The other day while at Barnes and Nobles, I picked up the Martha Stewart Living Magazine and noticed a big, huge title spread across the cover “75 Pretty and Practical Decorating Ideas.”  So I rummage through the pages to find some really good tips that are simple, cute and really creative.  I thought I’d share with you a little bit of what Martha suggests. I’m including the decorating tips that I found most appropriate and useful.  

1.Decorate a lamp shade with paint.
2. Use black and white to expand a small kitchen.
3. Enlarge antique prints for a graphic effect.
4. Surround a modern dinning table with antique chairs or vice versa.
5. Coordinate your bedding in single color. Use different patterns and texture for a rich effect.
6. Contrast large and small accessories in groups together.
7. Select photo mats in the same color as the wall that you are hanging the picture on.
8. Group artwork asymmetrically for greater impact.
9. Trim a pillow with tassels for an extra bit of flair.
10. Define a living area with a circular rug.
11. Energize your kitchen with chairs in different colors!
12. Add a charming floral flourish to a dining table. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a centerpiece, you could also stencil a floral pattern directly on the table or a runner.
13. Use industrial materials as decorative accessories.
 14. Define a dining area with an oversize fixture (i.e. for a loft having a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling).
15. Showcase collections on floating shelves.
16. Display family photos in a grid to make easy changes (use plastic folder holders attached to the walls with tacks, every time you update a photo you just pull one out and slide the other right in).
17. Use a pale palette throughout the house for a calming effect.
18. Rehang your photo collection in a different location.
19. Match the palette of bed linens to the bedroom rug.
20. Add mirrors to a small room to give the illusion of more space.

You can also visit Maratha Stewart’s website for more ideas.

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana. It is Indiana’s largest city and, according to Wikipedia, is the second most populous state capital (behind Phoenix, AZ). Greater Indianapolis has seen moderate growth which could be explained by the low business costs attracting a variety of companies to the area, in essence increasing the number of jobs available. The climate is typical to most Midwest cities, summers are hot and humid, spring and autumn are usually pleasant with unpredictable temperature ranges and winters are cool to cold (freezing). 

Indianapolis prides itself on its rich cultural heritage. It has many cultural districts such as Broad Ripple Village, Massachusetts Avenue and Fountain Square to name a few. Many festivals and events take place in this great city; one of the most popular being the Indianapolis 500.

Did you know?

The center of Indianapolis is Monument Circle? It’s a traffic circle at the intersection of Meridian and Market streets that features the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. This monument is depicted on the city’s flag and is generally considered to be Indianapolis’ symbol! Find off-base military housing in Indianapolis, IN here.

With all these great attractions, it’s no wonder businesses are looking to relocate here. What a great area for apartment renters to be moving to as well. With the available employment positions predicted to increase, builders are forecasted to bring 900 units online in 2008[1], allowing for the supply to meet the demand.

Finding Apartments in Indianapolis, INSo whether you’re currently living in an Indianapolis apartment and looking to move or are planning to relocate to the city soon now does appear to be a good time. If you visit ForRent.com you’ll see a few of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods that have apartments for rent: Avon, Beech Grove,  Camby, Castleton,  Clermont, Cumberland, Eagle Creek, Franklin, Nora, Mooresville, Oaklandon and  Southport. These listings will give you a indepth view of the apartment community and the surrounding area with our video as well as allow instant contact with the property managers. And if you don’t see a specific neighborhood listed here it doesn’t mean we don’t have it; check out our Apartments For Rent in Indianapolis, IN online and view a wide range of apartment communities there!     
                         
Search for Apartments by College or UniversityForRent.com helps students find off-campus housing located near their College or University. Check out some of the student housing available near the following Indianapolis, IN Colleges and Universities: 
    
Purdue University Median gross rent for renter-occupied housing units is $614 per month²
   
Ball State University Median gross rent for renter-occupied housing units is $449 per month²
    
Indiana University-Bloomington Median gross rent for renter-occupied housing units is $557 per month²
    
Indiana State University Median gross rent for renter-occupied housing units is $430 per month²
    
Butler UniversityUniversity of Notre Dame

[1] Real Estate Investment Research, 2008 National Apartment Report by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.

² Research from National Multi Housing Council

We are witnessing a change in the way media is consumed and the way the entire consumer shopping experience has changed. Consumers are finally in control, and they are consuming media when they want, where they want, and how they want. Video sharing sites and social networking sites have emerged as major factors in the culture of communication among Internet users.

Video consumption on the Web is rapidly approaching the tipping point for advertisers as streaming video is becoming increasingly popular among leading consumer website genres such as media and entertainment, news, social networking, footwear and apparel, automobiles, and major search engines, just to name a few.

According to recent research from comScore Media Metrix, Americans viewed more than 11.4 billion videos for a total duration of 558 million hours during July 2008 and YouTube alone drew in 5 Billion U.S. online video views. comScore also states that 75% of the total U.S. Internet audience viewed online video.

As budgets tighten, companies look to cut spending in order to stay competitive.  However, companies need to remember the importance of having a strong Internet presence coupled with their print presence. Online video is a very effective and cost efficient Internet strategy.

The multi-family housing apartment industry is tapping into these trends to create a new and innovative way to help property managers attract clients, advertise their community and boost sales for their developments. ForRent.com’s

Community Theater^TM streaming video product is a great advertising solution for property managers and owners. This professionally produced video allows consumers to view features and amenities of apartment communities nationwide. As a complement to the virtual tour, Community Theater will not only give prospective renters a glimpse into a property’s units and amenities, but the surrounding city and community that the property is located in, as well. View our Community Theater product video here.

ForRent.com enables property managers and owners to reach more apartment renters by pushing Community Theater videos to our video syndication network. Our network includes major search engines like Google^TM and Yahoo!^®, social networking sites such as MySpace^®, video-sharing sites including YouTube^TM and metacafe and many more that reach hundreds of millions.

Online video raises the bar for multi-family housing professionals and property managers looking to attract potential clients. Professionals who choose to utilize online video to drive traffic to their site, have the opportunity to build their company’s brand awareness as well as raise company perception to their audience.

We can expect many positive changes in the future of online video advertising. According to an eMarketer report, video ad spend is expected to reach $775 million in 2007 from $410 million in 2006 and video online spending by marketers will increase 89% in 2007 over 2006. In addition, 66% of Americans watch online video advertisements and 46% take action on what they’ve seen. If others in the multi-family housing industry take advantage of the many opportunities that this new form of advertising can create, it will prove to be a beneficial investment.

Denver is the capital and the most populous city of Colorado. Its downtown district is located approximately 15 miles east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Its nicknamed the Mile-High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile, or 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level according to Wikipedia. Denver also has over 200 parks providing some of the most beautiful scenery, which is why we are doing a spotlight on them again!

If you currently reside in the Denver area or if you are relocating there, you should view our Denver apartment community videos as they truly give you a glimpse of the area. Not only do these videos showcase the apartment community features and amenities, but also the surrounding area, such as malls, restaurants, public transportation, interstates, etc.

Our videos include apartments in the many neighborhoods of Denver, such as: Alamo Placita, Baker, Barnum, , Berkeley, Capitol Hill, Central Business District, Chaffee Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Denver International Airport, East Colfax, Five Points, Fort Logan, Gateway, Globeville, Golden Triangle, Goldsmith, Hampden, Hampden South, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, Highland, Highlands, Indian Creek, Jefferson Park, Kennedy, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Marston, North Capitol Hill, North Park Hill, Northeast Park Hill, Overland, Park Hill, , Rosedale, Ruby Hill, South Park Hill, South Platte, Sun Valley, Sunnyside, Union Station, University, University Hills, University Park, Washington Park, Wellshire, West Colfax, West Highlands and Westwood

Take a look at the location of each of these neighborhoods on the Neighborhoods map for Denver. And view some of the many Denver apartments we are referencing below:

Carriage Place Apartments in Denver, CO

ForRent.com-The Manhattan Apartments in Denver, CO VideoCityGate Apartments in Denver, COThe Breakers ResortThe Apartments at Denver Place

The Estates at Mira Vista Apartments

For more videos in this area, and others, visit our YouTube or MySpace profile.

Recently while reading a local publication I came across a subject near and dear to my heart, blogging. Blogging is an essential part of my life and I found several of the topics discussed very interesting. This specific article was regarding ‘mommy bloggers’. While I knew the internet was being populated by various ‘mommy bloggers’, I suppose I didn’t understand the true power of it all. Whether they are discussing how to raise their children, dealing with post-partum depression or after school activities, these blogs are taking over by force.

Current mothers, expectant mothers and women in general can read and even relate to many experiences these moms are going through. And the reason why they are easily relatable is because they are humorous, edgy and intelligent women who write about what they know and what they are passionate about.

Oh, how I’d love to write about being a dog owner. All the tasks, responsibilities and rewards I endure with my almost 3 year old Chihuahua, Bailey. But would people on the internet even care? Would they listen and in return want to have a conversation with me? Who knows?

On social networking sites there are various ‘pet owner’, ‘chi-lover’, ‘dog owner’ groups that I can join. I’m guaranteed to find an audience that would listen to my daily recollects of being a ‘mommy’ to Bailey. But that’s not what these ‘mommy bloggers’ do. They post their memories on the internet for the public to see. They launch their personal thoughts to relieve stress or beaming tales of their family to some cosmic space. There is something to be said for the courage these ‘mommy bloggers’ have to just put it out there. I find it fascinating how their thoughts and stories often end up helping others. ‘Mommy blogger’ topics include anything from questions about raising children, disciplinary techniques, to even just people trying to identify with others going through the same internal struggles.

It’s amazing how the blogosphere has taken the internet by storm. And yet the simple, most basic human instinct, like being a mommy, can still come out on top in the revenue driven, overly advertised internet. I give kudos to the ‘mommy bloggers’ for putting their views on life out there for all to see and kudos to other bloggers that do the same. The internet is an enormous vessel for information seekers and we are all the better having seen your content.

Mommy Blogs of particular interest are:
Mommy Needs a Cocktail http://www.mommyneedsacocktail.com/
Crazy Mumma http://crazymummasays.blogspot.com/
Psycho Super Mom http://psychosupermom.blogspot.com/
And a local of Chesapeake, Virginia Lawyer Mama http://lawyermama.com/

As the weather starts to drop we all tend to stay indoors more, which is why our focus now becomes the environment surrounding us. And we sure have some great ideas to cozy up your apartment for the cooler weather! Starting with the colors, textures and other accents to incorporate that will give your apartment a ‘sit down and get comfortable’ feel.

Fall Colors:
The Autumn Harvest showcases rich colors all around us. Taking inspiration from the changing of the leaves, colors such as gold, orange, red, brown, green and even a soft white prevail in home decor. Keeping your color scheme and design as natural as possible is essential, as this time of year is all about celebrating the glorious beauty nature provides for us. Most apartments for rent do not allow paint to be used; therefore, I would recommend the best way to include these colors is with accent pieces. Things such as a tall green vase with twigs blooming out for a centerpiece on the dining room table, a red and gold bowl filled with pinecones on the entertainment stand, or several framed photographs with the matte changed to reflect these colors, are perfect examples of making little inexpensive adjustments to your apartment’s decor.

Outdoorsy Textures:
When our body gets cold, we tend to put on another layer; whether it’s a sweater or a jacket or socks. And just as we do with our own body, our home needs many layers to give it a warm feeling. Layers can be placed throughout your apartment; for example blankets and throw pillows on the sofa, bed linens and even towels in the bathroom. Warm fabric touches everywhere will provide the pleasant and inviting atmosphere you want for your apartment home.

Additional Accents:
As we mentioned in a previous article, Top 5 Autumn Decorating Tips, creating a wreath is a great way to instantly greet your guests with a simple but homly touch. Use elements from the outdoors such as pinecones, twigs, acorns, leaves, etc. Other great accessories that are simple and inexpensive are candles. They provide such wonderful fragrance to your home while simultaneously creating a friendly environment.

I’m sure many of you have additional ideas or tips as to how to decorate for fall. So why don’t you let us know? It would be great to have our readers provide decorating tips that have worked for them!

 Football season is upon us, and once again we will be releasing our aggression by grunting and yelling for our favorite team during the game, and obviously firing up our manly hunger for burgers, hot dogs, wings, chips and dip. To make your opening day party a success, consider incorporating the following ideas.

Invite your Fantasy Football teammates. If you invite the people you already have a little friendly competition with, it’ll make each play in the game that much more exciting. Your friends can compare the points being added to each individual’s Fantasy Football team, which, of course, will allow for additional trash-talking to take place. I’ve seen firsthand the exhilaration and camaraderie that occurs!

My most highly recommended tip would be to make your party a pot luck spread. This will make available a variety of food for everyone, while also not being an extreme burden on the hosting individual.  At the group football parties I attend, each couple brings something different, including appetizers, beverages, snacks, sweets, etc., so there is a full range of goodies. The costs are extremely minimal to each couple as they are only paying for their items which will be complemented by what others bring.

Also, be sure to decorate your apartment accordingly. After all, what better way to get you enthusiastic about the game than by having embellishments all around? Bring out your football memorabilia and sport your team’s logo on your attire. Be ready to represent your team and show your fan devotion.

Above all make sure you and your guests have a good time. It’s a time-honored ritual between football fans so keep the environment fun, friendly and laid back. For more tips on throwing a great football party, check out our other blog ‘5 Tips to Host a Super Bowl Party in Your Apartment‘ for inspiration. And, as always, if you have any ideas you’d like to share about throwing ‘the bomb‘ football party let us know!

Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It has significant historical value as it was the site for Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty or Give me death’ speech during the Revolutionary War and during the American Civil War it was the capital of the Confederate States of America. Many important Civil War landmarks are still present there today, such as the Virginia State capital and the White House of the Conferderacy, among others.

The city of Richmond is subdivided into North Side, Southside, East End and West End. The North End area is home to many diverse neighborhoods, including Barton Heights, Bellevue, Ginter Park, Washington Park, Hermitage Rd, Highland Park, Sherwood Park, etc. These neighborhoods are made up of apartments and houses with a variety of architectural styles, which include Arts and Crafts Bungalows, Victorian, Romanesque Revival, and Queen Anne houses among other styles. The Southside includes all portions of the city that lie south of the James River, such as the former city of Manchester. The East End of Richmond would include neighborhoods like Church Hill, Fairmount, Union Hill, Fulton, Powhatan Hill, Fulton Hill, Montrose Heights, Fairfield Court, Creighton Court, Whitcomb Court, Mosby Court, Eastview, Brauers, Peter Paul, Woodville, North Church Hill, Chimborazo and Oakwood. And lastly, comprising the rest of the city, the West End would contain the urban and suburban areas of Richmond.

If you currently reside in the Richmond area or if you are relocating there, you should view our apartment community videos as they truly give you a glimpse of the area. Not only do these videos showcase the apartment community features and amenities but also the surrounding area, such as malls, restaurants, public transportation, interstates, etc. Visit Apartments for rent in Richmond, VA by going to ForRent.com, below are some video samples that might peak your interest…..

The Villas at Oakland Chase

Baker Atrium Lofts for Rent in Richmond, VA

Colonial Village at Chase Gayton Apartments in Richmond, VA

Trolley Square Apartments in Richmond, VA

Maple Springs Apartments in Richmond, VA

Bramblewood Estate Apartments

And of course, if you’d like to see more videos in this area, and others, feel free visit our YouTube or MySpace profile.