Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia

Volunteerism in Philadelphia is alive and well. Whether you are a retiree looking for fulfilling and rewarding work to occupy your time or you are just looking for ways to connect with the Philadelphia community and make some like-minded friends, volunteering is a great way to bond with others and give back to the community.

Image by: firstbaptistnashville on Flickr

It’s easy to find a volunteer organization in Philadelphia that could use your talents and give you the great feeling of helping others. Here are a few great places to get started.

Philadelphia Cares

For those who are not sure what to volunteer for, the Philadelphia Cares Web site is a good place to start. The Philadelphia Cares site calendar features the latest events in need of volunteers and matches people with various nonprofit agencies. You can decide on a volunteer opportunity based on when it is convenient for you and which opportunity best matches your talents and resources. From fundraising events to working with animals, children and senior citizens, you can find something that has meaning to you.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philadelphia

If you are looking to develop a bond with a youth in need, this is a great organization that fosters mutual bonds between an adult mentor and a child. According to the latest Census information, approximately 120,000 children in Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties are at risk of social and academic failure. You can be a positive influence on a child’s life, but you may discover that you need to mentor a child just as much as he or she needs you.

Philabundance

Philabundance is Philly’s largest food bank network in the area. Their mission is “to end hunger and malnutrition in the Delaware Valley by acquiring food and distributing it through organizations serving people in need.” According to a recent study by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), a national nonprofit company in Washington, Philadelphia is the second-hungriest area in the nation. Philabundance has volunteers of all ages and walks of life who donate their time to work in the warehouse, provide administrative support, and assist with special events.

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo relies heavily on volunteers of all ages to help with administration, give tours and even help as zookeeper assistants. The zoo has volunteer programs that are perfect for adults, teens and college interns. If you love working with animals and enjoy educating other people about animals, the Philadelphia Zoo would be a great place to give your time and interact with other animal lovers.

Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia

Doing physical work with your hands can be very rewarding. Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia focuses on building multiple homes in a community rather than scattered site houses. The organization rehabilitates entire neighborhoods by providing simple, decent, affordable homes for families in need. You can get involved with Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia by providing some much-needed elbow grease in building homes or donating materials to the organization.

No matter how much time you have to give or what your interest, there is a volunteer organization that needs your help in Philadelphia. Discover the joys and benefits of being part of a bigger community in Philadelphia.

April Lentini writes for Philadelphia Apartment Guide near Restaurant Row.

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Things to Consider Before Moving In Together

So you’ve been dating a while and have decided it is time to take the big step and move in together. Before you start furniture shopping and getting comfortable in your love nest, you may want to consider some very important details of co-habitation.

Image: Foxtongue (Flickr)

Are you are ready to live together?

When couples move in together, they see all aspects of each other’s lives – even the not-so-pretty side. If you have been on an extended trip with this person or have spent the night at his or her home more than a few times, then you probably have a better idea of how your boyfriend or girlfriend lives and the little habits that are bound to follow when you move in together. If you have never traveled with your partner or you have never spent the night (more than once in a row) with your partner, then you may want to hold off on your decision to live together.

Lifestyle

If you have been dating a while, chances are you have compatible lifestyles. But maybe there are some things that you haven’t thought about. Smokers and nonsmokers, for example, usually don’t live well together. He or she may have been doing a good job of keeping his or her smoking habit away from you up until now, but how do you think it’ll go if you live together? There are certain intricacies of your partner’s lifestyle that may surface only after you move in together. Is he as neat as you? Does she have a strange habit of leaving drinking glasses all over the apartment? If you like to go to bed early and wake up early, living with a night owl may not work out so well.

Bills

The one thing that many couples fight over the most is money. If you are searching for an apartment together, make sure that both names are on the lease. Also, agree in advance how the utility bills will be paid. Usually, couples living together for the first time feel that it is wise to keep their own checking accounts. Draw up a budget and make sure that you can both afford the place that you choose.  If one person is going to be responsible for paying the bills from his or her own account, the other should have a set due date of when to transfer his or her half of the bills every month.

Furniture

Who is keeping what and who will sell their stuff? If you are each coming from your own place, it may be time to consolidate. You may not have room for two sofas and two dining room sets. If you are lucky, there is usually one person who doesn’t mind getting rid of their cheap furnishings (it’s usually the guy) -especially if it’s their old college dorm furniture to begin with. But you may have to fight about some things. If your girlfriend, for example, is really attached to her pink lacey canopy bed and you want to keep your modern round bed from Ikea, you may have to bargain with her and even make some compromises. She may finally agree to your round bed, but no way is that black leather bachelor couch staying. This is just the beginning of your domestic existence. Make sure that you both collaborate on the furniture situation before moving in together.

Personal Space and Privacy

Each of you may be used to having your own personal space. If this is still important to you, make sure that your apartment accommodates those needs. Will a two-bedroom apartment be enough? Maybe a three-bedroom will better suit your need for space if you plan on having a home office or guest room. Having another room to escape to is handy if you are used to having control of the remote or want a quiet place to work or read while your other half watches TV. While it may seem petty, these things are worth considering before making the leap and living together.

Living together is a monumental step when you are in a serious relationship. If you think logically about the details before diving in, it may save you a lot of headaches.

April Lentini writes for ApartmentGuide.com in Philadelphia.

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Budget-Friendly Wedding Trends for 2010

Expensive, lavish weddings may still be in vogue for a minority of the population who has dollars to burn, but for most budget-conscious couples, the cheap wedding trend continues to gain popularity. Not only are budget-friendly weddings practical for money-saving reasons, but homemade weddings are fashionable in a shabby-chic, creative kind of way. Here are the latest budget-friendly wedding trends for 2010.

Backyard Weddings

Getting married in your own home is the perfect way to convey meaning over material. A smaller, more intimate wedding with family and friends obviously saves you money, but it can also provide a more comfortable atmosphere. There are many ways to decorate your home and backyard for a ceremony and reception. All you need for a small crowed in your backyard is a rental tent, tables and chairs, and the rest of the decorating is up to your imagination. Having a backyard wedding is also the perfect motivation for home improvement. Why not use the money you’ll be saving to fix up your yard, build a new deck or gazebo or remodel the kitchen?

Mismatched Bridesmaids (Or No Bridesmaids)

In traditional weddings, bridesmaids have long been forced to buy expensive dresses that they hate or would never wear again. For modern, low-maintenance weddings, the rules are a little more laissez-faire. The trend last year of mismatched bridesmaid dresses continues strong into 2010. You may choose to offer loose guidelines for your bridesmaids such as “Find a pastel-colored cocktail dress above the knee,” “Wear anything pink,” or you may choose to not have bridesmaids at all. After all, most of your guests probably don’t care, and a short, simple, low-fuss ceremony means there is more time to eat and party.

Homemade Wedding Favors & DIY Novelties

One good thing about a low-budget wedding is that it can bring out your creative side. Instead of sending guests home with a retail trinket such as a personalized champagne glass, why not put together 15-20 songs from your wedding soundtrack that you will have playing at the wedding? And, for table centerpieces, the sky is the limit. From candles and flower vases to eclectic pieces such as decorated Mason jars or wine bottles, DIY decorations and novelties are all the rage this year.

Creative Photography

Hosting a wedding on the cheap doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be memorable. Instead of hiring an expensive portrait photographer, many are going for the journalistic approach. Hire one or two professional photographers to snap candid shots of all party guests. Most freelance photographers will be happy to simply give you a digital file of all the photos instead of making you commit to a pricey wedding photography photo album. After the wedding you can go to an online service such as Flickr to create and publish your own photo book by simply uploading your favorite photos and adding captions. This also makes a great gift for family members after the wedding. Renting photo booths for weddings is also popular (though a bit pricier), as it entertains guests and gives you some surprising, often amusing memories.

Locally Catered or Potluck Meals

If you are really looking for a low-fuss, bare-bones wedding reception, make your wedding a potluck wedding. If you go this route, makes sure you are well organized and communicate clearly with your friends and family on what to bring. It is possible to pull this off in a classy way, but it takes careful preparation. You can always do a combination of catering and cooking yourself to save money. If that local Cajun restaurant down the street has the best jambalaya you have ever tasted, ask them to make a big batch for your wedding. By saving money on a full catering service, you can go all out on other things that are more important to you, such as buying the wedding cake of your dreams or offering a full-service bar.

BYOB Bar

Speaking of alcohol, one way to cut back on expenses is advertise a BYOB bar.  Instead of wedding gifts, you may send out invitations to guests saying, “Help stock the newlyweds’ bar.” Hopefully you have a wine cellar or basement to store all the libations. If each guest were to bring two bottles of your favorite wine, champagne or liquor, you will probably be stocked up for several years to come.

You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable and enjoyable wedding day. In fact, by cutting back on traditional expenses, you can avoid the stress of wedding planning and actually enjoy your special day.

April Lentini writes for Chicago Apartment Guide.  If you are looking for an apartment with a great community hall or poolside for your wedding, check out the many apartments available in Chicago. Image: PrincessAshley (Flickr)

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Best Break-Up Movies of All Times

The days leading up to Valentine’s Day inspire many people to cuddle up with their sweethearts and watch romantic films. But what about single people, or worse, people who have just had their heart broken by an unexpected or nasty breakup?  Don’t despair. Buy yourself some chocolate and ice cream, have yourself a good cry and curl up in front of your TV to embrace your newfound freedom. Here are eight great break-up movies that will make you feel glad to be single.

1. Sleeping With the Enemy (1991)

Think twice about envying the woman who appears to have it all: a handsome husband, a nice house and basically anything that money can buy.  So what would bring such a charmed housewife (Julia Roberts) to fake her own death, cut off her hair, move across the county and change her name? Why, her rich husband of course! See why this thriller will make you glad that you never got married or glad to be divorced.

2.  The War of the Roses (1989)

In another (seemingly) perfect marriage, the Roses are a professional, middle-aged couple who live in a small mansion and have two kids in college. They grow tired of each other, and their bitterness turns into a contest to out-humiliate each other in front of each other’s clients and friends. Eventually, their quarrels escalate into a violent personal war inside their large house where they both end up dead under the chandelier. This version of War of the Roses makes the real battles between the Houses of York and Lancaster at the end of the Middle Ages seem like child’s play.

3. Thelma and Louise (1991)

Geena Davis and Susan Surandon star in this action-packed story of two best friends who decide to go on a girls’ weekend trip. They end up being the victims of circumstance and become outlaws on the run. The men in their lives are enough to make any woman happy to die alone. If those weren’t enough reasons to convince you, the movie is worth it just to see a young Brad Pitt make an appearance before he became famous.

4. Secretary (2002)

This is a good movie to watch if you have ever thought your own life was messed up. A socially awkward and dysfunctional young female who just checked out of the hospital for self-injury starts dating her boss, who introduces her to a relationship of BDSM. Since she already has a self-destructive streak, she falls in love.  Her boss fires her, humiliates her and eventually marries her so that they can continue their dominant/submissive lifestyle happily ever after.

5. Closer (2004)

This mixed-up tangle of love stars Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen. Basically, four people’s lives are intertwined by lust. No one is really happy with the person he or she is with. When their eyes wander, they switch partners and each end up more heartbroken than they were in the beginning. This is a good movie to watch if you feel that your quest for a satisfying relationship is thwarted by the very confusing and insatiable human condition.

6. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Set in the 1950s, this is a story of two women who befriend each other and have a relationship that borders on lesbianism (considered a mental illness at the time). This tale of an obsessive relationship between two girls ends with murder by brick bludgeoning. If you think you have problems with your own love life, try living in the old days where you considered mentally ill if you did not conform to society’s standards.

7. Sid and Nancy (1986)

Nothing makes you happier to be single than a good, old fashioned dysfunctional rocker love story. This movie is based on the true story of Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman), bassist of the seminal punk rock band The Sex Pistols and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). Filled with an abundance of reckless drugs and sex, the love story ends up with a stabbing.  On an interesting side note: Courtney Love auditioned for the role of Nancy Spungen but did not get it. Ironically, she was later compared to the rock star’s troubled girlfriend on account of her marriage to Kurt Cobain.

8. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Have you ever dreamed of getting married and starting a family? Maybe you’ll decide that traveling the world and pursuing your dreams should come first after you see this depressing movie. A young couple falls in love, moves to the suburbs, starts a family and becomes completely miserable as the bored housewife experiences a midlife crisis. She plots to move the family to France to pursue acting but a pregnancy with the couple’s third child puts the couple in disagreement and as a result, the desperate housewife gives herself an abortion and dies. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet costar in this drama that makes their last film together, The Titanic, look like a love story with a happy ending.

Now you have plenty to keep you occupied, with eight Valentine’s Day movies for the jilted, single or heartbroken who are looking for movies to make them feel better. Single life does not seem so bad now, does it?

April Lentini writes for Greektown Chicago Apartment Guide
Image: ginnerobot (flickr)

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Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia

February is Black History Month. Philadelphia has a rich and interesting black American history. Boosted by a flood of Southern migrants in the early 1900s, Philadelphia’s black population took on a significant role as a cornerstone of America’s history.

The election of W. Wilson Goode as the city’s first black mayor in 1979, along with other prominent Philadelphia black heros such as Cecil B. Moore, who led NAACP marches through the streets, and Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson who performed to a crowd of 75,000 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, have shaped Philadelphia’s black heritage. If you are looking for ways to celebrate or recognize America’s black heritage in Philadelphia, take a look at some noteworthy black history events that are taking place in your area.

What: Cinema Sepia Afternoon Film Series: Walls and Doors: Inspiration from our Elders
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 – 3 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: Black Archetypes and Prototypes in Cinema with The Minority Reporter
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: African Dance Workshop with Amma and Ishmael (noon)
Hip Hop Jazz Musicology and Drum Circle with Coda (2 p.m.)
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)

What: The African American Experience Through Our Eyes and Yours, a series of monologues about issues that African Americans face in today’s society.
Where: The Kanbar Campus Center Performance Space
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Black History Showcase, the history of African Americans as an inspiring testimony to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14
Cost: Free

What: Black Journey, a high-spirited production celebrating heritage and tradition through the Black Musical experience.
Where: Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
260 South Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts
Suite 901
Philadelphia, PA 19102
When: Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Thursday, Feb. 18
Cost: $14 per seat

What: Blue Door, The Arden Theatre Company presents this funny and poignant drama of one man grappling at the intersection of his own identity and his cultural history.
Where: Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: January 14 – March 21, 2010
Cost: Tickets are $29-$48

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.
Image: Srbyugs (Flickr)

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What Does Your Ring Tone Say About You?

 

 

 

People are judging you by your cell phone ring tone. What does your ring tone say about you? Take this short quiz to find out.

 

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Turn Your Apartment into a Romantic Escape for Your Man

Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day was designed for women. Since most guys could care less about mushy cards, candles, chocolates and flowers, women need to think a little differently when romancing their men. This Valentine’s Day, keep a few candles burning for yourself if you’d like, but if you really want him to feel the love and know that you appreciate him, here are some ways to turn your home into a guy-friendly romantic escape.

Have a clean apartment and get a baby sitter

While most guys could care less about candles and soft music, they do appreciate a clean house.  Pick up your things and make room for your guy to be a guy on Valentine’s Day. Doing his laundry for him would be taking it one step further –but only if you are already on that level of intimacy. If you have kids, get them out of your home. Better yet, arrange to have them spend the night at someone else’s house if possible. When transforming your apartment into a guy-friendly romantic escape, the focus should be entirely on your man.

Get dressed up (or down) and have dinner ready

Where do most men want to go on Valentine’s Day? Nowhere, that’s where. They’re tired. They worked all day and they probably had to stand in a long line at the grocery store buying you flowers and candy if they were not creative enough to get a custom valentine gift (but that’s another article). The last thing your man wants to do is wait an hour to be seated at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day. So, dine in. Surprise him with the smell of his favorite meal cooking as he walks in the door. If you lack the talent for cooking, order in his favorite meal. Even if he made reservations somewhere, he will probably prefer to eat alone with you in that smoking outfit you’ll be wearing. Bow chica wow wow.

Succumb to Guy Activities

What do guys want to do on Valentine’s Day? Well, if you’ve been partners for a while, probably nothing. A MythBusters Marathon may be a married man’s idea of a hot date, so why fight it? On this one night, it won’t kill you to sit on the couch with him and appreciate his passion for explosives. If he likes to play video games, just go with it. Maybe he will suggest some risqué movies or games that will keep you both entertained. The point is this: you are making this his night to be pampered, so if he wants to vegetate in front of the TV, so be it. If he wants to tinker around in the basement or garage, strap on a tool belt and offer him a helping hand. For him, making an effort to take interest in his stuff may be more endearing and romantic than you think.

Many women see Valentine’s Day as an excuse to be pampered like a queen. Fair enough. However, if you are lucky enough to have a man that treats you like a queen (on most days), turning your home into a man cave for one night is not going to hurt you.

April Lentini is married and likes jewelry, chocolates and flowers. But she appreciates those things the most when they are unexpected –not on the commercial Valentine’s Day. April writes for ApartmentGuide in Chicago’s Greektown. (Image: CarbonNYC)

In what ways would you let your man be a man for Valentine’s Day?

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New TV Shows Worth Recording For Spring 2010

Why does it seem like there is a lack of good television shows on when you come home from work? Maybe you just get busy and forget to watch them. Well, don’t let these new shows slip by you this spring. Fire up the DVR and start a series recording because this spring season has some DVR-worthy television shows that you may want on your recorded list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by: x-ray delta one (Flickr)

Human Target

Human Target is based on the popular DC comic book and graphic novel. This action-packed drama features the leading character, Christopher Chance, a contract security guard hired to protect. As a hired gun, Chance puts himself directly in the line of fire as he races against time to save his clients. Each episode unravels the mysterious Chance’s dark history and with it brings him eminent new danger.

Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Jan. 20, 2010
Time Slot: Wed., 9-10 p.m.

Past Life

In this drama series, main character Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish, “All My Children”) uses regression therapy along with her natural gift for reading people to solve the mysteries of her troubled clients. Each episode is a fast-paced emotional thrill ride as Kate and her colleagues unravel a new mystery involving the past lives of their clients who suffer from present-day problems caused by past-life traumas.

Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Feb 11, 2010 (two-hour series premier)
Time Slot: Thurs., 8 – 10 p.m.

The Marriage Ref

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld produces this new comedy reality show that reveals the humorous side to marriage. Celebrities candidly comment, judge and decide who’s right and who’s wrong in real-life disputes between real-life spouses. If you liked the show “Seinfeld” and found hilarity in relatable situations surrounding single life in New York City, you may appreciate Jerry’s new primetime venture surrounding the bizarre institution of marriage.

Channel: NBC
Sneak Preview: Sun., February 28, 2010 (following the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics)
Series Premier: March 4, 2010
Time Slot: Thurs., 10 – 11 p.m.

Parenthood NBC

From executive producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, this one-hour drama introduces audiences to the extended Braverman family. Centered on the conflicts of four diverse households and generations, the focus of this show is on the four grown siblings that share the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents in a modern family.

Channel: NBC
Series Premier: March 2, 2010
Time Slot: Tues., 10 – 11 p.m.

April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com in Chicago. When searching for an apartment, don’t skimp on the entertainment space. There are many apartments in Chicago that will accommodate your large, flat-screen T.V.

 

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