames as well. I had a cat once who was completely entranced by the candle flame until he tried to bite it. Then he learned his lesson the hard way. Thankfully the whiskers grew back. Porch/Patio Decoration- Keep these clutter free and make sure to check with your apartment management to see what stipulations they have on porch/patio decorations. Christmas Lights- Always be sure that you follow proper electrical safety guidelines with your Christmas lights. Check each strand for tears in the wires or protective covering and discard them if you find any. Plug all strands into a surge protector rather than directly into the wall outlet. Decoratively...pick either one color and keep it consistent...or...do the multi-colored things, but do not mix in strands of only white lights...BE CONSISTENT! Otherwise it just has a tendency to look trashy. Kids and Presents- Keep a watchful eye on your kids and the presents under the tree. There isn't a kid out there who won't jump at the chance to tear a corner of a present neatly to see whats inside and then effortlessly close it back up to make it appear to have never been tampered with. Ornaments- While we are discussing kids, watch out for your ornaments. Kids and small animals love the sparkles of an ornament and are magically drawn to remove them from the tree and play with them like a toy. The sharp hooks that hang them on the tree can be a danger to both children and animals. Also, the bulbs break easily and can also pose a danger. I suggest using twist ties to hang your ornaments if you have small children, cats, or monkies in your apartment. Dogs tend to leave the ornaments alone, but drink out of the tree's water dish. Music- Christmas music is festive and fun, but beware, too much of it will ruin your Christmas. You will find yourself bitter about that little drummer boy by the end of December if you aren't careful. Also, in apartments, remember that you have neighbors. If you are blasting Silent Night, they may be none too pleased and all may not be calm and bright. Turkey Time- If you are entertaining for Thanksgiving, make sure to have a number of blankets and pillows around for your guests to cat nap after the chemicals in the turkey set in. During your shopping, make sure to get ziplock bags and small disposable containers so that you can send people home with left overs. Otherwise, you will end up with a fridge full of food...which isn't a terrible thing if you eat like me. Keeping these simple tips in mind should help add to your safety this holiday season. You may also want to double check your locks every night and when you leave the apartment as break-ins increase during the holidays. It's even a good idea to vary the times that you come home everyday, so that if a crook is casing you...they are unable to see any sort of consistency. Just looking out for my fellow apartmentites! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will talk to you soon! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=93 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:45:00 GMT No matter how great your abode may be, paying less for it would be even better. So, it will come as no surprise that in our never ending quest to help you find the right apartment home, we’ve come across innovative, creative and unique ways to cut housing costs. Although, these ideas pose no risk, they are admittedly not for the faint of heart. Tip One: Check the Surroundings One person’s annoyance can be another person’s serenity, especially when saving money is involved. Here’s the inside scoop on how to negotiate location negatives into cash flow positives. ul.square {list-style: disc} ul.square li{margin-left: 40px;} Traffic- Congestion can cause likely residents to choose alternative areas. Maybe you have a home office or your work schedule is off-beat and traffic problems won’t affect you. Construction- Are any major building projects underway or starting soon? This can drive away prospective residents because the process can be unsightly, dirty, start in the early morning or go all night. Noise levels- Being near train tracks, or industrial businesses are often deal breakers for apartment seekers. Lights- Blinking traffic signals, bright street lights, and flashing neon can cast a shadow on the quality of life experience. Many will look for less radiant locations. Property managers know their property disadvantages and may be willing to offer unbelievable deals to those who are willing to live with nuisances. By revaluating your attachment to atmosphere, you could end up with a diamond in the rough. Tip Two: Take Your Lumps Like death and taxes, housing costs are a fact of life. While you may not be able to escape the first two, lump sum cost cutting approaches involve less personal sacrifice and more financial savvy. Property owners are sometimes willing to shave a percentage off yearly rent prices if paid in full in advance. Utilize your savings account to pay your total annual rent in one lump sum. Average savings account interest rates hover around 3% to 5% at best. If you’re getting a bigger price break by paying in one lump sum, you’ll reap the savings over time. Obviously, actual savings will depend on your access to cash and/or credit. If you can stomach writing checks for large amounts of money, lump sum rent payments may be perfect for you. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=153 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:55:00 GMT I've had several people ask me if I was serious about the Poptart and bean dip thing last week and all I have to say is, "ABSOLUTELY!" It's the perfect mix of sweet and salt.... Want to make something a little more traditional? Like say...a Chocolate Sundae? How about a $25, 000 Chocolate Sundae? Yesterday, it was printed that the owner of Serendipity in NYC has developed such a dessert. This ridiculously absurd dessert is a blend of 14 of the most expensive and, of course, exotic cocoas from around the globe. It contains .2 ounces of edible 23-karat gold and is served in an edible gold goblet with an 18-karat gold, white diamond bracelet at its base. The sundae is topped with whipped cream covered with more gold and a side of La Madeline au Truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier, which sells for $2,600 a pound. You eat this bad boy with a gold spoon decorated with white and chocolate-colored diamonds that you take home as a souvenir. So...let's pause....and take a few moments to think about this...................ARE YOU SERIOUS??!?! I know $25, 000 for a chocolate sundae may be a little steep for most apartmentites like me, so I will offer a much more affordable and efficient version to throw together in your apartment....and no, I'm not talking about bean dip-poptarts. First..take 3 scoops of chocolate ice cream and put them in a bowl. Next, cover that with chocolate syrup. Third, put a cherry on top. And finally, eat and enjoy it while you imagine that it is covered in gold and diamonds. Mmmmmm...true bliss and happiness for less than 5 bucks. $25,000?!??!?! Sheesh! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=88 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:48:00 GMT The whole world is going green. Which is great because it may be necessary to do that for the whole world to continue existing. UK based Greenbottle has developed a biodegradable milk carton, made of recycled card board and a biodegradeable plastic inner liner made from corn starch. Recycling solutions like this are popping up everywhere! I just found out that my Apartment Community offers free recycling service! I had no clue. Apparently, many cities are now requiring Apartment Communities with more than a certain number of units to offer recycling service. I'm going to take full advantage and go as green as the Grinch. I'll become a sage of the recycling realm. You should too. Check out your city's Solid Waste Services Department website to find out more about recycling in your area. Like me, I bet you have a bunch of junk laying around your apartment that you've been scared to trash, but don't really know how the heck to get rid of it. I've found a few tips on getting rid of these common items that just make clutter. Cell Phones- Because they may contain bromide, lead, mercury, and other environmentally hazardous materials, Cell phones should not be disposed of in the garbage. Instead, do something more than just recycle them. Donate them to a cause like The Wireless Foundation's Call To Protect program. Also, at most wireless carrier's retail centers, they offer to take in abandoned phones...and I'm sure they find them appropriate homes.....or resting places if its as bad a phone as some of my old ones.... Coat Hangers- I find these things everywhere around my place. Why do I have coat hangers in the kitchen??!??!? Who knows? The important thing to remember in this situation, is that there are just too many of them, so it's imperative that I get rid of a few. Sure, they can be thrown away, but that leads them to go sit for years in some landfill. The best way to get rid of old coat hangers is to donate them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or even your local dry cleaner to reuse. Not only will you free up some closet space, but you'll also be saving the environment one hanger at a time. **(Keep a wire coat hanger in the trunk of your car. You never know when a friend may lock their keys in their car.)** Computers- What's a computer? Ha! Right. Like I wouldn't know what a computer was. Psh. Old desktop computer lying around...taking up space...and taunting you as it collects dust. Don't let it control your life. you can't trash it, but you can reuse it. Throw a blanket over it and use it as a night stand or use it as a step stool in the closet. You can also donate them to a number of worthy and very capable hands that will more than happily dispose of your dead PC. Some companies will even let you trade in your old PC towards the purchase of a new one! Cooking Oil- Been draining all of your grease and cooking oil into an old tin coffee jar? Disposing of it is easy. Mix it with kitty litter, double bag it, and throw it in the trash. Easy! After finding out how to get rid of that stuff, I am a little bit closer to having a completely clutter free apartment. Hopefully, this will help you be on your way too. Until next time...Going Green like the Incredible Hulk...but a lot less angry.... -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=87 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:03:00 GMT Schultz just asked me: What's so wonderful about apartment living? After I looked at him like he had lost his mind for not automatically knowing how awesome apartment living is, just as is, I came up with a few quick reasons why apartment living kicks living in a home or being homeless for that matter in the butt. It took an extensive brainstorming session, but my team of me and me, came up with the Top 6 reasons that living in an apartment ROCKS! Schultz won't be asking me any more dumb questions....wait...yeah right! It's Schultz, he always asks dumb questions. What's so wonderful about apartment living??!??!?! I'll tell you what's so wonderful: 1) NO LAWN!!!- This is by far the number one reason to live in an apartment. You have no yard to mow. You'll never have to pull weeds. You'll never have to worry about taking care of a fire ant problem. You don't have to waste water on the lawn to keep your grass green. No raking leaves, etc, etc, etc...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!?! 2) Freedom!!!- There's so much more freedom in an apartment. You have the freedom to move anywhere you'd like at the end of your lease. You aren't locked into a 15, 20, or a 30 year mortgage. It's an obvious perfect situation for someone who likes to live footloose and fancy free. 3) The Benefits of a Pool without the Work- This is my favorite. At apartments, you get the full use of their pool and deck areas, but never have to worry about the upkeep. With a pool at your home, YOU have to skim for leaves, YOU have to check the chemicals, YOU have to do all the work. In an apartment you can kick back and let the apartment management take care of that for YOU! 4) It's Cheaper - All in all and across the board, renting an apartment can be much cheaper every month than paying a mortgage. Plus your electricity bill is cheaper. There is no lawn to water, so your water bill is cheaper. It's just plain cheaper. 5) Maintenance - In a home, if your toilet breaks, refrigerator runs, sink leaks, door falls off it's hinges, develop a pest problem, or any number of the possible things that can happen happens, you have to find a way to take care of the problem yourself. In an apartment, all you have to do is let the apartment management know and they will take care of it for you! (In a reasonable time of course.) 6) Free Gym - Most apartment communities have their own fitness center on location provided for the residents. With state of the art equipment, these gyms are free and you don't have to travel at all to get in a good workout. As a home-owner, you'd either have to build a home gym or get a gym membership that may cost you $40/ month. Eck! Those 6 reasons are just cracking the tip of all the awesome reasons apartment living is so incredibly great and a cut above living any other way. What do you enjoy about apartment living? Drop me a comment or an email to let me know... -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=86 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:12:00 GMT I hate to say it and sound like a social biscuit, but my social calendar is ridiculously booked. This weekend I traveled out of state to attend a friend’s birthday bonanza. Honestly, there was a birthday, but I was looking all over for the bonanza. I was sorely disappointed when his apartment was littered with 20 party hungry guests and he resorted to putting on old college videos that only 2 people knew anything about. I looked around at the looks on the other guests’ faces and you would have thought they were at a chess tournament. If it was my party, I would’ve livened things up a little with some games, some fun drinks, some jokes, and a little bit of guest involvement…but it wasn’t my place. So I sat….and sat……….and sat. Please. I beg you. Help the world put an end to boring apartment parties and parlays. If you are going to be entertaining this holiday season or at anytime in the future, keep these simple 5 steps in mind to help your guests boogie down. Check it out: One- The Invitation Make sure that you have a high energy, fun invitation that grabs your guest’s interest and makes them excited about your shindig. Fun pictures, jokes, and taglines always help. Use exciting verbiage that gets people up and going. Two - Greet Your Guests When a guest arrives, greet ‘em! Don’t just let them enter your apartment and uncomfortably attempt to integrate themselves into an already mingling group. Be at the door to shake their hands and make them feel welcome. The sooner they feel welcomed, the sooner they’ll let themselves have fun. Then introduce them around and be a true host of the party. Three- Ambiance You’re throwing a party. You’re entertaining in a situation that should be fun, interesting, and exciting. You must set the ambiance. Change your lighting to create a different mood or move your furniture around. In a normal situation, your apartment layout is set up for just living, but now you have to get it ready for entertaining! Have fun with it. If your ambiance isn’t fun and open, your guests won’t feel it. Throw music on in the background, but try not to make it too loud where people have to scream over it. Four - Make it Involving How many parties have you been to where you are just standing around eating or drinking? LAME! Give your guests something to do. Have something planned that gets them involved. Play a game, give away door prizes, sing songs, anything entertaining that can draw some laughs will get your party bumpin’! (BTW- Remember to be aware about your neighbors and not disturbing them…unless they’re at your party…and they should be!) Five- Fun Food and Drinks Beer and pretzels are a great little snack for you and a couple of buddies watching the game, but if you are truly entertaining you need to have fun food and a variety of great drinks. Unique food and hors’ dourves will leave your guest pleased and keep them interested. Try California rolls instead of pizza rolls or chocolate covered pretzels mixed with peanuts rather than just one or the other. It’s also always good times to create a themed drink for the night and give it a fun, applicable name that breeds interest and laughter. Some friends of mine created Yucca Juice which was a simple variation on the traditional margarita with some other added goodness. The important thing to remember is to have fun with it. If you have fun, than the guests will follow! Keeping those five simple steps in mind when you are throwing your next party should have your guests saying how much fun they had at your party and asking when you are going to have another one rather than have them dreading ever setting foot in your place again. Remember…HAVE FUN! Talk to you later, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=85 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:25:00 GMT I hear you may be moving. Is that true? Well, I know you want a location you'll be happy with. But how can you find this? With a single question: what will make you happy about where you live? Is it being close to your office? Next door to your best friend? By a park with a running trail? Ask around the office, your best friend, or your running buddy if they recommend their place or where they would recommend you start looking. Similar people often have similar taste in nearly everything including home locale. Commutes can make you or break you. I know sometimes my commute breaks me! So one important factor would be to calculate in travel time, driving routes, gas money, and the stress causing traffic levels to where you’ll be going the most often. Perhaps you want to be more “in the mix” and in a central location to everywhere you go. Easy. Get out the map. Mark on it the places you hit up the most; both personally and professionally. Then find a spot in between all of your marks. Bam! That’s a darn good place to be looking for your new place. Let’s hope it’s not in the middle of a cow pasture. It never hurts to ask, ask, ask people at work or at your favorite hang out spots where what they suggest. You never know what great info someone may surprise you. Heck, you may even find a roommate. Good luck on the move. Let me know if you need any help. Peace out for now -J-Man This day in history: 1983 - President Ronald Reagan signs a bill creating Martin Luther King Day, which is currently the only national holiday honoring an individual American.... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=84 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:45:00 GMT What makes you truly happy? That’s the loaded question for the ages, ain’t it? A question so broad it has as many different answers as there are people on this Earth. So I propose another question. If there is so much out there to choose from, how can you ever easily find a place that makes you truly happy when looking for an apartment? How can you find your happy place? (I know, I know. That’s two questions. Ha!) Well, as usual, I’ve got some answers. Luckily, in looking for a place to lay your head, there’s a ton of common ground among what makes people happy about their place. Most everyone on the planet just wants a few simple things to make their homes happy. Other than carpets, windows, and a big screen TV, of course. So check it out. Through dealings with many of my fellow “apartment-ites” I see again, where, my advice may be needed. And I love giving my advice. (Although, I am starting to feel a little like Ann Landers) Everyone wants a location they are happy with. But how can you find this? With a single question: what will make you happy about where you live? Is it being close to your office? Next door to your best friend? By a park with a running trail? Ask around the office, your best friend, or your running buddy if they recommend their place or where they would recommend you start looking. Similar people often have similar taste in nearly everything including home locale. Commutes can make you or break you. So one important factor would be to calculate in travel time, driving routes, gas money, and the stress causing traffic levels to where you’ll be going the most often. Perhaps you want to be more “in the mix” and in a central location to everywhere you go. Easy. Get out the map. Mark on it the places you hit up the most; both personally and professionally. Then find a spot in between all of your marks. Bam! That’s a darn good place to be looking for your new place. Let’s hope it’s not in the middle of a cow pasture. It never hurts to ask, ask, ask people at work or at your favorite hang out spots where what they suggest. You never know what great info someone may surprise you. Heck, you may even find a roommate. Money isn’t everything, we know this. But not being broke sure makes having fun and having nice things a heck of a lot easier. So in looking for a place to live, here’s the deal: Go too cheap…you’re ashamed of where you live. Go too expensive…you’re ashamed of you’re always broke. So, considering money, how does someone find a place that feeds their happiness? Frankly, it all comes down to needs vs. wants, my friends. What is your #1 need? Location? A place that accepts your Yorkie? A living room big enough to house your 42 inch TV? Honestly, you won’t be happy without the things you need. Write down your top three needs. No matter where you look and what the rent, don’t bend on these. They’re happiness requirements. Now for the wants. Ask yourself: Are these worth the amount of money you may have to spend every month to get them? Some comparison shopping will quickly let you know if your wants are putting a hefty price tag on your future home. Be prepared to give up some of your wants in order to get the things that you really need, while still keeping cash in that old-crusty wallet. Once you balance your needs vs. wants, you get a better idea that it might not be so bad to live without that attached garage if it’ll save you $150 a month. (1800 per year! Yikes!) http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=82 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:40:00 GMT Will modern technology ever cease to amaze? The term given to wireless computing is called Wi-Fi which is short for Wireless Fidelity. There are many ways the perks and benefits of Wi-Fi can make your apartment living experience feel less cluttered and offer more mobility. Many apartment properties now offer this benefit as an amenity to their communities. It sure is an attractive feature. Having Wi-Fi in your home allows you to roam your apartment and use your computer anywhere you desire. Say you have roommates who want to cook, entertain guests, or just want to play the stereo or TV. If the computer space in your house is located in or near those shared places, conflict can arise. Having Wi-Fi allows you to take your computer to another part of your home for some peace and quiet or just privacy while you complete your tasks. The perks and benefits of Wi-Fi go further than just making your computer using experience feel less cluttered and more mobile. It can save you money. This is how it breaks down. If your apartment property offers Wi-Fi as a free amenity, you may no longer have to pay for Internet services from an outside company. Say the monthly charge for home Internet service averages around $45-$65. That’s an annual cost between $540 and $780. If you utilize the community’s free Wi-Fi technology, then your yearly Internet connection savings may come comfortably close to covering a month’s rent. Double check with each of the property managers you visit to see if they offer the freedom of Wi-Fi. Different apartment communities offer Wi-Fi in different ways. Some have enough signal strength to make the technology available in all their resident’s apartments while others provide its use in common areas such as on-site business centers or community clubhouses. You should also search the Apartment Home Living catalog and our website for properties that offer the freedom and money saving benefits of Wi-Fi as an amenity. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=83 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:40:00 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=81 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:44:00 GMT This stuff is 'da bomb! My place was a wreck. Clothes were everywhere, the fridge was littered with old pizza boxes, each room looked like it was hit by a different tornado and an atomic bomb at the same time. I'd blame it on house-guests, but hadn't had any. I'd have blamed it on Schultz, but he's been wherever he goes to when he's not bothering me. Truth is, its all me. I had been so busy lately, that I had let my apartment slip a little. I couldn't take it anymore. No excuses! I'd been looking past the grime and stepping over who-knows-what on my way out the door for days. For a Master Apartmentite this seems all so wrong. I decided it was time to make things right. It was time to hit my apartment with the clean stick and make all the junkiness magically disappear. The clothes, trash, random pillows and clutter were simple. Just put everything in its proper place. I ran the vacuum and mop over the floors until they looked sparklingly clean. Making my bed with military tightness and shaking out the bathroom and kitchen rugs, I frantically cleaned like it was going out of style. It was all looking pretty ship-shape with the exception of one thing: the scum. The counters, tub, tile, toilet, and sink had developed various forms of scumminess. It was the kind of build-up that spraying some cleaner and a wipe of a paper towel wasn't going to handle it. It was time to call in reinforcements. Aimlessly wandering the cleaning aisles of my supermarket, I eyed the plethora of possible cleaning solutions. The myriad of choices was slightly overwhelming until I saw it. A small box with a bald man who could have been an ex-pirate that would make all my cleaning woes disappear. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser truly proved to be magical. With very little effort and elbow grease all of the grime around my place seemed to just wipe up. This product is so incredibly awesome that I wouldn't let any of my beloved apartmentites go without it. If you are having the same problems I have had with scrubbing and scrubbing at something that just doesn't want to scrub, try this. It worked for me. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=80 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:43:00 GMT Okay. Now I am going to need you to be very open minded on this one. I need you to come with me on a little journey. A journey with a very unconventional, yet very easy recipe fit for any hungry apartment resident. On the surface this simple combination of foods may sound disgusting, but if you suspend your natural gag-reflex reaction to it and give it a shot, you'll find an incredibly tasty snack that any fast paced apartmentite can eat on the go. Many moons ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this snack and at first I thought he had absolutely gone off his rocker, lost his mind, gone coocoo, and needed to be committed. Then as he ate it in front of me and actually seemed to be enjoying it, I thought he was playing tricks on me. But then...I tasted it myself. The wonderful goodness that this uncommon combination of food stuffs created made my taste buds scream for joy! You only need two items: A can of Frito-Lay Bean dip and a package of Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop Tarts. Hmmmmm. "Where is he going with?," you're wondering. Here are the simple directions: First open the bean dip as you normally would, being careful not to cut yourself on the metal rim. Next unwrap your pop tart. Follow this by actually dipping the pop tart into the bean dip. Eat, enjoy, and repeat until all the goodness is gone. ....Yes...I am telling you that dipping a brown sugar and cinnamon pop tart in bean dip is an awesome snack. I know exactly what you are thinking after reading this and again I ask you to suspend your disgust and give it a try. It's sort of like trying sushi for the first time....only with a pop tart and some bean dip. Go now! get to the store. Buy these two items...and try it! You'll thank me later. -Jeff PS- I do not own stock in either of these companies. It's just a darn good snack. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=79 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:12:00 GMT Happy Halloween!!! Wow! This video is great! I love it! It makes me want to dress up as a ninja for Halloween. It's also really well done. Kudos to the filmmakers. Enjoy! So it's finally Halloween. We are having all kinds of fun at the Apartment Home Living headquarters. There is a little bit of a costume contest and it's absolutely hilarious. Everyone dressed up! It's like we have a whole new team of employees, both famous and fictional. It seems we've hired Socrates, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, a Doctor, a few uber-rednecks, a track star, a bee, a script, a couple of fairies, a pirate, a ref, a jail bird, and a rabid cannabalistic bunny....but no ninjas. Where are the darn ninjas? They must be stealthily hiding. I'll be sure and let you know who wins the contest and hopefully get a picture or two up. What are you doing for Halloween? Any huge party plans? Regardless, everyone enjoy your Halloween and if you do happen to be hosting a great apartment party, remember to have a ton of fun. Be safe! -Count Jeffula http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=78 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:01:00 GMT Tomorrow is Halloween. It'll be time for trick or treaters to swarm by your doorstep in search of the ever so sugary treasure...candy. Apartmentites must be prepared! The best way to prepare yourself in your apartment for the onslaught of costumed visitors requires three important steps: 1) Be costumed yourself- This can be a challenging requirement. Finding the right costume takes hours and hours of consideration and concentration. You must select something that will give your visitors a tiny bit of fright, but doesn't make them run screaming from your doorstep. A ghost or a ghoul is always a safe bet, but if you let your creativity run free, I'll bet you can come up with an incredible costume idea. 2) Have a Huge Bowl Of Candy- This is a must. You need to have a bowl of some type of treat to give the critters as they creep by your door. Don't skimp on the candy either. Kids will rue you as the nasty neighbor if you give them a cheap, no-name candy or something that they don't agree with. Giving out something tasty and popular will assure you instant fame amongst the trick or treating clans. Be very very careful though. I remember getting a roll of pennies one year. That was terrible and damaging to my development as a young child. Please do NOT give out the change from your couch. 3) Have Fun- You must take every knock at your door as an opportunity for humor. Laughter will get you through the night. Although it may be aggravating to have people coming by after your 9 PM bedtime, you have to remember that it will only happen once a year. Enjoy yourself and let out your inner-kid. If you don't, it's going to be a long night! Being the day before Halloween, often, the anticipation of trick-or-treating has us overlook the wonderful facts about the 30th of October. Today in history...Did you know... 1938 - Orson Welles broadcasts his radio play of H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds, causing a nationwide panic. 1974 - Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Zaire, in a Heavyweight boxing event known as The Rumble in the Jungle. I hope you have a very safe 30th...31st of October. Remember to have fun, but always be careful! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=77 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:47:00 GMT by Lynn Cressy Decorating a small home or apartment can be a challenge but the outcome can be a great look combined with style and comfort. The key to a home decorating idea for small spaces is to plan carefully to make the most of the existing space without overwhelming the area. Here are tips to consider before you get started with your home decorating ideas: *Don't make a small room seem smaller by filling it full of "stuff." This means you might have to put away some of your knick-knacks and restrain yourself from buying additional decorative items. You will find an uncluttered home will provide more comfort and pleasure and make your home decorating idea a reality. *Make your rooms multi-purpose. A child's room can be a study or play room which will keep toys and activities in a confined space. *Consider the creative use of room divider screens. They can be easily moved if you feel the need to open up the place once in a while. Another home decorating tip is to turn bookcases so they are at a right angle to the wall which will provide a private area for a computer desk. Placing a side table with a plant on top against the open back of the bookcase will make it look like a piece of furniture. Choosing a bookcase with a finished back will enhance the look. *A fundamental home decorating idea for small homes is to choose furniture with space considerations at the forefront; such as, folding, rolling, nesting or anything else that easily condenses in size when not in use. Dining room tables with leaves are a "must" in a small home or apartment. Stacking end tables work well in the living room and a chest or trunk makes a great living room coffee table. *Mirrors and light that create the illusion of space are basic components in a small area. Keeping your window coverings open during the day will help to eliminate dark corners which can make your home seem smaller. Adding a mirror to each room is a basic home decorating idea which adds openness as well as functionality and style to a room. *Check out hotels and mobile homes to see how to maximize space but still be attractive. Mobile homes are especially well-designed and make the most of limited space. Consider the use of practical "built-ins" in your own small home or apartment. With imagination and creativity you can make your home decorating ideas a reality even in a small home or apartment. For ideas on keeping your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". This ebook has many practical, easy-to-use tips to make home organization a reality. Click Here for your free download. About the Author Lynn Cressy is the owner of Lynn’s Home Decor where you will find a variety of home decor including shabby chic home decor and furniture, wrought iron home decor and furniture as well as Seasonal Décor , ebooks and home decorating ideas. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=76 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:23:00 GMT With a little strategizing and ingenuity, the search for your new apartment and the moving process need not drain your finances. Here are 7 timeless tips to help you find easier and save you money on your next apartment. Know the Office Hours- Visiting a Property? Give them a call to double check their office hours. Apartment communities often vary their office hours in the fall, especially after daylight savings time ends. So check the hours of your favorites communities before you make the trip over! Find a Roomie- $700.00 for a two bedroom or $900.00 for a three? You do the math. Sharing a fridge may not be so bad after all. Check with your friends and co-workers to see if anyone is looking for a roomie Move at the right time- The good news is that seasons change, and during off times like April-May and November-December, there’s more competition vying for your rental dollars. If you time it right, you could get more apartment value for your money. Moving Sale- Ignore the “I might need it someday” voice in your head. Don’t move the riding mower to an apartment. A moving sale allows you to save on moving costs and make some cash at the same time. Moving Sale- Get your packing supplies online or from a friend who has recently moved. Borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying one. Try using crumpled newspaper as an alternative to expensive bubble wrap. Use your own blankets, linens and area rugs for your furniture instead of renting padding from the truck rental company. With a little effort utilizing what you already have or acquiring common materials from everyday sources you save a lot. Strike a Better Deal- When it comes to leasing an apartment home, be willing to engage in “money-talk”... it can save you thousands. Ask if they’ll waive the application fee or credit-check fee or even knock $90 off your monthly rent. Often, simply by asking for something extra you’ll get a better deal. Pay in Advance- Sometimes it takes spending money to save it... in this case spending a lot. Some apartment homes will give you as much as 15% off your rent if you pay it all in advance. It’s a hefty upfront fee, but a guaranteed 15% return is nothing to sneeze about. Hmm... maybe I should pay this with my credit card. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=75 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:19:00 GMT Hey apartmentites! As we are getting ready to host our pumpkin parties and what-nots, we have done a bit of talking on redecorating and cleaning. I just finished all of my cleaning last night and my place looks incredible! When you see it, you better tell me that it looks great. Hopefully, you've been able to get some cleaning done yourself, but sometimes as we have it, time just doesn't allow. Need some last minute clean-up help, but just don't have the time? Hire a maid! I've done it through Molly Maid on multiple occasions and it's always worked out for me. Sometimes you just have to shell out the cash to have it done right. If you don't want to go with that. I'd suggest heavy brainstorming on which of your friends owe you a favor and call it in. Some lucky apartmentites even have "maid day" included in the rent, where they have their own maid come clean for you. How sweet a deal is that? Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I polished a bunch of silver bling-bling that I was wearing to a Halloween party and I wanted to share with you a little quick silver polishing tip. Mix two tsp of baking soda, one tsp of salt, and water in a container lined with foil. Drop the pieces of jewelry in for about a minute and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. In no time, your bling will look brand spankin' new. I hope you had a safe weekend and will be getting ready to be spooky over the next few days. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=74 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:46:00 GMT If only moving was as quick as it seems for these folks! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=179 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:18:00 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=73 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:44:00 GMT I’m all about this living room topic. I get so tired of the same layout in my apartment everyday that I constantly shuffle things around to make it seem different. This weekend I did a few simple things to give my living room a whole new look. These 5 seriously easy ideas can help gain a brand new feel to a stale living room for very little money in almost no time. 1) Mix Up the Furniture- Stir things up. Pull your sofa, chairs, and tables out of their current positions to the middle of the room. Then switch them up by placing them all back in new places. Try putting things at angles you hadn’t thought of before. If you don’t like how things end up, switch it all again. I like to turn it into a great little party game. 2) Create Some White Space - Seem like you have too much junk around? I know I do. Why not get rid of some of it? Getting rid of some of the clutter will open up a ton of space and make your room seem like whole new place. Taking a piece of furniture or two out of the room will also create some space. As they say in the movies sometimes, “Less is more.” I threw out an old chair that I was hanging on to for years and the floor/wall space it cleared was amazing. 3) Walls, Walls, Walls- Leave the furniture be. After all, maybe its happy where it is. Instead, concentrate on making some changes to those walls. I've painted the wall behind my entertainment center a color that matches some of the items in the rest of the room, but left the other walls their basic white color. Painting one wall really makes it pop out in the eyes of the viewer and gives the room whole new dimensions. I believe the experts call this an "Accent Wall." I just think it looks pretty sweet, so I call it...a "lookin' pretty sweet wall." 4) Mirrors, Art, Pictures- Throw up some mirrors or framed art on the walls. If you already have some up, shift them around or replace them with others. It may bring me seven years bad luck, but I tried a few pieces of spread out broken mirror above the entertainment center. It looks great and since I did it Saturday, my luck seems like its still intact. 5) Plants!- This isn’t much, but add a few plants around the apartment. Put them by the window. Put them in a corner. Heck, put them on top of the TV. Plants add a whole fresh element to any room. Plus you can give them a name and talk to them from time to time. Medusa, my fern, gets me through the lonely nights. With just the few above ideas, I was able to transform my living room into something that seems completely different and more importantly…fresh to me. When my new coffee table arrives in the next few days, it’s going to be like living in a brand new place! You should come by and check it out. Maybe I'll have another house warming party. Want an invite? Hope you had a great weekend! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=71 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:21:00 GMT Last night, I had the scariest run in with one really nasty Doberman Pincher (I know the pic isn't a Doberman) that was about the size of a small donkey. I have no clue what this dogs name is, but for this story's sake...we're going to call him the most appropriate name for how he looks...Killer. This sucker is huge! With teeth, equally as huge! I've seen him before on the property, but his owner has always had him on a tightly bound chain. I've never really had to worry about Killer sinking his teeth into one of my appendages. Until now. This time, there was no chain. Being that the weather was incredible, I decided to walk to my mailbox to grab my plethora of bills and useless coupons. I'd gotten about halfway there when suddenly I saw Killer, almost in slow motion, come around the corner of a building. It was like he knew I was there. We both stopped for a moment as he directly stared into the depths of my soul with those beady little devil eyes. His dog lips opening to show his Great White Shark sized grill. I swear I felt like he was stealing my soul. I made a slight move to the right, only to be countered by a growl that sounded like a cross between a lions roar and the rumble of a nuclear explosion. It actually made the ground shake I think...but more than likely that was actually just the intense fear striking shivers throughout my entire body. My whole life flashed before my eyes in a matter of seconds. I suddenly felt remorse for anything terrible I had done in my past. I felt like I should finally admit to putting raw egg in the fruit punch at my third grade Halloween party. I think even memories of my birth may have flashed before my eyes. A sharp bark snapped me out of my deep thought and back into action. Either Killer was inching closer or it was just my imagination, but I had to act fast before I ended up turning into the worlds tastiest kibbles and bits. My first instinct was to turn and run like a bat out of hell, but I remembered from watching a marathon of When Animals Attack that this would have only provoked old Killer's instincts to chase. Not good. I'm getting old and slow. I also gave thought to reaching out a hand for him to sniff, but realized that an animal in defense mode, may take this gesture as an invitation to attack. Instead, I made my self relax, slowed my breathing, and tried to appear as calm as possible. It worked! As I relaxed, Killer relaxed. And after a few moments, this tough guy wasn't showing his gargantuan teeth anymore. A couple of seconds later. He turned and with a very very slight whimper, peed on the corner of the building and trotted back to hell or where ever he came from. Why am I telling you this story? I want you to learn from it, my friends. Learn this little tip on how to deal with a dangerous dog that may be lurking around the courtyard of your apartments. Relax, slow your breathing, keep your distance, and stay calm. Generally, the dog will feed off of that energy and you will escape the situation without have to scuffle with a mutt. So the next time you have a run in with a mean dog, remember this story and how Jeff was almost swallowed whole by a dog named Killer. Be careful, apartmentites and always have fun. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=70 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:10:00 GMT When is the last time that you got food all over you? I have to admit, I'm a sloppy eater. I have food on me right now. A little jelly from my morning PB and J in fact. The PB and J is the ultimate apartment meal. Easy to make, cheap, and tasty. It's also really easy to get all over you if you aren't careful. The guy in the following video really helps out with a great solution to the growing national crisis of getting jelly all over your shirt. I bet he feels a little sticky wearing that shirt around, but what a great idea. Rather than just a drop or two...spread it all around and it looks on purpose. Brilliant. I would warn you not to spread it around the apartment though because that'd more than likely come right out of your deposit. Want to make your peanut butter and jelly sandwich even better? Try adding : -Honey -Bananas -Marshmallows -Cinnamon -Frosted Flakes And let me tell you. These are all rocking additions. I'd love to find out what you add, so if you know of any great things to add to a PB and J, please send it my way at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com Want a quick PB and J history rundown? Too bad. I'm giving it to you anyway. Peanut Butter was actually used in medical practices in the early 20th century before becoming a popular meal in school lunches in the 20's. By the time WWII rolled around, the sandwich had gained in popularity for its ease and became one of the main rations for soldiers. The returning GI's brought their new found adoration for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches back with them and the rest is history. Okay...enough talk...It's peanut butter jelly time! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=69 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:07:00 GMT Renting an apartment or renting a house can be a very exciting time in one's life, especially if this is your first time being out on your own. There are many things you need to be aware of when renting a house or renting an apartment. Be aware that there will be other items that you will need to pay for such as phone service, gas services, electric services, water and sewer, trash service, Internet and/or cable service, etc... Some of these will probably be included into your monthly rent payment, but it is highly advised that you ask questions about these items and read your rental agreement very carefully. Some of the more common items that are generally included in rental/lease agreements are water/sewer, trash services, and sometimes even electric or gas. Therefore, understanding these items and planning for them in your budget can help to make sure you allow for enough money to go towards these expenses. You can also call the utility companies and give them the address for the property you are considering renting and ask them what the average bills are on that property for the past year or so. This may help you to plan your budget more accurately. Keep in mind that these bills will usually run a little higher when renting a home versus an apartment. Understand your lease or rental agreement before you sign it. Know what is allowed and what is not. Some agreements allow for pets, some allow for pets up to a certain size, some will only allow a specified number of people living in the rental unit, some charge more for extra people. Understanding these rules and guidelines before you sign a rental agreement is crucial. You can be penalized from your landlord, or even worse, evicted from your rental unit if you do not abide by these rules. Being evicted does not free you from the terms and payment of the remainder of your lease, and if you do not pay what you owe, this could have serious negative implications on your credit report by becoming a judgment or a collection against you. Therefore, make sure that you understand what is included with your monthly rental fee and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your rental or lease agreement before you sign it. Don't feel silly if you want someone to look over your lease for you to make sure that there is nothing out of the ordinary contained within your lease. Most leases are somewhat different from each other and they all need to be read very carefully. If the landlord or management company tells you something about your lease, make sure it is in writing. Never assume and never go by word of mouth. By David Zwierecki The author of this article, Dave Zwierecki, has over 10 years of experience in the credit and mortgage lending fields, and dealing with renters and rentals. http://www.gofirstsecurity.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Zwiereckihttp://EzineArticles.com/?Leaving-Home---First-House-or-Apartment-Rentalandid=657266 http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=68 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT By Steve McCutchen Carpeting and Rugs The more items you have in your apartment that can absorb and soak up sound, the better. Carpets do a surprisingly good job of absorbing sound in the home (instead of reflecting sound, like hardwood floors). But what if your apartment isn’t carpeted? Simple – use rugs. The more throw rugs and area rugs you have around your apartment, and the larger and heavier they are, the more noise they will absorb. Wall-Hangings and Curtains Sure, carpets work if it’s the tenants below your apartment that are making all the noise. If it’s the people beside you that you have to worry about, try putting up a few wall-hangings, curtains or tapestries on the side of the apartment that the noise is coming from. These can make a big impact on reducing the amount of noise in your apartment, while also adding a little bit of style to your home at the same time. Curtains or drapes are useful in reducing noise wherever they are located, whether it’s on a wall, over a window (to block out exterior noises) or simply placed across an open space in the apartment. Special soundproof wall-hangings, ceiling panels and room dividers, all of which are made of materials that are specifically designed to block out sound, can also be purchased at specialty shops. Appropriate Noise Levels – It’s a Two-Way Street The techniques listed above are excellent suggestions – but they wouldn’t even be necessary if you, your neighbours and everybody else in your apartment building were slightly more aware of the apartment you’re living in and the effect noise has on all of the tenants living there. You can be a more considerate neighbour by following by these common-sense tips: · Place your stereos and audio equipment away from the walls that are shared with other apartment units; · Avoid walking in high heel and hard-soled shoes, especially in apartments for rent with tiled or hardwood floors, as the sound will reverberate throughout your unit and the ones beside you; · Use carpets or mats in areas where objects such as shoes and kitchen utensils are more likely to fall or be dropped; · Place felt cushions under chair and table legs to prevent them from noisily scraping across the floor; · Keep the volume of your computer and TV at reasonable levels, especially late at night. As well, don’t wait until late at night to get started on your other noisy activities such as vacuuming, repairs and moving heavy furniture. Looking for an apartment for rent in Ottawa? Paramount Properties is Ottawa’s second largest residential property management company. With more than 4,500 Ottawa apartment rentals available in some of the city’s finest locations, we’re your #1 choice for an Ottawa apartment. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_McCutchenhttp://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Reduce-Noise-Levels-in-Your-Apartmentandid=719722 http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=67 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:17:00 GMT I’m all about this living room topic. I get so tired of the same layout in my apartment everyday that I constantly shuffle things around to make it seem different. This weekend I did a few simple things to give my living room a whole new look. These 5 seriously easy ideas can help gain a brand new feel to a stale living room for very little money in almost no time. 1) Mix Up the Furniture- Stir things up. Pull your sofa, chairs, and tables out of their current positions to the middle of the room. Then switch them up by placing them all back in new places. Try putting things at angles you hadn’t thought of before. If you don’t like how things end up, switch it all again. I like to turn it into a great little party game. 2) Create Some White Space - Seem like you have too much junk around? I know I do. Why not get rid of some of it? Getting rid of some of the clutter will open up a ton of space and make your room seem like whole new place. Taking a piece of furniture or two out of the room will also create some space. As they say in the movies sometimes, “Less is more.” I threw out an old chair that I was hanging on to for years and the floor/wall space it cleared was amazing. 3) Walls, Walls, Walls- Leave the furniture be. After all, maybe its happy where it is. Instead, concentrate on making some changes to those walls. I've painted the wall behind my entertainment center a color that matches some of the items in the rest of the room, but left the other walls their basic white color. Painting one wall really makes it pop out in the eyes of the viewer and gives the room whole new dimensions. I believe the experts call this an "Accent Wall." I just think it looks pretty sweet, so I call it...a "lookin' pretty sweet wall." 4) Mirrors, Art, Pictures- Throw up some mirrors or framed art on the walls. If you already have some up, shift them around or replace them with others. It may bring me seven years bad luck, but I tried a few pieces of spread out broken mirror above the entertainment center. It looks great and since I did it Saturday, my luck seems like its still intact. 5) Plants!- This isn’t much, but add a few plants around the apartment. Put them by the window. Put them in a corner. Heck, put them on top of the TV. Plants add a whole fresh element to any room. Plus you can give them a name and talk to them from time to time. Medusa, my fern, gets me through the lonely nights. With just the few above ideas, I was able to transform my living room into something that seems completely different and more importantly…fresh to me. When my new coffee table arrives in the next few days, it’s going to be like living in a brand new place! You should come by and check it out. Maybe I'll have another house warming party. Want an invite? Hope you had a great weekend! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=66 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:07:00 GMT I almost let this slip my mind. While we're on the topic of coffee tables, I wanted to mention a great idea that my friend, El Bad told me about once for a really cool, artsy coffee table. (BTW-Her name really isn't El Bad. We just call her that for fun.) It's a much cheaper solution to a new coffee table to shine in your living room. Anyway, as he is my guinea pig on apartment stuff, I got Schultz to try it out in his living room and actually looks pretty cool. We started with a used coffee table that we picked up at a garage sale. Then we placed a few interesting pictures of friends, some cardboard coasters from restaurants, some random CD covers, and some old, wrinkly baseball cards on it. Schultz organized them in an order that I couldn't figure out, but the entire table top was completely covered. Next, we took a number of old bottle caps and tacked them like a border all around the edges of the table top. At this point it really started to look like a piece of pulp art or something. Or something you might find at a novelty museum. Who knows? But it was really original looking none the less. Honestly, the options are limitless. You could virtually use anything that fits your taste to cover the table top. We just chose to use the pictures and stuff. The final step's easy. After the table top had "art" layered in the coolest way possible, we covered it with table-top glass that fit the size of the table and…bam! Instant masterpiece. Schultz tried to sell it to me. I told him that he was crazy and that he is the only apartmentite I know that can pull off the "garage sale" look. He didn't get it. He rarely ever does. Hopefully, you get it. If not tell me and I'll explain. What kinds of odd things have you done to furniture to make it unique and stand out in your apartment? Have you ever modified a chair, table, or something else to really make it original? Inquiring minds need to know, folks! Hope everyone is having a kickin' Thursday! -Jeffrey http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=65 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:51:00 GMT Part of an Apartmentite’s way of life is being as efficient as possible. A huge aspect of efficiency is saving space. The Overlap Tray can not only help you save space, but it will also serve as an incredibly efficient and workable desk space for work, eating, or play. It’s perfect for those who work from home or for those who just love to kick back, watch the tube, and surf the web at the same time. Heck, it would even serve as a really great TV tray or bedside table. Best of all, it looks really cool and for only $99, the price can’t be beat. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=62 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:48:00 GMT You like robots too, don't ya? How can you not? Robots are the ultimate entertainment experience, plus can apparently be great for getting chores done too. Last night, I was sitting on my couch, staring at the floor, looking at a piece of...something...I couldn't figure out what it was, but I was thinking, "Man, Jeff, you should really vacuum that up." Did I? Of course not. My couch was way to comfortable and it had been way too long a day. Instead, I kept thinking about how cool it would be to have a little helper monkey that cleaned up after me. How sweet would that be? However, then I realized a monkey would more than likely cause more mess than clean up, so I decided that a helper robot would have to do. They're clean, efficient, quiet, and don't swing from trees or steal bananas. Check it: It's a flippin' ROBOT, ya'll!!! And it cleans up whatever junk or dirt is left on the floor. Schultz told me about it a long time ago, but I thought he was making stuff up. Then last night I was searching for information on robots and ran across that. How sweet would that be in your apartment?!?! He wasn't making it up after all (That's a first for Schultz). Have any of you used one of these? I am so stoked that I may have found my first robotic pet. If anyone has info on this little dude, you have to share. Okay, I'd better get back to work. Chat with ya'll later. -J-Man http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=64 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:51:00 GMT Wow. The craziness just seems to keep happening at my Apartment. To save you the pain of reading a long drawn out story I’ll cut to the chase. I need a new coffee table. My friend, Dave, was attempting to jump from the arm of my couch and over my glass coffee table. I don’t know if it was a wrestling move or if he had just lost his dang mind, but he’s not much of a long jumper and as you can imagine…things went terribly wrong. A couple of stitches later and after finding and reattaching his dignity, he’s offered to fork out the cash to buy me a brand new table. Hehehe. That’s going to prove to be a mistake. Check this baby out: It’s made with two way mirror glass, so when that little light is on it creates some really awesome visual effects. Then when the light is off, the table is completely reflective on all sides. If you need a great new conversation piece for your apartment, this is the way to go! So this is my public “Thank You,” Dave, for getting me this ridiculously smooth new table from Viable London If hadn’t acted a complete fool in my living room, I’d still be resting my feet on that ratty old one I had. What do you think? Think I should go easier on Dave and get a cheap ole’ coffee table or should I make him pay the price? Happy Humpday to all and to all a Happy Humpday! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=63 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:45:00 GMT Many of us have them by the hundreds. They pile up in our pantries because we just can’t seem to throw them away. If only it were some type of currency, it may solve our nation’s debt issues. It’s the plastic shopping bag. Apartmentites, it’s time to get those creative juices flowing. We know those little bags are re-usable, which is why we stuff them on a shelf in the pantry or under the sink. But what can we use them for? We’ve put together a small list of helpful ideas that may put that balled up wad of 1000 plastic bags to good use. Next time try re-using those plastic bags as a/an: Umbrella-ella-ella- It’s raining outside and you don’t want to get your hair wet? Easy. Cover your head with a plastic shopping bag. ***MAKE SURE NOT TO COVER YOUR FACE OR INHIBIT BREATHING*** Abrasive Scrubber- Need something to clean the grime off of your grill or scrub the tub? Go ahead and wad up a few bags into a plastic ball-like sponge and scrub away. Trash Bag- Probably the most common use, we all know that these bags make great trash bags for the kitchen, bathroom, office, or bedroom. They work really great in the car too! Laundry Bags- Sure, one bag probably won’t fit all of your laundry, but fill a few plastic bags up with your dirties and suddenly you have yourself some cheap laundry bags. Pooper Scooper- Gross, I know, but if you are without an actual scoop and need something to pick up Fido’s feces, nothing comes in more handy than a plastic shopping bag. Also, works great to line Mittens’ litter box too. Packing Material- Forget those little peanuts that get everywhere. When packing up your fragile items in boxes for your next move, stuff plastic shopping bags all around the items inside the box to insure their safety. Heck if you don’t have a lot of stuff to move, you could even use the bags as your “boxes.” Scrubs- Need a quick foot cover? Tie one of those bad boys on each foot and suddenly you have cheap and easy scrubs. You can also do the same thing over dirty shoes to keep the carpet clean. (Don’t try to use them to walk on water though. It will absolutely not work) Doggie Bags/Lunch Box- Another common use, plastic shopping bags tend to work great for sending those leftovers home with dinner guests or sending Junior to school with a packed lunch. Organizational Bins- Need to keep some things separate and organized? Use bags labeled with a sharpee. Recycle them- Many markets and grocery stores now offer some type of recycling program for these bags, so if you don’t want to re-use them around the apartment…check there for recycling options. We could go on and on about the various uses that plastic shopping bags can be used and hope that those few ideas can get you started on some of your own uses. Got some of your own awesome ideas? We’d love to hear what kinds of things you use your stored up surplus bags for, so leave a comment to let us know. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=60 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:13:00 GMT I know it sounds disgusting, but check this out. I discovered this recipe from none other than the classiest of classy folks, Schultz. The man loves ranch dressing so much, you’d think he had his entire life’s savings invested in it. He puts it on everything. And by everything, I mean…everything. Here’s the low down: I know that sometimes Apartmentites like to budget in some areas to free up the cash flow in others, so this morning I had the idea that I can help you out by giving out some of my super cheap recipe tips from time to time. Let’s call it “Jeff’s Gourmet on the Cheap.” Original, huh? If you have a better idea, please feel free to send it my way: posts@apartmenthomeliving.com Okay, okay…I’ll get to the recipe. Settle your horses. You’ll need a packet of chicken flavored Ramen Noodles, ranch dressing, and Tabasco sauce. First, prepare the Ramen per the directions. Once the Ramen preparations are finished as read in the directions, add a dollop of ranch dressing and mix. Make sure and mix it very well. Last, squirt several drops of Tabasco sauce and stir. Once it’s all mixed together, you have yourself a gourmet Ramen dish…which is kind of an oxymoron when you look at it. But I digress. Seriously though. Try it! It adds that little extra kick to Ramen to make it so much more than that uber-cheap meal you had in college. And the best part is…it’s still under a couple of bucks! You know any good cheap recipes to share? The weirder and more odd, the better. Send them my way, please. -J Man http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=59 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:06:00 GMT I asked you for costume ideas and I got ‘em. The least I can do is give you exactly what you suggested in return. So without further ado: KHouse suggested this be my Halloween costume. What do you think? Me in that uniform might prove to be terror on the streets. Personally, I always thought it would be cool to be a cop. Stick ‘em up! Zenman thought it would be great for me to go as a child colonial pilgrim. I thought that just being a toddler pilgrim might not be interesting enough, so I tweaked it a little and gave him a gun…so now it’s more like a child colonial revolutionary pirate. I’m still taking ideas, so if something strikes your fancy please feel free to send it my way. Just leave your idea in a comment. Or if you want to photo shop one of your own, DO IT! Then send it to: posts@apartmenthomeliving.com Happy Monday the 15th, folks!!! It’s like Friday the 13th…only Monday…and the 15th….. -Lt. Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=58 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:49:00 GMT I’ve decided that I may rethink my whole Pumpkin Party that I mentioned to you before. I stumbled across this video on the web that made me realize that pumpkins are people too. Maybe you should think of using Cantaloupes that are painted orange to decorate your apartment this Halloween instead. I know I am now. Save the Pumpkins!!! Have any great ideas for decorating my place rather than using pumpkins? Cantaloupes may draw fruit flies and I need a little help. What you got? -J PS- I still have no Halloween costume ideas. What about ya’ll http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=57 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:35:00 GMT You like robots too, don't ya? How can you not? Robots are the ultimate entertainment experience, plus can apparently be great for getting chores done too. Last night, I was sitting on my couch, staring at the floor, looking at a piece of...something...I couldn't figure out what it was, but I was thinking, "Man, Jeff, you should really vacuum that up." Did I? Of course not. My couch was way to comfortable and it had been way too long a day. Instead, I kept thinking about how cool it would be to have a little helper monkey that cleaned up after me. How sweet would that be? However, then I realized a monkey would more than likely cause more mess than clean up, so I decided that a helper robot would have to do. They're clean, efficient, quiet, and don't swing from trees or steal bananas. Check it: It's a flippin' ROBOT, ya'll!!! And it cleans up whatever junk or dirt is left on the floor. Schultz told me about it a long time ago, but I thought he was making stuff up. Then last night I was searching for information on robots and ran across that. How sweet would that be in your apartment?!?! He wasn't making it up after all (That's a first for Schultz). Have any of you used one of these? I am so stoked that I may have found my first robotic pet. If anyone has info on this little dude, you have to share. Okay, I'd better get back to work. Chat with ya'll later. -J-Man http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=56 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:14:00 GMT Look above me! It's raining new navigational tabs! (Almost as good as money!) You said you wanted more? So...I'm giving your more! We've added a few more tools for you to use to make your apartment living experience incredible and not to mention- FUN! Now, not only will I be posting my crazy blogs which eagerly await your ever so creative comments, but you can also select one of the above tabs to find out awesome info like decorating and entertaining on the Styles tab , moving tips under Moving, and all the basics about apartment living that every Apartmentite needs to know under APT101. Cool, huh? Plus, you can express your thoughts on each of those subjects through comments. Just like the blog. It's pretty darn sweet! Oh! One more exciting thing! Make sure you check out what your fellow Apartmentites and tell me what you Live For at the Live For Fun page. Things continue to be wacky around here! How are things in ya'll's world? Keep letting us know what you want to see or need help with and I will do my all to make sure you get it! Happy Wednesday, my homies! -Jeff PS- Anybody have any awesome apartment decorating? Seriously, my wall is still bare and from the poll...looks like I am going to have to go with that painting of Bea Arthur....... http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=55 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:33:00 GMT Not all of us are rich enough to live by ourselves, and not all of us are crazy enough to want to live with our parents for the rest of our lives. Where does that leave us? It’s time to find out how to get a roommate — and preferably one who isn’t bipolar. Living with someone you don’t know at all can be awkward. Living with someone you know sort of well, but may not like can get even more awkward. So, if you’re like a lot of renters out there, you’re first choice for a new roomie is a very close friend who you really know. Usually, this can work out really well. If you aren’t careful though, it could also be the next step in your path to The Jerry Springer Show. Really ask yourself if you think you can share a communal space with this person for an extended period of time. Does he or she do something that bugs you? Don’t fret about being a bad friend. This is about being a good one. You want to make sure you come out of this, still friends None of your friends need a roomy? Then it’s time to search. Here are some things to consider when choosing the perfect roommate: Begin the Quest If you don’t have any friends who you think would be good candidates, it’s time to start searching. Tell everybody that you are looking for a roommate, ask around, and put flyers up around your campus/work to get the word out. If I were you, I’d include an email address and not a personal telephone number. There are some freaks out there, and let’s just leave it at that. Another great place to post an ad is on an online community site. Describe a little bit about yourself and what you are looking for in a roommate. Also, if you think you’d only be comfortable rooming someone of the same sex, then don’t be afraid to say so.. Keep it Real Don’t tell someone that you are a neat freak when you really aren’t. False advertising stinks. Remember: you are trying to make this as comfortable a situation as possible for everyone involved. Avoid future “Real World” moments. If you are a hardcore studier and don’t like a lot of parties, let it be known. Feel out (not literally, please) your potential roommates before you commit to sharing a bathroom with them. But don’t make yourself out to be something that you are not. Meet Up You most definitely do not want to be 4 months into a lease and realize you’ve leased with your new worst enemy. This can be prevented. Once you’ve advertised yourself truthfully and had a few qualified responses, meet in-person. And just like if you were meeting someone off the net, meet at a public place. Conduct your Roommate Preview Now, it’s time for what I call a “Roommate Preview.” Prepare a list of rules and things you expect in this new roommate situation. If your rules are along the same lines, then chances are you’ll be good roommates. However, if you’re a party animal, and they are an anti-social hermit, it’s probably not a good match. Having your roommate call the cops on your own house party is NOT fun. Plan for friendship—or Don’t! So, you’ve completed your search and you found your new roommate. Things may be a little awkward at first, but hopefully your search went well and you aren’t living with the next Charles Manson. Personally, I’ve had a roommate or two, and from my experience you soon get more comfortable with each other. You can even become good friends, believe it or not! But, if you are like Oprah and have enough friends, it’s ok to be cordial with your roommate and just look at them as something that cuts your rent in half. They probably think the same about you. Happy Renting! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=53 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:04:00 GMT Imagine this: On your drive home from work you see black smoke filling the sky on the horizon. As you get closer to home, that huge cloud of black smoke seems to be growing and growing. Pulling slowly through the apartment’s gates you see fire engines and fire fighters scurrying about trying to tame the raging fire that has now engulfed your entire apartment building. After all is said and done, the apartment and your possessions lay in ash and rubble. Your clothes, computers, personal novelties, high-end consumer electronics, furniture, and everything are gone or ruined. Were you covered? The fact is: without rental insurance coverage, your possessions would NOT be covered and all of your things would unfortunately be lost. Replacing all of these items out of your own pocket could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Can you afford that? Apartment communities have property insurance that will cover the damage to the building itself, but these policies do not cover the renters’ personal belongings. So what do you do? Get Renter’s Insurance! With Renter’s Insurance your cost for replacing all of your personal belongings when they are damaged, stolen, or vandalized on the insured property will be covered. You may be thinking, “I don’t own that much. I don’t need it.” Think again. Take every single possession you own from your TV and clothes all the way down to your silverware and cups. The cost of replacing these items will add up to a surprising amount. For less than $20/month in most cases and a possible small deducible, the comfort of knowing that your belongings will be replaced with no additional cost is well worth it. The truth is that accidents happen to all of us, all the time, and many times it is completely out of our control. Be prepared. Don’t wait around until it’s too late. Save yourself headaches, heartache, and thousands of dollars and consider covering yourself with Renter’s Insurance. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=51 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:57:00 GMT Nothing makes apartment living fun like a playful pet. Fido and Felix bring a number of new elements to an apartment other than the additional smell. On any given day pets add companionship, humor, personality, and tons of fun to even the most monotonous dwellings. Although dogs and cats lead the pack of domesticated pals there are a number of untraditional, unique, and exotically extravagant creatures available. So, if you are seeking a cute, small, or just out of the ordinary companion check out the little buggers that round out my list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets. ***Please check with your apartment management before bringing any new pet into your home as rules for pets may vary by community*** 6) Pot-Bellied Pigs- While slightly destructive at times, Pot-Bellied Pigs can be as easy, if not easier to train than dogs. They’re playful, curious, caring, surprisingly odorless, and they don’t bark. Natural “rooters” and highly intelligent, these pets can get quite stubborn in their desperate search to feed their addiction to food, learning to open cabinets, drawers, bins, and find their way into making a real mess of the kitchen. Keeping food locked up is only a fraction of commitment to caring for these lovable little oinkers. Pot-Bellied Pigs may require much care, financial, and time commitment, but make an extremely fun pet and incredible family member. 5) Hedgehog- Although not a very social animal, a tamed hedgehog can make a nice furry friend. With a life-span of 4-6 years, Hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for and are easy to feed with high quality cat food. When they feel threatened these animals will roll into a ball, poking out the prickly spines on their back. These spines are not a big danger, but getting a hedgehog used to human handling is one of the biggest steps in making them comfortable and you avoiding getting poked. A seemingly quiet animal, they don’t require a lot of attention and are great at entertaining themselves. 4) Chinchillas- Pets don’t get much softer or cuddlier than one of these very soft, furry creatures. Like most exotic mammals on this list, if handled from a young age Chinchillas bond very closely with their human owners. For a smaller animal they have quite the extensive life span, lasting about 15 years. An active and playful animal by nature, having a spacious cage and many toys available for the Chinchilla will add to their happiness and natural comfort level. Surprisingly, these little guys bathe in dust to keep their coat silky and smooth, so having a dust bath is a necessity. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that an animal can bathe itself in dust to maintain a clean, shiny coat of fur? 3) Ferrets- A very mischievous animal, Ferrets can be highly entertaining. One of the more common animals on this list, Ferrets are known to sleep long hours (up to 18 hrs/day) and be very active during dawn and dusk. Most will adapt their sleeping and active times to fit that of their owner’s schedule. While they do have a reputation for having a musky smell, Ferrets are typically fixed and descented before being sold. Ferret owners should always try to be aware of the whereabouts of their pet as a ferret’s curiosity can lead it anywhere in the home. Living roughly 6-8 years, Ferrets make a really awesome and extremely fun apartment pet. 2) Prairie Dogs- One of the most social, playful, and active animals on this list, Prairie Dogs can make incredibly fun pets for an apartment. If trained very young to be around humans, these furry creatures become affectionate and very caring to their owners. With this need for affection, they require a good amount of attention. Feeding on rabbit pellets, hay, and the occasional treat, it’s fairly easy to keep a Prairie Dogs’ belly full. Make sure to have many chewable toys available as they do like to chew on things and you don’t want them to chew on you. 1) Sugar Gliders- This is the ultimate apartment pet. Sugar Glider’s are extremely social and bond naturally with their human owners. This in mind, these animals do require quite a bit of daily attention and interaction as without it they can at times become depressed or even die. A marsupial, the Sugar Glider is quite comfortable hanging out in a shirt pocket all day, cuddling close to its owner. They are a very endearing and non-aggressive pet that typically lives 12-14 years, so will make a wonderful long time pet that’ll connect well with its owner. Being small, fun, and easy to care for makes the Sugar Glider the perfect apartment pet! That rounds out the list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets. There are an increasing number of viable pet options for apartment dwellers out there, so make sure and look around and weigh those options to find the perfect pet for you and your place. *Remember to check with your apartment management the rules regarding pets before bringing one home.* http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=50 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT Happy Hour is over at midnight and your place is the suggested location for your group to continue the evening of fun and to “straighten up” before hitting the road all the way home. This could be a sticky situation if you aren’t prepared. So, here are 7 easy tips to successfully hosting an impromptu after party. 1. Put A Pot On- Serve coffee. Keep it simple, you don’t have to compete with Starbucks. Just brew up some java and it at the very least leaves your apartment with a wonderful aroma. It’ll help the sleepies wake up a little too. 2. Play Music At A Volume Grandmother Would Appreciate- And not the deaf one either. Be respectful of your neighbors to keep the party going. You could pop on the Ipod, stereo, or use your favorite music channel provided by your dish or cable company, but keep low. Suddenly you’re an Instant DJ. Plus, those music channels offer some really neat trivia about the artist that it’s currently playing. 3. Serve water to everyone- Maybe they don’t go for the coffee, but after a night out everyone could use some water. Even try to rouse the guy who didn’t quite make it through the night. If you don’t have bottled water, make a picture of ice cold water, add lemons, limes, oranges or even cucumbers (although not necessarily together) to give it some pizzazz. You must keep hydrated. 4. Appetizer’s are in high demand- Order appetizers before you leave your happy hour spot. Or, hop over to Ihop for breakfast food. Don’t want to stop? Scramble some eggs with a little toast, have chips and salsa, or cut up a medley of fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers. The true entertainer should always have mixed nuts or pretzels on hand. 5. Go Light On the Sauce- When preparing late night cocktails, go heavy on the mixers. Remember: your apartment isn’t a fully stocked bar and everyone’s been drinking since 6 p.m. 6. Play thinking games- Have games already on hand? Perfect. If not, make up some trivia games like name 5 movies with Julia Roberts or who holds the NFL record for the most Touchdowns. The point is to make sure your guest are mentally in top form before they say they’re going to head home—driving. 7. Don’t invite extra people- Only VIP’s make it to the after-party. Don’t allow others who call your after-hour buddies to drop in. Too many people can ruin a late night get together and things can get out of hand. VIP’s only! The key to the perfect after-party is supplying your guests with a safe, fun place to relax or pull it together before heading home to drunk dial—which you can’t really help them with. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=49 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:38:00 GMT So, I’m a little down in the dumps today. It’s not about the weather, a bad break-up, or sad love song. No, no, no. It’s the aftermath of a very important aspect to my world. My beloved Yankees have dropped out of the playoffs. Blast it all!!! Now I know that’s a bit dramatic and it’s not really that big a deal, but in terms of my apartment decoration it kind of is. Until I learn to properly emotionally deal with my loss, I need to take down the jersey that I have on my living room wall and replace it. I need your help. What should I replace it with (until next April)? I have a few ideas, but I am going to leave it up to my fellow Apartmentites to help me decide what replaces my Yanks jersey. It’s easy. Just answer on the poll below or if you want to comment or call me crazy for being such a fanatic, do it! Hey, you could even tell me what you have on your wall. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=44 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:18:00 GMT You’ve looked up the information on thousands of apartments in catalogs and online. You’ve located the pictures, floor plans, maps, amenities, and details of the places you’re interested in. You’ve compiled the data for 10 communities to finally narrow the field and now comes….The phone call. The dreaded phone call to find out about specific rental rates and to address all of those “call for specials” that you’ve gathered. The key to success is in the phone call. The amateur apartment shopper begins the call cold, unprepared, fidgety, and nervous. “Do you have a one bedroom?” or “How much is your two-bedroom?” We’re here to help you be successful at finding the right apartment home by knowing what to ask. Question 1: What size and when? Begin the questioning any way you like, but your most important question is do they have the apartment you’re interested in available at your target move-in date. It’s a common misconception that apartments are simply sitting empty, waiting on you to show up to lease them. This is frequently untrue. To work out for you, the community must have the apartment you want in the timeframe you need to move. If it isn’t available, unless you have some move-in date flexibility, you should go on to your next call. Question 2: Do they take Fluffy? If you have a pet, this question is as serious as a parent asking if this community will take their child. (By the way, all apartment communities will ALWAYS take actual children. Those little balls of energy are protected under the Fair Housing Act). Unfortunately though, Fluffy isn’t protected under any laws and it’s completely up to the community if they’ll accept your dog, cat, sugar glider, or monkey. They set the rules regarding pets. They also set the price to pay for the opportunity to keep your child-pet. Don’t choke if it’s over $300 per pet plus monthly pet rent. That can be a starting point for some properties. So be sure to check and see if you’ll be bringing Spot, then see if someone’s going to have to “spot” you some cash to pay the fees. Question 3: What’s the #1 reason people love to live here? This is the best and most straight forward way to find out what makes a community special. Is it the walking trail behind the property? The social atmosphere? The famous pork roast every July? This question can be a key in setting one apartment community apart from another. The answer may be something that really peaks your interest or may unlock hidden potential in a place you wouldn’t be able to see from a picture or driving-by. Question 4: How much? Initially, it’s human nature to stop listening if we hear the price is remotely out of our budget. And yet, seeing an awesome apartment in person may actually sway us that it’s worth the extra cost. Think about this: Have you bought a car that was more than you set out to spend? Have you paid more for that purse you just had to have (but didn’t know you had to have it until you saw it)? Gone on a vacation where you blew your budget? Was it worth it? Nine times out of 10…Absolutely. So give cost an open mind before you say no to a place for breaking the bank. You might find it’s perfect in the end and well worth it. Question 5: Do I qualify? Asking the price question and overshooting your budget goals won’t matter if you don’t qualify for the apartment anyway. What is the general qualifying criteria? Making about 3x the rent, having a clean criminal record (no felonies or crimes against persons), and no prior evictions. What do you do if you don’t meet their criteria? You could keep looking for a place with less strict qualification restrictions or take the gamble of losing your application fee and/or deposit just to see if you qualify anyway. Question 6: Do you have any specials? Specials can change from day-to-day, so make sure to ask this question close to last. Remember to keep in mind that some of the best communities don’t have the best specials because they don’t need them. They’re special just for being so awesome. Question 7: Can I set an appointment to come in? Don’t you still need to visit to make the final judgement call? Yes you do. At the end of all the other questions, if you’re still interested, ask to set an appointment to come in and take a tour. Seeing your possible new digs in person more than likely will be the best way to make a decision. Now you have a little guide of the right questions to ask a leasing professional over the phone, so what are you waiting for? Hop on our search site, find a some places in your area, and get on that phone! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=52 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:01:00 GMT Become a Furniture Artist Extraordinaire! Start with a used coffee table. Place interesting pictures of friends, family, and/or whatever appeals to you across the table top. Want to be a little different? You can always go another route than pictures by using cardboard coasters from restaurants, CD covers, or any other flat artsy objects and arrange them on the table top instead. Heck, you could even mix and match to create a masterpiece combination. Whatever you end up using the next step is easy. After you have your "art" layered in the coolest way you think possible, cover it with table top glass that fits the size of the table and…bam! Sit back and enjoy a real piece of furniture art! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=45 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:55:00 GMT Fees will range depending on the rules set by a particular community, but as a general rule you will find the following fees in place at most apartment communities. Be sure and keep yourself a handy copy of your lease agreement as that little packet of paper should contain information on all the fees that you may have to watch out for. 1) Application fee- On some properties it’s low, some it’s higher. Some even waive this fee as a move-in special, so be sure to ask. This is a one-time fee when you apply for an apartment, but still a fee none the less. 2) Deposit- This isn’t technically a fee, but is still a cost to factor in when moving to a new place. In most cases deposits go up proportionally by the size of the apartment, but the amount determined for the deposit ranges from community to community. If you are looking to save some cash in this area be sure to shop around at different places and find out what the deposits are. If you are lucky, you might even find a $0 deposit special and not have to pay a dime here. 3) Pet Fee/Deposit- Chico may have only been $20 from the Wal-Mart parking lot when you picked him out of that litter of tiny barking black and brown muzzles, but he may set you back $200, $500, or even $750 for a pet fee/deposit. Sometimes you will even find that you may have to pay a monthly pet rent to keep little Chico at your apartment. A pet fee or pet rent is usually non-refundable, while if only a pet deposit is required you may have a chance of re-cooping that money as long as Chico doesn’t do any damage to the apartment. Usually the cost of cleaning the carpet will more than likely be taken out of the pet deposit however. In terms of fees or rent pets are sometimes negotiable. There may be factors that help influence the cost related to your little mongrel. If Chico’s a cat, De-clawing may give you a lower rate. A lot of communities are more flexible on their rules regarding cats. Make sure and ask lots of questions and weigh the options. 4) Late Fees- Invest in some sticky notes to remind you to pay your rent on time. Unfortunately, there are generally hefty fines accessed every time your rent is late after a certain period of time as defined by your lease. It can go up to $50 a day in some cases, with usually a maximum amount at some point (right before you’re evicted). So it’s very important to get that rent in on time. 5) Garbage, Patio Fees- You should try to always keep trash from sitting by your door or on your porch. Many communities access fees for unkempt property, including trashy doorsteps and patios. Saving a little spending money and getting a little exercise is definitely worth the extra steps to the dumpster. If your community offers a trash pick-up service, make sure to only leave trash outside of your door on the designated days. Putting it out on the wrong day may end up in a fine. 6) Feces Fine- Walking the dog around the community’s courtyard, make sure to pick up after the dog. It’s much better to bag now than beg later. 7) Parking Fee- Most apartment communities include free parking stickers, but occasionally some do have fees to obtain one. 8) Key/Lock Replacement Fee- It happens to all of us at some point in our lives. We lose our keys. Most apartments will access a fee to replace a lost or stolen key as well as an additional fee to change the door lock for your safety. 9) Noise Violations/ Fines- Having a bunch of parties? If the neighbors complain about the noise to the police, you may be looking at a hefty noise violation ticket. The apartments may also have a fine or other type of corrective action for noise pollution. It’s important to have a lot of fun, but try to keep the noise down a little. 10) Redecorating Fee- After you move out, if the apartment isn’t left in the exact condition it was when you moved in there will more than likely be a redecorating fee. Usually this is deducted from your initial deposit return amount and covers and repainting, carpet cleaning, general apartment cleaning, etc that needs to be done after you leave. If you extensively damage the apartment while living there, you may be looking at charges that exceed the deposit amount. The best advice is to clean like your mama would approve before you move out. While these seem the most common fees and fines found amongst the growing number of apartment communities, there may be additional ones to be aware of. Make sure to look over the lease well and discuss any concerns with the leasing agent before you sign it. The best way to avoid fees is to know about them first. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=47 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:22:00 GMT Here’s how it went down. Last Sunday, my buddy Schultz was over at my apartment. He’s the type of guy that is highly intelligent, but has the common sense of a stapler. He got like a 1300 on his SAT, but can’t match his socks (and even forgets to put on shoes sometimes). Anyhow, he was telling me how pissed off he was that he leased with locator. She apparently kept urging him, with profound glory, to lease at this one particular community. Well, that placed turned out to be a grade ‘A’ dump. I rolled my eyes because I remember him telling me, literally, the same thing last year, and the year before, and the year before that. Stubborn much? I guess he will never learn. It’s like a toddler’s beloved little puzzle box that has shaped pegs that go into shaped holes. Eventually you should learn that the round peg doesn’t go into the square hole. Friends, please listen very closely. Here's a quick thought about apartment hunting: Apartment Locators might seem like a good quick option in finding a place, but they may rush you into picking a certain apartment because they get fat cash when you sign that lease. That’s most of their single motivation—not your happiness. I highly recommend using our personality matching engine at http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com instead. I want you to compare places, be happy, and actually find the home you want to live in. So, grab your square peg, get on our website, and we’ll help you find the square hole or the right apartment. I want you to be happy and not insane. If anything…I want you insanely happy! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=43 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:40:00 GMT Among all the many ways to save, there are two simple rules to keep in mind that can save you $$$ every month: Watch out for fees and cut the cost of electricity. Generally, there may be hefty fines accessed every time your rent is late after a certain day. It can go up to $50/day in some cases, so make sure you get it in on time. Also, don’t leave trash sitting by your door or on your porch. A lot of communities access fees for unkept property, including trashy patios and doorsteps. Keep it clean! Remember, the way you’re place looks is a reflection of you. Prevent having these or many of the other possible fees and you will be sure to save. For more info on fees check out: Fees and Fines Beware of the Energy monster! Save on energy costs by using space heaters during the winter and fans during the summer. Electricity for a small heating unit or box fan is much cheaper than blasting the heater/a.c. to set the temperature in your whole apartment. And for heaven’s sake, dress warm and layer with blankets in the winter, even inside. It can save you hundreds! Keeping those two fairly simple rules in mind can help lead you the way of finding a little extra spending money in that old crusty wallet every month. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=46 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 10:40:00 GMT When we say style, what do we mean? Well...apartment style can mean a ton of different things. It ranges from ways to decorate your apartment, recipes, tips on entertaining, thoughts on pets, and anything else that adds a little flavor to your apartment. We ran across this video on the ole' World Wide Web and thought it was a perfect example of some of one of the many things that define style: MUSIC! Enjoy! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=54 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:32:00 GMT Happy October everyone! Each Friday in October, I am bringing all my favorite apartmentites a little extra joy to their lives; possibly a game, some fun facts, or even a surprise. Who knows? Just make sure you stop by to check it. Let’s kick off the first Friday with the theme that pretty much covers all of October: Halloween! ‘Tis the season for graveyards and monsters, so I thought this game was perfect for a little Friday entertainment. I hope you have a blast hunting me through the graveyard! A Few Fun Halloween Facts -99% of the pumpkins sold in the US end up as Jack-O-Lanterns -Jack-O-lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits -The ancient Celts began wearing masks to avoid being seen as a human because they thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween. -Every second Americans collectively eat 100 lbs of chocolate. Please feel free to leave me some comment love and be sure to stop by next week for more Freaky Friday fun! -Count Jeffula http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=42 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:36:00 GMT It’s finally October. Football is in full swing, the sweltering summer heat is fading away, and the Halloween party invites are flowing in. I love myself some Halloween. There’s just no other holiday (if you can call it that) quite like it. The candy, costumes, candy, ghouls, ghosts, and did I say candy!?! So…I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I admit it. No shame in that. This year I’m having a little shindig at my apartment and as you may guess I’m already heavily into the planning. I’m going pumpkin crazy for this party and am going to put out tons of spooky faces to really set the mood. I carved a few nasty looking ones last night as prototypes. In years past I have always struggled with my pumpkin carving skills. So I did a little research beforehand to come up with some better ways of gutting, carving, and molding these bad boys to create a little creepiness around my apartment. Some of the ideas that I came across actually worked out really well for me. I want to make sure to share them with you so that you maximize your pumpkin carving experience this Halloween season. Check them out: 1) Using an Ice Cream scoop to get all of the pumpkin’s insides out worked so much better than using only a knife like I did last year. I’ve found that Knives just don’t scoop well. 2) This is probably obvious to you, but use a sharpie to draw out your face before you just jump in and start cutting. You might even consider sketching a few ideas on paper first to get the perfect idea. 3) Real candles are great, but there is a ton of stuff that can be done with lighting to create some really, really cool effects. Just experiment with everything that lights up from glow sticks to Christmas lights. Foil or small mirrors can be placed inside the pumpkin to make some pretty neat reflections. Also, if you want to experiment with color, get some colored saran wrap and place that in front of the light or over the holes in the pumpkins skin from the inside. Just be careful of the open flame if you are using a real candle. 4) Attachments are great additions to any pumpkin. Want that prickly head look? Place dozens of toothpicks sticking out of the pumpkin. It looks sick! Throwing hair, eye patches, jewelry, scars, and growths all on your pumpkin can add a lot of character too. I gave one of my pumpkins a grill. 5) Find away to hide a small tape recorder playing creepy sounds, voices, or even monk chants inside the pumpkin itself. Those little voice note recorders work great! Hopefully these ideas get you started on making some awesome pumpkins this year. Now that pumpkins are almost out of the way, I need to figure out what the heck I am going to go as. I was thinking about dressing up as a hotdog and going as a Hallo-weenie. If you think of any great pumpkin, Halloween, or costume ideas post them in a comment to let me and the world know. Don’t keep things in. Express yourself! I’m out. -Jeff PS- Seriously, though tell me what you are dressing up as for Halloween. Help a brother out. What should I go as? http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=41 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:31:00 GMT So you’ve scrubbed to get your place spic and span, and formed a play-selection that would soothe even an angry bear. You’re almost there, my friends. Only a few more steps in making your apartment ready for love. Step # 3 Aromatherapy - There’s a reason the perfume and cologne industries rake in billions. Pleasing scents have been proven to soothe stress and can also foster romance. You can use candles, sprays, or even burn a little incense. But don’t overdo it. You can go from suave to cheesy pretty fast with too much smell good. Keep it subtle. Remember: scent is the number one sense associated with memory. Smell great and you’re bound to leave a lasting impression. Smell bad and you’re bound to leave their nostrils flaring and send them running. Step # 4 Comfort is the key- If you’re going to spoil yourself with one expensive piece of furniture, make it a couch with plenty of room for getting to know one another. A couple of smooth recliners may look great and be heaven watching games or movies, but won’t help at all in putting a move on your date. In absolutely no situation should you ever find patio furniture or fold-up chairs anywhere else, but on the patio. Moral of this story: Go with that nice comfy couch. That after-dinner drink can turn into much more with the help of a comfy couch that just invites adventure. The final step…Make it Your Own - Your apartment is your home and it speaks for you before you ever say a word. Remember that when someone walks in, they’ll make judgments about your style, your tastes, and, yes, your sex appeal based on how it looks. Pay attention to the details and you’re on your way to getting more than just a good night’s sleep. Until next time, -J-Love http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=40 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 08:58:00 GMT Hello kids! I’m back and I’m bringing with me the steps you need to getting your apartment ready for love. Watch out! This one is a two for one! Step # 1 For the Love of cheese, Clean Up - No one, and I mean NO ONE other than Grover gets hot and bothered amid a mess. Pick up around the place, clean up the dirty dishes, get that vacuum in gear, and don’t be afraid to actually clean your own toilet for once. Trust me, fellas, ladies don’t want to see the mold around your sink and the ring around the tub either. Soap scum will make you look like a lazy bum. Hire a maid if you have to. Just make sure your place is as dust, dirt, and clutter free as Mama would’ve wanted. Step # 2 A little night music- When you head for the iPod, think soothing and sexy, not getting’ down and dirty. This one might depend on your personal definition of “soothing,” but Marvin Gaye is always a great choice. A nice acoustic sound like John Mayer or Jack Johnson will always set a great mood too. Plus, other than only turning up the heat, music therapy has proven to provide real health benefits as well as reduce stress. You’ll want to stay away from anything that could potentially bust an ear drum or makes you want to drive fast in the car. Anything you have to scream over to have a conversation won’t get anywhere. And no, the new Snoop album won’t work either. Offensive lyrics do nothing, but kill the mood. That should get you started in the right direction on getting your place ready for love. I’ll be adding a few more tips soon, so be sure not to miss them. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=39 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:42:00 GMT Looking for love? Or worse…looking for love in all the wrong places? I think we all know by now that it’s all about living for fun, and just about everyone agrees that much of the fun in life comes from finding the right person to share it with. From regular, day-to-day pursuits like grocery shopping, working out, or preparing a meal, to life’s more exciting adventures like traveling, going out, or getting close (and maybe a little adventurous), setting the right mood is imperative to finding love. Then when the time is right, the right ambiance in your apartment can make all the difference. Let’s say you’ve gone out on a great date, the conversation’s fantastic, and it’s time to make a move. You’re looking to make the action in your apartment a little Carmen Electra and a lot less Electric Company. So what can you do to get that Electra? I’d like to call myself a bit of an expert on the subject. Some may even go so far as to call me a professional. Okay, I think pretty much everyone might say that it’s a self-proclaimed title, but let’s let bygones be bygones and get down to the nitty gritty. Since I’m such a sharing guy and want my vast knowledge to help every apartment-ite it can, I’m going let you in on some great steps that’ll help you get your place ship-shape for love. Some of you out there need a lot of help (you know who you are) so make sure to pay attention. Take notes if you want to, but let’s get your apartment ready for love! Don’t miss out on the first few steps coming…very…..very soon! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=38 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:50:00 GMT I just got off the phone with my buddy, Schultz, who had one of the more frightening apartment situations I’ve heard about in awhile. Apparently his roomy, Cooper, left the apartment to go out of town for a few days. In the process of scurrying out the door, he somehow forgot to turn off a burner on the stove. UH OH! This story is headed in a rough direction, right? (We’ll turn it positive. Don’t you worry!) The kicker of the whole story is that Coop left on a Tuesday and unbeknownst of the bright burning burner, Schultz had planned to stay at his lady’s place for a couple of days that week. That stove burned bright for all of Tuesday, Wednesday, and some of Thursday before, luckily, Schultz needed to pull by the pad to pick up a clean pair of p.j.’s. Now, let me be honest, Schultz and Cooper don’t run the cleanest operation around town, but they have quite a few really nice things littered amongst their cluttered compound. I’m sure as he stared in disbelief at the scorching stove in the overheating kitchen images of his 42” plasma, Mickey Mantle rookie card, and classic Darth Vader automatic toothbrush melting in a raging fire burned at his heart like his life flashing before his eyes. Thanks to everything sacred and holy though, Schultz was able to take the heat and turn off the burner before any of their many dust flakes floated by, caught fire, and spread throughout the entire complex. Things turned out just fine, but it just goes to show you that a simple mistake could lead to a hot situation. Schultz asked me what I knew about Renters Insurance and I told him what I tell everyone: It’s a necessity! This little scare is a testament to the true need to cover yourself in the case that something goes wrong in yours or even in any of the other apartments in the complex. Fire, floods, theft, etc. can all lead to the tough loss of your personal possessions and investments. If you cover yourself it will be a lot easier to recover your financial losses in an apartment fire. Cash money! Am I starting to sound like an insurance salesman? (: Seriously though, as a piece of advice from one seasoned Apartmentite to all of you others, look into getting your stuff covered. Do a quick search online, check with your car insurance company, or check with the leasing staff at the office of your apartments, (you know…the place that you drop off rent). They sometimes have some useful info on getting your apartment insured. Better safe than sorry, friends, better safe than sorry! Hope you all have a great weekend that rocks the house, not burns it down. PLEAASSE post some comments. I wanna hear what you have to say! -Jeff PS- Why Cooper had the stove on before he left town, I have no idea. http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=37 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:28:00 GMT Who's partying yet? I really hope all these tips are coming in handy. I know they've helped me out a time or two....or three. Moving on, do you want the good news or the bad news first? No preference? I'll give you the bad first. This is the last post on parties. The good news is, though, that you'll now have the tips to throw yourselves a really great party without disturbing those around you or causing problems with the law. So...without further ado…I’ve got my last tip for you. Party Tip #5: Plan a beginning with the end in mind My mom used to say that nothing good happens after midnight. She obviously has never been to a slammin’ after-party. Like tip # 4, you want to go out on the town, but still want to play host a little at your place. Not a problem. If you really want to insure that you won’t have to lay your head next to Gary, the guy under the bridge, take mom’s advice a little and invite friends to pre-party instead of an after party. Then head out on the town around 11 p.m. What this accomplishes? An awesome start to a night out, got to show off your digs, and got to play host without upsetting the neighbors. (I can’t believe I actually listened a little to mom!) That rounds out my five tips on getting down in your apartment without making problems with the office or the law. Now what are you still sitting at the computer for? Get to planning! And let me know how it goes down. Check out the past tips: Tip #1 was all about having fun and keeping it down. Tip #2 was to prepare the neighbors Tip #3 was all about taking the party outdoors Tip #4 was to check out the nightlife"> Remember to always be safe, but have a freakin’ good time. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=36 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:33:00 GMT Okay. I had a little suare' last night. It was a ton of fun, but I have to tell you...I am getting kind of exhausted at having all of these successful parties. Maybe it's my calling in life to leave people with smiling faces. Who knows? I just hope I am able to help some of you crack a smile here and there...maybe a chuckle? We're having a little fun with this party thing, so let's keep it rolling with the next very valuable party tip. Party Tip #4: Plan a dinner party...with Crazy Bikers! Yeah, I’m kidding. Seriously though, take the party to a cheap nearby Bar and Grill with live music or a juke box. A good group of friends, great food, and a little tuneage always means awesome times. And the clincher of the whole thing: NO CLEANUP! This worked really well last night when a few of my friends were getting a little rambunctious and I made the move of taking the party to the Pub. We ended up sloppily singing karaoke, met a crazy gang of bikers who ended up being really entertaining, and then closed the place down. It was great times and we never even bothered the neighbors. So consider hitting up a nearby dive the next time your crew starts getting a little rowdy for your humble abode and humbler neighbors. (Remember to tip your servers.) You will not want to miss Tip 5...Coming tomorrow!!! -Jeff -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=35 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:50:00 GMT Still begging for more party tips, I see. Totally understandable. Everybody needs to know the best ways to throw a bash without getting bashed by the cops (or leasing office cops, aka the “courtesy patrol.) Party Tip #3: Take it outside This may seem counter-intuitive. Not necessarily. A party by the pool or a grill-out can often remain a tad calmer than a party without all the outdoor distraction. Even better-Plan a midnight volleyball or dodgeball game in a park close to the homestead and bring those dumb glow sticks…only Bambi and Thumper will be kept awake, and as long as you don’t have a giant strobe light to shine in their eyes while driving away, you should be fine. Extra hint: Stay clear of glass bottles. Most parks don’t allow them. Want to see my past tips? Check ‘em out. Have fun but keep it down. Prepare the neighbors. Maybe I’ll shoot you another tip soon. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=34 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:31:00 GMT As many of you know, I’ve been helping my favorite apartmentites out with some tips for throwing the best parties sans the coppers. Here’s my latest tip: Party Tip #2: Prepare the neighbors What do I mean by prepare them? Invite them! What this accomplishes? Lack of people to report you to the office and local p.d. because they’re all involved in the 1-11. Missed Tip 1? Here it is: It's all about keeping it down. Stay tuned for Tip #3. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=32 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:01:00 GMT Tired of having your parties broken up by the “Boys in Blue”? Well, I’ve come up with a few helpful tips that can keep you and your parties out of trouble. Top Party Tip #1: Have a plan Ok, so this may be a bit more difficult than simply calling everyone up at 7 p.m. for a party at 9, but a plan can head off disaster. My favorite? “Official” poker night, complete with the hats, the coinage (paper if you can afford it), and really good food…not just chips. What this accomplishes? Quieter music and inability to dance due to being full. If you keep down the sound, you’ll keep down the citations. Stay tuned for Tip #2 - Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=31 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:31:00 GMT I remember the last party I went to...uh, ok. It was mine. My favorite lite beverage in hand, drinking games ‘round the round table, and some intense music that I’m sure was carrying to the building over. When suddenly around 3:20 a.m.,-a knock at the door by the local “proud to protect and serve” asking us to break it up (and shut it up). We dispersed and I thought it was over. Then a letter showed up on my door the next morning, asking me to head over to the leasing office for another round table that somehow, I didn’t think would be as much fun. What followed was a 30-minute intensive on possible non-renewal of my lease if we failed to stop the parties. I really wanted to comply. But 1) My apartment is generally considered the party place, 2) I already had plans for another soirée, and 3) Do you seriously think that I can change 1 and 2? So now what? Time to think seriously about life? Blah. Now that that was over, time to think on a better party-throwing method to head off homelessness. And what kind of person would I be if I kept these hot tips to myself? So, over the course of the next few days be sure and check back to get all the info before you throw another busted party. - Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=30 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:41:00 GMT Hey everybody! I’m Jeff. No, not the guy from the sub-sandwich commercials. That’s a whole different J name. I’m just a normal guy, with a funny goatee, that really enjoys people and life. On top of that I like to consider myself a bit of an expert on apartments and living in them. On a brilliant move to get the latest news, hottest ideas, and web fodder about apartment living out to the public, I have given myself the reigns to post whatever and whenever I want to this blog. While some may say it was a fatal mistake on our part, I have to solidly disagree. I make it my vow to you, under oath and on the name of everything sacred and holy, that I will do my extreme best to not only make you laugh (or at least chuckle a little), but more importantly, to help you find all the benefits and get the most out of the apartment living lifestyle. So, join me, my fellow “Apartment-ites” as we embark on the journey of a lifetime!!! (Cheesy, yes. But it sounds so darn good. Read it back out loud. Go on. It’s nice.) I plan on shocking the world with some of these posts, folks. And from what I understand…the world today doesn’t shock very easily. If I don’t shock the world, I know that I’ll be giving the world some ridiculously awesome tips on making your life incredibly sweet and for some of you a lot less lonely in your apartment. Make sure you check back here and check back often to see what zaniness spouts from my mind through the wide world web and ends up burning its way to your brain. (That was a bit much. Sorry.) So add it to your daily routine, mark it on your calendar, have your people get in-touch with my people, do whatever you have to do to catch up with us each and every day. You won’t regret it. Peace and chicken grease, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=17 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:01:00 GMT Check it out, folks. I was thinking that you might need a little bit of fun today, so I'm sharing with you a little game I found. It's simple, yet fun! Break all the boxes for a hidden picture of...Guess who?!??! I hope ya'll like it. Enjoy and come back soon! http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=29 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:20:00 GMT Wow! This video is really-really cool. Yes, I said it. Two "really's." I bet it'll amaze you too...or at least hopefully make you smile a little. Maybe think some on how cool it can be to jam out your apartment. Hope everyone’s week has been going as ridiculously sweet as mine has. Enjoy the clip. It's long, but it's worth it! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=26 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 08:10:00 GMT The best kind of neighbor is the one who brings you chocolate chip cookies when you first move in, introduces themselves to you in passing on the stairs, or knocks on your door because you left the lights on in your car. There are a ton of different ways to meet your neighbor. I met my mine under very, very odd circumstances. I’m not sure what woke me up that night; if it was my bladder, the heat, or simple anxiety. But I’m lucky I woke up when I did. Half asleep and peeling my eyelids apart, I noticed that in the glow of the moonlight it looked like it was raining down the walls of my bedroom. Common sense told me, “This isn’t possible!” I was probably dreaming. I closed my eyes hard, pinched myself, and opened them again. The water continued to trickle. I leapt up and flipped on the lights. I had no idea where it was all coming from, but there were streams trailing down three of my walls, puddles on the floor, and a large shadow on the ceiling where water was pooling up. I screamed for my roommate. I didn’t want to. We lived together for rent purposes only, but what else do you do when your bedroom ceiling is going to collapse on you? Call the fire department? Throw on a life jacket? Pray? He calmed me down and knocked on our upstairs neighbors’ door. Multiple times. Finally, the couple inside woke up to find out that they had left the water running in their kitchen and that’s what was flash flooding my bedroom. Argh! It could have been worse though. At least I didn’t meet them through a huge gaping hole in my ceiling, right? -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=25 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:09:00 GMT I would like to take a few moments to honor all of those Americans whose lives were affected by the events of 9/11/2001. Although six years have passed now, time will never erase the memory of the loved ones that were lost that day. Although freedom itself was challenged that day, we have shown as Americans that our hope, faith, and support of each other can overcome any adversity; no matter what. We will forever remember and I will forever honor the heroes and the families of 9/11. Thank you, -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=24 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:08:00 GMT Last time I told you that the best way to insure that you are moving into a great place is to run a little reconnaissance and check it out first. That’s definitely getting off to a wonderful start, but the mission isn’t over there. You’ve got to check with the peeps that have been there. Visit with the residents. Ask about their experiences and how management responds to issues or maintenance requests. Then be clear and concise with your future property manager. Ask straight forward questions regarding their cleanliness standards and turnaround time on maintenance requests. Just an extra hint: If you'd like to have something changed or fixed before you move in, make sure to put it in writing, and give it to them in person. Always remember that when something is in writing, it is usually always remembered! I’d even go so far as to check an online in discussion group like mine at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apartmenthomeliving/ to see if anyone has posted anything about the the place you may be about to call home. So that’s about it. You follow those simple guidelines and I guarantee that you will end up living in a place that you will love laying down your head and calling "Home, sweet, home." Remember, I'm here to help you be livin’ large...as the kids say these days........... I’m out! -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=23 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:07:00 GMT http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=33 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 13:10:00 GMT Here’s the happs: Everybody wants to have a wonderfully pristine place to lay their heads. If cleanliness is next to godliness, than entering your new, clean abode should be like a religious experience. So what can you do to insure you’re about to move into a spotless apartment? I’ve been through this about umpteen times, so I have some pretty solid advice for you. So listen up! First and most important is a personal visit. Go on a tour of the actual apartment you’ll move into. Or as Kenny Rogers might suggest, “just drop by to see what condition their condition is in.” Any place that shows you an apartment that’s dirty should be a red-flag. Are the walls coated with a fresh coat of paint? Are the counter tops and kitchen floors so glisteningly clean that you want to eat off of them? Have the carpets cleaned? To see an apartment lingering with the stench of cigarettes and carpet that rivals turf after a rainstorm should concern you. You may want to steer your attention to a place that has carpet that makes you just want to take off those shoes, run your toes through it, and breath in that fresh new apartment aroma. That's more like it! Oh! Make sure to check out the exterior. Don’t be afraid to judge the book by its cover in this situation. Are the buildings freshly painted? Do stairways or fences need repair? What about the landscaping? If you drive-through at night, did they “leave the lights on for you?” Generally, a very well kept community contains incredibly kept apartments. Although these are seemingly the most important steps to take, they’re only the beginning. I’ll be throwing you a couple of more pieces of advice here soon to help make sure you end up finding the place of your dreams. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=22 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 08:06:00 GMT Apartment Home Living helps you finds your perfect place to live or as we like to call it, your “Happy Place.” I just have to let you know…It’s true. And we do it more than just on the web. Let me break it down for you. Miles was living in Houston, but needed to move to Austin in about a month. He just got a new job. Miles didn’t know the area very well near his job, but he did notice that a lot of the apartments he passed had Apartment Home Living banners directing him to “text” the community for more information. So, Miles sent a text message to one that he thought he might like to live at. It looked clean and well-maintained—well, at least the front sign did. A message came back to his phone within seconds with pictures of the property’s pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. He also got their phone number, email address, and current rent special. Miles is a “drive-through or starve” kind of guy, so getting all this info on his cell from the comfort of his car was making Miles really happy. He found the process so easy, so fun, and so convenient that he decided this was the way to look for an apartment. So, on the weekend before the big move, he went out looking for apartments with the blue text messaging banners. He sent out text messages to the properties that looked good and got a ton of information on his cell phone. He leased an apartment later that day. We’re privileged to have had the opportunity to help Miles find the right apartment home...and he never even set foot on the site! Hint: When you do use our services to find your “happy place,” remember to add Apartment Home Living to the lease application so you too can get the best daily rate, a clean apartment, and $102.00 reward. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=21 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:05:00 GMT Check this interesting fact out: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more unmarried women than unmarried men living in apartments across every state in the U.S. What does this mean? It means it’s open season for all you fellas out there who are looking for love interests to marry around home. Ladies, on the other hand, have slim pickens on because there are simply more of you gals unmarried out there. Note these interesting facts too: the ratio of unmarried men 15 to 44 years old to women 15 to 44 years old is 111.8 men to 114.7 women in Texas—that’s 2.9 more unmarried women than men. Texas is not the worst state to be a woman wanting to get married though. It appears that Louisiana and Mississippi are the worst states for that. 6.6 more women than men are unmarried in those states. Jeff’s thought: Stay unmarried for awhile and date. All these numbers confuse me. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=20 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:04:00 GMT Now that we got the introductions and silliness out of the way on my last post, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. Let me give you a little run down on what goes on here at Apartment Home Living. In a nutshell, we help you find the perfect apartment home. Nutshell aside, we want to do it by really getting to know you and what you want out of your apartment. We help you find a place that fits your personality, not just your budget. But we don’t stop there, kids. Take a look around this apartment living page here and you’ll also see a variety of links, tools, and other fun stuff that will help you really enjoy every moment of living in “said” apartment. We pretty much want to hang out with you after you move in. What can I say? I like having friends. You’ll be able to use Myplace to share your own stories, get to know the local hangouts, and check out your own apartment community’s events. You can even schedule your own events for your fellow apartment-ites to check out too (ok, property managers do have to “approve” it so keep it clean, buddy!) We also have a plethora of links to really cool apartment videos, pics, stories, and other fun stuff that I’ve dug up on the web! You can’t forget the most important part though: My blogs. I’m blogging around-the-clock with awesome ideas and tips for you and your apartment. You can even throw your own comments up there after I blog to let your own voice be heard…er…read. Apartment Home Living is the fastest growing apartment matchmaking service worldwide (yeahhhh!!!) We have grown over 500% this year alone, and our website, text messaging program, and online social network are now reaching over 1.3 million people searching for their next apartment home each and every month…Just thought I’d throw that little tidbit in there. So now that you know a little more about us, let us know more about you. Click the Myplace link and make yourself a great page. Share it with the world if you want. Then if you need a place, let us help you find one. Stick around with us for awhile, have a good time, and remember to never leave the house without clean undies on. -Jeff http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/living/index.aspx?blog_id=18 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:02:00 GMT