Be Gym Courteous

(Image courtesy of Kllerbreed)

As one of our many great amenities, Aspira is proud to offer our residents a state of the art fitness facility. What could be better than having a gym right in your apartment complex? Though we all love to get out sweat on, especially during the winter when we can't stretch our legs outside, it's important to remember that other residents are using the gym as well.

In order to keep everyone comfortable, it's important to remember a few basic rules of thumb when going through your daily workout routine. With that in mind, here's a few simple things to keep in mind when using our gym in the coming months, courtesy of renters.apartment.com:

1. Mind your noise.

This goes for any personal radios and even personal headphones that may be blasting at an extremely loud volume. Keeping noise levels down also means refraining from loud chatting on your cell phone and loud grunting noises you may find yourself making during your workout. While the gym doesn’t have to be as quiet as a library, it should not sound like rush hour at a circus.

2. Practice cleanliness.

Showing up in muddy shoes or filthy, smelly gym clothes is not the best way to be courteous at the gym. You also want to refrain from wearing excessive perfume, cologne or any products that leave residue on the machines. Wiping down any machine or weight bench after use is a must for being polite. No one wants to work out in other people’s sweat.

3. Don’t show up sick.

Going to the gym with a contagious illness is a surefire way to make instant enemies of your neighbors. Gyms are a prime place to spread around germs and viruses that can infect other gym-goers. Besides, hacking and coughing all over the equipment is just, well, gross.

4. Don’t be a machine hog.

If the little sign on the treadmill says you have a 30 minute time limit, then please heed it. While you may be able to extend the amount of time you may be able to spend on a particular machine if you’re the only one in the gym, pay attention and be polite when others are waiting.

5. Know what you’re doing before you do it.

Whether you read the instructions posted on the wall or ask an employee for help, knowing how to properly use the machines and equipment can save a lot of grief. Not only will knowing what you’re doing with a specific piece of equipment stop you from breaking the equipment, it can stop you from injuring yourself.

6. Put the equipment back in order.

If you use a yoga mat, roll it back up and prop it against the wall where you originally found it. Put any pulleys or accessories you removed from a machine back to their original position. Restack your weights. Leaving things a mess can result in resentments as well as injuries, especially if someone has to move weights that are too heavy for him or her to move.

7. Respect personal space.

Personal space at the gym ensures you’re not huffing and puffing down someone else’s neck during a group class or other workout. It also helps prevent injury. You and other gym-goers need enough space to comfortable as well as to move comfortably through whatever routine you’re doing.

The Grammy's Are Coming!

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If you’re like us, you’ll look for any reason to host a party. If that’s the case, then you’re in luck! The Grammy’s are coming up quick and there’s just enough time left to plan a party that all your favorite guests will never forget.

If you’re planning on throwing a themed bash for the big night, there are a few essentials that you can’t forget. This article from apartmentguide.com offers a few great tips for throwing a Grammy themed party that will take your party to the next level.

Dress to impress. When you invite everyone, make sure they’re fully aware of the Grammy night dress code. Make it a “Suit and Tie” affair, or go the less formal route by having guests dress as their favorite music star.

Rock out. Duh. Power up your phone, tablet or laptop and have tunes ready to set the mood. If you don’t have any songs by this year’s nominees, you can quickly download them. Another option is to simply turn on a good, upbeat Pandora station and let the music flow.

Make it sparkle. Red carpet events are all about glitz and glamour. Black and gold are traditional colors at the Grammys, but any decorations that are shiny will do the job. Bonus points to whoever can find a giant, sparkly “Wrecking Ball”. A few “Mirrors” won’t hurt, either. The dollar store is a “Holy Grail” for cheap party favors. So is Party City. And don’t throw those decorations away! Use them for other celebrations throughout the year.

Grammy fun fact: Move over, Ziggly Marley. Snoop Lion (you may know him better as Snoop Dogg) is nominated for “Best Reggae Album” for last year’s “Reincarnated”.

Role play. As soon as guests arrive, hand them a sparkly envelope. Inside will be the name of a huge pop star. The guest will have to act like that celebrity for the rest of the evening. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get one of your crazy friends to “Roar.”

Make predictions. Who do you think will take home all the coveted awards? Browse the official Grammys website to see this year’s nominations. Print it out, hand out blank note cards and have your guests write down their picks. At the end of the night, the winner with the most correct guesses gets a prize – perhaps a music themed gift like an iTunes gift card. Maybe you’ll be the one to “Get Lucky” and win!

Grammy fun fact: Funny man Stephen Colbert’s “America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t” is in the running for “Best Spoken Word Album.”

Encourage song and dance. Place everyone’s name on separate pieces of paper and place them into a hat or box. Do the same with song names and place them in a second box or hat. Have your guests randomly pick a name and song. The chosen person will have to perform that song in front of everyone. A re-enactment of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” video will no doubt be entertaining.

Food fit for royals. Tiny food is big in Hollywood, so hor d’oeuvres should be the focus as far as grub goes. Think quiche and mini cheesecakes. Find some delicious recipes on Pinterest that’ll have your guests screaming like Miley, “We Can’t Stop”… eating, that is!

Hire paparazzi. Okay, maybe that’s taking things a bit too far. But you can certainly enlist friends to snap photos all night long. Create a custom hashtag and have everyone upload pictures to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all night long. No party is complete without the obligatory selfie, right?

Grammy fun fact: Bob Saget, best known from the 1990s as the single dad on “Full House”, is nominated this year in the “Best Comedy Album” category for his “That’s What I’m Talkin’ About” release.

Follow our tips and we promise, your guests won’t be declaring “We’re Going Home” until long after the credits roll! Tune in on Sunday Jan. 26th at 8 p.m. EST to see all the fuss!

Table For One?

(Image courtesy of Dinner Series)

Living alone in an apartment is a great experience to teach independence and to let you discover who you are before you start sharing your space with another person. Many times young renters go from sharing a house with family, to moving in with a roommate, to getting married and sharing a home with a spouse-though this progression can be great it leaves no time to be on their own. There’s one aspect of living on your own that can cause a bit of trouble for those who do decide to take the leap into single-living- meal times.

It’s easy to find great recipes to make for a family of five, but living alone means many renters won’t have to cook such large meals outside of the occasional dinner party. With the tips and tricks in this article from renters.apartments.com you won’t have to worry about wasting food just to make yourself a delicious meal. Keep reading to learn how to cook for one.

Shop smart: Perishables like fruit, vegetables and bread can go bad quickly, especially when there’s only one person eating them. Instead of buying the pre-bagged apples, just buy three or four. For bananas, don’t be shy to break off a few from the big bunch of six. Bagged salads also have a short shelf life, so be diligent in eating them as soon as possible after you buy them. Bread and bagels can be frozen and toasted to extend their use. And don’t discount canned and frozen foods – canned soups are perfect for lunch, and frozen berries can be whipped up into a delicious morning smoothie.

Cook for the week: One of the best options for single meals is to cook something you can portion out throughout the week. In the winter, chili, beef stew, lasagna and other baked pastas are all great options. Find a recipe that sounds good online and head to the store, fire up the crock pot or oven and get cooking. If you think you’ll finish what you made within the week, you can store it in the fridge. Otherwise, stick the extras in the freezer and pull them out on a rainy day.

Opt for one-dish meals: Using three burners on the stovetop and the oven all for one portion seems time-consuming and daunting. Look for things that can be made using one or two pots and pans, with all of the major food groups in one dish. Some ideas include omelets or frittatas,pastas with a meat and veggie of your choice (chicken and broccoli Alfredo, meatballs and mushrooms with red sauce, carbonara with bacon and peas), or a casserole.

Use multipurpose ingredients: Tortillas often come in packages of 10, but that doesn't mean you have to eat tacos five days in a row. Search for an ingredient – say, chicken – and find a couple recipes that use it. For example, have grilled chicken breasts on Monday, chicken sandwiches on Tuesday and chicken soup on Wednesday. This strategy will ensure you’re not wasting food, and will also make you less likely to get bored with eating the same thing for a whole week.

Update Your Apartment for the New Year!

(Image courtesy of Wickerfurniture)

Winter’s here and that means we’re spending alot more time indoors. Though we’re sure you loved the way you decorated your apartment when you first moved in, now that you’ve been looking at the same accent pieces day after day it might be time for a change.

2013 had some great decorating trends, but now that 2014 has arrived, there are plenty of new style options to update your place. Rather than sticking with the same old tricks, try some new themes and color schemes to reflect the the year! This article from apartmentguide.com lists a few differnt types of style inspiration that are unique to 2014. Keep reading to learn more:

1. A Mature, Adult Atmosphere

It’s 2014, folks. Your apartment should no longer look like a neglected college dormitory. By now you should have comfortable furniture, a real bed (along with a complete bedroom set), matching dishes… you get the picture, right? No matter what, your space should clearly belong to an adult because that is what you are, after all.

2. A Conversation Piece

Whether it’s hanging over the living room sofa or your king size bed, every bare wall needs a visual punch. A cool framed piece of work is ideal. Some renters take things a step further by hanging family photo collages, a collection of plates, or even framed swatches of leftover fabric. On a budget? You can find something one-of-a-kind at an estate sale or thrift store that won’t set you back much at all.

3. A Touch of Antique

Not only do antiques add a touch of character to your apartment, but did you know that this decor choice is an easy way to go green? It doesn’t matter if your antique has been passed down from a family member or you randomly stumbled upon it at a garage sale. Most people like the old world style that antiques display. But if you prefer a fresher take, antiques can easily be re-purposed to look like new which is usually cheaper than spending money on the latest item. If you think that infusing antiques into your apartment will make it look like granny’s house, just remember not to overdo it. Just a touch is all you need!

4. Sleek and Shiny Stainless Steel

There are many words to describe stainless steel kitchen appliances: sleek, industrial, rich and sophisticated. No wonder these over-sized gadgets are the latest craze in apartment features! Renters love not only the look of stainless steel, but the fact that these appliances are extremely durable and super easy to clean.

5. Pile Up the Pillows

Don’t feel bad if you can’t paint your apartment walls or you’re afraid to hang pictures. An easy and cost-effective way to add color to your small space is with a bevy of pillows! Can’t decide on a color? How about Pantone’s Radiant Orchid? Even if your budget doesn’t allow for brand new accessories, check out your local craft store for discontinued and clearance fabric remnants to recover old pillows yourself!

6. Stackable Appliance

Looking for a way to save space? Stackable washer and dryer units could be your savior. If your apartment contains washer and dryer connections, find out if stackable appliances can be accommodated. These definitely come in handy for city renters that have limited square footage. And they look trendy, too!

7. Dignified Dining

Dining rooms can be an intimidating space. But don’t feel pressured to dress it up as you might for the holidays. In fact, you don’t even have to set the whole table. Even if you live alone, a minimum of two place settings will look better than a completely bare table. And you won’t have to scramble if a friend comes over to chow down!

8. A Blissful Bedroom

This is seriously one of our favorite trends: a luxurious, 5-star hotel-style master bedroom. Have you ever noticed that high-end hotels really know how to create an aura of opulence? Well, you can do the same for yourself at home. Simulate a suite at the Four Seasons with a down comforter, high thread count sheets, giant pillows, a neutral color scheme, a terrycloth bath robe and a soothing aroma like lavender. Simplicity is the key.

9. A Ravishing Rug

There are many ways to play around with area rugs within your apartment. You can layer them, place them at an angle, up against the wall or even side by side. But choosing one isn’t an easy feat. You’ll have to consider the size, shape, color, pattern, texture and cost. The most expensive rugs will last for decades. But if you just need something to get you through the next few years, a budget-friendly floor covering from your local chain store will do the job.

Which of these trends will you be adding to your apartment in 2014?

Re-imagine An Older Sofa

(Image courtesy of Wonderlane)

With all the changes that we make during the New Year, it only makes sense to consider redecorating your apartment as well. Just because you’ve decided to give your apartment a facelift doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank doing it. There are many ways to redesign and repurpose older furniture-there’s no law that says everything you use to decorate has to be new!

Before adopting a repurposing an older couch, or any piece of furniture, there are a few thoughts to take into consideration. This article from renters.apartments.com mentions a few steps you should take before looking into bringing home any new pieces of furniture. Keep reading to learn more:

Take Measurements

A large, opulent four-poster bed and dresser set may be just what you’ve always wanted, and finding it at a rock-bottom price may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, attempting to put such a large bedroom set into a tiny studio apartment may be more of a headache than a blessing. Before you start browsing for used furniture, be sure to take measurements of the area it will occupy. Nothing is worse than feeling crowded out of your own home with too much furniture overbearing your space.

Take It for a Spin

You wouldn’t dare buy a used car without at least giving it a test drive, and maybe even taking it for a professional inspection by a trained mechanic. So why would you buy used furniture based solely on the way it looks? Whether you are buying a set of barstools or a full living room suite, be sure to test it out before agreeing to buy. Sit in chairs, check for imbalanced legs on tables, and pull out the mattresses in sleeper sofas. Whether you find cosmetic blemishes or functional problems, you can make an informed decision about whether the furniture you are considering for purchase is right for you. Furthermore, knowing used furniture’s faults ahead of time can leave room for price negotiation during the buying process.

Pet Allergens and Odors

If your eyes, nose and breathing passages are sensitive to pet dander, think twice before purchasing used furniture. Furniture can trap pet dander, making it difficult to remove later on. If pet allergies are a potential concern, try to purchase furniture from one-owner homes to verify that there were no pets in the home. Also, give all new furniture a good sniff before handing over any cash. Odors from pets, smoke and other household smells can lurk beneath the surface – something that even a good bottle of Febreeze may not be able to cover up.

Inspect for Pests
Your pest-free home may get some unwelcomed houseguests if you purchase the wrong used furniture. One of the biggest concerns is bedbugs, which have made a strong comeback in recent years. Although bedbugs are mostly associated with mattresses, they can borough into couches, chairs and just about any upholstered item. Also, roach eggs can hide in the crevices of sofas, so it is important to thoroughly vacuum all cushions before bringing them into your home. If you suspect bedbugs, avoid buying the furniture altogether or spray the furniture with indoor-safe insecticide before bringing it into your home.

Celebrate The New Year In Style

(Image courtesy of rachel_titiriga)

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.