The Hip Suburbanite

iDrakula Brings Vampire Drama to Your iPhone

2010-10-05T12:18:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a new way to get the of the old Letters to Drakula, you should check out iDrakula by Bekka Black. The story of this vampire unfolds on your iPhone.

iDrakula is kind of a modern day abridged version of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula which, if you think about it, was kind of different for its time as the plot unfolded in letters. However, instead of being told through diary entries, newspaper articles and personal letter excerpts, iDrakula for your iPhone is presented in text messages, voice mail, emails and web site screen shots.

The dialog takes place between a few under-age kids. There are three protagonists; Jonathan Harker, Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray. Judging from the casual dialog, its not hard to imagine these young adults as typical high school students next door -only probably better looking, more self assured and well rounded. (How many high school students travel to Romania to meet a count?)

iDrakula is perfect for those with a short attention span. Teens and young adults who don’t have the patience for verbose dialog and descriptions will enjoy eavesdropping on the drama of this vampire story. It’s not a long story so you probably won’t get too attached to the characters. Expect to be entertained for a couple of hours or so if you scroll straight through the text messages and emails.

iDrauka is available in the iTunes Store .

The cost is $1.99.

Review by April Lentini

Posted via email from Apartment Living

How to Host a Rooftop Deck Party

2010-04-28T11:52:00.001-07:00

You just discovered that your new apartment building has an accessible rooftop, just in time for the summer. You may live in an urban jungle, but that should not prevent you from enjoying the finest outdoor garden party. Surround yourself in a shady green oasis, and break out the nice table linens; you can host a rooftop deck or garden party that will make your yard-mowing suburban friends wish they had rented an apartment in the city.

Image: Jawcey (Flickr)

Get permission from the landlord.

First, you need to find out if you are allowed to host parties on the roof of your apartment building. There may be some rules about how many people can access the roof, what the roof can be used for or reserving the roof during busy times of year. While you’re getting permission from your landlord, see if your apartment building neighbors want to help put together a big deck party. It would be a great way to get to know them and all their friends.

Make sure you have enough furniture for entertaining.

If your rooftop deck is not already equipped with patio furniture or lounge chairs, it’s time to ask your neighbors to get some tables and seating together. If every outdoor-loving, sociable tenant contributes at least one piece of furniture, you should have enough space for people to sit. Maybe the landlord will let you leave the furniture on the rooftop for future events. It’s best to keep it simple, so stick with inexpensive plastic furniture or folding chairs. If you plan on hosting a fancy affair, you can always dress up the patio furniture with tablecloths (or white sheets) and chair covers with ribbon.

Check for electrical outlets and a water connection.

If you want to play music or need to have access to water for your outdoor rooftop bar, it is important to make sure that you have the essentials ahead of time. Electrical outlets are not a given on a rooftop, and neither is a water supply. Look for this stuff ahead of time so you can make a plan for running extension cords from nearby apartments or stocking up on canned or bottled drinks with ice-filled coolers.

Prepare for the weather.

The weeks leading up to this fabulous rooftop party have been filled with warm, sunny days. However, be prepared for Murphy’s Law. Rain is always a possibility, and so is unbearable, sweltering heat (you are on a rooftop, after all). It’s a good idea to have a waterproof tent or canopy set up in addition to a few strong electric fans. The temperature on the top of a roof tends to be more extreme either way. Hot, stagnant days of summer are amplified on a tar-filled roof. Contrarily, rainy wind does not have building walls to buffer the blow, so make sure that the gazebo tent is secure and does not blow off the rooftop.

Provide trash cans and recycling bins.

Not providing adequate and proper waste management is a common mistake among amateur party hosts. Be sure that people do not have to ask you, “Where should I dump this beer bottle?” Also, find out what the smoking rules are beforehand. Chances are strong that smoking will be prohibited if you are on the roof of a public apartment building. Be sure to let guests know, and post signs to reinforce this rule.

Rooftop deck parties are the perfect venue for urban apartment dwellers to enjoy the outdoors. By adding outdoorsy details such as large potted plants and flowers, your guests will have the best of both worlds –a rooftop garden party amidst an awesome view of the city’s lit skyscape.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

2010-04-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

Austin is known as the “Tex-Mex capital” of the United States, so if you happen to live there, you are in an ideal location to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday. “Hump day” is the ideal day of the week for an after-hour cocktail. Here are just a few places in Austin that will be toasting Mexican culture on or around May 5 with drink specials, tasty food and other Mexican-themed goodies.

Image: Thetruthabout (flickr)

La Condesa
400 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

Make sure you make a reservation on May 5. This hip, modern Mexican restaurant is popular on any night of the week, but Cinco de Mayo is especially busy. Conveniently located downtown, La Condesa offers a modern, eclectic atmosphere with contemporary Mexican dishes inspired by the hip, bohemian Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. This is a good place to go if you are in the mood for posh dinner on Cinco de Mayo.

El Chile Café Y Cantina
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

Get there early to get a seat on the patio. El Chile Café Y Cantina serves up Tex-Mex food with rich, decadent sauces. Try the Oaxacan red mole that Critics rave about on El Chile’s roasted pork enchiladas. The smokey salsa is so good, they sell it by the jar. Happy hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. You can get half price appetizers and $1 off all drinks.

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741

No alcohol is served here, but that may not matter if you are in the mood for a good greasy spoon place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. If that is the case, head down to El Taquito for some rather authentic greasy Mexican food. Beware, though, that this place caters to those who like the real deal – the kind of food you might find on the streets of Mexico City. There is no orange cheese here, and the tacos are made from corn tortillas – not flour or wheat. Ask for a jarisco drink or have a Mexican coke.

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

On the classy end of Mexican restaurants in Austin, perhaps Fonda San Miguel takes the cake. The heavy doors and elaborate paintings on the wall will make you feel like you’ve been invited to a wealthy drug lord’s estate for dinner. Fonda San Miguel is a great place to impress a date for a Cinco de Mayo dinner. The hacienda style building is surrounded by great landscaping, mood lighting in the trees and you are greeted by valets as you pull up. The menu and drink selection are equally impressive. Make sure you make reservations.

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704

Curra’s Grill is a relaxed environment to grab some really good food and reasonably priced drinks. This place is very popular among locals, but it also has gained respect and notoriety in several restaurant reviews. It was voted “Best Interior Mexican Food” by the Austin Chronicle and “One of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Texas” by the Texas Monthly. Their hot sauce alone was voted “Best Red Sauce” in the 1998 Austin Hot Sauce Contest. Get there early to get one of the coveted patio seats.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How to Host a Rooftop Deck Party

2010-04-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

Image: Thetruthabout (flickr)

La Condesa
400 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

El Chile Café Y Cantina
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Cinco de Mayo Ideas for Working Stiffs

2010-04-28T11:43:00.001-07:00

May 5^th falls on a Wednesday this year. While “hump day” may not be ideal for most people to throw a massive Cinco de Mayo party, it is the perfect day of the week to relax and invite some friends over for Mexican-themed cocktails, food and fun after work. When you are busy, it is easy to forget about this festive holiday that is right around the corner. So be prepared when somebody says, “Hey, what are you doing for Cinco de Mayo tonight?”

Image: Cillian Storm (Flickr)

Keep in mind that nine-to-fivers need to get an early jump on middle of-the-work-week festivities. Do not wait until 9 p.m. to get your Cinco de Mayo party going. If you are hosting an event, make sure you include food so people will not have to squeeze in time for dinner.

Host a Taco Night

Taco nights are so easy and versatile; it is hard not to please everyone. Just set up a buffet-type taco bar complete with refried beans, taco meat, lettuce, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole an more. Give people the option of both hard shells and soft shells. Stock your bar with Mexican beer and liquor for authentic Mexican libations. Adding ambiance to your house or apartment is super easy with a few details such as a piñata, some string lights and, of course, Mexican music.

Have a Mexcian-Themed Pot Luck Night

You’re busy, so why do all the work when most people are more than happy to bring something to the fiesta? Host a Cinco de Mayo potluck at your home that will make all of your foodie friends believe that they have died and gone to a Latin American heaven. Pot lucks are low maintenance get-togethers because you only have to worry about one or two dishes and perhaps drinks. Pot lucks are also a great way to try new dishes. So, toast Mexican culture this Cinco de Mayo with some great home-made Mexican food and drinks.

Prepare a Margarita Bar, Including Light Hors d’oeuvres

Perhaps your “hump-day” amigos enjoy afternoon cocktails to break up the work week. In this case, get the blenders out and invite people over to your place with the focal point being a margarita bar. Don’t forget the cute mini umbrellas and sliced fruit to garnish your frozen drinks. If you need some inspiration on making creative margaritas, MargaritaTexas.com has everything you need to know about making margaritas, including some very unique recipes. You can’t let your friends drink on an empty stomach, so make sure that you have plenty of Mexican-like hors d’oeuvres available.

Attend Happy Hour at a Latin Club

If you prefer not to have the Cinco de Mayo celebration at your house, outsource the fun with the professionals. There are plenty of local bars in your town that have Cinco de Mayo events –especially during happy hour when you and your colleagues get off work. Take your salsa shoes if you are going to a dance club and make sure that you have a designated driver or make plans to take a taxi home if you plan on taking advantage of the two-for-one sangria specials.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Entertaining, Featured Article, Working Stiffs
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Tags: celebrate cinco de mayo after work, cinco de mayo cocktails, cinco de mayo happy hour, cinco de mayo ideas

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Advice for College Graduates Class of 2010

2010-04-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Many college students have the luxury of avoiding practical thoughts of reality while living in an academic world that promises a successful future with each passing class that leads to a college degree. College is generally fun and for the most part, easy. However, it rarely prepares you for the real world. It is no surprise that so many college students sail through their college years choosing to be blissfully oblivious to the details of real life after college. If you are part of the college graduating class of 2010, you face some unique challenges. Here is some advice for you. Consider it a cheat sheet for real life 101.

Image: Bredgur (Flickr)

Don’t be ashamed to move back in with mom and dad – for a while anyway

If you do not already have your own place with a steady income and a sound budget, it may be a smart idea to move back home until you get all that sorted out. Don’t be ashamed. You are not the only college graduate who will be moving back in with mom and dad. According to a recent poll by Collegegrad.com, 80 percent of 2009 college graduates moved back home with their parents after graduation, up from 77 percent in 2008, 73 percent in 2007 and 67 percent in 2006. Moving in with the parents is smart because it saves you lots of money while you figure out how you are going to afford to live on your own. Just be mindful that you are no longer living in the dorms and be respectful of the house rules. Offer to contribute to the household like an adult if you want to be treated like one.

Size up your expenses and debt – if you have any

Do your budget. If you have any student loans, you usually have a grace period of 6 months or so before you have to start paying money back. Even so, find out your your payment will be and factor that into your monthly living expenses. You may not be paying rent and utilities if you have chosen to move home, but gym memberships, credit cards, car payments, gas and other expenses still need to get paid. You may have to eliminate some things from your freshly graduated, broke budget. Make it a priority to pay off any consumer debt and devise a plan to do this once you find a job.

Just get a job

This is of course the reason you attended college in the first place, right? Well, keep in mind your first job out of college may not be your dream job. According to Collegegrad.com’s Director of Marketing and PR, Adeola Ogunwole,t he competitive job market is only one dynamic getting in the way of college graduates’ gainful employment. The other big obstacle is unreasonable expectations. Consider your first job a starter job – something to keep you busy and help put a little cash your pocket while you work toward the ideal career. Don’t feel bad if you don’t even know what that ideal career is. You have plenty of time to figure that out and it will always change as you get more experience and figure out exactly what you do and don’t like about various industries. The average person changes careers several times in his or her lifetime (not jobs, careers). So you might as well get started and get the crappy jobs out of the way first.

Define your goals (short term and long term)

While you are working your way through your first entry-level job, you may feel a sense of disappointment. “Is this what I went to college for?” many college graduates wonder. Use this as a motivation to figure out what you really want to do with your life. Look on the bright side and make the best of the experience. Entry-level positions can teach you, by process of elimination, what you like and dislike about that job. Keep notes and put your career goals in writing. As you define your goals, let others know about them too. Your boss may help you move to a different department within the company or your parents may have friends that work in a field that you are curious about. If you have personal goals of getting married and starting a family, define, write down and imagine how your life would look with those aspects as well. It may seem corny, but these jedi mind tricks can be a powerful tool when it comes to going after and getting what you want.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

Very few college graduates get the life that they imagined for themselves immediately after graduating. It takes much more than a four year degree to acquire skills, maturity and experience. While it may not seem like it for a while, there is life after college. Be patient and enjoy the ride.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Most Unusual Homecoming Traditions Across America

2010-04-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

For most high school students, homecoming is the most important time of year. In fact, in most schools, activities for the entire year are merely a set up leading to the climax of this one important football game. Included among homecoming activities are crazy traditions. Here are some of the more unusual homecoming traditions across America.

Image: Comwiz (Flickr)

Homecoming Mums in Texas

Many students in Texas take homecoming mums just as serious as the homecoming game itself. A homecoming mum is an oversized corsage wildly decorated in school colors with anything from bows, bells, stuffed animals, long ribbons or streamers, and even lights. This southwest version of a corsage is so big it is worn around the neck as a breastplate with streamers flowing down the front of the body to the floor. When it comes to mums for homecoming, it seems the tackier, the better. Homecoming mums have been known to cost more than $200 and weigh more than 20 pounds. Traditionally given to girls by their boyfriends, mums are exchanged by boys and girls alike by family members or friends. Boys wear a smaller version of mums on their sleeve called homecoming garters.

The Speedo Dash

At Cupertino High School near San Jose, Calif., the boys water polo team shows off their half naked bodies -scantily clad in Speedos by making a dash out of the corner of the football stadium and running across the field during halftime. That may not seem so bizarre, except that they do this at the moment the homecoming king and queen – all dressed up – are being crowned. Nonetheless, it is a popular homecoming tradition at Cupertino, with their much anticipated entrance being announced over the stadium PA and high school girls cheering wildly as they dash across the field.

Cross-dressing

In a small Texas school district, high schoolers from Spurger county celebrate TWIRP, which stands for “The Woman Is Requested to Pay.” During homecoming week, boys and girls have a chance to reverse social roles and let older girls invite boys on dates, open doors and pay for sodas (cougars in the making?) There is an additional twist. To add a dramatic visual to the conventional role change, this homecoming tradition encourages boys to dress like girls and vice versa (in other words – cross dressing.) This unusual tradition has been stopped by one parent’s complaint of “homosexual overtones.”

Weird Homecoming Mascots

Forget fierce and intimidating animal mascots, some high schools are so confident in their athletic teams, they transcend the cliché symbols of bravery, stamina and victory. Take the “The Laurel Hill Hoboes,” for example. This high school mascot is a basically a clown-type bum with a school letter t-shirt. A high school in Huntington Beach, California has “The Huntington Beach Oilers.” The mascot is a man in a hard hat, boots and a wrench standing in front of an oil leak. It is easy to imagine the students fighting each year over who is going to be the mascot in that homecoming parade. Centralia High School features “The Orphans” (for boys) and “The Annies” (for girls). New Berlin High School has a pretzel as their mascot.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

2010 Fashion Trends for Prom Dresses

2010-04-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

You don’t have to miss out on the prom dress trends this year or spend a lot of money on a fashionable prom gown. In fact, spending more than $100 for a prom dress is so 2000. This decade is about looking like a million bucks while being smart about your hard-earned cash. No matter what your style, there are many prom dresses this year that will look fabulous on you. Here is a sneak peak at the dresses you will see at the prom in 2010.

Image: Cherryfluff (Flickr)

Bright Colors

Fashion experts are saying that bright is the new black. Think 1980s neon bright. Bright shades of red, orange, blue, yellow and green are popping up everywhere in retail stores for prom. This is your night to stand out. Forget the basic little black dress for prom, and go with a bold color that looks good on your skin tone. You may want to consider self-tanner or a spray-on tan if you need some color to pull off a bright color, but do not get too obsessed with having a tan. It is not worth risking your health in a tanning booth and besides, the orange, over-tanned look is definitely out this year.

Shiny and Metallic

Metallic fabrics have made their way into the classic formal option and will probably never really go out of style. This year, fabrics with a sheen or sparkle are popular choices for those beauties who love to shine – particularly in shades of gold, copper and silver. Shiny beads also add pizzazz to any fabric. Whether they are used sparingly or liberally, they are hot details for prom dresses in 2010.

Wild or Bold Patterns

One of the newest fashion trends for formal dresses this year is fresh, bold prints. From floral to graphic designs, these dresses are showing up everywhere including celebrity events, weddings and of course, proms. Fashion hint: When you choose a bold pattern, make sure to keep accessories at a minimum. The pattern of your dress is sure to get you noticed enough. No need to take away from it with large earrings or a sparkly necklace.

Any length goes

From mini dresses to long, sweeping gowns, this year is filled with a variety of lengths when it comes to prom dresses. Choose a prom dress length for your body type. If you are short, you may want to stick with a shorter length dress just above your knees. Tall girls can wear anything but look great in long gowns. A tea-length dress comes about mid-calf, which works best on medium to tall girls.

Flowing, Tutu or Straight

One of the hottest prom dress trends (carried over from last year) is the tutu prom dress. Usually a short, baby doll dress, it flares out at the waist or just below the bust with layers of soft crinoline. Contrarily, a straight pencil prom dress with either a pleated or fitted waist is a fresh fashion trend for 2010. These dresses are also known as a pin-up or vintage dress. Flowing dresses are always a romantic look, whether pleated, flared or with a duster or train.

Thrifty

It’s en vogue to be a frugal fashionista. “Frugalistas” are well-dressed women with financially savvy brains. They know that you don’t need to spend more than $100 on a dress to look great. You can look like a million bucks with a used dress from a thrift store, consignment store or discount retailer such as Ross, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. If you don’t plan on wearing your dress again, you can spread the frugalista karma by donating your dress to a girl in need or getting a free dress if you need one yourself at Donatemydress.org.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Four Ways Single Moms Can Celebrate Mother’s Day

2010-04-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

If you’re a mom, no matter what your budget or schedule, you deserve to be recognized on Mother’s Day.

Image: Ecohen (Flickr)

Single mothers of young children often have to initiate their own Mother’s Day celebration. If so, don’t feel guilty about taking some time to yourself for some pampering, fun or quality time with your kids to reflect about what being a mother means to you. Here are some ways that single moms like you can honor their supermom selves and celebrate Mother’s Day.

Time to Yourself

Being a mother is hard work. Sometimes you just need to get away. While it may seem ironic to want to get away from your kids on a day that honors your commitment to motherhood, it is not a bad idea. Remember, this is your day. Let a friend or grandparent take the kids while you take a few hours for yourself to have a pedicure, shop or go for a vigorous hike or another workout you enjoy. You may be surprised at how fast you can recharge your mom batteries with just a day – or even half a day – to yourself.

Time with Friends or Other Moms

If you need some girl time, ditching the kids to spend time with your adult friends may be just the thing for a Mother’s Day celebration, especially if your friends are also moms. Get someone to watch your children and join your fellow baby mamas out for brunch, a chick flick and maybe even some afternoon cocktails. It is important to reconnect with the friends that you had before you had kids. No one can lend an ear or make you laugh like a good girlfriend.

Time with Your Mom

Why not spend the day with your own mom, with or without the kids? If you get someone to watch the little ones, you can do all the things grown-up moms and daughters like to do, such as shopping and lunch, shopping and snacks or shopping and eating chocolate. If your mom doesn’t get to see her grand kids that often, you can include them on a Mother’s Day outing. Go to a park and pack a picnic. Let the kids wear themselves out on the playground while you and your mom sip mimosas and gossip. Or, go someplace cool, such as a museum exhibit or an aquarium.

Time with Your Kids

They are the reason you are being celebrated on this day. If you are like many busy working single mothers, you may not feel like you have enough quality time with your kids. Sure, you are constantly harping on them to do their homework, pick up their room and help with the dishes, but don’t forget that being a mom can actually be fun. Take some time to actually enjoy your kids by doing something fun together.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

2010-04-22T07:43:00.001-07:00

Image: Thetruthabout (flickr)

La Condesa
400 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

El Chile Café Y Cantina
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How to Accommodate Vegetarians at Your Barbeque

2010-04-16T12:21:00.001-07:00

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and you are making plans for your famous annual barbeque. You pride yourself as a meat-grilling master Jedi, but just when you are ready to break out the recipe for your secret rub, you find out that there will be vegetarians present. What are you supposed to do to accommodate these oddballs? Don’t panic. You can still wow your meat-eating guests with your robust marinades while being a good host to vegetarians, too. Here are some simple ways to accommodate vegetarians at your Memorial Day barbeque.

Image: Basykes (Flickr)

Much to the carnivore’s surprise, accommodating vegetarians is pretty easy. Vegetarians are generally prepared when they attend a meat eater’s barbeque to fend for themselves anyway. Your vegetarian guests probably plan on bringing their own veggie burgers or fish (if they are pescatarians) to your barbeque. If you are the type of host that likes to be prepared and cater to everyone, here are some great meat alternatives for you to have on hand for the grill no matter what your barbeque style is. You may even be surprised to see your meat-eating friends enjoying these vegetarian options too.

If you are grilling hamburgers

If you are having a casual hamburger grill-out, you don’t need to go to great lengths for your vegetarian friends. Large portabella mushroom caps make a great hamburger alternative. Best of all, you can season them or marinate them in your own fabulous hamburger spices so your vegetarian friends can be equally impressed. Pescatarians will also appreciate a well-prepared, grilled salmon burger. Of course, you can always find frozen veggie burgers at your local grocery store if you don’t feel like preparing extra stuff. Keep in mind that veggie burgers and portabella mushroom caps do not need much time on the grill compared to the real hamburger patties you are cooking.

If you are grilling hot dogs

You can find vegetarian hot dogs at almost any major grocery store. They are also known as “veggie dogs” on the packaging. Vegetarian hot dogs, like most processed soy products, do not take long to cook on the grill. You can find a variety of vegetarian hot dogs including vegetarian bratwurst and even vegetarian Italian sausage. If you shop at Kroger or Publix, you will easily find these products in the refrigerated health food section. Keep in mind that you are not limited to these soy alternatives. Guest can fill up their hot dog buns “hoagie style “with a vegetarian stir-fry. Put some red peppers, onions, mushrooms, chopped-up tofu or tempeh in some aluminum foil on the grill. Topped off in the hot dog bun with sprouts and some good dressing, these will make a perfect meat alternative.

If you are grilling chicken or steak

Pescatarians love a good tuna steak or a flavorful salmon fillet. You can dress up a tuna steak or salmon fillet in the same glaze or marinade that you plan on using for your regular steaks. For strict vegetarians, you have some other options. Go to the health food section of your grocery store and look for the firmest tofu you can find. It may say “extra-firm” but if you see “firm as a brick,” get that one instead. You can also use tempeh, a tougher, grainier soy product. Slice the tofu or tempeh into flanks and marinate them in your secret sauce. Tofu takes on whatever flavor that you apply to it. Many recipes exist for creating the perfect tofu steak. Some involve mixing it with bread crumbs or cornmeal for the right consistency. Just remember that soy products take a fraction of the time to cook as your regular steaks.

If you are grilling shish kebabs

Vegetarians love shish kebabs. As long as you have plenty of veggies in your shish kebab lineup, you don’t need to do anything else. Don’t forget to include a variety of vegetables and even fruit. Pineapple, tomatoes, peppers and onions are great, but you can also include Japanese eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes, zucchini, squash and of course, marinated tofu or tempeh for added protein. Also, shrimp and scallops make a great seafood option for meat-eaters and pescatarians alike.

If you are grilling a whole pig on a spit

Please warn your vegetarian friends. They may decide to eat before they come to your house or they may decide to not come at all.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How to Baby Proof Your Apartment

2010-04-16T12:03:00.001-07:00

As a new parent, you know how fast your baby grows. Just when you get used to your baby’s feeding schedule and diaper changes, you realize you need to accommodate his or her ever-changing routine. As your baby grows older, take some precautions to make your apartment safe and secure for crawlers and toddlers. Here is how you can baby-proof your apartment as your growing baby explores the world around him or her.

Image: Magerly(Flickr)

For the first three months, you may have not given much thought about how safe your entire apartment is for babies. They don’t really move much as you carry them back and forth to their cribs, playpens, car seats and strollers. But be prepared after four months to think about the nooks and crannies that your baby will be exposed to as soon as she starts to crawl.

Inspect from a baby’s eye-level

One of the best ways to see the potential household hazards to your baby is to crawl around your apartment floor. Dog bowls, nails, wires, dust and other small objects are some things that you may not even think about while standing upright, five or six feet above the ground. Babies have keen eyesight for small things up close. They will inspect things that you wouldn’t even notice if you were not looking for them. So, get down on all fours and remove anything from the floor that you would not want them putting in their mouths.

Remove or cover sharp edges

Furniture with sharp corners and clumsy babies learning to stand or walk are not a good combination. You may want to exchange your square or rectangular coffee table with a round one or, better yet, just get rid of the coffee table so your baby has room to scoot about on the floor. If you absolutely cannot part with furniture, or sharp edges in your apartment are unavoidable, you can always buy safety guards to turn sharp corners into soft corners. They are not very stylish, but you may as well face it: If you have a child, your apartment is probably not going to look stylish for the next several years.

Cover electrical outlets

Electrical outlets that are floor level should all have covers on them –unless they are being used, in which case they should be blocked from access to prevent your baby or toddler from playing with electrical plugs. Baby-safe outlet covers can be found on most online stores. One of the most popular outlet covers on the market is the sliding panel outlet cover. The cover automatically slides over the outlet when the plug is pulled out, protecting your baby from an exposed outlet.

Rearrange House Plants

What kid doesn’t love to play in the dirt? A potted plant is the perfect playground for babies and toddlers, so say goodbye to any house plants that are on the floor or within reach to a small gardener prodigy. If the weather is warm enough, put them outside or find another location for them, such as hanging them from the ceiling.

Install baby locks for cabinets

Kitchens are the most dangerous place in the house –especially for babies. No baby should be roaming around on the kitchen floor unattended, but even if you are keeping a close watch on your child, it is wise to secure your bottom kitchen cabinets with baby-proof locks. Accidents happen so fast, and the last thing you want is for your child to get into cleaning chemicals under the sink or cut himself on a sharp appliance.

Keep bathroom doors closed

Does your dog drink out of the toilet bowl? What about your baby? Bathrooms are the second-most dangerous place (after kitchens) for a baby or toddler to explore. Medicine cabinets, showers, tubs, faucets and chemicals are not baby-friendly. The best way to keep your baby safe from the bathroom is to get in the habit of closing the bathroom door – always.

Invest in a baby gate

In areas that do not have a door, the best investment you can make in your home is a baby gate. The safest baby gates are the plastic ones with solid panels. It’s best to avoid the kind with fancy bars, as babies can get their hands stuck or even heads stuck in between the rails. Accordion-style baby gates are not even made anymore, but if you happen to come across one, don’t even think about using it. They are very dangerous and can pinch or even strangle your baby.

By putting yourself in the mind of a curious baby, you can get ahead of the game and create a baby-safe apartment before your child has a chance to get hurt or injured.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Practical Nursery Ideas for Your Apartment

2010-04-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

One of the most exciting things about expecting a baby is getting the nursery ready. When first-time parents start acquiring baby furniture and anticipating their baby’s every need, it makes the reality of having a baby more concrete and believable. The main mistake that many first-time parents make however, is believing that they need to buy every baby product advertised. Before you go crazy buying a retail package of nursery furniture and decorations, consider the long term use and value. Here are some practical (and affordable) nursery ideas for your apartment that could last you well beyond the baby years.

Image: Jelene (Flickr)

The Crib

According to consumer reports, it’s never a good idea to get a hand-me-down, used crib. Older cribs are often recalled for safety reasons and besides, doesn’t this brand new baby person deserve to sleep in a brand new bed? But that doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy an expensive, trendy baby crib such as the round baby cribs that have been made popular by many celebrities. Cool, yes. Practical, not at all. The most practical cribs are the ones that convert into a toddler bed and even a twin bed when your child gets older. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you think ahead and get something that can be used for a longer amount of time.

Wall Decorations

Before you start painting an elaborate mural of Noah’s Ark in your nursery, think about how old and dated it will look by the time our child is 3. Baby experts recommend using bright colors for developing eyes. One easy and fun way to achieve this is to get some blank canvases and paint. If you are creatively inclined, you can paint your own colorful artwork on a few canvases. If you are not confident in your artistic abilities, you can always find some colorful fabric and staple it to the canvas. This creates a sort of wall paper / paint illusion without having to permanently alter the walls.

The Changing Table

Changing tables can be the most over-rated pieces of baby furniture ever. If you are looking for practicality, use a bookcase, small desk or dresser that is waist-high and throw a changing pad on it. That way, you do not have to sell the changing table when your baby is potty trained and you can repurpose the furniture as a bookcase, small desk or dresser. Voila, that is one less thing that you need to buy as your child transitions from “baby room” to “child’s room”.

The Rocking Chair

While it may seem a little “old school”, you will find a comfortable rocker comes in handy when you are putting your baby to sleep or feeding your baby in the middle of the night. Babies are comforted by slight movement because they are accustomed to it from being in the mother’s womb. The rocking motion mimics the familiar motion of the mother’s body when she walked and moved around. Having a rocking chair in the nursery will undoubtedly be practical and can be used later for seating on the front porch, sun room or backyard patio.

Nursery Themes

Many excited parents are determined to stick to one theme and go all out decorating the nursery with frogs, princesses or teddy bears. This obsessive tendency to theme a nursery can become expensive and is not really practical at all. Remember, your little baby is soon going to have an opinion of his own, and before you know it, you will be re-doing the walls with posters of Thomas the Train, Dora the Explorer or whatever Junior deems appropriate for his own room. As long as you are prepared to part with the elf motif that you labored over before the baby was born, that is fine. If not, keep it bright, fun and simple.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

Posted via web from Apartment Living

The Apartment Blues Playlist

2010-04-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

In these hard economic times, many former home owners have now become renters. While there are many perks to living in an apartment – especially these days – apartment life isn’t always easy. If you find yourself getting the apartment living blues, here is the perfect playlist for you. Be sure to crank these songs up loud so that your landlord and your neighbors can hear too.

Image: Mrs. Logic (Flickr)

One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor
~Paul Simon

If you have neighbors living above you or below you, this song is for you.

Tell the Landlord
~Robert Cray

Time to ditch your lover? Well, move on out and don’t forget to tell the landlord.

One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
~George Thorogood

If ever there were a need for this alcoholic concoction, this would be the occasion.

Dear Landlord
~Joe Cocker

Need some landlord forgiveness? Better be nice and maybe he will cut you some slack.

Get Out
~Sublime

Getting kicked out of your apartment? Well, better luck next time.

The Apartment Song
~Tom Petty

Miss living in your old apartment? Sometimes shacking up together is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Rent
~Pepper

“It’s expensive just to live”. Paying rent and bills can sometimes leave you broke. However, the surprising upbeat tune of this song will make you not really care.

The Old Apartment
~Barenaked Ladies

Reminiscing about the old days in your old apartment? Funny, so were the Barenaked Ladies when they wrote this song.

Tomorrow Can Pay the Rent
~The Spin Doctors

So what if rent is due? Go ahead and put it off another day. All that really matters is love.

Rent Man
~Black Uhuru

This ska song from Black Uhuru makes California landlords sound somewhat cool.

My Apartment
~Ironpearl

Wow. Just when you thought you had reason to get the apartment blues, this guy’s apartment will make you feel much better about yourself.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Tags: apartment blues playlist, apartment playlist, apartment songs, landlord songs, rent songs

Previous Topic: College Campuses with Cemeteries

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College Campuses with Cemeteries

2010-04-12T08:08:00.001-07:00

If you are a diehard college alumni, your college campus may have the perfect place for you both in life and in death. Some colleges offer the ultimate class reunion – in cemeteries and mausoleums, a small but growing trend on college campuses. Designed to house the cremated ashes of alumni, faculty and pets, a few colleges offer higher ed for the dead. If you’re a graduate of the following institutions of learning, you may be able to score a final resting place on campus.

Image: NathelieMaynor (Flickr)

Kenyon College Cemetery

Recorded burials at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, date back to when the college began, around 1827. Perhaps the most mysterious grave site on this campus is the grave of “an old man.” It’s believed that this grave was the first one among the hundred-odd graves in the official Kenyon College Cemetery. The college cemetery, which is surrounded by a low wrought iron fence behind Rosse and Rutherford B. Hayes Halls, is still used for alumni, employees and others, with the permission of the college president.

Notre Dame Cemetery

People are always trying to sprinkle their loved ones’ ashes on the Notre Dame football field, in the woods around the lakes and elsewhere on campus. In response to this clandestine scattering, the university opened up a final resting place for alumni. Cedar Grove, located on the Notre Dame property, is an open-air garden mausoleum at the west end of campus that features vaults (for purchase only by faculty and staff) and niches for cremated remains which can be purchased by alumni. You can even buy a custom coffin or urn for Notre Dame’s “Coming Home” mausoleum marketing campaign.

The Jackson Street Cemetery (University of Georgia)

Buried in this historic cemetery are merchants, tailors, ministers, children of UGA faculty members, families of state government officials and two UGA presidents, Robert Finley and Moses Waddel Duncan. The cemetery is also known as the Old Athens Cemetery and is located between the Visual Arts Building and Baldwin Hall. While this historic grave site is no longer active, you can purchase a lot at Oconee Hill Cemetery down the road owned by the University of Georgia. Bulldog Haven is a section in the cemetery devoted entirely to the university’s football letterman.

Iowa State University Cemetery

Iowa State University has maintained a university cemetery since 1876. Located on the northwest corner of the Central Campus, there are more than 700 graves in the cemetery, seven of which belong to university presidents and faculty and staff members who helped shape Iowa State. Two students also are buried in the cemetery. One of them, Kung Fan Chi, a 29-year-old horticulture major, was believed to be the 70th direct lineal descendent of Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher. In order to be buried in the Iowa State cemetery today, one has to have continuously served the university for at least 20 years. In addition, faculty members must have attained the rank of tenured assistant professor or higher.

Duke University Memorial Garden

Because many people have been caught scattering ashes on campus, Duke University started a program in which they charge $25,000 a pop to bury ashes in its new two-acre memorial garden. For that price, the deceased receives a stone with his or her name on it that lines the gently winding path leading from the courtyard up to a wooded hill. Ashes are scattered in the Memorial Garden, which is situated on two acres just north of the terraces, between the Rose Garden and the Hanes Lawn. Profits from this program help finance the school’s vast public gardens.

University of Florida Gator Graveyard

The University of Florida is hoping to cash in soon on the campus cemetery bandwagon. The school is trying to receive special permission from the state to turn part of its campus into a cemetery. The university wants to build what’s called a columbarium, a structure with niches for the ashes of alumni. UF officials say that they hear requests from people who want spread their ashes on the football field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Many people have scattered family remains on campus without permission, so they figured, why not build a columbarium and charge alumni $3,000 to $5,000 to store their charred remains for all eternity? This plan is still pending the state lawmakers’ approval.

Woodland Cemetery: Clemson University

Woodland Cemetery, also called Cemetery Hill, was the idea of Clemson’s former president Walter Merritt Riggs, who developed a fierce loyalty to the school when he was nominated as president in 1911. He wanted a final resting place, a faculty cemetery, to recognize faculty and college administrators for their service. In 1924, Riggs became the first person buried in the cemetery. Woodland Cemetery no longer has plots for sale, but to help support the grounds’ preservation and research, the college accepts gifts designated for the Cemetery Hill Preservation Fund.

Texas A&M Aggie-Themed Cemetery

The Memorial Cemetery of College Station has an eternal resting place for folks who are really devoted to Texas A&M University. This cemetery has a section for Aggies and their supporters who want to show their school pride – forever. Roughly one-third of Memorial Cemetery’s 57-acre burial ground is dedicated to A&M devotees. There are more than 3,000 spaces for Aggie alumni. The school says it has no financial stake in the $10 million project but is allowing the city to use the school logo and a few other A&M-trademarked items as part of a licensing agreement. The new cemetery is marked by two stone columns the with college’s logo. Kyle Field can be seen in the distance a mile or so away, creating a visual gateway to the football stadium. The stadium view was one of the college’s requirements in the cemetery contract.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How to Plan a Rooftop Garden

2010-04-09T11:15:00.001-07:00

In cities where space is a much desired commodity, vegetable gardens may be considered a luxury. But if you live in a building where a flat rooftop is accessible, you could create a great rooftop vegetable garden from container pots, trellises or even raised garden beds. Whether you have a small space or an entire building’s rooftop, here are a few ideas when planning your rooftop vegetable garden.

Image: Egan Snow (Flickr)

Container Veggies

If the garden is just for you and your family, using container pots is the easiest way to go on a rooftop. You can grow tomatoes, peppers and herbs in medium to large flower pots. Make sure to choose pots with holes drilled in the bottom for proper drainage. If you love tomatoes, you can actually buy a variety called Patio Hybrid tomatoes that were specially bred to grow in containers. Be sure to position your potted tomatoes away from strong winds, and make sure they get direct sun at least five hours a day.

Raised Garden Beds

If you have many more vegetables in mind or you are building your rooftop garden with a community in mind, building a raised garden bed may be the perfect option. You can make a container garden out of a number of things: metal washtubs, children’s plastic wading pools, wooden crates, used tires or even burlap feed sacks. The tub or planter should be able to hold enough water to feed the plant(s) adequately. If you are designing a large garden, make sure to leave a path between the container beds for foot traffic so you and your neighbors can tend to the garden.

Climbing Veggies

Some garden vegetables require space to climb. Cucumbers, squash and peas, for example, like to attach themselves to vertical things. A rooftop trellis is the perfect addition to your rooftop garden. If you simply want practicality, you can make a makeshift trellis from an old step latter or wire fence. Of course, you can always buy a more ornamental trellis from a garden store if you want the kind of garden meant for parties and entertaining.

Water Access

Before you think about planning a rooftop garden, you must consider water access. Does your building have a water faucet on the roof where you can easily attach a hose? If you are handy, you can provide your own water spigot with PVC tubing run from an indoor spigot and fitted with a closure valve. If not, plan on dragging pitchers of water up to the roof so you can properly water your plants. If you plan on being away for a few days, you can set your container plants in a water tray. The soil draws the water upwards from the drainage holes in the bottom of the containers. You may also consider green irrigation systems (collecting rain water in barrels).

Proper Drainage

Rooftop gardens cut down on rainwater drainage because the soil absorbs the rain and filters it while the plants put water back into the air. However, when you water your plants with a hose, you need to think about where the excess water will drain out and the structure of your rooftop. Rooftop gardens require an insulation layer and a waterproof barrier on which the soil can rest. You should also make sure that there is a root barrier that prevents plant roots from penetrating the waterproof layer. The garden should include a layer of clay, gravel, or plastic which allows water to drain.

Rooftop gardens have many benefits. Despite the obvious aesthetic benefits and gardening pleasure, a rooftop garden can lower temperatures. During the heat of summer, plants use evapotranspiration to transfer heat and moisture from the soil into humidity – making the air cooler. During the cold months, rooftop gardens serve as insulation, protecting buildings from heat loss and saving people money on their heating bills. Rooftop gardens collect the rain fall, as well as leaves and sediment, purifying the water before it enters the city’s sewer system.

Rooftop gardens are a great way to bring the community together too. If your apartment building does not already have a rooftop garden, check with your manager or landlord to see if they would be open to letting you plan and organize one.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose

Posted via web from Apartment Living

5 Ways to Dispose of Large Objects

2010-04-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

The day will come when you need to get rid of a mattress or a large piece of furniture. But what do you do if the object does not fit in your apartment community’s Dumpster? Most apartment complexes have strict rules about leaving trash near the garbage bin, requiring you to fit it your trash inside and close the lid. Don’t get stuck with fines for improperly disposing of your trash. Here is how to dispose of large objects if you live in an apartment community.

1. Sell Your Trash

Okay, so maybe no one wants to buy your old mattress (it’s illegal to buy a used mattress anyway), but if you are trying to get rid of a piece of furniture, particularly wood furniture or something that could be refinished, consider selling it first. You may be surprised who is interested in that old, wobbly wooden desk with dents and scratches on it. There are many people who would be happy to take it off your hands for a cheap price. Many times people list their old junk on online services for free just for the convenience of having someone else pick it up. Old treadmills, broken washers and dryers are the kinds of items that compulsive hoarders or fixer-upper type of people look for. Just be honest about whether or not the stuff works.

2. Donate Your Trash

If the object you are trying to get rid of is too big to fit into a car, charities such as the Salvation Army will send a truck to your apartment and pick it up for you. Otherwise, load your car or borrow a friend’s truck to take your trash to Goodwill. However, be considerate about the trash that you are donating. Goodwill or any other thrift store does not want anything that is broken beyond repair or so dirty that no one would buy it. Ask yourself it if it would be useful to someone else or if you just need to find a way to ditch it.

3. Break Down Your Trash

If your large object isn’t worthy of selling or donating, its time to consider a different approach. First, consider breaking the object down so it fits according to code in your apartment’s Dumpster. If you can stand to see it broken with a hammer or axe, have some fun chopping it up into manageable pieces. Better yet, if it comes apart, dismantle it and dispose of it piece by piece. Don’t expect the maintenance person or the trash collection service to do this for you. Remember, you don’t want to get stuck with a fine.

4. Hire a Trash Removal Service

Sometimes it may be impossible to fit large trash in a Dumpster. In this case, you may need to employ the help of a professional. Companies such as Got Junk? charge a fee to come to your apartment and pick up the stuff you cannot dispose of yourself. It may be worth it. Why not get together with some apartment neighbors to see if they have any large objects they are trying to unload? You could split the cost by putting your stuff together for one pickup.

5. Ask Your Landlord

When in doubt, just ask your landlord or apartment manager how to dispose of your items in question. They have likely dealt with this issue before, and it will not be the first time someone asks them how to get rid of something too large for the community’s Dumpster.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose

Posted via web from Apartment Living

5 Essential iPhone Apps for Students at Penn State

2010-03-29T06:53:00.001-07:00

If you are a student on the go at Penn State University, there are plenty of iPhone apps that can make your life easier. From transportation scheduling, keeping track of homework or even just showing your loyalty to Penn State University, here are some essential iPhone apps if you are a student at Penn State. These iPhone apps work with you iPod touch allowing you to take full advantage of Penn State University’s campus-wide free Wi-Fi network via AT&T.

PSU Live – Free

Stay connected to the Penn State University with The Penn State Live iPhone App. Thousands of Penn State students are already are using the iPhone app to access Newswires, PSUTXT, Twitter, Facebook, the Penn State Live Web site and mobile Web site to stay informed about the latest in news, research and sports at Penn State.

Pigskin Penn State -$0.99

Show your school’s colors with Pigskin Penn State for iPhone. You can follow the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. With this application, you get the schedule of game dates and times and it updates you on game summaries and other scores provided by ESPN.com. An essential tool for Penn State football fans, don’t miss out on the premiere Penn State Athletics Football news feed.

CATA – Free

Are you tired of standing in the cold, wondering when the next White Loop is going to show up? You’re in luck because there’s an app for that. The new bus-tracking iPhone application from the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) displays the real-time locations of CATA buses through Google Maps, allowing users to check bus schedules, locations and the closest stop from their current position from their phone.

MyHomework – Free

Never forget a homework assignment again with MyHomework app, a simple and easy to use iPhone application that allows you to keep track of your homework, classes, projects and tests while interacting with fun, easy-to-use user interface. MyHomework’s design resembles a notebook with sections that are separated by colorful “sticky pads.” Quickly enter your class schedule and use it to differ between homework assignments. Assignments are color-coded according to late, next day or upcoming so you can easily identify which homework takes priority.

Apartment Guide – Free

Did your roommate kick you out? Search free apartment listings on the go. This free app has apartment listings near the Penn State Campus making it easy for you to quickly find a new place to stay. With up-do-date listings, the Apartment Guide iPhone app is easy to navigate, offering detailed search results according to category, price and location. The app also lets you easily bookmark your favorite apartment listings near Penn State so that you can refer to them later.

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

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Biggest Easter Egg Hunts in the D.C. Area

2010-03-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for an Easter egg hunt for the family, Washington, D.C. offers plenty of them. Of course, the biggest event is at the White House, but even if you do not get a ticket to the famous annual Easter Egg Roll held on the White House South Lawn, you can still get involved in some of the biggest Easter egg hunts in the D.C. area.

Image: Switzerland County (Flickr)

2010 Easter Egg Roll
Where: White House South Lawn
When: April 5
Cost: Free (if you are selected)

This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Go!” promoting health and wellness to children. To coincide with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat childhood obesity, all of the activities will encourage children 12 and under to lead healthy and active lives. Here is the catch: you have to win a lottery ticket to this event. If you are one of the lucky ones who were selected through an online lottery system, you can enjoy live music, sporting events, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.

Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Where: Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
When: April 3
Cost: $7 for children, $10 for adults

Touted as “the largest Egg Hunt in Washington D.C.,” the Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place offers an exhilarating Egg Roll Contest, exciting games, egg decorating and spring basket crafts. Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, who is available for pictures all morning. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5.5 acres of beautiful gardens. Be sure to bring a basket, a spoon and one hard-boiled egg per child.

Easter Monday –Celebrating the African American Family
Where: Smithsonian National Zoological Park
When: April 5
Cost: Free

Rain or shine, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park will offer visitors a variety of special family activities, entertainment, food and special opportunities to learn more about animals. Easter Monday has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years, and this year will feature special performances such as African drumming, gospel music and storytelling. The Pathways to Freedom Peace Quilt will be on display, honoring the work and life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Where: Butler’s Orchard in Germantown Maryland
When: March 27, 28, April 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 & 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
Cost: $8 for children and $6 for adults

This small, family-friendly zoo in Germantown, Md., has annual Bunnyland festivities around Easter. Families can participate in a day’s worth of events, such as an Easter egg hunt, pony rides, raffle tickets, candy, face painting, Easter pictures, and even a hayride down the Bunny Trail. If that is not enough to entice your kids, how about the Rubber Ducky Derby, the Pedal Tractor ride, giant slides and plenty of food vendors offering hot dogs, veggie pitas, popcorn, cookies and more?

Easter Egg Hunt at Ida Lee Park
Where: Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia
When: March 27, noon – 4 p.m.
Cost: $6 per child in advance, or $8 at the gate

There are more than 15,000 eggs hidden throughout Ida Lee Park at this annual Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunts are separated by age group. Other activities in the park include a moon bounce, a jumbo slide, a fire truck train, face painting and balloon artists.

Easter Egg Hunt at Morrison House
Where: The Morrison House Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia
When: April 11, 2 p.m.
Cost: $38 for adults, $28 for children

Make reservations soon for this popular Easter event, as spaces fill up quickly. The Morrison House has a regular Story Time Tea program, but this Easter it will incorporate a special Easter party and egg hunt that includes a reading of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Kids will have a chance to make their own Easter basket, indulge in a spread of candy, treats, tea, and sandwiches and participate in an indoor/outdoor egg hunt throughout the main level of the hotel and in the courtyard. Plus, the Morrison House makes it interesting for adults too. One golden egg will be hidden, containing a gift certificate for an overnight stay and dinner for two at The Grille.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C

Posted via web from Apartment Living

International Earth Day is March 20

2010-03-22T09:38:00.001-07:00

International Earth Day, also known as the Equinoctial Earth Day, is celebrated on the March equinox (around March 20) to mark the precise day that the equinoxes and solstices are considered to start or separate the seasons. It’s not to be confused with regular Earth Day on April 22,which marks the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Image: Fredcamino (Flickr)

What is the History of International Earth Day?

The idea of a global holiday called “Earth Day” was proposed by John McConnell at the 1969 UNESCO Conference on the Environment. John McConnell was an altruistic humanitarian interested in religion, science and peace. San Francisco was the first city in the world to celebrate International Earth Day as Mayor Joseph Alioto issued the first Earth Day proclamation on March 21, 1970. The United Nations first celebrated Earth Day on the March equinox in 1971. This was also the first time ever that the United Nations celebrated Earth Day. After word got out, celebrations were held in various cities, such as San Francisco and in Davis, Calif., with a multi-day street party.

Who Celebrates Earth Day?

The United Nations celebrates Earth Day each year on the March equinox, which is often March 20. There are also national block parties, festivals and many retail and hospitality-related events. Earth Day is observed around the world by numerous groups concerned with the environment. In the United States, cause-oriented college students get involved in marches and rallies that bring awareness to the environment.

Where is Earth Day Recognized?

International Earth Day is celebrated all over the world.

How is Earth Day Celebrated?

Earth Day is traditionally observed at the moment of the equinox by ringing the Japanese Peace Bell, which was donated by Japan to the United Nations, and the Earth Society Foundation organizes the event at the U.N. Celebrations occur worldwide to correspond with the one held at the U.N. The U.N. peace bell is rung three times to mark the day, and a minute of silence is followed.

Do Earth Day Events Make a Difference?

Maybe, but it is mostly a feel-good holiday for those who like a reason to celebrate and want to feel good about helping the environment. While International Earth Day was created to bring awareness to the environment, it is questionable whether or not the holiday actually benefits the earth. If anything, it makes people think a little more about recycling, briefly contemplate the use of energy and allows them to wear hemp sandals and buy T-shirts with earth-centered logos on it.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Detroit.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

How to Move a Mattress into an Apartment

2010-03-11T06:39:00.001-08:00

If you have ever moved furniture, you know that one of the hardest things to handle is a mattress, especially if you have to climb stairs. Even with two or three people, there seems to be no easy way to grab a mattress. Here are some tips and advice before trying to conquer moving a mattress on your own.

Photo by St Gleam (Flickr)

Never Use the Mattress Handles

Ever wonder why mattress manufacturers put such flimsy handles on the sides of the mattress instead of the ends where it is easier for two people to lift vertically? Believe it or not, mattresses with handles were not designed to move and transport a mattress at all. So, if you have ever ripped off mattress handles while moving, you are in the majority of people who use mattress handles against the manufacturer’s intentions. While it may not seem logical, most mattresses handles are only provided for product positioning, not for exerting great force, such as attaching a rope to them and hauling the mattress to another floor.

Buy a Mattress Bag

You can purchase a specially-made mattress box or bag from a moving company. Mattress bags keep your mattresses and box springs clean during moving or storing while protecting against soil, dust and water damage. Many plastic mattress bags have built-in handles, but they are not very sturdy for transporting, so do not rely on them for transporting up a stairway.

Rent a Truck

Unless you have a large car with a roof rack, and you have experience with transporting large, awkward objects, tying a mattress to the roof of a car nearly always ends in disaster –especially if you have a king-sized mattress. It is not worth losing your mattress on the road. Even if you are moving your mattress a short distance, it is best to rent a small moving truck or pick-up truck. Home improvement stores have truck rentals for as low as $19.95.

Use a Moving Strap or Sling

Moving straps are sturdy tools for moving bulky furniture and would work fine for carrying a mattress up a flight of stairs. However, if you want to get even more specialized, one particular company makes a mattress strap sling carrier called the EZ-Sling. The EZ-Sling makes it easy for two people of different heights to carry and deliver an oversized mattress. For $19.95, you have greater control, helping you avoid swaying, wobbling and hard-to-balance hassles.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Storage Options for Small Places

2010-03-04T13:22:00.001-08:00

Living in a small apartment can be tough for storing things, especially if you are used to living in a house with a garage, basement, attic or work shed. If you live in a small apartment or condo, here are some storage options that could make your life easier, more organized and clutter-free.

Image: Editor B (Flickr)

Use Vertical Space

In limited square footage, the only way to go is up. Make use of every inch of your walls with shelving. Your apartment doesn’t have to look like a warehouse if you choose your shelving carefully. Tall bookcases from Ikea are a great place to start. With attractive boxes and magazine holders, you can stash away things that you don’t want visible while arranging other things on display. Installing wall shelves are another good way to use vertical space. You can stagger them on the wall next to pictures or paintings.

Use Hanging Lights

Not only are they modern-looking and stylish, but hanging lamps can free up some valuable space on night tables or dressers. Simply attach a hook to your ceiling (from a stud) and drape the cord through for a suspending lit pendulum. Lights are not the only items you can hang from the ceiling; you can either find or create hanging clothes racks, hanging shelves and custom beds designed to drop from above.

Use Space Under Furniture

Beds take up a lot of space in the bedroom, so using the space underneath makes perfect sense for small apartments. If you don’t already have a high bed, you can buy stackers for your bed frame, allowing you more space for storage. Retail stores such as Walmart, Target and Home Depot sell under-bed storage boxes that are perfect for stowing away seasonal clothing and shoes, holiday decorations or a surplus of fashion accessories such as hats, scarves and purses.

Choose the Right Furniture

When shopping for furniture for your small apartment, look for furniture that can be used for more than one purpose. A futon, for example can be a seating for the home office and also an extra bed when you need to convert the home office into a guest room. If you have a small bedroom, a king-size sleigh bed is not the best choice. Consider beds that do not have headboards or footboards. For the living room, forego that clunky coffee table and purchase stackable nesting tables that can be easily rearranged to fit the occasion. For living rooms, padded storage ottomans are great for small spaces as they can be used as a sitting stool, foot rest and a place to stash blankets and other items.

Rent Storage Space

Some things just can’t be stored in an apartment. If push comes to shove and you really need extra storage, ask your landlord what storage options are available in your apartment community. Just by asking, you may be surprised to find out that there are inexpensive (or free) storage closets located in your own apartment complex. If the apartment manager cannot help you, you may need to bite the bullet and rent a storage unit.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.

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Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia

2010-02-15T10:40:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-12T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-11T05:12:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-09T12:53:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-09T12:48:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-02-04T10:47:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-04T10:10:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-02T12:38:00.001-08:00

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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5 Great iPhone Apps for Personal Money Management

2010-01-12T10:53:00.001-08:00

If your new year’s resolution is to better manage your own money, you may want to check out these iPhone Apps designed for personal finance. Whether you are trying to stick to a budget, save money or manage your vast wealth of investments, you will find that these iPhone apps come in handy to master your money directly from your iPhone or iPod touch.

1. Mint iPhone App (Free)
Mint has been touted by many as the best free online budget program. Using your online Mint account, this app allows you to manage multiple accounts from several different banks and track your purchases that you set up in categories to get a good idea of where your money is going. (Spending a little too much on clothes?) This free mint app is also handy for those who are keeping track of their debt / income ratio as it automatically updates the balance on your personal loans and credit cards.

2. Quicken Online Mobile (Free)
If you are a devoted Quicken user, you will love this free app that lets you manage your money directly from your iPhone. Quicken Online Mobile connects automatically with your Quicken Online account to help you keep track of your cash, pay your bills and find the closest ATM. One great feature of Quicken financial software is the Paycheck Forecaster. It shows you not only how much money you have left in your account, but also figures in what bills are coming, so you can make the rent AND go out with your friends without sliding into the red.

3. Grocery IQ ($0.99)
Those looking to be more efficient with their spending and stick to a grocery list will love Grocery IQ. This mobile app is a great way to never be without a grocery list again. This iPhone app helps you save money on groceries as well by allowing you to browse hundreds of coupons for your favorite brands. You can easily depend on your spouse or other family members to get groceries because your grocery list is automatically shared and updated on other devices. You can also email your grocery list to others directly from your iPhone.

4. E*Trade Mobile Pro (Free)
Keep up with your own portfolio investments using E*Trade’s mobile app. If you have an E*Trade online account, you will appreciate the familiar, intuitive interface that is found on the web site. Even if you are not a professional day trader, you will be impressed with the streaming quotes feature and the visual last trade tracking. E*Trade is used by professional stock traders as well as investment novices who want to learn more about stock markets. This app is a great way to see how your personal investments are doing on a daily basis.

5. Bloomberg (Free)
Another good application for measuring your current investments against the rest of the world market is Bloomberg’s free iPhone app. Personal finance options include a portfolio tracker, a financial glossary and a wide array of calculators that include mortgage, auto loans and retirement calculators. In addition to managing your own money and assets, Boomberg is a great resource for market news and market data. Make wise decisions on investing based on Bloomberg’s current data and market news.

April Lentini writes for ApartmentGuide.com in Chicago. If you are on the go and shopping for places to live, check out Apartment Guide’s handy iPhone app. You can browse Chicago apartments by price range, neighborhood or amenities.

Photo: William Hook Flickr Creative Commons

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Benefits of Renting a House vs. Staying in a Hotel

2010-01-11T09:16:00.001-08:00

If you are a business traveler or frequent vacationer, you may realize that short-term rentals are quickly becoming the new luxury hotels. They may not have room service or housekeeping service, but many of them provide luxury amenities and perks that you simply cannot find in a hotel chain. Here are three advantages of staying in a rental home rather than a hotel:

Photo by: Chad050 Flickr Creative Commons

1. Lower Costs

Especially if you are staying in town for a week or more, renting a house or condo can be cheaper than paying per night at a hotel. Even for the most economical hotels, you could easily pay up to $1,000 per week. But many nice rental homes charge a similar amount for an entire month’s stay and even prorate the rent if you only stay part of the month.

2. Nicer Location

Hotel chains are often built in commercial zones, limiting you to freeways and fast food chains. When you rent a privately owned house or condo, you choose your area and neighborhood. If you are visiting Chicago, for example, you may prefer to stay in a trendy neighborhood of Chicago near Wrigley Field or Lincoln Park. In neighborhoods such as Bloomingdale in Chicago, you have pedestrian-friendly access to public parks and trendy local restaurants to choose from, giving your visit a more personal and local feel.

3. Better Amenities

Hot tubs, large flat screen TVs, billiard rooms, and a private washer and dryer are not necessarily included in hotels. They are, however, fairly common in rental homes. If you don’t mind cleaning up your own mess, having a fully equipped kitchen is nice if you are traveling by yourself or if you want to invite people over for a meal. Having a front porch or backyard patio can be a refreshing change of pace from the usual four walls of a hotel room as well.

If you are considering visiting a city for business or pleasure, it is wise to check out the wide variety of short-term rentals in the area before plunking money down for a pricey hotel. Rentals.com lists rentals by city, neighborhood and zip codes as well as property type, features and price range.

April Lentini writes for Chicago’s Apartment Guide.

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Overcome Hat Anxiety on National Hat Day, January 15

2010-01-05T12:03:00.001-08:00

Jan. 15 is National Hat Day. If you are a hat person, this holiday was made for you. Certainly you do not need an excuse to wear a hat for the day. However, if you are not a hat person (“I don’t look good in hats.”), this is a great opportunity to try on some head wear and hopefully learn to feel more confident wearing a hat. Here are some tips to help you break into hat wearing.

Photo: Alexesmenzato / Flickr

Try Every Single Style

Today, pretty much any hat is in style, so go crazy at the store and give them all a try. Do, however, consider what looks good on your frame. If you are a short woman, you should stay away from large wide-brimmed hats. Otherwise, you’ll end up looking like a mushroom. Full figures on the other hand should look for wide-brimmed hats to balance out their frame. Extremely tall men should never wear a tall, 10 gallon cowboy hat, and when wearing a large hat, women shouldn’t let other accessories compete such as large earrings. Let the hat be the star of your outfit. Once you understand the basic rules of hat wearing, you are ready to start your own hat collection and repertoire of looks.

Choose a Hat Based on the Occasion

When choosing a hat to wear for the day, think about how appropriate it will be for the occasion. You may look awesome in a straw cowboy hat, but if you are wearing it out to a martini bar, you’ll just look out of place. Cozy, warm knit hats are always en vogue for cold weather. In the summer, however, light crochet hats are more appropriate if you are going for the grungy Rastafarian look. Newsboy caps and beanies are more casual types of hats. Bowler hats, cloche hats and bucket hats look good with matching scarves and gloves when dressing for the office. For a list of the names of different style hats, click visit www.hats.com.

Own the Look

Just like any other clothing, the best way to wear a hat is with confidence. In fact, owning the look is the only way to truly pull it off. When you stop caring about what others think, your hat will look like it was made for just for your head. Remember to wear your hat with respect and don’t leave it on your head while you are having lunch or dinner in a nice restaurant. No matter how confident you are, you’ll just look silly wearing it all day long indoors, but once you get a feel for when to pop it on and when to take it off, you will be opened up to a whole new world of hat wearing.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Boston. In Boston, the most popular hat is the Boston Red Sox cap, which is worn proudly by Red Sox fans year round.

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Celebrate National Soup Month in January

2010-01-05T10:24:00.001-08:00

January is National Soup Month, and now is the best time to get your slow cooker out to try some new soup recipes. Gather around your dining room table for some comfort food, and melt the winter chill away with the steamy aroma of wholesome, flavorful soup.

Photo by Jugglerpm/Flickr

Who Started National Soup Month?

Nobody really knows who started Soup Month or when it began. Some believe it was started by a popular soup company, but no commercial endorsements of this national holiday can be found. While January is publicized as National Soup Month, there are no congressional records or official proclamations for this. Regardless, National Soup Month is widely celebrated as a time to embrace and explore a wide variety of soups.

What Is the History of Soup?

Soup, as we know it, has been around since humans learned to boil water. Technically, however, soup can be dated back as early as 6000 B.C. , when it was served cold in rudimentary cooking vessels such as animal skin or clay pots. In ancient Greece, soup was sold on the street and considered the first “fast food.” Soup got its name from “sop,” which was a piece of bread served with broth. Later, the focal point switched from the bread to the ingredients in the actual soup. In the book “Soup Through the Ages: A Culinary History with Period Recipes,” author Victoria Rumble calls soup “the world’s first prepared dish, which became the unpretentious comfort food for all civilization.”

Why is Soup Good for You?

Basically, soup provides fluid. Especially in cold weather, many people forget about drinking water, so a hot bowl of soup can provide the body with much-needed hydration. While chicken noodle soup is not really a cure for the common cold, the steamy broth can comfort and open up a congested nose. The ingredients in the soup determine how healthy it is. However, not all soups are good for you. Some canned soups are loaded with sodium, and powdered soups can contain harmful artificial additives. According to Dr. Robert Vogel, chief medical director for Pritikin Longevity Center and Newsweek magazine, you should stay away from cream soups for its high fat content. One restaurant chain’s popular cream of broccoli soup has as many fat grams as a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets.

What is the Most Popular Soup in America?

According to the Campbell’s Soup Company, chicken noodle soup and tomato soup are two of the most popular soups in America today. However, many international soups have made their way into our mainstream culture. Japanese miso soup, French onion soup, Chinese hot and sour soup and Mexican black bean soup are a few international soups that have been made popular in America today.

How Do People Celebrate National Soup Month?

Many people participate in soup swaps through churches, clubs or other community organizations. Some people plan soup swapping get-togethers among friends and neighbors. But you do not need to exchange soup to honor National Soup Month. Experimenting with new recipes and trying new soups is enough to get in the spirit of National Soup Month.

April Lentini loves using her Crock Pot and enjoys vegetarian soup recipes. She writes for Apartment Guide in Boston. Browse the many apartments available in Boston on apartmentguide.com.

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5 Great Places to Vacation with Your Income Tax Refund

2010-01-04T12:16:00.001-08:00

Like many other people, the stress of the holidays may have left you worn out and in sore need of a getaway. After you tear down the holiday decorations and once you get your income tax refund, take advantage of the travel deals in January or February for some quality rest and relaxation. Here are five great places to vacation with your income tax refund money.

Take a drive to Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas

Las Vegas

Nothing is more American than gambling with your income tax refund. Risk takers will have fun making those dollars work for them by playing Blackjack or Craps in the casino capital of the world. However, fancy casinos are not all that Las Vegas has to offer. You can easily spend a few days exploring the many attractions on the strip. Some of them are free such as the nightly performances at the famous Treasure Island Casino or the fountain light show at the Mirage.

January and February are the best times to visit Vegas because it is off season and also because you will not have to endure the overbearing desert heat of the summer. In addition to the fine dining and great shows on the strip, there are some nearby outdoor state parks that are definitely worth a day trip. Rent a car and take a drive to the Red Rock Canyon to see the Joshua trees. February is a great time to take a drive to the Mojave Desert to experience the blissful, silent solitude that contrasts all the action in Vegas.

Austin, Texas

Not only is Austin a fun winter destination, but for those on a budget, it is a very affordable January or February vacation. If you are coming from a cold city, you will enjoy the very pleasant weather in central Texas during the winter months. With cool nights, warm days and little rain, this charming state capital is perfect for getting out and exploring local attractions.

If the weather is warm enough, you can go for a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring which is open year round. There are many posh clubs for bringing in the New Year, and don’t forget about the fabulous music venues in Austin.

Tucson, Arizona

Clear your foggy winter head with a warm, dry climate in the beautiful city of Tucson, Arizona. On your getaway to Tucson, you can enjoy majestic mountain peaks, unique southwestern cuisine and a relaxing balance of natural outdoor beauty and an eclectic, thriving city.

Tucson not only has some of the best spas and golf courses in the world, but it also has a little something for intellectuals. History buffs will enjoy many historical sites in Tucson, including the breathtaking Mission San Xavier del Bac, acclaimed as the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. There are many cultural events throughout the year so be sure to check for concerts, shows and festivals taking place in the months after your tax return check arrives.

Boston

If you do not get your income tax refund check until April, you may want to consider a vacation in “Beantown”. April in Boston is one of the most beautiful months out of the year to visit this city as the frigid weather fades and colorful flowers start to bloom. Boston, also known as “America’s Walking City” is a great place to stretch your legs and explore this historical city on foot.

If you decide to take a vacation in Boston in April, you will be able to catch just about any major league sporting event that you wish. See the Red Sox get the baseball season started, check out the Celtics wrap up their basketball schedule or root for the Bruins as they finish up their Hockey games for the year. There are many attractions for Boston tourists including whale watching, world-renowned museums and walking tours.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs has over 300 days of sunshine each year so if you are looking for a sunny place to shake off the winter, an outdoor adventure in Colorado Springs may just be the perfect thing. Go rock climbing on one of the magnificent rock formations or tackle the rapids on a river rafting tour that twists through the Royal Gorge. Colorado Springs is a great place for sports such as fishing, camping, hiking, bike riding, skiing and even hot air ballooning if you are looking for something different.

Colorado Springs also thrives on culture. Enjoy the symphony and performing arts center, as well as over 50 other attractions including a diverse range of museums. Garden of the Gods is one of the nation’s most wonderful city parks. Nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, the stunning red rock formations draw photographers to capture a perfect shot of the rocks framing the snow-capped peak.

Tax refunds are a great reason to travel if you have made no other plans for the extra cash. Many discounts can be during the beginning of the year when most people need to recover from the busy holidays. Spend some time traveling by yourself or with your family and enjoy your tax refund vacation.

April Lentini writes for the Boston ApartmentGuide. Browse the many apartments available in Beantown.

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5 New Years Resolutions For Home Improvement

2009-12-30T06:40:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-18T07:42:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-09T08:50:00.001-08:00

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:

Are they smokers?
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?)
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?)
Are they morning birds or night owls?
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.)
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

2009-12-03T09:43:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T08:14:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-10T10:41:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-10T10:34:00.001-08:00

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

Posted via web from Apartment Living

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

2009-10-27T05:09:00.001-07:00

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

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Tips for Fuss-Free Holiday Entertaining

2009-10-21T06:27:00.001-07:00

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.

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Surviving Thanksgiving with Acid Reflux

2009-10-14T11:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-08T09:56:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-02T08:17:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T10:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-20T09:10:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

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

Posted via web from Apartment Living

10 Most Affordable Apartments Near the University of Texas

2009-08-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-14T07:23:00.001-07:00

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

10 iPhone Apps For Goofing Off

2009-08-12T05:57:00.001-07:00

There are many useful iPhone apps out there. But sometimes you just need to kill time. Whether you are waiting in an airport or you are stuck in a mind-numbing meeting or lecture, these iPhone apps will make the time you spend in boredom purgatory a little more entertaining.

#1 Rag Doll Blaster
This game is simple in concept, but not so easy to master. Superbly designed by Backflip Studios, you’ll be astounded with the real physics used to measure the distance, power, and angle to shoot rag dolls across various obstacles. There is a free version called Rag Doll Blaster Lite ($2)

#2 iStooges
Includes 72 motion-activated sound effects and voice clips from your three favorite knuckleheads, Larry, Moe and Curley. Amuse yourself a “nyuk nyuk”, a “slap Ooh”, or a “soitenly.” (Coming soon in the app store)

#3 Trace
What a time-killer! With this quarky iPhone app, you can draw your own paths and erase lines you made by mistake in order to get through moving obstacles and reach the destination. It’s really easy to play but gets tricky and keeps you playing for hours –and if not, at least several minutes. (free)

#4 Paper Toss
This is the iPhone version of the original office game of tossing the scrunched up paper into the basket. This version throws some extras in the mix to make it interesting such as fans and other interfering objects. (free)

#5 Madlibs
Just like the game you used to play when you were a kid. Type in a series of adjectives and nouns and you get a crazy story cranked out with the words you used. (Free)

#6 Dream Dictionary
Interpret what your dreams mean with the dream dictionary. If you and your friends have a lot of crazy, random dreams, you will be sure to get a lot of use from this application. If not, at least a lot of laughs. ($1)

#7 Chimp Adventure
In this game, you have to memorize numbers and several humorous missions that appear only for a few seconds then press them in the right order after they get hidden. This is a productive time killer as it trains your memory. ($1)

#8 Face Melter
Morph your photos into freaky works of art. By dragging your finger across the screen, you can elongate exaggerate, and warp your friend’s faces. ($2)

#9 The Moron Test
This game features a collection of more than 100 brain-teasing puzzles that challenge you to see how many you can solve in record-breaking time. Scores range from moron to genius. ($1)

#10 iDoodle
This simple drawing tool allows you to draw any number of lines, polygons, circles, and squares in an array of colors. The iDoodle app also lets you to set up an online gallery where you can share your mini-masterpieces with the world. ($2)

AUTHOR INFO
April Lentini writes for http://San-antonio.apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living

Top 5 Luxury Apartments in San Antonio, Texas

2009-08-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

With tangerine sunsets and a rich urban culture, Living in San Antonio can be a luxury in itself. But why settle for a less-than-perfect residence when you can have it all? From laundry services to wet bars and full-blown spas, here are some of the top luxury apartments in San Antonio. Photo by: Corey Leopold (Flickr Creative Commons)

Photo by: Corey Leopold (Flickr Creative Commons)

#1 St. Benedict’s Loft Apartments
Located in the heart of the hip downtown center of San Antonio, St. Benedict’s loft apartments are modern airy dwellings with bright, clean, versatile spaces. Kitchens are as beautiful as they are efficient, featuring top-of-the-line Bosch appliances nestled in Thermofoil cabinetry. Whether you choose a unit with a more structured multi-bedroom floor plan or consider an entirely open studio, each apartment is a blank canvas for elegant individual expression. St. Benedict’s Loft has two pools, a lobby and a courtyard.

#2 Artessa At Quarry Village Apartments
Located within walking distance of Austin’s exciting urban scene and penthouse views of the award winning Quarry Golf Course, Artessa gives you the best balance of tranquility and stimulation. Whether you want to feed off the energy of the Quarry Village main street or you just want to relax in one of four courtyards Artessa gives you space for your sense of place. Enjoy two pools, a wine tasting room with private wine lockers, a gym, and wi-fi in all common areas. Luxury amenities include a wet bar, designer appliances, crown molding, spacious kitchens, fireplaces, large bathrooms with separate wardrobes and walk-in closets.

#3 The Mansions at Canyon Springs Apartments
This luxury apartment community offers units with 1-5 bedroom and also has separate cottages with attached garages. Residents enjoy a massive health club which includes a pool, Jacuzzi, dry sauna, and private tanning room. This incredible country club residence is adjacent to the award-winning PGA Canyon Springs Golf Club. The “M” Spa allows tenants to pamper themselves from the comfort of their own home. Get top-of-the-line treatment from expert skincare specialists, makeup artists, hair stylists, massage therapists, nail technicians and personal trainers.

#4 Verde Braun Station Apartments
When you live at Verde Braun Station you feel like you are being spoiled at a luxury hotel. Set in the midst of a private, heavily wooded area, you can be proud to have friends visit your apartment which has 9-ft. ceilings, crown molding, and designer color schemes. There is free wi-fi in the common area, a heated spa, a surround sound media room, a swimming pool with fountain and lap lanes, and covered parking available. This luxury apartment community also provides 24 hour emergency maintenance to its residents along with laundry services.

#5 The Crescent Apartments
Lush landscaping and a cozy, secluded neighborhood give these luxury apartments a distinguished style that you can be proud of. Relax with your neighbors under the gazebo in the courtyard area. Enjoy the large open floor plans, spacious oversized closets and oval garden tubs. With your best interest in mind, The Crescent provides its residents with limited access gates and intrusion alarms. Tired of taking the trash out? Enjoy the first class door-to-door trash pick-up!

AUTHOR INFO
April Lentini writes for San-antonio.apartmentguide.com

Posted via web from Apartment Living