Celebrate The New Year In Style

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After the chaos of hosting endless gatherings this holiday season, the idea of inviting people over to ring in the New Year may seem like an insurmountable task. Just because you decide to have people over to celebrate the changing of the calendar doesn't mean that you need to fret over throwing the party of the century. One of the best aspects of hosting a New Year's get together is how hands-off the process is.

By following just a few simple steps (that require very little actual prep work,) you can host the party that your guests will be talking about all year. This article from renters.apartments.com has a quick list of everything you’ll need to have a great New Year’s bash in the comfort of your own home. Keep reading to learn more:

1. Booze. Ask people to BYO, but have your own on hand too. Maybe cover the champagne toast and ask your guests to bring their libation of choice for the rest of the night.

2. E-vites. Send these out early so as to claim dibs on your favorite people, give them time to find something fun to wear, and generally relieve your guests of a month of thinking, ‘What the heck am I going to do for New Year’s?’

3. Food. After the unending feast that is late November thru December, the stakes couldn't be lower here. Anything fancier than pretzels in a bag (pretzels in a bowl, even) is above-and-beyond territory.

Finally, ambiance. Music, lighting—all good. But if wedding albums on Facebook have taught me anything this year, it’s that a cool backdrop for picture taking is where it’s at.

Here is a quick guide for making your own fancy photo backdrop on the cheap:

Step 1: Choose your location. If you’re in a rental, you probably have lots of plain white walls. Pick one in an area that won’t disrupt traffic. If you want to be really ambitious about it, empty out a closet and use it as a bona fide photo booth.

Step 2: Remove any artwork, furniture, etc. from the wall area and stash it out of the way. Measure the area you want to cover. Even if you have no plans to do the math, it’ll be nice when you’re at the store later to have a rough idea of how many 3-inch doilies it would take to cover the wall.

Step 3: Hit the dollar store. Cheap materials are great for backdrops because they’re temporary, don’t need to be durable, and anything shiny, sparkly, or textured looks nifty on film, regardless of quality.

Suggestions include:

• Streamers (twirled or hung flat along a curtain rod or dowel, like this)
• Glitzy fringe (like this backdrop, which is made with sheets of fringe taped in overlapping rows to a cardboard background)
• Strands of twinkle lights (draped over a dowel or clothing rack and then layered with a sheet of sheer fabric, like this)
• Doilies or metallic paper disks (hung as a vertical garland)
• Balloons (if you spring for the helium kind, tape their strings at varying heights like these, or blow them up yourself and staple them close together on a cardboard background)
• Or anything else that strikes your fancy at the dollar general, after perusing this idea board.

If you really want to do it up, add some props. Tiny hats, huge glasses and any variety of mustache on a stick are trendy, but I’m partial to cardboard cutouts of celebrities, those streamer things that pop, and traditional party hats for the New Year’s theme.

Once the decorations are up, just add people, a camera, booze and stir!

Any fun party games for a New Year’s Eve apartment party? Share them in the comments below!

Host The Party Of The Season

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Every year, the holiday party invites roll in from friends and families all over the country. With the cramped time over the holidays, there’s no way that you’ll be able to make it to them all AND host your own. There are many different ways to give your party the holiday touch that will have your friends carrying over the yule logs and eggnog.

Before all the planning is done and the invitations are all sent out, there are a few things you need to consider to make your party a success. This article from renters.apartments.com has all the information you need to keep your guests waiting for santa in style.

Personal Invites

It all starts well before the day of the event with a personal invite. We’re talking about real-life paper invites, not run-of-the-mill evites that could sit in a person’s in-box for days before peaking interest. A mailed invitation is going to get noticed right away. Adding a personal note to each is a nice touch that will make a guest feel like their presence at the party is really welcomed.

Décor in Addition to Refreshments

If you want everyone to really get in the holiday spirit a little decorative flare never hurt. Being a good host is all about the details so don’t skimp on the décor. It’s all about creating a conducive party atmosphere that starts at the entryway.

Have fun with it by picking a theme that will play into the decorations, food and beverages.

Don’t Let Guest Drive After Too Many

No host should let a guest drink and drive. Take the responsible route and line up rides ahead of time. Whether that be designated drivers, cabs or a chauffeur service if you want to go really ritzy. If someone is refusing to get a ride and wants to drive do what you can to keep them at the party and have bottled water on hand for them to drink. The only thing that will sober someone up is time. Enlist the help of others to convince the person that the best idea is for them to let some else get behind the wheel.

Plan Out Entertainment

Conversation can be great, but it’s always good to have a little entertainment planned out ahead of time. Whether that be musical, board games or activities give your guest something to do while they are at your place. Think about several ideas beforehand to make sure you have all the entertainment needs covered on the day of the party.

Do a Lot of Preparation

If you’re running around the entire party there’s a good chance you won’t be having the best time and that can rub off on your guests. Thorough preparation before the party will ensure that you can relax with your guests during the shindig.

A few things to do beforehand include:

• Creating a playlist so the music is on autopilot.
• Prep as much of the food as possible the day before and store it in your fridge.
• Use lists when shopping.
• Come up with a schedule of things to do during the party so you can make sure you have everything you might need.
• Keep food and drinks delicious yet simple. Mix in pre-made items that just need to be popped in the oven and kept warm.
• Set up a self-serve bar that has everything your guests may need. You may also want to consider getting an ice chest to keep nearby.

These five things are what every seasoned host has mastered, and you can too. Pretty soon you’ll gain the reputation of knowing how to throw a holiday party, and next year you can expect the RSVPs to roll in right away.

Cooking Up Some Kitchen Decor

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Every kitchen has mostly the same features like a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave, a table and chairs, but what makes your kitchen unique? We’re all individuals and our traits should be reflected in the room we spend the most time in!

From the furniture and silverware that we choose down to the color of the walls, your kitchen provides ample opportunity to express yourself. This article from renters.apartments.com has a few great ideas to insert a little more personality into your kitchen. Keep reading to learn more!


Change up your walls: Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral like beige or gray. These colors won’t date the room and will prevent you from possibly getting quickly tired of a more drastic color palette.


Brighten up the kitchen: Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. Try putting a mirror across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.

Make seasonal changes: Moving the kitchen furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel. Make it light and breezy - think about removing some of the furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in!

Use slipcovers: Slipcovers over your chairs can soften the room and add to your decor. For the holidays, try using special covers in holiday patters or colors. For a nice summer change, use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the chairs.

Get ideas from the pros: Look in magazines, books, television or the internet to get a flavor of the accessories and designs you would like to see in your kitchen. If you see a kitchen decorated in a way that you like, think about how you can duplicate the same decor in your home.

Decorate with cookbooks: You can make a nice display with your cookbooks. Try grouping them in interesting configurations with some lying down and some standing. Don't put small books next to tall books but align them in graduating sizes.

Warm it up with rugs: Area rugs can add a splash of color or cover up an old or unmatched floor. When buying rugs, measure your space so you can be sure to get the right rug size. Rugs used under a table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.

Bring the outdoors inside: Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Plants provide interest and soften up the room. For above the cabinets or hard to reach places, silk plants work just as well as real ones, however, if you do buy silk, go with a good quality arrangement that looks realistic.

Change your look with accessories: A few strategically placed accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Choose a theme and you could give your kitchen a whole new look just by replacing some key accessories like toaster covers, dish towels, canister sets, salt and pepper shakers and pot holders.

Change your cabinet pulls: There are so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. They are easy to install yourself and your friends will think you got new cabinets!

Add a border: Wallpaper borders are easy to put up and can add color and interest. You can use them at the top of the wall or go with a less traditional use underneath the cabinets. Use them at chair rail height to break up long walls. An even less expensive (but more labor intensive) alternative is to use stencils and paint.

Where To Eat Dinner in Seattle

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No matter what we like to eat, or how adventurous we are when it comes to new cuisine, it’s always nice to switch up regular dining habits from time to time. Seattle offers an expansive variety of unique variety of bistros, bars and restaurants to choose from to add a little something different to your favorite meal of the day.

Branching out to new restaurants can present a problem-how do you decide where to go? This article from seattlemag.com lists some great restaurants in the city we all love. Keep reading to discover a new place to go for dinner tonight!

Hitchcock

Chef and owner Brendan McGill goes out of his way to shop well from local farmers, and then he lets those stellar ingredients do the heavy lifting. The applewood-fired oven is put to good use, scenting the perfectly cooked pork chop and the legendary chicken. Best bet: the always inspired name-your-price prix fixe menu. Dinner nightly. 133 Winslow Way E, Suite 200; 206.201.3789;hitchcockrestaurant.com

Restaurant Marché Bainbridge

We’re smitten with former Canlis chef and cookbook author Greg Atkinson’s Northwest-inspired bistro on Bainbridge Island. Atkinson is a pro, and it shows: The perfectly cooked steaks and salmon are paired with carefully considered sides. More pluses: friendly service and a stylish dining room. Lunch and dinner Tue.–Sat. Winslow, 150 Madrone Lane; 206.842.1633;restaurantmarchebainbridge.com

Ballard/Shilshole

Bastille

Ballard Avenue’s Parisian-style brasserie comes alive after dark, when the vintage light fixtures cast the fashionable crowd in a flattering golden hue. The best choices are plats du jour (such as a tender-crisp boneless quail). At brunch, the fluffy omelets and the farmers’ market people-watching (from tables in the cozy, enclosed patio) is top-notch. Brunch Sun., dinner daily. 5307 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.453.5014; bastilleseattle.com

Bitterroot

This hip corner spot in Ballard turns out the best barbecue we’ve tasted in Seattle in a long time, especially the ribs and the brisket. Plus brown liquor (the vanilla-scented creamed old fashioned is great) and a choice lineup of local beer. Lunch and dinner daily. 5239 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.588.1577; bitterrootbbq.com

Cafe Besalu

The heady scentof butter wafts out of James Miller’s tiny neighborhood bakery each time the door opens, inviting neighbors to come inside. Miller’s croissants, pastries and quiches are nothing short of superb, and the warmth of the windowed storefront space lingers. Breakfast and lunch Wed.–Sun. 5909 24th Ave. NW; 206.789.1463; cafebesalu.com

Delancey

The humble pizzeria that Brandon Pettit runs with his wife, Molly Wizenberg (creator of food blog Orangette), is such a hit there’s still often an hour’s wait. Pettit’s outstanding pizza has a chewy, salty, smoky crust and bright house-made tomato sauce. Craft cocktail bar Essex is a sparkling addition with its list of house-made bitters. Dinner Wed.–Sun. 1415 NW 70th St.; 206.838.1960;delanceyseattle.com

Honoré Artisan Bakery

Next door to Delancey is this quaint bakery where the buttery croissants rival Ballard’s other fab bakery, Cafe Besalu. But those caramelized canelés? Those shattering macarons? That kouign amann (a layered sweet-salty pastry from Brittany)? Perfection! Breakfast and lunch Wed.–Sun. 1413 NW 70th St.; 206.706.4035; honorebakery.com

La Carta de Oaxaca

Easily Seattle’s most authentic Mexican restaurant, La Carta has a menu that’s eminently craveable. You’ll love the hand-mashed guacamole with house-fried tortilla chips and tender chicken in Oaxaca’s signature sweet, sultry black mole. The tequila/mezcal display is particularly well researched. Lunch Tue.–Sat., dinner Mon.–Sat. 5431 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.782.8722;lacartadeoaxaca.com

Paseo

The pink food stand, with outdoor seating only, is hard to miss; see listing under FREMONT for full description. Lunch and dinner Tue.–Sat. 6226 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.789.3100;paseoseattle.com. Cash only.

Ray’s Boathouse & Café

Head to Ray’s upstairs café, where breathtaking sunsets and standard-issue seafood dishes are a Seattle tradition. Downstairs, Ray’s seaside dining room reopened in January after a renovation, and chef Wayne Johnson (formerly of Andaluca) has taken over the kitchen. And then there is that view. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains fairly jump into your lap. Café lunch and dinner daily; restaurant dinner daily. 6049 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.789.3770; rays.com

Skillet Diner

All your big-boned Skillet faves, including the burger, the waffles with fried chicken, that kale Caesar—plus a few new Scandinavian dishes, such as Swedish meatballs—are here at the new diner in Ballard. See listing under CAPITOL HILL for full information. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 2034 NW 56th St.; 206.922.7981; skilletdinerballard.com

Staple & Fancy Mercantile

Ethan Stowell’s Ballard dinner house is a pleasantly funky space with a constantly changing menu, served family style. We love the peekaboo view into neighboring The Walrus and the Carpenter. Dinner daily. 4739 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.789.1200; ethanstowellrestaurants.com

Stoneburner

Our review will appear in December. Jason Stoneburner’s eponymously named Italian eatery lives in a richly decorated, sprawling space at the foot of the swank new Hotel Ballard. On the menu: house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, small plates and local veggies galore. Brunch Sat.–Sun., lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. 5214 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.695.2051; stoneburnerseattle.com

Veraci Pizza

The traveling wood-fired pizza ovens that helped pioneer Seattle’s mobile food trend churn out some of the most flavorful, inventive, cracker-thin-crusted pizza combinations—by the slice or the whole pie—in this casual, cozy family-friendly neighborhood spot. Lunch and dinner Wed.–Mon. 500 NW Market St.; 206.525.1813; veracipizza.com

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Renée Erickson (Boat Street Cafe & Kitchen) has made quite the splash with this breezy small-plates eatery and oyster bar, where raw, on-the-half-shell beauties are the stars. Dessert and cocktails are particularly good. Dinner daily. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.395.9227;thewalrusbar.com

Looking for even more restaurants in Seattle and on the Eastside beyond the ones on this list? Visit our Restaurant Guide.

Keep Your Spirits Up While The Snow Falls

(Image courtesy of Micky**)

The late fall and winter are full of fantastic sights and great activities to keep you busy. Though we are on our toes preparing for the holidays and taking part in all the festivities around us, sometimes the lack of sunshine and shorter days can take a toll on our overall happiness. Feeling sad during the coldest part of the year can make the winter seem like it will stretch forever, so it’s important to keep your summertime attitude while the snow falls.

There a few simple tricks you can use to keep a smile on your face during the cold weather. This article fromapartmentguide.com has some great ideas to keep you active and your spirits high while the temperatures dip lower. Keep reading to learn more.

Indoors

• Bring the light in. One of the most effective ways to combat winter depression is with the use of an artificial light box. These small boxes, found online for upwards of $60, mimic outdoor light and are generally used for at least 30 minutes at a time to help adjust your body’s sleep cycles. You can even make your own by repurposing a wooden filing box from Ikea and purchasing some fluorescent bulbs. You can also brighten up your apartment by keeping blinds open and curtains drawn, allowing as much natural light in as possible. Sit near a window, either at home or at work, to take advantage of the sunlight. In terms of décor, use light-colored fabrics, wall treatments and rugs in your apartment during the winter to reflect light.

• Watch what you consume. Fight against the cravings and limit your intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, which will only cause a sugar crash. Instead, fill your diet with healthy foods that promote alertness and mental energy, like salmon, blueberries, whole grains, vegetables and nuts. Avoid self-medication with caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine may give you a brief jolt of energy, but it can also cause anxiety, muscle tension and other issues. Alcohol is a depressant, which can exaggerate symptoms. Try sipping on herbal tea instead, or if you must indulge, have a glass of heart-healthy red wine with dinner.

• Don’t oversleep on weekends. While it may be tempting to catch a few extra Zs on cold winter weekends, doing so can actually prevent you from fighting against the symptoms of SAD. The goal is to keep your body in sync as much as possible, so try waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day, even on weekends or days off from work.

Outdoors

• Load up on light. To drag your body out of its natural tendency to want to sleep all the time in the winter, take several breaks throughout the day to get as much natural light as you can. Get outside and go for a walk in the morning before work, or eat lunch outside during the day. In addition to getting some exercise, you’ll also increase your body’s capability to produce Vitamin D, both of which can lift your mood.

• Socialize. While the crummy weather and cold spells may have you looking longingly at your couch, it’s important to stay social instead of hibernating for the winter. So call up a few friends and make plans to do something fun, like grabbing coffee or checking out that new romantic comedy. Being around friends and family for even just a few minutes a day can make you feel better.

• Stay active. Just because the temperature is less than ideal doesn’t mean you should slack off on your workouts. Engage in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three days a week for optimal results. Plan your workouts for early in the morning, so you stay energized throughout the day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for a pre-work workout, studies show that early evening exercise can prevent fatigue during the evening, so plan on working out two hours before bed so your body and brain have enough time to settle down before bed.

Get Involved In Your Apartment's Social Scene

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You live in a great apartment community with many opportunities to open your door and meet the neighbors. Hanging out in the fireside lounge, the terrace or the fitness center will open you up to meeting many of your neighbors. Though we have many resident events and activities, your social interaction with your neighbors doesn’t have to stop there.

Meeting the people living around you is only first step in creating friendships. This article from apartmentguide.com has some great tips to get you started hanging out with your great new neighbors. Keep reading to learn more.

Hang-out prep tips

Rule #1 of hanging out is finding people to do it with — but you don’t want to jump the gun on this. You need to scope out your apartment community and ease into conversation to find out which neighbors are “hang-out-able.”

Luckily, it’s easy. Just walk around. Linger at the mailbox (not too long, stalker!) and say hello to anyone who looks interesting. The same goes for the pool, gym, dog park and even the parking lot. The more mobile you are, the more people you meet.

Once you’ve created a few “hello, how’s it going” relationships, start stretching out your conversations to see whether you have common interests. When you find a few peeps that like the same things you do, it just might be time to take your hang-out to the next level.

Chill one-on-one

Now that you’ve pegged a few potential hanger-outers, a one-on-one meet up will give you a chance to get to know them better. Two-person hang-outs can be a little intimidating because it’s up to you to keep the convo flowing, but it’s the best way to focus on your new friend and build a rapport.

Now, this face-to-face time doesn’t necessarily mean sipping herbal tea and commiserating about the girl/guy who broke your heart in 4th grade. Keep your first hang-out light and casual, but be yourself. Set up a plan to play tennis, go for a walk, carpool to the grocery, or sit by the pool after work. Easy-going chit-chat and a no-pressure vibe will help you find out whether your new friend is ready for a group hang.

Host a group hang

Hanging out in a group is super fun when you have the right people in the room. Definitely invite the one-on-one hangers who seem like they’d get along with a variety of personalities. Then organize a larger hang-out event in your apartment community – a party, by any other name!

Consider hosting a dinner party, book club, wine tasting, game night or cookout by the pool. You can cast a wide net by posting flyers at the mailboxes and on bulletin boards to invite the entire community. Or keep it smaller and only invite people on your floor or in your building, as well as the folks you’ve hung out with individually.

However you choose to organize it, a group hang-out is a great way to relax and get to know more people in your apartment community, as well as introduce them to each other.

Avoid awkward moments

Remember, hanging out properly is a skill. You don’t want to come off as the person who will never leave a party. Until you get to know people better, keep your interactions short and your conversation light. If you get invited to a hang, don’t be the first one to show up and the last one to leave. Arrive 5-10 minutes after start time, bring a drink or snack and leave while the energy is still up. People will love hanging out with you, and you’ll likely get invited back.

Be mindful that if someone doesn’t seem interested in hanging out, there’s no need to push the issue. Just move on; there are plenty more people in your apartment community who will be worthy hang-out buddies.

While this may seem like a lot of guidelines for something as simple as hanging out in your apartment community, it’s smart to start off on the right foot. Once you get a solid crew of people to hang with, your social agenda at home will be set!

How To Keep Your Bed Toasty Warm This Winter

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Now that the weather is starting to get colder, it gets harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning. Between the lack of sunshine to wake you up and the chill that hangs in the air, we understand why you may want to spend a few extra minutes buried in your pillows and blankets.

Though it may be counter-productive to helping you get up in the morning, using the right bedding will help you stay toasty as the nights get colder. This article from apartmentguide.com walks us through some of the best accessories to keep your bed warm. Keep reading to learn more!

Down comforters are what’s up

For fluffy warmth, it doesn’t get much better than down. Your most expensive down comforters – designed to be covered by a duvet, or just thrown on top of the bed as they are – will be filled with 100 percent goose down, but a more affordable alternative is a comforter filled with a mixture of down and feathers.

These comforters come in a variety of fill powers, which describes the quality of the down. A higher fill power means you’re getting higher-quality down, and it probably means you’re paying more money. If you live in Alaska, it might be worth it; if you live in Florida, probably not. And definitely look for a comforter that’s baffled, meaning there are pockets sewn in that trap the down in an evenly distributed pattern.

Depending on the fill power, down comforters range in price from about $40 to several hundred dollars.

There are also a few down alternative comforters out there that’ll still keep you plenty warm, but without costing you as much money. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to about $500 for a high-end down alternative comforter.

Curl up under fuzzy flannel sheets

Switching out lightweight sheets with something fuzzier is pretty common for most people when the nights start to get chilly. Flannel sheets are made from cotton or a cotton-wool blend and are warm and soft, yet lightweight. You’ll pay about $20 for a low-end queen set of flannel sheets, up to about $180 for a high-end set.

Power up with heated mattress pads and electric blankets

Electric blankets are a more efficient way to stay warm than turning on the heat.

When it’s really frigid, there’s no shame in turning to electricity to keep yourself comfortable – sure, it’ll cost you money and energy, but it’s a more efficient way to stay warm than turning up the central heat. Heated mattress pads and electric blankets create a warm cocoon under your blankets. Turn them on a few minutes before crawling into bed and you’ll be welcomed into a blissfully cozy pocket. Turn them off before you fall asleep – the blankets on top of you will keep the heat trapped, and you’ll be snug as a bug all night long.

Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a queen-sized electric blanket or mattress pad. You can spend more if you want to be fancy, but it’s probably not worth it.

Warm up with wool blankets

In the centuries before electricity, people used wool blankets to keep themselves warm at night. Today, those same properties apply – a thick wool blanket on your bed will do wonders to keep you comfy and cozy. Just be sure to have them dry-cleaned, because you know what happens to a wool sweater when you put it in the dryer, and that’ll happen to blankets as well. And when winter’s over, store wool in a sealed chest where moths can’t get to it.

Prices will vary depending on the size of your wool blanket and where you buy it.

Most affordable option: Hot water bottle

It’s not glamorous, but it works. Boil some water on the stove and pour it into a temperature-safe water bottle. If it’s too hot to handle right away, wrap it in a cloth until it cools down a bit. Keep it close to you while you’re in bed, and you’ll be surprised at how toasty you’ll be.

Freshen Up Your Apartment With An Unexpected Twist

(Image courtesy of Nico Paix)

No matter how much care you took in designing the way that your apartment looks there comes a time when cushions on the couch begin to look a little stale. If you’re beginning to tire of your plain white dishes, there are simple solutions that you can take to avoid starting over and redesigning your whole apartment from scratch. Sprinkle a few visually appealing, eclectic elements throughout your apartment to add a little visual interest.

The changes that you make to your interior design don’t have to be drastic to achieve the desired effect. This article from renters.apartments.com is full of great ideas to add a little exotic spice to your interior decorating. Keep reading to learn more!

Color palette

The heart of an exotic design in décor is mostly achieved through the creation of a vivid backdrop. Indian décor may use saffron or mango colors and textiles in colors such as turquoise, jade, amethyst, orange and fuchsia. A typical Moroccan look can be achieved through turquoise and white tiles and dark wood. African décor, for example, features more earth tones and animal prints. Asian styles focus on faded browns, shiny black, red and white as well as green. Tropical hues include green, bright orange, sky blue, red and lovely bright yellow. Or, you can always go for some mottled green or blue in a traditional French style.

Flowing fabric decorations

Fabrics in lovely tones, loosely draped over the walls can truly transform a given room, giving it a completely new look. Adding a lantern or something similar will allow the lighting to give soft shadows and a different sense of space. This could help make your apartment feel like a Moroccan home – and you easily can find lanterns, sconces and more lighting fixtures at most home good stores.

Its all about the details

Regardless of whether its tiles or something else, the design is mostly felt in the small touches that add character. You can go one step beyond the usual decorations by adding Moorish symbols, changing your interior so it can closely resemble the traditional styles seen in the East and more.

Mosaic tiles

Complex tile work is something of a driving feature in Moroccan design as you can find it pretty much everywhere from floors to tabletops and walls. You can install mosaic tiles that look as close to zillij as possible, so you can achieve the same sense of aesthetic typically seen there. Many stores offer plenty of different opportunities to buy interesting designs when it comes to mosaic tiles.

The use of stencils

Stencils can be used more like an alternate solution you can do yourself so you can create the feel of a zillij tile. Just using a stencil pattern in the according colors can truly transform an entire room for a boring uniform color to something teeming with life and character. If you look up photos of Marrakesh you will see these patterns present in their more traditional interiors.

Don't Miss Your Workout!

(Image courtesy of Stacy Spensley)

Now that the weather is getting colder, the idea of getting dressed and going all the way to the gym can seem like such a hassle. On the days that a gym-run just doesn't seem like it’s going to happen, you don’t have to worry about missing your workout! There are simple exercises you can do in the comfort of your own apartment to make sure you burn calories and keep in shape for the next beach season!

Your health, and your workout, don’t have to hinge on you leaving your apartment. This article from renters.apartments.com has a great list of simple exercises to do at home. Keep reading to get toned while you stay in!

Quick Cardio Blast: Burn up to 150 calories

• Minutes one to two: High-intensity cardio, jump rope or run up and down stairs.
• Minutes three to four: Do as many push-ups as you can.
• Minutes five and six: Jump rope or run stairs again.
• Minutes seven and eight: Do squats by standing with your back against a wall and squatting as low as you can. Focus on form rather than speed.
• Minutes nine and ten: Back to the high-intensity cardio, but this time give it your all. Try to get in ten more jumps or stairs in the same amount of time.

Tone and Strengthen

Do each of these exercises for one minute. The goal is to move continuously for the entire series.

• Squats against a wall: Stand with your back against wall and squat down as far as you can.
• Push-ups: Focus on form, not quantity. Knee push-ups are perfectly fine until you have the strength for military style.
• Walking lunges with a front kick: Step forward with one leg and lunge until your knee is above your front foot. Stand and kick up, lower your leg and repeat with the other side.
• Squats/Chest squeeze: Hold a weighted object and pull it in towards your chest as you lift up.
• Dead lifts: Stand with a weighted object in your hands and bend forward until your back is parallel to the floor. Keep your back lifted the entire time. For an extra challenge, stand on one leg and alternate.
• Shoulder raises: Keeping your arms straight, lift the weight to the front of your body and hold. Lower slowly and repeat.
• Side raises: Stand with your upper torso parallel to the floor. Raise your arms to your sides with your thumbs pointing up. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold.
• Triceps Dip: Support yourself on a couch or sturdy chair with both hands behind you, facing away from the chair. Bend your knees and lower yourself using only your arms. Lift and repeat.
• Wide-leg squat: Stand with your legs spread open past your shoulders and squat as low as you can.
• Crunch: Lie on the floor and do a set of traditional crunches, with your arms behind your head and your knees bent. Lift up your upper torso, squeeze in your abs, lower slowly and repeat.

Stretch and Lengthen

These five stretches will target the major muscles in your body. Hold each stretch for one minute on each side.

• Hamstrings: Sit with your legs in front of you and reach for your toes with your hands, keeping your back straight. Then alternate the same stretch on each leg, bending your other leg inwards.
• Triceps: Hold one arm under your head, bend it and use your other arm to gently push it back, stretching the muscle on the front of your arm.
• Shoulders: Stretch one arm across your chest and hold it in place with your other arm. Gently pull the straight arm towards your chest.
• Quadriceps: Stand up and bend one leg back behind you. Pull the leg in with the same-side arm until you feel a stretch.
• Spinal twist: Sit with one leg straight and the other bent. Twist your torso toward your bent leg, supporting yourself by resting the opposite elbow on your leg. Use your other arm to hold yourself up by resting it on the floor behind you.

Refurbish Your Furniture

(Image courtesy of decor8)

Sometimes we all need a little change of scenery in our apartments. But this time, rather than packing up all your furniture and heading to donate it why not take those old pieces and transform them into something unique? Turning old and and dated pieces of furniture into something new can be a great way to release your creativity into your apartment and increase your sense of ownership over the pieces you keep in your home.

Recreating older pieces of furniture doesn’t have to be difficult or overly time consuming. This blog from renters.apartments.com has some quick and simple ideas to update old furniture. Keep reading to learn how you can refurbish a number of old pieces.

• Slipcover an old armchair, sofa or ottoman: For instant furniture revival without any staples, find a slip cover that fits your chair, sofa or ottoman to give it a facelift. If needed, remove old upholstery on hand-me-down furniture and replace it with fabric that matches the room’s decor. While you’re at it, replace any foam or batting that has seen better days. Straight forward pieces are fairly easy to reupholster yourself, but if you feel overwhelmed by the project, take the furniture to a professional for guaranteed results.
  
• Repaint a tired dresser, nightstand or armoire: Whether the piece was painted previously or not, prep the furniture by sanding and priming it. Apply two coats of your favorite colored paint. Stencils and painter’s tape allow you create customized designs for added interest. Finally, replacing old hardware completes the makeover.
  
• Rescue a worn-out cart: Give media carts, movable kitchen islands, utility tables and other furniture-on-wheels a new lease on life with a properly executed makeover. Sand, prime and paint your old wood cart to freshen it up. New casters are probably in order as well, since these rust and wear out with age.
  
• Recover a chair or bench cushion: Kids and animals wreak havoc on cushion covers, staining and tearing them when your back is turned. Save the furniture by removing the existing cushion and recovering it with a new fabric of your choice. All you need to complete this DIY project is a staple gun and a screwdriver. You might also choose to repaint wooden portions of the chair or bench for a complete furniture transformation.
  
• Restore a shabby bookcase: Wooden shelves are as ho-hum as they get, but you can liven up even the shabbiest of bookcases on a Saturday afternoon. Sand and prime every surface and apply white paint to the exterior and shelf fronts. Then, paint a bright color on the insides of shelves to add contrast. White crown molding along the top adds a stylish finish.
  
• Update a drab headboard: Statement headboards are more fashionable than ever right now. If you have a stately headboard with a drab, damaging finish, update it with fresh paint, maybe even a unique stencil design. Upholstered headboards also add value and interest to the bedroom, as well as a comfortable way to prop yourself up.

Tips To Throwing A Successful Dinner Party

(Image Courtesy of Walt Stoneburner)

If you’re new to the art of throwing a dinner party, taking that initial leap can be a bit daunting. The important thing to remember when inviting people over is that you’re supposed to have fun- don’t let the menu and trying to make your apartment spotless get in the way of your good time.

The basics that you need to remember are the gues list, the menu and how to be a good host. Thankfully, this article from renters.apartments.com has a great guide to getting your started on your way to dinner party success. Keep reading to learn a few tips and tricks to make your first dinner party go off without a hitch!

The Guest List

One of the most important aspects to planning a dinner party is inviting the right people, as well as inviting the right number of people. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, and to keep food costs down, invite a maximum of ten people. If possible, choose to invite people that will likely mix well, but are different enough from each other to spark interesting conversation. When inviting guests, be sure to specify the type of dress (casual, formal, and so on) so they can plan accordingly.

Plan a Menu

A menu that includes some appetizers, a main course, and a dessert is ideal for any dinner party. When selecting a menu for your party, consider any special dietary restrictions that your guest may have, as well as your cooking ability. If you aren’t that skilled in the kitchen, stick with simple recipes that everyone loves, such as macaroni and cheese. It is more important that the menu be well-prepared than to be fancy.

Beverages are also important. You may choose to serve wine, beer, cocktails, or even a single “signature cocktail.” If you are serving alcohol, be sure to offer water and other non-alcoholic options as well. If you find yourself having a hard time deciding what to put on your menu, try choosing a theme for the entire party, and then choose foods that make sense with the theme.

Be a Good Host

A good host has a clean home, a welcoming attitude, and is attentive to their guests’ needs. Greeting guests with drinks and a selections of appetizers is a good way to start the evening, and makes hungry folks feel at ease. Giving guests a tour of the house, or at least, directions to the bathroom, is always appreciated.

Keep the conversation flowing by bringing up subjects that everyone can relate to, or by letting people know things that they may have in common with each other. It is also a good idea to have some activities around in case you sense that people are beginning to tire of table conversation.

When the party is over, be sure to thank you guests for coming, as well as for any hostess gifts they may have given you. Depending on the formality of your event, you may want to send a written thank-you note to those who attended your party. By inviting a great group of people, planning a menu that you can execute well, and being aware of your guests’ needs, your first dinner party is sure to be a hit.

Finding The Perfect Vacuum

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A vacuum is one of the staples of apartment living. Whether you’re just engaging in your routine cleaning of your apartment, or picking up after having friends over for a game night, a vacuum is one of the few pieces of equipment it is difficult to get by without. Because the vacuum is essential to so many people there are many different choices and styles to take into consideration with choosing a new one.

The amount of space you have and how tidy you like to keep your apartment are all factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a new vacuum. This article from apartmenttherapy.com walks you through the steps to finding the right vacuum for your needs. Keep reading to find out what important questions you need to ask before buying this essential tool.

Uprights

Many people prefer upright vacuums because they cover a larger area, they fit well in a largish closet, and they're generally the best option for cleaning carpeted rooms.

Desco Vacuum: Located in Manhattan, this store is a good source for reliable information and reasonable prices on high-end vacuum cleaners. They carry Miele, Sebo, Pullman, and Dyson, as well as specialty brands like American-made Riccar vacuums, which come with 5-year household warranties. (Shown left is the Riccar Radiance.)

Overstock.com: Always a good source for deals, Overstock has a rotating supply of upright, canister, and handheld vacuums. They sell new and refurbished models, which are offered at deep discounts since they've been returned by customers, then examined by Overstock to make sure that they're in like-new condition.

Canisters

The attachment makes it easier to clean upholstery, curtains, and other hard-to-reach areas. Canister vacuums are also recommended for bare floors, since they can easily suck the dirt that collects near baseboards, but are more difficult to maneuver over a fully carpeted room.

Best Vacuum: Based out of Chicago, this online store has detailed reviews of their products, as well as guides to which vacuum is best for pet owners, allergy sufferers, people with thick carpets, or people with wood floors. For instance, they recommend the $680 HEPA Miele Pisces for people with allergies. (Apartment Therapy blogger Aaron has one if you want to read his take on it.)

Amazon.com: This ubiquitous online retailer is a great place to comparison shop, since they carry most major brands. Do your research and check out the prices on Amazon versus other stores, since their deals vary. We found a good price ($330 compared to $400 and above at other retailers) on the Electrolux Oxygen, a canister vac that's recommended by Consumer Reports (although reader comments seem to be split between strong positive and negative reviews).

Hand-Helds and Small Vacuums

Handheld vacuums are good for light jobs, but don't expect the coverage or power of an upright or canister. They're useful in small apartments that don't have a lot of carpeting, and they're great for upholstery or curtains.

Abt Electronics and Appliances: Headquartered outside of Chicago, this online store has received good customer service reports from Apartment Therapy readers. They carry the full range of vacuums, from uprights to handhelds, and their prices are on par with and sometimes below other electronics stores. The popular Dyson Handheld DC35 Multi Floor Vacuum is listed at $329.

Fry's Home Electronics: On the West Coast and in the Southwest, Fry's is a go-to source for household electronics. They sell a bunch of different vacuums, including the $100 Electrolux Ergorapido 2-in-1 Sweeper, which is actually a stick model with a built-in handheld vac. Gregory has one and he recommends it for pet owners with hard floors.

There are TONS of product reviews and information out there on Vacuums. Here are a few good sources if you want more information and recommendations.

• Vacuum and Floor Care Stores on Marketplace

• Best Vacuum Roundup: Dyson, Miele, Electrolux, Airider...

• Vacuums on Unplggd  

Is Your Apartment Pet Friendly?

(Image courtesy of DaveDandelion)

Adding a pet to your home can be a great change. You’ll always have someone there to greet you when you come from work, and having a pet can make your apartment feel more like a home. As many long time pet owners know, though, bringing a pet into your home requires more than just love- there are some very important steps that need to happen first.

Caring for your pet in an apartment is different than caring for your pet in a home. When you bring a dog or cat into the picture, even the set up of your apartment can change. This article from renters.apartments.com walks through the steps all pet owners (new and old) need to take to make sure their apartment is pet ready. Keep reading to learn more.

Pet supplies: Before bringing your new pet home, you need to have food (and a bowl to put it in), somewhere for him to sleep, a collar and leash if it’s a dog, and maybe some treats and toys to help ease his transition into his new space. If you got a puppy that will need to be housebroken, a crate is a good idea to help prevent accidents in every corner of your apartment (not to mention a serious dent in your security deposit). Other necessities may include medicine, poop bags, a hair brush, shampoo and toothbrush.

Cleaning supplies: As cute as they are, pets can also be messy, especially a dog who needs to be walked in all types of weather, thereby bringing mud, ice and snow back inside with him. Stock up on carpet and floor cleaner for whatever he tracks in, as well as inevitable accidents and sickness. Another key factor is hair – consider investing in a heavy-duty pet vacuum if your new companion is a big shedder, and stock up on lint rollers for your clothes and furniture.

Pet proofing: Another thing to consider before bringing your pet home is what hazards he could get into. Anything that lives close to the floor – like trash cans, power cords, stuff crammed under the bed – could look like enticing chew toys to your dog or cat. Get as much off the floor as you can, especially potentially hazardous items like pills, cleaning supplies and electric cords. When you’re not home, be sure to close off any rooms you don’t want him in unsupervised. And if he learns how to open cupboards and trash cans, it’s time to get some locks to keep him – and your stuff – safe.

Training: Just as important as making your apartment suitable for your pet is making sure your pet respects your apartment. Sign up for obedience classes right away if you get a dog, and set limits for what’s OK and not OK at home. It may be cute the first time your dog grabs a sock out of the laundry basket, but your roommate won’t be happy if she comes home to a half-eaten shirt. Make your house rules – whether the pet is allowed on furniture, if he can eat table scraps, etc. – and stick to them to maintain a happy household.

Learn more about living with pets in your apartment.

Life With A Messy Roommate

(Image courtesy of juicyrai)

We all are comfortable in our homes in different ways. Some people find peace when they keep their possessions organized and clean, and others are more comfortable living in a more chaotic fashion. When you live with a roommate it can sometimes be a challenge to mesh these differing views on organization.

Though, everyone’s style is different it is not impossible to reconcile these differences and live together comfortably.This article from renters.apartments.com has some good tips to navigate your way through the roommate minefield. Keep reading to learn how to diffuse a difficult situation:

Make Sure You Each Have Some Personal Space

The most obvious way to ensure that you each have some personal space is by having separate bedrooms. Decide that each of you will be responsible for cleaning your own bedroom. Your messy roommate can then keep that one area of your apartment as messy as he/she wants, and you can be as tidy as you want.

Establish Ground Rules for Common Living Spaces

If you’re going to get along with your roommate, one of the first things you need to do together is establish ground rules for common living areas. It isn’t fair of your messy roommate to turn the kitchen into a disaster area so that you can’t find a clean plate or cup, and there isn’t an inch of clean work space so that you can make a sandwich.

Decide from the get-go that you’re each going to clean up after yourselves, or create a kitchen cleaning plan so that you clean up on alternating days. If you intend to eat your meals together, you might want to decide that when one of you cooks, the other does the clean up.

Create Storage Areas Throughout the Apartment

No matter where you live, how big your apartment is, or how much you’re paying for rent, there is probably a serious lack of usable storage space. If you don’t want to see shoes piled up everywhere when you walk into the apartment, put a bench and shoe shelf as close to the door as possible. That way, people can sit down, remove their shoes and put them on the shelf.

Anytime you subscribe to a magazine or ask to receive catalogs from different companies, you are opening up the possibility that paper clutter will accumulate very quickly in the apartment. Put baskets in a space close to the apartment entry so that garbage can be thrown into one, and things you need to look over and sort through can be thrown into the other.

If you don’t have a coat closet at the entry to the apartment, you might want to consider purchasing a coat rack, or some sort of hook system for the wall that will allow you and your roommate to hang your coat up as soon as your walk into the apartment. This will make it easy for both of you to hang up your coats as soon as you walk in the door.

Decide on Laundry Arrangements in Advance

If you have laundry in your apartment, you should each have a sorting system for sorting your laundry. You should also clarify your expectations about leaving stuff around. Since you have to share appliances, you should both remove your clothing from the washer or dryer when it’s done. Help your messy roommate get into the habit of cleaning the lint trap after using the dryer, and decide in advance whether you’re going to share laundry supplies or buy your own.
Be as clear as possible about your expectations of one another before moving in together. If necessary, put things in writing. A mutual understanding of what you expect from one another will prevent many potential fights that would otherwise be inevitable when a neat freak tries to live with a messy person – kind of like Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple.

Turning The Old Into The New

(Image courtesy of jawcey)

Renting an apartment has quite a few advantages- you don’t have to worry about major maintenance issues and you’re not tied down to a specific area longer than you want to be, just to name a few. But sometimes there are a few drawbacks as well, such as being unable to design your place exactly how you want it to look.

Though it can get frustrating to try to update the look of your apartment due to your landlord’s restrictions, there are a few simple ways to change the appearance of a space without upsetting anyone in the process. This blog from renters.apartments.com teaches a few simple ways to modernize your living space, all without spending a bundle or breaking the rules. Keep reading to learn how:

Personalize With Photos

Most apartments come with neutral walls and carpets to accommodate for all renters, but this means that they come with little color to fill the space, leaving it all up to you. To add more color to your space with your own personal touch, use your own pictures. Hang them on the walls or stand them up on end tables to make your apartment truly feel like home. For tips on how to arrange your photo display, read this article.

Spice Up Your Bathroom

One of the easiest areas of an apartment to decorate without breaking any rules is the bathroom. Check out these several ways to spice up your bathroom’s decor:

• Change the toilet seat and replace it with the old one when you move out.
• Add color and personality to the room with a creative shower curtain.
• Cover up the ugly tile with tile stickers.
• Add artwork to the walls.

Add Window Decor

Adding elements to your windows is perhaps one of the best and the easiest ways to bring color and personality into your apartment. Decorate the windows with curtains or even window decals to change the appearance of the room, and for a spectacular look and a modern feel, install roman blinds. You can even add plants to the windowsill to bring even more color and life to the room.

Cover Up With an Area Rug

If you’re stuck with an ugly and out-dated carpet, you can easily cover it up with an area rug. Use these tips to find the best area rug for your space:

• Pick a size that’s slightly smaller than the area that the furniture covers so that it’s not too overpowering.
• Choose bold patterns for something unexpected and full of personality.
• Bring in patterns and colors for a room with neutral walls.
• Use a neutral rug if you have bright furniture.

Update the Light Fixtures

Most of the time, landlords don’t have a problem with tenants replacing light fixtures as long as they replace the original ones when they move out. Not only does upgrading your light fixtures help change the appearance of the place and give it a more modern look, but new fixtures can help brighten the entire room without blocking out any of the bulb’s light. The best part about it is that you can take the fixtures with you when you move, so you won’t waste money on something you can’t keep.

If you’re stuck in an outdated or neutral apartment, these few tips should help brighten your home and bring some color and style into the place without upsetting your landlord.

Table For One?

(Image courtesy of Dana Gallagher)

Living on your own can have some very distinct advantages. Some people like the luxury of moving around their apartment without the worry of stepping on someone else’s toes There’s also quite a bit that can be said about the freedom to design your home all on your own. And who can forget the freedom to come and go as you please? However, at mealtimes, living alone can becoming a bit daunting, especially if you’re not planning on entertaining friends every night.

The recipe choices for those living the solo lifestyle are somewhat limited and often times it can be difficult to make it through a family-sized container of leftovers. This doesn’t mean that living by yourself means you can’t cook for yourself! This article from Apartmentguide.com offers some simple and cost effective tips for creating great meals that are the perfect size for one person. Read on to learn some great ideas to keep cooking for yourself from becoming a chore.

Buy easily-scalable amounts

Shopping in bulk bins lets you control how much food you bring home. From beans and grains to sugar, you can buy just enough and then prepare only as much as you need.

Eggs, individually-wrapped cheeses, microwaveable bacon, canned items and single-serve condiments like jalapenos can be used in a single meal — without leftovers, if you prefer.

Just don’t get too carried away with packaged single-serve items, however, as they often cost more for the convenience. When possible, buy items in their whole state, only look for the smallest sizes. When it comes to produce and fruit, buy separate pieces, rather than bags, which may spoil before you get around to eating the whole amount.

Love your freezer

The option to freeze certain foods means you can buy a whole pack of sausages or hot dogs, for instance, and use only some of the item at a time without worrying about spoiling. Simply break packages into single servings before freezing.

Items that work well for freezing include:

• Bread, buns and bagels
• Shredded cheese
• Hamburger or salmon patties
• Individually-wrapped steaks
• Fish or chicken fillets
• Breakfast meats
• Vegetarian “faux meat” options

One of the greatest benefits of all is to be able to make larger-than-you-need batches of food to freeze in separate servings. There is no waste, and you’ve got ready meals available when you have no time or desire to cook.

Use common ingredients to your advantage

Cooking for one is easier and more economical when you can use ingredients you have on hand. Buying exotic or expensive foods for a single meal typically isn’t cost-effective, so look for recipes that contain basic ingredients you regularly keep in stock, like:

• Canned or frozen meats or fish
• Pasta
• Grains
• Potatoes
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Fresh or frozen vegetables
• Sauces

Similarly, you can repurpose the foods you prepare one night for other meals. A roast chicken or pot roast can create soup, fajitas and chicken salad. What you can’t finish in a few days can be stored in the freezer for even more mileage.

Oh, Solo Menu!

Now, let’s get to the menu(s). The challenge for the solo chef is to find dishes that will be worth taking the time to prepare. Ideally, quick, easy and delicious are the key experiences you’re looking for. Salads and sandwiches are typical go-to’s that can inspire infinite combinations. When shopping for your favorite proteins, select options that will make just the right amount, depending on your liking for leftovers.

Check out sites like these for easy, solo-cooking recipes you’ll crave:

Delish.com, 14 Simple Dinners for One

FoodNetwork.com, Single Person Cooking

BBCGoodFood.com, Meals-for-one Recipes

MarieClaire.com, Cooking for One

SingleFare.comCooking for one doesn’t have to be a chore or an exercise in waste. Instead, embrace the freedom to eat what you want, when you want and only as much as you need.

Need A Pet Sitter? Need A Dog Walker? Here’s How To Find The Right One!

(Image courtesy of Kristine Paulus)

We’ve said this before, but it’s still true: we love our pets. How can we not? Pets are often the greatest companions we could ever ask for. Unfortunately, they can’t go everywhere with us - and that can make things tricky if we have to go out of town.

Whether you need a pet sitter or a dog walker, the idea of finding someone to care for your best friend can be a little intimidating. So why not make the process of selecting your pet’s temporary caregiver as easy as possible? Use these tips from renters.apartments.com to ensure that the person you pick to watch your pet is the right fit:

Get recommendations: Consult your pet-owning friends and family members who live nearby about who they use. Chances are they have a pet sitter or dog walker they love, or can at least steer you away from any they had a bad experience with. If you get a referral, be sure to return the favor: Many services offer current clients discounts for bringing them new business.

Go online: In a big city, the number of choices for pet services can be daunting. How do you know where to start? Though you may think of it more for restaurants, one great resource is Yelp. The user review site may not have every company that comes up on Google, but those with loyal and happy – or infuriated – customers will be there. Yelp’s filters ensure that the reviews you see can be trusted, and some companies may offer discounts if you tell them you found them on the site.

Compare prices: Pet care costs can add up quickly, especially if you work out of the home and need someone to walk your dog five days a week. Since many dog-walking and pet-sitting companies are small businesses run out of people’s homes, prices can vary widely. Once you’ve found a couple that meet your criteria in terms of quality, location and personality, call them for prices (if they’re not listed on their websites). If your favorite one is a few dollars more than the runner-up, it’s worth alerting them of their competitors’ prices as they may be willing to compromise.
Don’t worry! Once you’ve found, met and hired your pet service of choice, try to put your mind at ease. It can be hard leaving your pet with a stranger the first time, but if you’ve done your research, you can trust that they are in good hands. These people deal with animals all the time — from the sweet to the mischievous — and they will know how to handle yours. Your pet will have a great time while you’re away, and will be even happier to see you when you get home! 

It’s Time For The Bumbershoot Festival 2013

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It’s time for the Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle!

Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival is taking place this Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center! Since 1971, this festival has drawn artists representing the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance, and visual arts to the Seattle Center. Already the festival's Facebook page is filled with interviews and previews for the upcoming performances, while the Seattle Times posted a list of the best things to do at the festival on their blog.

This wonderful festival even got featured on renters.apartments.com. Here’s what they had to say about this event:

Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival 2013 is upon us. From August 31 to September 2, you can enjoy music performances, great food, comedy, theatre, and more. This family-friendly, one-of-a-kind Seattle event brings an eclectic mixture of entertainment to thousands every year.

So what exactly is Bumbershoot? As mentioned on the festival’s website, “The arts festival known originally as Festival ’71, then as Festival ’72, was dubbed Bumbershoot® in 1973.” This event swings by Seattle every Labor Day weekend, and takes place at Seattle Center on 74-acre land. It’s known to attract over 100,000 people each year who enjoy local, national, and international artists performing across an array of disciplines.

The 2013 Bumbershoot lineup is extensive – see for yourself. You can search by a specific music genre: hip hop, electronic, pop, jazz, etc. and by theme: words and ideas, comedy, visual arts, etc. There is something for everyone and more! Check out the Bumbershoot 2013 blog for more information on the artists and event.

As if this festival isn’t amazing enough, it believes in protecting the environment. Bumbershoot is known to be one of the most sustainable festivals around. Some sustainable practices encouraged at this entertainment venue are: bring your own reusable water bottles, recycling stations at every turn, composting stations, renewable power sources, Bumbershoot clothing is local and organic, and more!

Can’t forget about the delicious food and drinks – here is a range of local food vendors ready to satisfy your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? You can buy your tickets here – they’re on sale now, so it’s best to buy them before you show up.

This is an exclusive, diverse, and dynamic festival that aims to charm all, and is bound to leave you wanting more. Bring your family and friends, and experience a remarkable weekend celebration in Seattle.

To read reviews on the event, you can check out the positive Yelp reviews.


Head on out and enjoy, Seattle!

10 Great Ideas For Your Picnic Lunch

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If you haven't gone on a picnic yet this summer, now's the time! The best season of the year may be winding down but it's not over yet, and a beautiful weekend in the park is the perfect setting for a fabulous picnic with friends, family, or a significant other.

The next question, then, is what should you prepare and take to enjoy on your picnic? Well, renters.apartments.com has a few ideas - 10, to be exact!

1. It’s a lazy summer day. You’ve got all the time in the world, and there’s a good chance your picnic is going to last half the afternoon. If so, you’re going to need some snacks and appetizers. Hummus and pita bread is classic picnic cuisine.
2. If you want something flashier and more indulgent than humus, bring along some pate; mushroom, chicken liver, and duck pate with apple jelly are just a couple of options.
3. Cheese and fruit are essential to any picnic. Smoked Gouda, Edam or goat cheese go nicely with grapes or figs. Throw some salami or smoked salmon into the mix and you’ll have a nice charcuterie plate.
4. If you want super-fresh fruit, opt for strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. They are all in season during the summer.
5. Any European -and they know a thing or two about dining al fresco- will tell you that a crusty baguette is a must have at a picnic.
6. While people will argue that macaroni or potato salad are picnic staples, if you’re planning on being outside for a long time, mayonnaise that’s slowly going sour will have you thinking differently, and probably hating future picnics, too. Instead of macaroni potato salad, make a salad using orzo rice shaped pasta. Add asparagus, spring onions, peas and pine nuts, and then sprinkle it with olive oil.
7. A classic chicken Caesar salad with hard boiled eggs is filling and easy to share, and it’s the perfect addition to an outdoor pick-up meal.
8. Is there any food more portable than a wrap sandwich? Wrap up your favorite deli meats with some sprouts and lettuce and voila.
9. Desserts can be tricky, not to mention messy and a magnet for bugs, bees and other picnic creatures. Cookies aren’t really fancy enough, and a pint of your favorite ice cream is going to melt in five minutes. This is where the cupcake comes in. Small, portable and eaten in a couple of bites, cupcake frosting won’t melt too fast, causing a mess, nor will the dessert be around long enough to attract bugs.
10. Depending on where you’re having the picnic, a chilled bottle of white wine is the perfect beverage. If that’s not possible, opt for lemonade or sweet tea.

 Are we missing anything? Let us know what your favorite picnic dishes are in the comments!

Got A Vacation Soon? Here’s How To Find Pet Care!

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If you have pets, you know that the first step in booking a vacation isn’t picking the your motel or buying your plane tickets: it’s finding a place for your best friend to stay and get some TLC while you’re relaxing far away.

Sometimes pet care while you’re away is as simple as calling a friend up and trading a few bucks for their troubles. Other times, it requires research and lots of planning. If you fall into the latter category, the following apartmenttherapy.com article is for you - and even if you don’t fit the bill now, you never know: your go-to friend could always schedule a vacation at the same time that you do!

Either way, always be prepared and know how to find your pet care with these five tips:

1. Decide what kind of care you are after. This can vary with your personal comfort level, your budget and you pet’s individual needs or temperament. The options vary from the traditional kennel, pet “hotels” that are often also doggie daycare centers, care in a pet sitter’s home or care in your own home. It’s a good idea to have a couple of options researched and prepare in case one falls through.

2. Make sure you leave plenty of time to book, options tend to fill up fastest during holidays and peak vacation times. You will also want to leave time to tour any facilities and for you pet to meet and interact with the caregiver(s) before you commit to anything.

3. Find someone you can trust and establish a relationship with them. At times when I used a regular dog walker they were always my first choice for pet sitting as well. They knew my dogs and I had already vetted them. It can be a good idea to use a service you have experience with, be it a doggie day care of walker but if you don’t have one of those options to turn to you can try calling your vet (they usually keep a list) or ask around at your local dogpark.

4. Have a meet and greet. This is one of the most important things you can do. Have the caregiver meet you in your home or bring your pet to wherever they will be staying. This gives your pet an opportunity to see you interact with the person, so that they know this person has been invited in and allows them to form a connection before you leave them. It’s also a great opportunity to go over any pertinent information in person, and show them where they can find what they will need.

5. Write everything down. You might feel like it’s a bit over the top but a detailed outline of your pet's needs along with their usual routine can save a lot of headaches. Be sure to list your vet's info in case of any emergencies and any prescription or health related information.

A Day Out (Around the Space Needle) In Seattle

Image courtesy of commons.wikipedia.org

The iconic Space Needle is a pride and joy for Seattle, recognized by many across the nation and even world. Even better: while it’s become a great tourist attraction recently, that doesn’t mean it’s off limits to locals.

But the Space Needle won’t take up an entire day - so what will you do before or after you visit it? We’re glad you asked, because apartments.com has a few ideas:

To start things off, the EMP Museum, a large mass of reflective multicolor panels with no descriptive shape, is a funky building that exhibits everything sci-fi, pop culture, and music. Packed with educational programs and innovative technologies, this is bound to be an interactive adventure indeed. The museum is perfect for all ages and has something for everyone.

Seattle Center has much to offer including the magnificent International Fountain. It was originally built in 1961 for the 1962 World’s Fair and later rebuilt in 1995. Enjoy the synchronized music to the quirky movements of the water program. Songs include: “Welcome to Seattle Center Show, Aaron Copeland’s ‘Billy the Kid,’ Duke Ellington, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and a mix from Northwest Rock ‘n Roll legends.” During the summer, you can find a DJ engaging crowds and livening the scene. Within eyeshot of the fountain, the Seattle Center features a skate park, children’s museum, multiple concert halls, and a ballet school.

These activities are certain to make you hungry. There are many great restaurants around the Space Needle – my favorite being Quincy’s. Burgers, Seafood, Beer. The Space Needle restaurant, Skycity, is also an option; although it can be pricey. However, if you’re in the mood for some amazing Seattle views, your meal includes the cost of admission to the Space Needle.

When you’ve experienced everything Seattle Center has to offer, take a short walk or drive up to Kerry Park to experience a stunning view of Seattle – you might just catch an impromptu yoga session.

Be sure to check the festival schedule occurring year round. ‘Festal’ is hosted by the Seattle Center and community organizations to bring culture, diversity, and community to Seattle. The next festival is August 17, 2013, Indigenous Cultures Day – don’t miss out!

What do you think - does this sound like a good day out to you?