5 New Years Resolutions For Home Improvement

As we ride the crest of a recession into 2010, home is a place where Americans are spending much more of their time. Home improvements not only support the value of your home, but they can make life much more pleasant if you opt for money-saving “staycations” or nights eating in. Here are five New Year’s resolutions for home improvement, whether you choose to take on a remodel project, redecorate or just resolve to maintain your home more efficiently.

1. Check for Energy Efficiency

Are the drafty windows causing your heating unit to kick into overdrive? If you have an older house, it is especially important to make sure you are not washing money down the drain with outdated energy fixtures and appliances. Replacing old windows and doors with newer energy-efficient ones is ideal, but you can also seal your old windows with caulk or replace the rubber strips on your doors in the meantime. If you are in the market for a new dishwasher or refrigerator, check to make sure the new model has the “Energy Star” logo for maximum energy efficiency (along with a sweet tax deduction as well).

2. Sell or Donate Stuff You Don’t Use

A new year has never been a better time to practice the “out with the old” mantra. Consider all the things in your garage that you never use. Think about all the space in your closet being wasted on clothes that you will never wear again. Become friendly with your local Goodwill or Salvation Army, and donate anything you do not use. After all, you don’t want your house to end up on a reality TV show called “Hoarders.” By clearing the clutter and purging your home of things that just collect dust, you will enjoy spending time at home with a fresh just-moved-in feeling. Your house guests will appreciate it, too. No one wants to hang out in a space that they can’t move in.

3.  Rearrange, Refinish or Repurpose Old Furniture

If you can’t afford to spend money on new furniture, you may want to consider sprucing it up. You can create a new furniture feel by staining old wood or recovering chairs with new fabric. Perhaps the way you have your furniture arranged now is not optimal. Look at your rooms with a fresh eye. Would there be more room if you put the couch up against the wall? Would your bed be better situated in the center of the bedroom instead of pushed up against the corner? Also, consider other uses for furniture. That clunky dresser that crowds the small guest room may make a great entertainment center in the living room. Put the TV on top, and load the drawers with games and DVDs.

4. Spiff Up the Outside Property

Do not neglect the landscaping around your home. This is the first impression that guests will have of you when they pull up to your house. If your lawn is overgrown with weeds, and you have not picked up the soggy newspapers in your driveway for weeks, what kind of impression does that give other people? Some regular maintenance and a few colorful plants can make all the difference in the world. If you have a lot of overgrown trees but do not want to spend the money to have them removed, give them a good “haircut” by hiring a landscaping company to bring up the canopy. By trimming a few branches off the bottom layers, your house may be clearly visible from the road, making it safer and cleaner-looking.

5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Paint is the cheapest and easiest face lift you can give a house. If your walls are looking tired, or you’ve just outgrown the color, it’s time to repaint. (If you are in an apartment home make sure that you get the okay from your landlord.) Need inspiration? There is a discount section in most paint stores or paint departments known as the “oops selection.”  Perfectly good, unused shades of paint are returned and sold here at a discounted price because they were the wrong color. But someone else’s wrong color could very well be your perfect shade, especially if you have nothing to match it to.  Go nuts with someone else’s “oops” and create a color scheme around the paint.

You do not need a lot of cash to make improvements to your home. With a little creativity and organization, you can stick to your 2010 resolution of making some home improvements that will enrich your everyday life.

About the Author
April Lentini and her husband are tackling home improvement on a budget. Their most recent accomplishment is re-tiling a bathroom. April writes for Rentals.com.

This article is featured on WomensOnlineMagazine.com

 

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Top 5 Affordable Warm Cities for Retirees

Retirees have good reasons for wanting to move away from cold weather. Shoveling snow and putting salt on the driveway every winter is back breaking work. Not to mention, cold weather in general can wreak havoc on arthritis. If you are interested in spending your golden years under some golden warm sunshine, here are ApartmentGuide.com’s top five affordable cities to retire in.

Photo by firsttidy (Flickr Creative Commons)

# 1 Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona is a great change of pace for snow birds who want to get away from the cold weather. Tucsonans enjoy 360 sunny days a year.  Surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson sits in a desert plain. If you want to explore your creative side, visit the Center for Creative Photography to see the largest collection of Ansel Adams works or take your own photos in this photogenic city. Don’t think that retiring is only filled with eating, drinking and taking long siestas every day. Active retirees enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and golf in this dry, sunny city.

# 2 Hendersonville, North Carolina

Just 27 minutes down the road from Asheville is Hendersonville, N.C. The charming town of Hendersonville is perfect for retirees who appreciate easy access to all the beautiful sights of the North Carolina Mountains.  The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pisgah National Forest are just around the corner from your apartment in Hendersonville. Active retirees can take advantage of the great outdoors with their pick of activities. Horseback riding, tennis, golf, water sports, fishing and cycling are just a few of the warm-weather recreational activities available to adventurous retired residents.

#3 Englewood, Florida

Englewood is a great place to retire because it is one of the lesser-known cities in sunny Florida, helping it retain its incredible retirement value. Located on the Southwest coast of Florida, Englewood is about an hour south of St. Petersburg and about an hour and a half north of Fort Myers. Not only is the sunset view from your home on Lemon Bay amazing, but the Town Center neighborhood has many amenities that make it a quality, safe place to live with very low crime rates.  Enjoy your retirement years in a quiet, educated neighborhood with lots of fellow seniors and other age groups.

# 4 Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces is located in southern New Mexico.  Retirees in Cruces enjoy 350 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range from the high 90s in the summertime to the upper 50s in the winter. Not only is the weather in Cruces pleasantly warm, but the view is superb. Many artists and photographers are attracted to this town because of the very unique blend of colors in the sky during a sunrise or sunset.  Making Las Cruces your home, you will enjoy the cultural perks that come with living in the same town as New Mexico State University as there are many shows, galleries and exhibits open to the public. Plus, if you like Tex-Mex style food, you will appreciate living in the “Chile Capital of the World” as Las Cruces is known.

#5 St. Simons Island, Georgia

It seems completely appropriate to spend your golden years in Georgia’s renowned Golden Isles.  Just 60 miles from Jacksonville, FL and 70 miles from Savannah, GA, St. Simon’s Island provides convenient day trips to many attractions. While hurricanes are always a possibility, retirees enjoy summerlike weather almost seven months of the year.  With its sandy beaches, lush marshes and moss-draped live oaks, St. Simons Island has blossomed into a resort community with many seasonal residents, as well as a steady base of year-round residents.

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Find the Perfect Roommate for Your College Apartment

 

If you are like most college students, you need a roommate to share your housing expenses. There are many things to consider for your protection and everyone’s best interest. If you have never had a roommate before, or you are looking for a better roommate, here are some ways to help you find and choose the right college roommate to fit your lifestyle.

Photo by: Zach Klein (Flickr Creative Commons)

Finding Qualified College Roommates

You may have some friends that would be willing to room with you. While it sounds great to live with a friend as opposed to living with a stranger, keep in mind that friends do not always make the best roommates.

Comedian Jimmy Fallon once joked about how having a good friend as a roommate is never a good idea.

“It doesn’t work out,” he said. “You will fight each other [because] they have too much dirt on you. They’ll crush you in an argument for no reason. Like, you’ll just say, ‘Hey, man, the dishes have been in the sink for, like, two weeks, and they’re your dishes. Are you gonna clean them or what?’ And they’ll say, ‘Yeah, remember when you had [an embarrassing disease] in the sixth grade?’”

Look at finding the right roommate as an opportunity to make a new friendship. Some of the pressure is off since you do not have to be especially chummy with them. Also, opening your mind (and apartment) to a new person gives you the chance to meet someone cool that you may otherwise never get to know.

Roommate listing services, college bulletins and personals Web sites have huge databases of people looking for roommates or seeking a room for rent. Some people are professionals who want to split expenses, and some are students. All these sites can be helpful in locating and matching you with a potential roommate. Some of these sites have comprehensive services, such as pre-screened applicants who have completed criminal background checks and credit reports. Others are just personal ads that leave the screening up to you.

Screening Potential Roommates

You will have to meet a few people in person once you find a match in the classifieds. Look at their general appearance and you’ll probably have an idea how they’ll keep an apartment. Also, if you can get a glimpse of their car, that is usually a good indication of how they live as well. Can you see the floor board, or do they have fast food wrappers and junk piled up on the floor and seats?

Have a list of questions handy. You don’t want to make it look like a formal interview, but there are some basics you need to know about the person that you will share your space with. Here are a few of them:

1. Are they smokers?
2. Do they party and stay up late listening to loud music every weekend? (More importantly, do they plan on hosting parties in your shared apartment?)
3. Do they have a boyfriend or girlfriend that will be visiting often? (And if so, does he or she have any good-looking friends, perhaps?)
4. Are they morning birds or night owls?
5. Do they have any annoying food preferences that would cramp your style? (If your roommate is a strict vegan and you hunt and cook your own meat every night, that may be a problem.)
6. Does the potential roommate have any social or moral beliefs that do not jive with your own?

During the meeting, it is important to be honest about your own personality and let the potential roommate know about any weird habits you may have yourself. You don’t need to get too personal, but fill them in to how you live and what they can expect from you as a roommate.

Once you get past the preliminary interview, you should consider it absolutely necessary to do background checks on potential roommates. Have the applicant fill out the required forms, and ask your apartment manager to do a criminal background check on your roommate-to-be before they sign the lease. For most residential apartment complexes, this is a necessary procedure to begin with. Your apartment complex will also probably want to run a credit report on the individual to make sure that they have a clean credit history. Any car repossessions, defaulted loans or broken leases will be a huge red flag.

If you rent a house and do not have access to a leasing office that provides these background services, it is in your best interest to pay for a service yourself. There are multiple sites that offer criminal background checks, and the potential roommate should be able to provide you with a credit report.

Protect Yourself in Writing

If your name is currently on the apartment lease, make sure that your roommate puts his or her signature on the lease as well. First, your landlord should know you are sharing an apartment with another person who is equally responsible for the property. You may want to include other details in a contract such as what bills will be split, when the rent check is due and agreements on social rules, pets, sharing food and the like. To get a better idea of the kinds of things you may want to include in a contract, visit lawdepot.com to get a free roommate contract template.

With a little investigative work and some forethought into choosing the most qualified roommate for your needs, you can enjoy living in harmony with anyone.  However it’s important to be realistic. Keep in mind that no matter how cool you or your roommate is, it will never be perfect all the time. There are occasional problems that arise anytime you live with another person, but as long as each of you are respectful to each other and have an open communication, you should be able to work it out.

 

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Apartment Fireplace Safety

You were lured by an apartment with a cozy fireplace. But before you crank up your gas, wood or electric fireplace this season, you should be aware of some safety precautions that could save your home, and even your life, from a fire disaster.

Photo by: paulandaline (Flickr Creative Commons)

Stock up on the hot chocolate and brandy.  It’s that time of year to gather around the fireplace with some good friends. But first, especially if this is your first time renting an apartment with a fireplace, there are some important safety things you should be aware of.

Keep Fireplaces Clean and Clutter-Free

If you have a wood chimney, you should have it inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist. They will check for creosote buildup and make sure that the air supply is not restricted. If you have a gas fireplace, it should be checked for gas leaks and carbon monoxide. Also, make sure that the area around the fireplace is clean and free of debris. Many apartment and house fires start around the holidays when people decorate their fireplace with garland, Christmas stockings and other flammable materials.  You should always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave the glass doors open while burning a fire.

Use the correct fuel

For wood fireplaces, never use flammable liquids to start a fire. Use only seasoned hardwoods or specially treated burning logs that are available in stores. Place logs near the back of the fireplace on a grate to allow proper ventilation. Do not throw paper, cardboard or other materials in your fire. Never leave a fire unattended and extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Protect your home

If you live in an apartment, you should make sure that your smoke alarms work. Replace the batteries when needed or call maintenance to test your smoke alarms if needed. Store your firewood as far away from the fireplace as possible.

With a little precaution, you can safely enjoy the warmth of the fireside in your cozy apartment during the cold months. Just use a little common sense and follow the guidelines for lighting, maintaining and extinguishing your apartment fireplace.

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Tunic Sweaters and Leggings -The Best Budget-Friendly Fashion Trend for 2009

This season’s trendy look is comfortable, easy and best of all, very affordable. Pair some opaque cotton leggings with a tunic sweater and some boots and you have “the look” of the season. This fashion trend is a revived 80’s look that has been updated to flatter almost any size or shape. You don’t have to worry about the pieces going out of style soon because they are so versatile that you can wear them with other things. The leggings easily double as dance or workout bottoms. The tunic sweater can be worn with jeans and of course the boots can be worn with just about anything including; skirts, dresses or a pair of skinny jeans.

Photo by: Lupzduts Flickr Creative Commons

How to get the tunic sweater dress look:

Tunic Sweater Dress
Cost: $15-$40
Where to get it: Ross, Marshals, T.J. Max, Kohls, Old Navy, Sears, JC Penny

If you are truly a renegade bargain fashion hunter, discount stores like Ross can be rewarding when looking for this season’s tunic knit top. I have some friends who do not have the patience to hunt for items at these types of discount stores. While I do love to browse these stores, I have to admit it is hit or miss. You may find the perfect tunic sweater top for example, but you may not find it in your size and you have to sort through a lot of crap. Kohls and Old Navy also carry a nice selection of trendy tunic sweater dresses, but don’t forget to check out the “softer side of Sears “or JC Penny. These retail stores have come a long way with fashion and both have young and hip clothing lines that are privy to the tunic-style sweater dress.

Leggings
Cost: $5-$20
Where to get them: Walmart, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, Burlington Coat Factory

If you shop wisely, you shouldn’t have to pay more than 20 dollars for a pair of leggings. To get the most out of your leggings, it’s best to go with dark neutral colors such as brown, black and gray. However, if you are really bold, don’t hold yourself back. While I have never been able to pull it off personally, I’ve seen good use of royal blue, mustard and even wild patterned leggings on fashion-forward women this year. Look for leggings that have a good blend of spandex and cotton for a smooth look. If you go too cheap, leggings may bunch up at your knee making you look like a little kid.

Boots
Cost: $50-$150
Where to get them: DSW, Shoe Carnival, Rack Room Shoes

They’re not “pleather”, they’re “Vegan.” Saving money on boots is easy when you don’t buy real leather. In recent years, there have been some great advances in vinyl materials previously mocked as “pleather”. Today, real leather is actually passé. In fact, some of my favorite shoe designers such as Blow Fish and Steve Madden mostly design vegan shoes and they look and feel great.  For the tunic sweater dress look this year, I personally think it’s best to have knee length boots. However, I have seen it done with ankle boots as well. It really depends on how long your legs are and your weight distribution to decide what works best for you.

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The Bright Side of Working on Holidays

Most people have had to do it at least once. Whether you are in retail, you are an independent contractor making up hours or you just got unlucky this year, you may find yourself at work on a holiday.  Here is how to look on the bright side while you are stuck at work during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays.

Photo by: LittleDan77 (Flickr Creative Commons)

There are as many reasons as there are jobs as to why people have to work or perhaps even choose to work during the holidays. While you may feel like you are the only one, you are certainly not alone. And, believe it or not, there are some rare advantages to working during the holidays. Learn how to embrace this time of workplace solitude and take advantage of its many benefits.

Getting ahead at work

If you work in an office, you will have none of the normal interruptions working on a holiday that you normally have when the office is full of people. No ringing phones, no meetings and no extra work to sidetrack you means that you may actually get something useful accomplished. Make life easier on yourself in the weeks to come and take care of those tasks that you normally do not have time for. Or, if you have the kind of job that just requires you to be present and answer phones, you can get some minor personal things accomplished while sitting at your desk, such as balancing your checkbook.

Avoiding holiday traffic

If you are bummed you didn’t take time off to visit out-of-state family, think of all the traffic hassles you’ve conveniently avoided. Let the masses deal with flight delays and traffic jams in the mad rush to fulfill holiday plans. On the other hand, your commute to work will be a breeze on the actual day of the holiday. Enjoy your smooth ride to work and don’t look back.

Receiving comp days

Most people will be reimbursed for time spent working during the holidays. Why not choose your day(s) wisely and make this work to your advantage? You can take a day in the middle of the week after Christmas (when everyone else is back to work) to go shopping and catch the after-Christmas sales. During the weekday after a busy holiday, the mall is all yours. Or, take advantage of off-season airfare and use your comp day to jet set out of town for a long weekend in an exotic island. Going against the grain and doing the opposite of the general population does have its perks.

Remember, it’s just another day

Holidays can be overrated. Some holidays can be downright boring. The anticipation leading up to the holiday is what is most exciting, such as the shopping, baking and planning. But the actual day can be, well, uninteresting. What do you do with a house full of people after you stuff yourself with food and open all the gifts? Evident from the high Christmas Day movie sales, most people go to the movie theater, where they avoid interacting with family.

So if you really think about it, you really aren’t missing out on much by working during the holidays. At least you aren’t missing anything that you can’t have any other day of the year. Hopefully, good food, family, friends and movies are available to you any time you want. Real holidays are a frame of mind, and when you learn to change your perspective and see through the hype, working on a holiday may not seem so bad.

April Lentini writes for Apartmentguide.com

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Turn Your Home into a Banquet Hall for the Holidays

Large crowds require space and various accommodations. Whether you are using the community banquet hall at your apartment complex, or you are turning your rental house into a buffet restaurant for holiday guests, here are some tips to make your holiday meal go smoothly.

photo by: wili_hybrid Flickr Creative Commons

The holidays may be the only time of year when you see so many of your friends and family together in one place. Sure, you read all the home decorating blogs, no one has ever complained about your fabulous cooking and everyone loves your choice in music. But while you may consider yourself a seasoned entertainer, you may have not thought of everything about hosting a large gathering at your apartment clubhouse or rental home.  Check out the tips below to make sure you have everything covered.

Make space

Even if you do not have much to work with, you can alter your rooms or clubhouse to use space in a smart way. For example, in your living room, get rid of your coffee table so that people have room to stand, mix and mingle. If you have no place to store your coffee table, move it over to the side and put some cushions on it, repurposing it as additional seating.

If your home or clubhouse has a patio, use it. If it is cold, you can rent portable gas lamps and put folding tables outside for a cozy gathering al fresco. If it is comfortable, most people prefer to hang out outside.  Set up a buffet-style meal, where the kitchen counters become the food zone. Let guests fill up their plates, and then plop down in the adjacent room or patio.

Don’t hide your trash can

If you normally hide your trash can discreetly in a clever kitchen cupboard, now is the time to let it hang out in plain sight. No one should have to ask; “Where you put your trash?”  Depending on how large your group is, you may need to have more than one trash bin. Clearly mark your trash cans, and for recycle bins, indicate what items go where.

Accommodate all guests

If you don’t want smokers flicking their cigarette butts on your rental property or depositing their ashes in drinking cans, you will need to make sure that they have ash trays. Use make-shift ashtrays if you have to, but make sure that they have something to use when they grab their smokes. If you know anyone else with special needs that will be attending your holiday party think ahead and plan accordingly.

Get restrooms ready

Restrooms can get crowded at large events in a house. If you are using your apartment community’s clubhouse, you will probably have adequate restrooms to accommodate your guests.  If you are entertaining a large group of people in your rental house, you may consider opening up your personal bathroom, the one connected to your bedroom which no one usually sees. To avoid embarrassing situations, stock plenty of spare rolls of toilet paper in your restrooms. You’d be surprised how much toilet paper guests can tear through.

Keep kids entertained

The best way to fully enjoy the company of your adult friends and family is to keep the kids at bay. Provide the little ones with plenty of things to do. If you think well enough in advance, you could stage a somewhat elaborate treasure hunt in the courtyard with maps, puzzles and clues to keep them busy. You can also designate a “kid” room, complete with movies and games.

If you keep everyone’s basic comfort in mind, you can easily transform your home into a holiday banquet hall that is fit to accommodate your large crowd.

April Lentini writes for Apartmentguide.com

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Miami for the Holidays – Good Enough for a Last-Minute Escape

Have you ever fantasized about disappearing during the holidays –rebelliously ditching gift-giving consumerism, traffic, grumpy, stressed-out people and boring family gatherings?  Sure, you could book an expensive, exotic cruise if you plan far enough in advance. But if you are looking for a quick getaway during the holidays, you need not look further than Miami.

Photo by Sami Keinanen ( Flickr Creative Commons)

What makes Miami a good holiday retreat?

First, Miami has warm weather. If you live in a cold climate, Miami in December is a terrific break. Also, Miami has an exotic feel, without the expense or hassle of leaving the country. Since Miami is heavily influenced by Latin, Italian and French heritage, you’re bound to find a new club, restaurant or clothing store that envelops you in another culture.

Plus, Miami has more to offer visitors than crystal clear beaches and plenty of sunshine. If you are a history buff, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian sixteenth-century style mansion on Biscayne Boulevard, for a day. This house is where James Deering, a wealthy agricultural developer, used to spend his winters from 1916 to 1925. Let your imagination take you back to what life was like for this family as you tour the elegantly restored rooms of this house. You can also visit the Deering Estate at Cutler, a historical, environmental and archeological preserve, where you can take canoe rides, nature guided tours and butterfly hikes. If you really like tourist attractions, Miami also has a sea aquarium, a zoo, a monkey jungle and charter boats if you like to fish.

Of course, you can spend a day strolling around the charming historic district of Coral Gables. Take a dip in the public Venetian pool filled with the water from natural springs. Or, stroll around the Outdoor Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach. If you are looking to see and be seen, there are endless nightclubs where you can dance the season away –and further deny any taxing holiday responsibilities.

Isn’t Miami expensive?

Like any popular tropical getaway, Miami certainly can be expensive, but not if you are a savvy holiday escape artist. Because you are visiting during a time when many other local residents are traveling, you can probably score a great house for rent in Miami. Many times, renting a house or apartment on Miami Beach is cheaper than staying in a hotel, and if you are staying more than a week, staying in a place with laundry facilities and a full kitchen is much more accommodating.

You still must budget in the cost of night clubs, attractions and shopping. But as with any other vacation, it is up to you to decide how much money you are going to spend. Hanging out by the beach or pool is always free. Plus, there are some cool farmers markets where you can buy your own groceries and cook your own food. Make friends with the locals, and soon you’ll be invited to private parties.  Not only will you save money on drinks and cover charges, but you will probably have more fun.

What do I tell my family?

Hopefully, your family will understand your need to blow off the holiday madness and treat yourself to a relaxing getaway. You can argue that it is for your mental health, that your job is stressful. If they don’t buy that, tell them that your holiday retreat in Miami was a gift from your boss or Aunt Nita and that it was already booked (conveniently) during these dates.

For many, sneaking away to subtropical places such as Miami during the holidays is practically an American tradition. Consider it a gift to yourself and whoever you decide to take with you.

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

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Tips for Fuss-Free Holiday Entertaining

If you are hosting holiday events this year, there is no need to stress over decorating and preparing fancy food. Learn to apply the “less is more” rule to your holiday preparation, and create a decisively elegant atmosphere for your next gathering.

Whether it’s your turn to do Thanksgiving this year, or you have been chosen to host the traditional gift-giving exchange in December, here are some tips to make your holiday entertaining run as smoothly as possible.

Declutter Your Home

Remember the first time you saw your home, before you moved your stuff in? It was a blank canvas, alive with pure potential. You don’t have to strip your house down to the stark basics, but do take a fresh look at your home. Pack up or get rid of any unnecessary accumulated extras, especially in the rooms where you will be entertaining. Clear, open space makes visitors feel at ease. Besides, your guests and family will be bringing loads with them, including wine, food and gifts. Clear a path, and make some room for the holiday tidings.

Change Your Home’s Color Scheme

Upholstery and fabric are two of the most basic items that can change the mood of your home. Purchase a red or green slipcover for your sofa. Change your curtains. For window treatments, consider lush, velvet materials in royal blue or rich purple. Metallic gold or silver also looks festive. Rugs, pillow covers, blankets and lampshades are also effective and simple ways to change up your home’s color or texture. Modern holidays come in all rich hues, so don’t limit yourself to traditional green and red.

Decorate Minimalist-Style

A few sprigs of rosemary from your backyard in a vase of water, some ribbon and even some well-chosen twigs and pinecones from your backyard can go far. In a clean, uncluttered space, just a few festive accents will speak volumes. Spray-paint the twigs a metallic color and put them in a colorful vase. Tie some red ribbon around the spray-painted pinecones and hang them from doors or drawer knobs. If you choose to decorate a tree for the holidays, choose a simple theme, and clear the space for it, so it is more of a decoration than an obstruction. If you have a smaller space, get a couple of pre-lit, artificial topiary plants in place of a tree.

Delegate the Holiday Meal

When it comes to food, stick to your specialty and leave the rest to the guests. Don’t expect to do everything yourself. Unless you have a staff of people working in your home, your guests will be eager to help you with the food preparation. So, if you are known for your fabulous macaroni and cheese and almond pound cake, just cook those. Let Grandma bring her homemade stuffing and tell your brother-in-law that he is in charge of the sweet potato casserole. Plus, you can actually make out nicely with the leftover bottles of alcohol your guests bring, using them to stock the bar for the next party you host.

Make Your Pets Party-Perfect

Your guests should know if you have any pets. If you have three cats, the last thing you want is someone coming over who is severely allergic them. De-funk your home or apartment with a deodorizer, even if you don’t smell anything. Chances are, you have become desensitized to the smell of your pet. Also, make sure your pets are clean and groomed a day or two before your guests arrive. If you have more than two dogs or cats, you may consider boarding them for the night or keeping them away from all the action during your holiday gathering.

Keep Kids Entertained

Kids will not be impressed with your decluttered home or your spray-painted sticks tied with a ribbon. However, you can minimize their boredom by planning ahead to keep them entertained. For younger children, fill a toy box with crayons, paper, coloring books, building blocks or other things to keep them distracted. Older kids may want to watch a DVD or play a video game. Make sure you have some movies and games on hand so they are content to stay at the kiddie table.

Holiday entertaining can be enjoyable if you keep things simple and remember that the whole point is to share a good time with your guests.

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com.

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Surviving Thanksgiving with Acid Reflux

Thanksgiving can be an acid reflux sufferer’s worst nightmare; a smorgasbord of rich, tempting food to choose from and the inevitable heartburn, GERD or LPR that goes with it. Don’t despair. If you have been diagnosed with one of the above diseases related to acid reflux, here are some tips and tricks to help you survive the Thanksgiving feast and even show you how to enjoy it.

Photo by: Rabble on Flickr Creative Commons

Unfortunately, I know more than I’d like to know about acid reflux. After being diagnosed with an acute case of LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) over the summer, I had to completely re-learn how to eat, when to eat, what foods to avoid and discover what medications worked best for me. Based on my experience and research, I put together a brief Thanksgiving survival guide for acid reflux sufferers.

See your doctor and get medicated

This is a no-brainer. But unfortunately, many people don’t do this. If you have a bad case of acid reflux, over-the-counter medications may not cut it. In my case, I was told that even a double dose of OTC Prilosec would be like “a drop in a pool”.  The only thing that worked for me was a heavy duty prescription time-released capsule. If you are reading this article, you already know that you have acid reflux. But many people do not. Not all acid reflux patients experience the obvious heartburn. LPR or “Silent Reflux” affects the esophagus. Sufferers experience coughing, problems swallowing and in some cases restriction of their airway. Finding the right medication can help tremendously and may even allow you to eat like you normally –without stressing over food in the first place.

You may find that taking a dual action chewable PPI like Pepsid AC before and after your Thanksgiving  meal helps with acid reflux–regardless if you take prescription medications or not.

Eat early

Fortunately Thanksgiving is a meal that is often served as a late lunch. If you suffer from acid reflux, it is best to not to eat 3 hours before bedtime. So no late-night pumpkin pie for you. Make sure that you get plenty to eat before bedtime so you are not tempted to raid the fridge later.

Don’t stuff yourself

Take your acid reflux as a lesson in better eating habits. Over-eating is a big no-no in general, but it’s even worse for acid reflux sufferers. It is better to eat many small portions rather than gorging out in one sitting. Don’t feel bad about eating something before the “big meal” so that you do not eat too fast and overdo it at the table.

Food and beverages to avoid

It’s a shame, but most of the good things we eat and drink are acid reflux offenders.  During my acute phase of LPR, I had to avoid most anything with spice or flavor. I was also instructed to avoid major food groups including dairy, alcohol (bummer) and citrus. Hopefully, you don’t have it that bad. Here is a basic food chart to help you make wise choices during Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet for Acid Reflux Sufferers

Avoid Like the Plague	Eat in Moderation	Go Nuts!
Alcohol (Red wine is the worst) Caffeinated drinks Cranberry sauce Gravy Chocolate Peppermint Mint Fried and fatty foods Tomato products Onions Garlic Mustard Heavy spices Vinegar Carbonated beverages, such as soda Citrus fruits and juices	Dairy products ~Milk ~Cheeses ~Cream sauces ~butter Stuffing Corn bread Mashed potatoes (NO gravy) Pumpkin Pie Sugary dessert	Turkey and lean meat Tofu Bread Rice Potatoes Whole grains Vegetables (non citrus) Fruits (non citrus) Nuts Egg whites

Put yourself in motion

One of the best things you can do for your delicate acid reflux condition is to get your digestive juices going and kick up your metabolism before and after the meal. But you don’t have to run a marathon. A 30-minute walk will do the trick. If you are hosting Thanksgiving, why not allow your guests to get competitive with an active video game match or a potato sack race? On second thought, maybe a walk around the block will do.

Sources:

Have a question? Try the heartburn help forums

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com and rentals.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Keeping the Halloween Spirit Alive

Some people say that Halloween is alive and strong.  But while retail stores push costumes, candy and decorations on their seasonal displays, and while night clubs and other corporate establishments promote Halloween events, some people say that the true spirit of Halloween is almost, well, dead.

Photo by Foxtongue on Flickr Creative Commons

In the old days, when people actually knew their neighbors, costumed kids would roam the streets in groups with an older sibling or an adult and knock on doors.  The idea was that good-humored adults would give out candy in exchange for a costume parade of cute kids (the treat) and perhaps a chance to spook them out when they come to the front door (the trick). Today, however, many neighborhoods and communities have become less involved. The fine art of trick or treating is slowly becoming a dying tradition.

Photo by: Paul Keleher on Flickr Creative Commons

“Haunted” neighbors’ houses are replaced by brightly lit shopping malls.  Retail employees, who would undoubtedly rather be handing out goods from their homes with some friends and a few drinks, dump out packaged candy to kids in long lines. Homes are closed for private parties; churches and other community organizations host festivals to veer kids away from the streets; and some residents, worried about of being left with massive bags of tooth-decaying candy, just give up and hang signs on their door that read, “No candy here.”

Fortunately, there are still neighborhoods where the spirit of door-to-door trick or treating is very much alive. JR Lentini lives in a neighborhood near Washington, D.C.  Each year, he carefully considers the trick-or-treaters on Halloween and goes all out with the treats.

“I make a point of having the best damn candy on the block: generally a dozen or so full-sized bars, a ‘handful rule’ for the poorly named ‘fun-size’ bars and usually a couple of gourmet chocolates for the adults tagging along,” Lentini said.

Lentini has seen a fluctuation of trick-or-treaters in the last few years and says it depends on where you live. “My former neighborhood always left me with piles of leftovers, but last year, our new neighborhood practically cleaned us [out],” Lentini said. “We had groups of kids coming and going for about two hours, not nearly as many as there seemed to be in my neighborhood when I was a kid, but still a respectable number.”

Photo by: Profstewartfk on Flickr Creative Commons

In smaller towns, the spirit of Halloween is still going strong. Amber Mckay-Glinski , a resident of New Boston, Mich., says while she has noticed fewer households participating in Halloween these days, it is still a huge event in her neighborhood, and there is definitely a community effort to spook it up and entertain the kids.

“In town, the fire station hands out cider, donuts and hot chocolate,” Mckay-Glinksi said. “There are many hayrides and party trains that always join in on the fun. Most folks go in large groups with their kids, and in town, it is like a reunion every year. We usually run into many folks from high school.”

From the evidence in party stores and costume shops, people still thrive on Halloween and look forward to celebrating the artistry and effort of little trick-or-treaters who knock on their front doors. These festive Halloween enthusiasts encourage kids by decorating their yards, dressing up in costumes and stocking their homes with enough sugar to hyper activate the dead.  But what do these neighborly candy-giving patrons have to say about the Halloween spirit coming from the kids?

Cincinnati resident Jason Sparks is not impressed with recent trick-or-treaters that come to his front door.

“Whatever happened to the good costumes?” Sparks said. “Halloween is about witches and warlocks, ghosts and goblins. When did Britney Spears become Halloween? And I’m sorry, but a pillow case, ripped-up jeans, a white t-shirt and some facial makeup do not constitute a Halloween costume. Trick or treating is for kids, not teenagers who just want free candy.”

So, the spirit of Halloween goes both ways. It takes a good neighbor to perpetuate the haunt and provide candy, but it also takes genuine trick-or-treaters who actually put forth some solid effort into their costume.  Traditionally, that’s the deal. The spirit of Halloween is, after all, a mutual effort between neighbors to bond the community through combined generosity and imagination. If it’s just the candy you are after, go buy a bag for yourself at the store.

Many people are disappointed that the Halloween tradition is being “sold out” to shopping malls and contained festivals. George Franks from Bethesda, Maryland agrees;

“Today it is more about parents and partying,” Franks said. “It is a big-dollar corporate business, and it is less about kids. When it is about kids, it is over-structured, over-sanitized and activity-driven, like everything else for kids today.”

Photo by: Uriel 1998 on Flickr Creative Commons

Dave Mason from Minneapolis, St. Paul says Halloween in his community is stifled by unusually strict rules and limitations. “When I was a kid, and my three children were of that age, we made our costumes, and that was a big part of the fun. There would be a Halloween party at school where the kids could wear their costumes and have fun. Now, we get a list of the things they can’t dress as, including ghost, witches, etc. [Is Halloween] gone? No. Changed? A lot”

Halloween is one holiday that brings out the kid in all of us. Adults and children alike can wear costumes and visit or create spooked-out homes for tricks and treats. Today, some feel that Halloween has lost that personal connection with the community, as the tradition is being gradually outsourced to commercialism.  It takes a grassroots movement from each of us to keep the original spirit of Halloween alive.

April Lentini writes for Apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How To Spook Up Your Apartment for a Halloween Party

 

If you are hosting a Halloween party this year, you may be looking for cheap ways to put some creepiness into your place. Treat your friends to some festive décor, and spook them out with a few tricks, too. From ominous lighting to eerie optical illusions, here are some great tips for spooking out your apartment.

Light Up the Party

One of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to create a menacing atmosphere is to change your lighting. Remember, this is one of the few holiday parties where people actually expect to hang out in dimly lit rooms. This can be achieved by creating a few lighting accents and replacing your light bulbs in the lamps you already have.

LED Halloween Candles (Nieve44/LaLuz Flickr Creative Commons)

Flicker flame candle bulbs are perfect for creating a drafty but safe candlelit environment. Place the flicker bulbs in an electric candelabra for a gothic effect, and you have an instant haunted mansion. Another option for candle light is battery-powered tea lights.  Simply buy a dozen or more LED tea lights, and stick them in candle holders around your house.

For your other lamps, replace the standard bulbs with colored bulbs. The best colored light bulbs for Halloween are red, blue, green and purple incandescent bulbs. These low watt shades cast an array of ghoulish shadows in your home.  Of course, every Halloween party needs at least one black light to bring out that special glow. But be careful not to overdo it with black lights, as they can be hard on your eyes.

If you want to create a dungeon effect, set up a fake flame-blowing electric torch lamp in your home. You can find these on the internet for as low as $24. Whether you choose a hanging torch light or a tabletop torch light, these lamps are sure to add that special chamber-lit feeling to your Halloween party.

Skulls, Chains, Spider Webs and Other Creepy Ornaments

Just a few accent pieces can make a big impression in your home. For example, consider a realistic looking skeleton and foam chains. Did someone die while chained up in your house? Foam skulls, shrunken heads, ghosts and mummy figures are a dime a dozen in department stores. But have you ever considered some more unusual haunts?

Mystery Formaldehyde (Skpy Flickr Creative Commons)

One way to look for inspiration is horror movies. Consider the stick figures from “The Blair Witch Project,” for example. Gather sticks from your backyard, bind them with twine to make stick men and hang them from trees in your backyard. Or, take a white shower curtain and paste or paint a silhouette of an old woman with a knife (from “Psycho”).  Sometimes the crudest decorations are the scariest.

Window Treatments and DVDs

The largest and most obvious elements in people’s homes today are windows and televisions.  The simplest way to change your home’s look and color theme is to change your curtains, sofa pillow covers and throws. Check out your local fabric store. If you are going for a more authentic haunted apartment, stay away from kitschy Halloween prints such as pumpkins or spiders. For curtains, use simple black lace. Nothing says “scary old witch’s house” like black doilies draped over lamp shades.

Psycho Curtains (SOCIALisBETTER Flickr Creative Commons)

Make pillow covers and throws from fake fur found at the fabric store. Or, if you really want to get gory, create “blood stained” pillow cases with white fabric and dye. Ew.

If your television is in plain view during your party, put it to use. While you do not want TV to be the focal point of your spooked-out social event, you can certainly create ambient art with scary DVDs.  The best kind of party ambient DVDs do not have much sound if at all (assuming you will be playing music). Turn your TV into a digital fireplace, a Dead Sea Aquarium, or a Possessed Painting.

Games and Party Favors

Even if it is not “game night” at your place, having a few Halloween-type games strung casually around your house can serve as a way for people to break the ice or strike up conversation.

The Ouija Board, Tarot Cards or even a mindless game like Operation are perfect distractions for party goers. Set these games up randomly around your house, and watch the laughter ensue as your guests get their fortune told by another guest or try to remove an organ without the buzzer lighting up.

Many adults – especially if they come to your house dressed up for a Halloween party – are kids at heart. Do not underestimate the power and amusement of a juvenile Halloween-themed toy box. Get a basket and fill it up with goofy stuff like slime, squishy brain or gurgling guts stress relievers, blow bubbles, Rubik’s cubes or other party favors. You may be surprised at how many people feel compelled to pick these things up as they drink and carry on.

~April Lentini writes for Apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

10 Best iPhone Apps for Science Majors

iPhone apps and science go hand in hand. Maybe you need to quickly refer to the Periodic Table, or perhaps you need help with your solubility calculations. Whether you are planning for a career in science or you just need to pass a science class in college, here are 10 iPhone apps you shouldn’t be without.

Photo by: Okko Pyykko on Flickr Creative Commons

1. Chemical Elements (Free)
This chemistry app is a versatile reference tool that presents a list of the elements in portrait mode. Flip it to landscape, and it turns into a touchable periodic table. You can sort elements by atomic number or alphabet. Common features of the elements are given with some with photos.

2. Atom in a Box ($9.99)
This physics app displays an interactive, visual representation of what a hydrogen atom looks like via real-time rendering of its electrons’ orbitals. See the three-dimensional states that the electron occupies in hydrogen. View animations and mathematical descriptions of all 140 eigenstates up to the n=7 energy level. Even if you are not familiar with Quantum Mechanics, it still looks cool, and your friends will think you are smart.

3. Get All the Science (Free)
This news aggregator app gives you up-to-date news from the science industry. Stay on top of the latest stories with news feeds from “Nature,” “New Scientist” and several other interesting science publications, all in one place.

4. Uranus ($9.99)
This is a must-have if you are taking astronomy, but it’s also a good prop for romantic evening strolls if you want to impress your date. With a database of over 100,000 stars, planets, galaxies and more, this GPS-enabled app acts as a guide to the night sky wherever you happen to be standing on Earth.

5. Genetic Decoder (Free)
Biology students, behold the Genetic Decoder app. Simply tap your mobile device to change RNA codons, and the corresponding amino acid information will be displayed. You can browse information by selecting an amino acid from the list. All amino acid and molecules are represented with colorful pictures.

6. Starmap ($11.99)
Another pocket planetarium app, Starmap is designed for more advanced star gazers as it provides a fully portable way of locating stars, planets, constellations, meteor showers and deep-field objects in the night sky. Calibrate your location or use iPhone’s GPS feature to toggle between north-, east-, south-, and west-view sky charts.

7. Equivalence ($3.99)
Equivalence is the ultimate conversion tool. Designed for engineers, the Equivalence iPhone app converts all sorts of measurements such as temperature, mass, volume and currency. Tilt your iPhone/iPod on its side and get the equivalence calculator.

8. Spacetime 4.0 ($24.95)
Algebra and calculus students, rejoice. Touted as the most powerful mathematics and graphing program, Spacetime 4.0 allows you to graph 2D and 3D function, parametric, spherical and cylindrical plots. Rotate, pinch and move 3D graphs in real-time. Spacetime also performs both numeric and symbolic algebra and calculus (including some advanced functions) and supports scripting.

9.  Epocrates RX (Free)
This app is sure to please medical students and hypochondriacs alike. With this pocket pharmacy, you can look up more than 3,300 drugs, including pill pictures, infectious disease treatment guides, medical calculators, a commonly-used pregnancy wheel, unit conversions and more. It is said that doctors use this app. So why not get one yourself to make sure your busy doctor isn’t missing anything?

10. iCut DNA (4.99)
This app allows you to search the Restriction Enzyme Database (REBASE) for enzymes and the DNA nucleotide sequences they cleave. Find commonly used (type II) restriction enzymes by name or by specifying the recognition sequence. Information from the database for each enzyme includes references, suppliers, isoschizomers and methylation site.

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

 

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Rent a House for Game Day Weekend

Poor planning during college football season can spell disaster for out-of-town games. Nearby hotels are over-priced and over-booked. Heavy traffic plus accident-prone party goers on the roads are a given. So what is the best way to enjoy a lavish, stress-free game day? Location, location, location!

How would you like to start game day off to the exciting beat of the marching band’s drums and French horns -from your driveway? If you know where to look, you could score a game day weekend rental home within walking distance of the college football stadium.

Many people are choosing to rent their homes out for big college football weekends. Some home owners, who have gotten quite good at being game day landlords, offer such generous accommodations that they make hotel rooms look like prison cells. Spacious backyards with a fire pits, Jacuzzis, free wi-fi, large kitchens, multiple flat screen TVs and even welcome baskets are some of the things you may find in your weekend home rental. The only thing missing is someone to turn down your bed. But seriously, who needs chocolate on the pillow when you rent a home that is just a five minute walk from the stadium?

Chris Brusznicki and his partner Jeff Polk run an event-based vacation rental site called Gamedayhousing.com. Their site offers a place where home owners can list their houses for rent during game weekend nationwide. Renters can browse the houses for rent listed by game. Chris, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2002, saw a need for this market when he was a Notre Dame student.

“For the big Notre Dame games, people were getting gauged on hotel rentals that can go for as much as $3,000. I saw a need for weekend housing and figured out that I could offer a better price with superior quality by renting out a home,” says Chris, co-founder of Gamedayhousing.com.

He adds, “I’ve listed some homes where you can see the stadium dome from the front porch of the house. For many Notre Dame fans, the view and atmosphere is the pinnacle of the college football experience. These people are getting together for 20-year reunions. The experience is very precious to them.” According to Chris, people book their game day houses up to two years in advance.

Of course renters are not the only people who profit from the home rental listing services. An increasing number of investors and home owners recognize the value of leasing their homes out for big event weekends. Mike Stockrahm, from South Bend, IN has been renting out his own house for game day weekends for over two years. “We’ve been averaging about 3 games per year, but we’d do more. The income is welcome since we use most of it to offset the maintenance needs of the house,” says Mike.

Mike says he uses game day weekends as a benchmark and a motivator to spruce up his house. “We painted the house this summer. I painted our old faded rattan patio furniture and bought new cushions to spruce up the back porch this year. We’re finishing a bathroom remodel with this year’s proceeds,” says Mike. Less than 2 miles away from the Notre Dame stadium, Mike’s four-bedroom house sleeps 10 people and runs about $1,800 per night.

Another great resource for renting or listing a home for the big game weekend is Rentals.com. As a vacation home rental listing site, Rentals.com has houses that are available for just one night or up to several months. If the college football game is just a part of your vacation experience, you may want to consider renting a house more centrally located near other activities. Rentals.com allows you to search for homes for rent based on other activities such as hiking, skiing, shopping or golf.

Bob Clouser, Director of Business Development of Rentals.com addresses the need for short-term housing options. “People are looking for alternatives to pricey hotels for their vacations, weekends, and even business trips,” says Bob.

Consider, for example, visiting Austin, Texas for the weekend. Hotels in downtown Austin run an average of $150-$275 per night. But if you are looking on a site like Rentals.com, you could come across a home rental listing like “Hancock Guest Nest Unique Urban Escape,” a studio loft located in the heart of Austin for a mere $100 per night. Hey Texas Longhorn fans, this house also happens to be located just a few miles from the football stadium!

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Extreme College Football Fans

How far will people go to express their passion for college football? Long after they graduate from college, and many times even if they never attended college at all, serious college football fans of all ages pack university stadiums and hold tailgate parties year after year.  Some people go to extremes to support their favorite college football team.Here are just a few...

Famous fans

They are not known for their punting skills, they are not star linebackers, and they have never scored a touchdown in their life. Nonetheless, these fans enjoy a celebrity status alongside some of the most well-known football players.

Mike “Big Dawg” Woods is considered the ultimate Georgia Bulldogs fan. This popular Athens native does all the usual fan stuff like wear the team logos and colors. But his signature trademark is on his head. His wife paints a bulldog on his bald head for every game. In 2007, he won the Lincoln Financial "Super Fan" award. Big Dawg Woods has his own following with about 1000 fans on his facebook page.

Nathan Davis is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan who has the most college football tattoos ever documented. His entire body is inked with Crimson Tide pride including a large tattoo of Paul "Bear" Bryant stretched across his back.  Though he never attended the University of Alabama, he paints his face red, dons a kilt, wears white eye contacts, and proudly holds a flag at every game. Nathan Davis has gotten the attention of nationwide media for his dedication and appearance. 

Extreme tailgating fans

Tailgate parties are almost a required ritual for serious college football fans. Many fans prefer to conglomerate in parking lots and driveways rather than get a seat at the stadium during the game. Drinking, grilling meat and innovative displays of team loyalty is a tradition for fans at tailgate parties.

The most famous college tailgate party takes place each year in October in Jacksonville, Florida. The football match is between two notorious rivals; The Florida Gators and The Georgia Bulldogs. Dubbed “The the World's Largest Cocktail Party”, fans show up at the stadium parking lot as early as Wednesday for a Saturday game and continue to party as late as Sunday afternoon. This tailgate event is estimated to have a $25 million economic impact on the local economy.

On tailgating.com, a website devoted to the art of tailgating one fan describes the experience at the University of South Carolina;

“The University of South Carolina has the ultimate tailgating setting. A developer bought a large number of the cabooses from the railroad when they discontinued using them and parked them on a deserted track by Williams-Brice Stadium and formed the "Cock-A-Boose Railroad"! Supporters bought the "Cabooses" and lavishly restored them with plush carpet, marble trim wet bars, closed circuit TV of the games and sun decks on top. The party atmosphere is unbelievable and unequaled anywhere in college football.”

~Gene, a Gamecock Tailgater from South Carolina

Die hard college football fans

Sometimes the passion that college football fans have for their teams gets out of control. Fatal injuries and even death are the result of some unfortunate college football fanatics.

In November of 2006, James Walter Quick, 42 and Richard Allen Johnson, 43 drank beer all afternoon and watched the South Carolina -Clemson football game at Johnson's home. After a bitter argument over a $20 bet on the game, James Quick, a Clemson fan, fatally shot his friend with a high-powered rifle.

An argument between college football rivals Alabama and Louisiana State University turned deadly for a south Alabama couple at a game on November 8, 2008. Dennis and Donna Smith, Tigers fans, were shot to death following a heated dispute over the game. Michael Williams, a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan, was arrested and charged with murder.

Fans who take their college football pride to the grave

Photo by Collegiate Memorials

For some college football fans, living, eating and breathing the game is simply not enough. They want to die by the school's colors too. Extreme fans leave huge sums of money to the school’s football department in their will, their ashes get sprinkled on the playing fields, and some are loyally buried in logo-themed “shrines”.

In November, 2005 Christopher Noteboom, 33, of Tempe, Arizona claims he was only honoring his mother's last request when he ran onto the turf of Lincoln Financial Feild holding a plastic bag during Sunday's game. He left a cloud of ashes behind him as he ran toward the 30-yard line, dropped to his knees and made the sign of the cross before getting handcuffed and arrested. His mother was a life-long Eagles fan.

Spreading ashes on college football turf is (technically) not legal. But many people do it anyway. There are a few colleges that actually welcome ashes. Notre Dame University has Cedar Grove Cemetery where catholic fans of the college can be cremated and laid to rest.

Collegiate Memorials located in Macon, Ga, is the first and largest company to specialize in a line of college themed memorial products. College football fans can express their loyalty to their alma maters with an urn, a solid wood casket, or even a monument adorned with the logo of their favorite college football team.

AUTHOR INFO

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted via web from Apartment Living

5 Makeshift Furniture Pieces for Your College Apartment

Do you need some cheap furniture to create a living space in your college dwelling?  Here are 5 creative things you can do in order to have the essentials cheaply and sometimes free. These furniture alternatives are super easy to install, versatile, and even simpler for breaking down, transporting, and re-using!

The file cabinet & door desk

Most important, is the desk. You will be spending copious amounts of time hunched over your desk studying and doing homework. It should be a big, sturdy piece of furniture to stack loads of books on. The cheapest way to achieve this is the filing cabinet & door desk.  It’s simple: Get two filing cabinets and a door from Home Depot or Lowes.  Stack the door on top of the filing cabinets and presto, you have spacious desk!

Estimated cost:

$ 20 for an unfinished door

$ 50 for two file cabinets

The exercise ball computer chair

You can’t have a desk without a chair. An exercise ball is not only very affordable; it may be the most comfortable computer chair that you have ever owned –especially for your back. Forcing you to balance and engage your abdominals, an exercise ball is ergonomically correct for your body. Just make sure you get the right size (the size recommendation is on the box and usually goes by your height). Exercise balls are also a great way to multi-task. When not used for a chair, they are excellent for body toning and conditioning.

Estimated cost:

$15 for one exercise ball

The milk crate bed frame

Make sure you get commercial strength milk crates. Don’t rely on cheap retail imitations. You can order them online for relatively cheap. If you can get them at grocery stores for free -even better! All you need is one mattress. Simply align the milk crates on the ground and slap the mattress on top. The milk crates make it easy to store stuff under your bed. They are also very versatile. If you decide to get another type of bed, you can always use the milk crates for other furniture like side tables, stools or book shelves. They are also great for moving!

Estimated cost:

$ Free! (or relatively cheap)

The cinder block book case

Cinder blocks and slats of wood are cheap and easy to come by. One trip to a hardware store will provide you with the two things you will need to create this trusty old piece of furniture.  The amount of cinder blocks and slats of wood to get depend on how large you want your bookcase. For a bookcase with three shelves, 6 cinder blocks and 3 pieces of wood will do the trick. Simply layer the wood on top of 2 cinder blocks at a time.

Estimated cost:  (depends on the size)

3 Slats of wood: $ 15

6 cinder blocks:  $12

The trunk coffee table

An old trunk has lots of character. Not only does it make a vintage, eclectic piece to add to your apartment, it is also practical. Store blankets and other items you are no using inside. If you have an old trunk sitting around, perfect! But even if you have to buy one, they are not that hard to find. Keep your eyes open in thrift stores, or grandma’s closet. Old tea crates also make nice coffee tables. But they are increasingly hard to find.

Estimated cost:

$ Free! (or thrift-store prices)

AUTHOR INFO

April Lentini likes to repurpose furniture and you will rarely find her shopping at traditional, “buy the whole room” type of furniture stores. She writes for http://San-antonio.apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

10 iPhone Apps For Fashionistas

If you are a slave to fashion and style, you may already know that looks don’t just fall together naturally. It can be a real science to coordinate outfits, style hair, and apply makeup to fit any given occasion. If you need some help keeping your looks together, here are 10 iPhone apps for keeping your style up-to-date & organized.

 

Photos by: Minako Bracken on Flickr Creative Commons

#1 Lookz -$59.00
This app includes video tutorials, and up-to-date cosmetic advice from some of the web’s most famous make up experts Learn tricks of the trade, gossip and news on the latest trends. Lookz helps you obtain new skills and techniques anywhere.

#2 Chanel –Free
Get news, photos, videos, and product information from one of the biggest leaders in fashion. With this app, you can watch fashion shows and see the latest offerings from Coco Chanel.

#3 Fashion Sense -$.99
Fashion Sense is a simple application that will teach you how to dress for the shape of your body using the same time tested rules celebrity stylists. You will be provided expert advice on the nine classic wardrobe pieces every woman should own.

#4 Style.com –Free
Style.com has tailored its web site content, including fashion show photos, Style File blogs, reviews, couture shows and video feeds, to take full advantage of the features of iPhone and iPod Touch. With this app, you have the latest news for style trends at your fingertips.

#5 Pocket Closet -$.99
The Pocket Closet was designed for the obsessive compulsive fashionista. How would you like to document and catalog your clothing, shoes and accessories by going through your closet and taking pictures of your clothes with your phone, then add them into categories to your fashion database? You’ll never wear the same outfit twice!

#6 Seventeen’s Fashion Finder –Free
Seventeen’s iPhone app lets teen girls shop for a range of items and styles on their phones and even locate and reserve apparel at their local stores. The Fashion Finder app uses a database to query nearby stores about the actual availability of an item in specific sizes and colors.

#7 Mardo Fashion Quiz -$1.99
Think you are the Ultimate Fashionista? Test your style knowledge with Lady Mardo’s Ultimate Fashion Trivia on your iPhone or iPod. With Questions from over 10 genres of the fashion industry, this iPhone trivia game is fun for anyone who has an interest in Fashion.

#8 Net-a-Porter –Free
If price is no concern in your fashion budget, get the Net-a-Porter.com app. The high-end online fashion retailer, allows shoppers to buy couture dresses, shoes, and other luxury goods from their cell phones. There is simply no reason to be bound to your computer in order to buy $1,000 shoes or $8,000 gowns.

#9 Fashion Idea Generator -$.99
Fashion designers, are you looking for a muse? The next time you're experiencing “designer block”, bring this app up and shake: it'll randomly provide you with three fashion keywords, like color, fabric, and technique. "Hot Pink" + "Bias Cut" + "Trench Coat"? Perfect.

#10 Cool Guy –Free
Finally, there is something for the metro sexual men. The Cool Guy app will help fashion-conscious guys categorize their closet, create new outfits, remember to shop for new stuff, and pack for trips. This app also lets men share their outfits with friends (or girlfriends) in order to get “fashion consultant” feedback.  

AUTHOR INFO

April Lentini writes for Apartmentguide.com

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10 Most Affordable Apartments Near the University of Texas

If you are a student at the University of Texas in Austin, you are probably watching your budget. One way to save money is to share an apartment with a roommate instead of opting for fancy meal plans and over-rated college dorms. Here are Apartment Guide’s top 10 most affordable apartments near the University of Texas.

Photo credit: Falashad Flickr Creative Commons

UT students can save money living in one of these affordable apartments!

#1 Travis Station Apartments –as low as $375
Enjoy a beautifully landscaped community in the heart of Austin. Travis station is a quick 15 minute commute to the University of Texas, plus Austin nightlife is right at your fingertips. Travis Station, with apartments starting at a low $375 offers residents poolside Wi-Fi and a free gourmet coffee bar!

#2 The Village at Riverside –as low as $405
This community is a student oriented community offering resort-style amenities. Not only is this apartment complex within biking distance to the university, you get large private bathrooms and free tanning!

#3 Mission James Place –as low as $429
This apartment complex is just a 15 minute drive to the University of Texas.  With seven floor plans to choose from you can live in a trendy, urban setting in downtown Austin. No need to go to the laundry mat. Each unit comes equipped with a washer and dryer!

#4 Lafayette Landing/English Aire –as low as $452
9 minutes away from the college’s campus, Lafayette Landing accepts pets, offers public transportation, and has on-site laundry facilities. The most affordable unit is the efficiency starting as $452 per month.

#5 Montecito Apartments –as low as $499
How would you like to study near a wood-burning fireplace or do your homework on your private balconies or patio? Covered carports protect your vehicle in this apartment complex, only 10 minutes away from the University of Texas.

#6 Salado at Walnut Creek –as low as $499
Designed to live like homes, Salado at Walnut Creek features two pools, a lighted sports court, sand volleyball, and a community laundry center. The studios start a $499. It takes only 13 minutes to get the University of Texas.

#7 Forest Hills –as low as $499
Only 4 and half miles from the University of Texas, a Forest Hills apartment is best described as an “oasis in the midst of a thriving city.” One bedroom apartments start at $499. Need to organize a study group? Take advantage of the two beautiful club houses on the property.

#8 Bainbridge Villas –as low as $500
For  500 dollars a month, you get a pet-friendly apartment complex with large closets, a pool and a playground. It will take you a mere 13 minutes to get to class and for your shopping convenience; you will be located within a stone’s throw of the Southwood mall.

#9 Cameron Greens –as low as $500
For 500 dollars you get a one bedroom, one bath apartment. Location is everything. Within walking distance to shopping centers, restaurants and bars, Cameron Greens Apartments is only a 9 minute drive to the University of Texas.

#10 Promontory Point –as low as $509
Located minutes from the UT shuttle, Promontory Point features apartments with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and large patios.  Not only will you be close to campus, but you will also be located near major employers such as Applied Materials, Motorola, Apple, Samsung, USPS and UPS. You may not even have to move after getting a job after college!

AUTHOR INFO

April Lentini writes for http://austin.apartmentguide.com

 

 

 

 

Posted via web from Apartment Living

The Princeton Review Reveals Top 5 Luxury College Dorms

College students are trading in ramen noodles and futons for posh college amenities. Why not live like a rock star in college? You can always cram some roommates together in an apartment after you graduate and start making your student loan payments. Princeton Review’s The Best 371 Colleges 2010 rates colleges based on dorm comfort. If you want to study in style, here are the top 5 college dorms that made the “Dorms Like Palaces” list by the Princeton Review.

Photo by: Ed Brambley from Flickr's Creative Commons

# 1 Smith College Dorms (Northampton, Mass.)
Tuition & Fees:  $37,758 / yr
Room & Board: $12,622 /yr
Weekly tea parties & Candle-lit dinners with teachers: Priceless

As an all-girls college, it makes perfect sense to focus on romance and creature comforts.  This liberal arts college woos the ladies with intimate housing arrangements. Students live in spacious wood-frame or brick houses on a beautifully landscaped campus – “complete with a pond and a waterfall”.  It is a tradition at this school to have weekly tea party socials and candle-lit dinners with faculty served in the comfort of their homey dorms.

#2  Loyola University in Maryland Dorms (Baltimore,MD)
Tuition & Fees: $36,240 / yr
Room & Board: $9,740 /yr
Food catering service: Priceless

As with most universities, there is no such thing as a “school cafeteria”. Students get “dining services.” Perhaps what makes these dorms special -aside from the unusually large walk-in closets, is the dining options. There are over 10 full-blown restaurants spread out on this campus. Students can chose between Sushi, Indian, Italian, or southwestern cuisine along with American delis. This Jesuit-based college offers catering services if you would like to host a study group.

#3 Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Dorms (Needham, MA)
Tuition & Fees: $37,900 / yr
Room & Board: $13,485 /yr
Required to live on campus: Pricey

In addition to high-tech data ready connectivity of their residences, there is a homey feel too. Students enjoy fireplaces in the residence hall lounges, private baths, air conditioning, and cable. This college also features "Just-In-Time Cooking,” a service where dining faculty prepares food to order. The eclectic and varied menu in the dining hall includes vegetarian, vegan, and healthy choice selections. Unless given an exception from the Dean of student life, all students are required to live on campus.

#4 Scripps College Dorms (Claremont, CA)
Tuition & Fees: $37,950
Room & Board: $12,600
Sea foam graduation gowns: Priceless

According to their website, #4 on their “Top Ten Reasons to Attend Scripps College” is the designer chimney tops on the campus buildings. Designed by architect Gordon Kaufmann, the chimney tops were crafted “with individuality in mind”. Their top ten list of reasons to attend this all-female college also include: the secret gardens (#7), fresh baked cookies (#9), and the sea foam graduation gowns (#10).  As far as dorms go, Students enjoy rooms with balconies, walk-in closets, private bathrooms and community living rooms with a grand piano and fireplace.

#5 Bennington College Dorms (Bennington, VT)
Tuition & Fees: $39.760/year
Room & Board: $11,100 /year
A weekly dose of chocolate-covered strawberries: Priceless

This campus resembles nothing less than a beautiful country club retreat. At Bennington, “dorms” are referred to as “houses”. Students can choose a house based on its architectural style - from modern to traditional New England. Most houses have a kitchen and living room complete with fireplaces.  As with many of the colleges on this list, the dining hall serves entrees from Thai to Cajun to Italian with a wide range of options, including vegetarian and vegan selections.

AUTHOR INFO
April Lentini writes for http://austin.apartmentguide.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted via web from Apartment Living