With the holidays right around the corner, we’re graced with beautiful lights, delicious food and  spending time with friends and family.

Holidays can be beautiful but sometimes they can also bring out the funny, the unlikely and sometimes the down-right crazy. We’ve pulled together some of the more, ahem, eclectic things we’ve seen this holiday season.

For the biggest Star Wars fan on your list, I give you the Chewbacca Christmas album. You’re welcome.

Zazzle has over 1,300 holiday themed dog t-shirts and clothing. Who knew there was such a large untapped market for dogs in holiday shirts? Also, yes mustaches may be a fading trend but we couldn’t resist when we saw it paired with Santa’s hat.

This puts Mommy vans with the Rudolph nose on the bumper to shame.

Speaking of modes of transportation, your present might be late this year.

This isn’t really bizarre but it sure is cute!

We hope you enjoyed some of the funnier things we’ve seen on the web this holiday season.  Have you seen anything recently that has given a chuckle? Share in comments!

Chances are that 1 of the 2 million folks suffering from gluten allergy may be sitting at your table this holiday season. To clarify, ‘gluten-free’ also known as Celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that prohibits the  body from digesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye or barley.

This means your gluten-free guest won’t be able to enjoy typical holiday desserts such as cookies, cake and pie, as well as other holiday favorites, like bread and beer.

Not to worry! We’ve prepared an entire menu all of your guests can enjoy and be satisfied with.

Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms

These apps are a fun addition to any holiday party. You can find the recipe on Veg News here.

Spinach and Avocado Salad (A personal favorite of ours)

Just top spinach with avocado slices, sliced almonds, cranberries and a splash balsamic, raspberry or poppy seed dressing.

This sweet potato and carrot chili soup looks all kinds of phenomenal from Feedright for People.

These garlic green beans from Low Amine Recipes are a fun take on a holiday tradition.

Tri-Colored Ravioli with Butternut Squash, Chickpeas, Roasted Garlic, and Caramelized Onion from Instructables.

This Raspberry White Chocolate Tart from Gluten-Free Spinner looks like it’s to die for.

We hope we have inspired you to indulge in some delicious gluten-free cooking all of your guests can enjoy.

If you’re in a loft, tall bookshelves can do double-duty as room dividers. Or, you can place them on casters and hinge two together to form a custom folding door perfect for hiding an open closet or laundry room.

For hidden storage, dress a Parsons table with a skirt to hide a modular shelving unit for linens, shoes, handbags, and the like. If you like more open type storage, nail sturdy baskets along an empty wall—they can be arranged upright or tipped sideways to form cubbies.

Consider using shelving or cases that are stylish, as well as, functional for storage.  For instance, this organization cube is something you can put in your bedroom to store any variety of items; however, it adds visually to the room, as well.

You should also consider using items that can multitask for you.  Keeping items stored in suit cases and bags, while you aren’t using them, can really cut down on clutter that builds up over time.  Don’t forget about all that space under your bed.  It is perfect for storing packed up, out of season clothes; and if you need more room, there are extensions you can purchase that will raise the height of your bed.

With careful planning you can make any size space work for you and still be able to stash away all of your stuff.  What kind of tricks have worked for you when trying to maximize your space?

Tim Eyre works in the self storage industry, regularly traveling to see locations like San Jose storage facility. In many locations, like the storage units yard in San Diego, Tim helps his customers store seasonal equipment when it is not being used for outdoor activities or home improvement projects.

Kitchen

The backs of cabinet doors offer oft-untapped space. Home improvement stores sell an array of wire shelving and wooden caddies that can be screwed to the insides of doors to hold everything from spices to sponges. You can also line cabinets with cork, magnet, chalk, or dry-erase boards to tack up recipes, jot grocery lists, and record messages. If you have a pantry, hang an over-the-door pocket shoe organizer to arrange cleaning supplies or kitchen utensils. (The same can be done in your closet to stock hair dryers, makeup, curling and flat irons, jewelry, underwear, or scarves.)

Maximize what storage you do have by rethinking the typical cabinet arrangement. Rather than stack pots on a shelf and stash goods on the counter, install a backsplash railing system with accessories, such as a paper-towel holder and a cookbook rack, and S-hooks for utensils and small pots and pans. And instead of dedicating an entire drawer to flatware, try storing utensils vertically in dividers along a deep drawer front. Lastly, allow yourself one junk drawer to collect odds and ends—otherwise, they’ll end up hoarding valuable counter space. Be sure to employ an organizer tray to keep things neat, and sort through it every six months.

Photo credit: ronnieb from morguefile.com

Photo credit: seemann from morguefile.com

This week Tim Eyre, of Extra Space Storage, has supplied us with several creative storage ideas for your home!

Living Room/Office

The key to keeping your apartment clean is to avoid surface build-up in the common area, and for that, hinged lids are an apartment dweller’s best friends. Utilize a trunk or tray-topped storage ottoman as a coffee table and tuck away blankets, reading material, remotes, and the like. Engage further hinge help by installing a wall-mounted folding desk that doesn’t eat up floor space and can be closed when not in use. Use a bulletin board or glued-on clothespins to affix paperwork to the underside of the desk so that when it’s shut, the unit blends with the room.

For a drawer-filled “furniture” piece, group a series of two-drawer filing cabinets side-by-side (paint and change the hardware to suit your tastes) to form a television stand, buffet, credenza, or sofa table. And speaking of the sofa, rather than a futon (which can be quite versatile but usually screams ‘struggling college grad’) opt for a daybed, which makes a cushy sofa with tons of throw pillows but easily becomes a guest bed when needed.

Tim Eyre works in the self storage industry, regularly traveling to see locations like San Jose storage facility. In many locations, like the storage units yard in San Diego, Tim helps his customers store seasonal equipment when it is not being used for outdoor activities or home improvement projects.

Most apartment entryways are little more than a short hallway, so create your own welcome home. Many hardware stores carry industrial-style slat-board systems that can be customized with hooks and hangers to contain the cast-offs of your comings and goings (purses, scarves, jackets, etc.). You can also transform a tall bookcase into a mini entry by removing the uppermost shelf and screwing hooks onto the back wall. Use baskets and boxes on the bottom shelves to corral hats, mittens, umbrellas, sunglasses, and shoes. (Hint: For an extra boost, add hooks to either outer side of the bookcase.)

Tim Eyre works in the self storage industry, regularly traveling to see locations like San Jose storage facility. In many locations, like the storage units yard in San Diego, Tim helps his customers store seasonal equipment when it is not being used for outdoor activities or home improvement projects.

Want to get the best samples sent to your apartment doorstep? Subscription-based sample distribution services are on a roll. Companies like Birchbox and Cravebox send monthly samples of high-end products, including Stila, BIC, Zoya and Kleenex . This allows the subscriber to “try it before they can buy it.”

An office favorite of ours is Birchbox, a make-up, skincare and nail polish product sample service.

Cravebox caters to your lifestyle, giving you the opportunity to pick what kind of box you want. Their options range from “New Moms”, “Dog Lovers” and “Beautiful by You.”

Every time a user receives their gourmet snack Love with Food contributes an equal amount of money to a local food bank.

Decorate your apartment with original works of art from Art in a Box.

There are a ton of subscription based companies out there? Are we missing one of your favorites? Tell us in the comments!

We live for cookies here at ForRent.com! The colder months bring out the expert cookie-maker in all of us, and our floor smells like a bakery. Here are some of the most inspirational, delicious cookie recipes I’ve found so far. Yum!

Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Cookies and Cream Cookies from Erica’s Sweet Tooth.

How could we say no to this cookie-stuffed cookie from Picky Palate?

Peanut Butter Cookies from Planner Perfect Meals.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies from Naturally Ella.

And we threw in this cookie monster mug for funsies.

Hope we have inspired you to channel your inner Martha Stewart and bake some cookies to share with family, friends and of course, yourself!

I had to make them. I had to. They were beautiful and called to me.

They went by the name  ’Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes’ or, as I liked to refer to them, ‘Heaven on Earth.’ My rendition of these teeny, fabulous morsels were not nearly as gorgeous as the Pinterest version, but they were delicious and I loved them not unlike a mother loves her first born.

Pinterest is a great tool for new recipe encouragement or affordable DIY tips, but perhaps my favorite Pinterest board is the “Quotes” pinboard.

Sometimes the quotes are attributed to an author.

Sometimes they stand alone.

Ninety-nine percent of these quotes are empowering, encouraging and if nothing else, inspiring.

While I have made it abundantly clear I love a good dessert, Pinterest has so much more to offer than that. It’s the perfect avenue for inspiring others and, I think in most cases, it’s being used in a positive light.

They are currently running a campaign calling on all users including brands, non-profits and pinners to participate in ’30 Days of Pinspiration”. The task at hand is simple: pin what inspires you.

At ForRent.com you can find our 30 Days of Pinspiration through-out our Winter Holidays board.

Spoiler Alert: This is not your typical green bean casserole. Double Spoiler Alert: This isn’t actually Angela’s green bean casserole recipe either, but it is her grandmother’s. And it is delicious. This typical Thanksgiving dish may be over, but this comfort food is perfect all winter long.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, Ends Cut Off
• 4 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/4 Inch Pieces
• 3 cloves Minced Garlic
• 1/2 whole Chopped Large Onion,
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 Tablespoons Flour
• 2-1/2 cups Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Half-and-Half
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 4 Oz Sliced Pimentoes
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation Instructions

We squealed with delight when we realized you could have secret Pinterest boards. The first thing that came to my mind was that I could now have my “dream wedding” board without looking coo coo for CoCoa Puffs, as I am not exactly engaged. However, after giving it a little more thought, the secret boards truly are perfect for bookmarking what gift to give to your friends and family, which, of course, is their purpose.

Additionally, if you want to collaborate with your little brother on a perfect gift for Dad, you have the option to share Pinterest boards with other users.

You’re limited to three secret boards but you have the option to make a secret board public or delete a board if you feel the need to add another. We hope Pinterest will keep these boards after the holiday season ends. Mostly for secret-fairy-tale-wedding purposes. Here is ForRent.com’s public Weddings and Newlyweds board.

How will you use your secret Pinterest board?

Yesterday marked one of the biggest shopping days ever. And shoppers never had to leave their couch.

The term may seem dated but the deals are not. Cyber Monday boosts some of the biggest deals and shopping exchanges of the year. According to ComScore, in 2011 Cyber Week saw consumers spend $6 billion from November 28 to December 2. Facebook even gets in on the action. So who has the best deals?

Dealio allows you to sign up for deals from popular stores like Macy’s, Walmart, Target and Amazon. To avoid spam, create an email address design specifically for getting deals and coupons.

Retailmenot uses coupon and deal hunting tactic to find the best deals.

ShopRunner also has deals with big brands and offers special discounts available exclusively on their site.

• Pay attention to shipping costs. Many retailers offer free shipping on Cyber Monday, but if not, be sure the shipping costs don’t out-weigh the deal.
• Determine what you want ahead of time.
• Be sure to scope out the return policy.

Happy shopping!

Happy, happy Holidays! The season has just begun and we are already seeing beautiful decorations, gorgeous recipes and stunningly creative projects fill our Facebook and Twitter news feeds.

Are you working on something special in your humble abode? Do you have a family recipe your holiday dinner wouldn’t be complete without? Do you want to share your latest DIY project? If so, link up with ForRent.com and Homes.com from November 26th to December 2nd!

The rules are simple:

Follow ForRent.com and Homes.com in some way.        

• ‘Link up’ with us by clicking the blue alien below to share your holiday decor, recipe or project!

• After you link up, don’t forget to share this badge on your blog to help spread the word!

Copy and Paste the following code:
<br /> <a href="<a href="http://blog.forrent.com/holidays/home-for-the-holidays-linky-party">http://blog.for<wbr>rent.com/holida</wbr><wbr>ys/home-for-the</wbr><wbr>-holidays-linky</wbr><wbr>-party</wbr></a>” title=”Home-for<wbr>-the-Holidays-B</wbr><wbr>adge by ForRent.com, on Flickr”><img alt=”Home-for-t</wbr><wbr>he-Holidays-Bad</wbr><wbr>ge” height=”125″ src=”<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8221054666_0840112c53_m.jpg">http://farm9.st<wbr>aticflickr.com/</wbr><wbr>8337/8221054666</wbr><wbr>_0840112c53_m.j</wbr><wbr>pg</wbr></a></wbr>” width=”125″ /></a><br />

We’ll be choosing five lucky winners to feature on our blog and we’ll even give each winner a $100 gift card!

We are also teaming up with Homes.com for a ‘Home for the Holidays!’ Twitter Chat on November 29 at 8 PM EST. We’ll be using the hashtag #HomeChat so you can easily tune in and share!

Additionally, ForRent.com and Homes.com are ecstatic to present their FREE Holiday Entertaining Guide to you. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party for two or twenty-two, everyone is sure to find something they love in this guide. It’s packed full of holiday decor ideas and recipes, just in case you need a little more inspiration this holiday season.

For official Linky Party rules please click here.

We all know a die-hard Black Friday shopper. They wake up at the crack of dawn, go get their doughnuts and coffee, and prepare to brave the masses, holiday shopping lists in hand.

Black Friday happens to terrify me, but I asked my buds on Facebook for some tips. In no particular order, here is their advice:

•  John: It is the most exciting adrenaline rush you’ll ever have, pushing over old ladies to get a $5 mixer… its amazing.
• Justin: It’s like retail Calcutta and it’s rarely even worth it. Online deals, footy pajamas and Thanksgiving leftovers are the way to go.
• Megan: I went out last year for the first time. I hated it. People who would normally be indifferent are straight up rude. I do not ever plan on doing it again. Especially now that so many places have awesome deals online. I can wait for it to be shipped!
• Whitney: I went to Wal-Mart to get a storage container last year without realizing that Black Friday actually started Thanksgiving night…. I walked out with a Wii instead.
• Bree: OMG it’s my favorite day!
• Illana: No worries, there’s going to be a Black THURSDAY this year.
• Eric: Just wait until cyber monday, so much better.

Since it seemed John had the best handle on Black Friday shopping, I asked that he bestow some of his knowledge on me.

Here are some of his tips in no particular order:

• Have a game plan. Know what you want and what stores you want to hit. Window shopping is fun. Except on Black Friday.
• Bring a list and advertisements. This way you can remember the exact name and price of your future prized possession so there are no surprises.
• Wear sneakers. No brainer.
• Avoid shopping carts if you can help it. They are bulky and frequently get in the way.

I may not go out for Black Friday, but Cyber Monday? Until then, my Thanksgiving left-overs, footie pajamas and I have a date.

Citrus-Rosemary Rubbed Turkey

• 2 tbp minced fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 1-1/2 tsp grated fresh or dried orange peel
• 1-1/2 tsp grated fresh or dried lemon peel
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 turkey (13 to 15 pounds)

1. In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients.

2.  Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan; pat dry.

3.  Brush with oil; rub rosemary mixture over turkey.

4. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.)

5. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Source: TasteofHome.com

By now, all of the leaves have changed colors and are starting to fall from the trees in many regions throughout the country. Fall is slowly beginning to turn into Winter, but before we start getting out the winter coats and waiting for the first snow to fall, its time to think about the Thanksgiving meal.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, or have been having the festive holiday at your house for years; whether you are planning a fancy affair or request that your guests show up in their sweatpants (elastic is never a bad idea for Thanksgiving), here are five steps that you can take to ensure Thanksgiving success in your home!

1. Devise a plan: Write a list of everyone that’s coming. Create a menu and a grocery list. Make yourself a to-do list. Take this step and come time for the big day, you’ll be ready and won’t forget anything (or anyone).

2. Make the staples: Everyone expects to have turkey, stuffing and some pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.  If you want to test out a new recipe or two,  include the staple Thanksgiving dishes and your guests are sure to be happy and, of course, full!

3. Plan ahead: Maybe you want to cook your turkey the day of, but there are plenty of Thanksgiving foods that you can cook in advance and store in your freezer. This will spread out your cooking, ensure you have plenty of room in your oven, and enable you to relax and enjoy the day just as much as all of your guests!

4. Drink stations: Our Fourth Thanksgiving tip comes from Adrienne Hasty, our cooking expert from Positively Cooking. “If you are anything like me, and too many bodies in the kitchen (while you’re cooking) makes you want to scream, set up a separate drink station (maybe with a couple appetizers on it) away from the kitchen. This way, while your guests are arriving and you are simultaneously tying up loose ends for your feast, your guests can congregate and chit-chat separately to keep additional stress off you.”

5. Relax: Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving in your home or your 20th, we know that cooking for and hosting a big group of people can be stressful. Just remember that Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and good food. Some of the day’s events will be out of your control, and even if you do something crazy like forget the cranberry sauce, everyone will forgive you. So, relax and make sure that you get to enjoy the day as well!

And, as a bonus tip, Adrienne adds, “If you drop your turkey… the 5 second rule definitely applies!”

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Schottenstein Real Estate Group contributed content for this article. Visit
www.sregroup.com for more information.

Seattle boosts a ton of  thrift stores but which ones are worth hitting? Thrifting in Seattle is one cheap and easy way to have fun. Five dollars  for a new coffee table? Don’t mind if I do!

We pulled a list of the best thrift stores to hit in Seattle.

Here are some of the most popular thrift stores in The Emerald City:

Value Village

address: 1525 11th Ave

phone: 206.322.7789

at a glance: halloween costumes · used clothing · second hand · housewares

Lifelong AIDS Alliance

address: 1017 East Union Street

phone: 206.957.1655

at a glance: used furniture  · consignment

Magus Books

address: 1408 Northeast 42nd Street

phone: 206.633.1800

at a glance: independent used · foreign language · nonfiction · fiction · literature

Buffalo Exchange

address: 4530 University Way NE

phone: 206.545.0175

at a glance: consignment  · vintage

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

address: 13445 First Ave. S.

phone: 206.243.6370

at a glance: unique clothing

Goodwill Outlet

address: 1765 Sixth Ave S.

phone: 206.957.5516

at a glance: designer cast-aways

Find the best apartments in Seattle here!

Having roommates is a great way to make life-long friends and memories. Unfortunately sometimes having a roommate means you’re going to run into some snags. One common problem when sharing your living space with others is paying the bills on time. Forgoing the use of threats (we’re kidding, of course!) we’ve pulled together a list of ways to get your roommates to pay their share of utilities on time.

Out of sight, out of mind. Hang the bill where your roommate will see it. While taping the bill to their bedroom door will ensure your roommate will see it, it may also be perceived as a little aggressive. Unless your roommate is super-human, they’re going to make a visit to the kitchen to make a sandwich. Tape the bill to the fridge and highlight the date, due date and amount. Then divide the total in half (or thirds, etc. depending on how many roommates you have) so they know the portion they are responsible for.

Buy a calendar. I’m all about making the most of my fridge space but bill paying becomes a lot easier if you buy a magnetic calendar. Mark the due dates bills need to be paid so there are no surprises.

Email. You can also request that your bills be emailed to you for easy storage. Be sure to forward the bill to your roommate so that you have electronic documentation.

ForRent.com and Homes.com are excited for this time of year and are delighted to present their first Holiday Entertaining Guide to you. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party for two or twenty-two, everyone is sure to find something they love in this guide. It’s packed full of holiday decor ideas, recipes and more. The holidays can be stressful, so just relax and leave the planning details to us!

Click here to download the FREE guide on your computer! Happy Holidays!

Just because summer has flown past, doesn’t mean our love for lemonade has.  Add a sprig of mint and a fancy glass and this would make a beautiful New Year’s refreshment.

Directions