Apartment Blog

Going along with our ‘Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards’ blog, we thought we’d give you some ideas to make your Valentine’s Day gifts this year.  Even if this isn’t your main gift, doing something creative and from the heart means everything to your loved one!

Here are a few craft ideas from About.com:

Conversation Heart Frame

Materials needed:

• Cardboard
• Paint
• Glue
• Candy Conversation Hearts
• photo
• Tape

Instructions:
Cut a rectangle shape out of the cardboard. The size you make the rectangle will depend on the size of the photo you are using. Cut a hole in the center of the rectangle where you will display the photo. Paint it red (or whatever color you desire). Set aside to dry.

Once the paint is dry, glue the candy conversation hearts all over the frame. Set it aside to dry again.

Once the glue is dry, tape the picture in the opening you cut in the center of the heart frame. Cut a small triangle out of the cardboard and attach behind the picture to make a stand, or you can even add a strip of magnet to the back!

Valentine’s Heart Jar

Materials Needed:

• Mason Jar
• Spray Paint
• Acrylic Paint
• Old Paint Brush
• Ribbon or Raffia
• Stencil Cut-Out of a Heart

Instructions:
Wash jar clean with vinegar, let it dry. Place newspaper under project to prevent making spills with paint.

Make a heart-shaped ’stencil’ and tape it onto the front of the jar. Spray jar with the spray paint and let dry. Spray a second coat and let dry. Once dry, take another type of paint and old toothbrush, and splatter paint around your heart design. Let dry.

Pull stencil off gently, tie ribbon or raffia around the top of the jar and secure with bow. Place a candle in the jar or fill it with candy, and it makes a real cute gift!!!

Another way to do this is have multiple stencil hearts for each color paints. Place that stencil around the jar and gently blot it with the old toothbrush and paint. Let dry and repeat process with another color paint-overlapping when possible.

Valentine’s Day Dinner:

And of course there is always that saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ so why not find a yummy recipe to cook for dinner that night! It would be especially nice if you set the mood with music and candles. And made place setting cards out of construction paper! Finish it off with a delicious dessert too.

Change it up:

Does your significant other have a favorite cartoon? You can take whatever cartoon he/she likes and take out the verbiage from the cartoon (by putting white out over the words), then insert your words or a conversation that means something to the both of you (i.e your first kiss or the first time you said ‘I love you’).  Copy the cartoon on a copier machine (so the words you inserted look like it’s in the actual cartoon-instead of just being written over white out). Feel free to color it and/or matte it or frame it for your loved one!

Or, how about you take a poem from his/her favorite author? Or a childhood author? I’m actually doing this for my boyfriend’s Valentine’s Day gift, taking a poem from Dr. Seuss and changing the words (keeping the tempo the same) to make it applicable to him. It’s something very memorable and can showcase all the time and effort you put into it. To make it more decorative, you can use construction paper to add a punch of color or give it the ‘lovey-dovey’ feeling. I also plan on framing it for him as a one of a kind piece of art!

We all love when Valentine’s Day rolls around. If the pressures from the Christmas spending weren’t enough, let’s add another purchasing holiday a month and a half later! We understand the crunch you’re feeling, especially in these economic times; let us share a way to skip an added expense….. Valentine’s Day cards!

Now, I’m all for the modern, eco-friendly, economical approach (hello E-Cards), however, sometimes those aren’t appropriate for your loved ones who live close by.  So take a look below at two perfect homemade Valentine’s Day cards from AllFreeCrafts.com:

Here are the materials you might need:

• Pink and red hearts cut from construction paper (various sizes)
• Cream/white colored paper (computer paper) & red construction paper
• Scotch tape
• Elmer’s glue
• Blank cards (or use left over poster board for a one-sided card)
• Computer to type phrases or Alphabet stickers

Directions:

Card #1:

This Valentine’s Day card is quick and easy. Cut a piece of dark red paper to fit the front of your blank card (or poster board piece) and glue it in place. Type “Happy Valentine’s Day” on your computer and print it on the cream/white colored paper. Glue the cut-out phrase first on a dark red piece of paper, and then give that piece on another piece of cream colored cardstock to create a layered look. This card will open horizontally (or not at all), so turn it horizontally and glue the Valentine’s sentiment to the top third of the card. For the bottom portion of the card cut three small freehand hearts from the dark red paper. Glue these hearts to three torn scraps (in the shape of squares) to cream colored paper. Space these pieces across the bottom of the card and glue in place.

Card #2:

This card is made from a dark red piece of paper and a cream colored piece of paper. Cut a piece of the dark red paper to fit the front of your blank card (or scrap poster board piece) and glue it in place. Cut a large square from the cream colored paper and glue it just above the center of the card. Glue the piece of paper in place. Tear a large heart from the dark red paper and glue it in the center of the cream colored square. Type “Happy Valentine’s Day” on your computer. Print on cream colored paper and glue in the center of the heart.

These two methods are quite perfect whether you’re crafty or not! So use what you have lying around the house (scotch tape, glue and your computer) and if you don’t have the other materials, you can pick them up at your local dollar store. Trust me, for the price you’re paying you’ll get more bang for your buck! Plus, we’ll be posting a ‘Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts’ blog where you’ll also be able to use these materials! Cha-ching!

My father use to say ‘what do you get the person who has everything? A box to put it all in.’ (yes, my father is corny like that) But seriously, what do you do when you have a gift to purchase for someone and it appears that they literally have everything!?! 

Here are a few suggestions from the team at ForRent.com if you really wanna ‘wow’ someone who has everything…..

1. Unveil their inner Monet.  Local art studios and recreation centers typically offer classes starting at the beginner level and work their way up to advanced.  A class like this will let them try a hand at their pottery, wine slumping, or mosaics skills (the list goes on).  Pick a class you think would be of interest and see if it results in a new hobby.

2. Personalized wall art.  You pick the letter-shaped photos and the word; a first or last name is classic, but words like laugh, joy, and peace look great too!  A gift like this can’t be copied!

3. Go local.  Ever been complimented on a one of kind piece that you bought when visiting such and such a place?  Offer someone the same experience by bringing them back something unique from your travels.  Not only are you giving them something they couldn’t find themselves, but you are also supporting small, local businesses at the same time.

4. Everybody wants a good laugh!  Gifts from the heart are great, but every once in awhile someone needs to be thrown for a loop, why not be the person to do so?  Gifts like the below “Ignorance is Bliss” and “Bittersweet” scales are sure to be a hit and are definitely hard to come by.  You’ll walk away knowing this gift will be the source of much laughter! (www.uncommongoods.com)

5. Give to more than just them.  Sometimes people really do have everything and another knick knack isn’t the answer.  Organizations like Farm Africa (www.farmafrica.org/uk) allow you to make a sustainable purchase that benefits those in need under the name of a friend or family member.  Farm Africa actually has you purchase an animal that will be given to families in poverty; these animals help them overcome their poverty.  You can also adopt endangered species through certain organizations and send that animal’s information to your gift recipient.

Does your friend or family member feel passionately about a different cause?  Give them a TisBest Charity Gift Card and let them decide what to support.  All they need to do is log on to http://www.tisbest.org/ and choose from over 200 charities to contribute your predetermined gift amount toward.

6. Cooking Lessons.  Some people need to learn the basics, some people want to go gourmet, and some people would love to learn more recipes that fit their on the go lifestyle.  There are cooking classes out there that cover all these needs.  You could select a gourmet cuisine they may be interested in or lend them a hand with some beginner basics; either way this hands on gift lets them walk away with more than a good food sampling.

You should also check out available classes in your area for wine making or making beer. What an interesting trait to say you have learned? Who knows, you could inspire them to make some for your present next year!! Go for the skill they’d learn and the experience they’d have while doing it.

7. Have you, yourself learned a trade? Why not put it to good use! If you’ve taken scrapebooking lessons, put your talent to work for a friend. If you are a skilled photographer, why not utilize your skills with a photographer the person would love. It’s the personalized gifts that really take the breath away of the recipient. So go ahead….get creative!

8. So they may have everything, but have they done everything?  Think through things they have mentioned wanting to do, but either put off or chickened out.  Maybe they have always wanted to learn to ski, so you buy lessons or they think skydiving looks fun, but are too afraid to sign up.  This gift may take more thought, but they are sure to remember it.

 9. Feeling especially green this season?  Purchase a tree or several in your favored friend’s name and let them feel good about helping to sustain our planet.  Places like http://www.arborday.org/ and http://www.americanforests.org/ make giving gifts like this as easy as planting seeds.

10.  How many people can say they have a star named after them? This is something my brother did for one of his girlfriends and I thought it was the sweetest thing. You can literally name a star after a friend or loved one. Go on http://www.starregistry.com/ for the process!

11. Photo gifts. I am a personal fan of Walgreens.com photo center. They have a really nice collection of gifts you can do for anyone. One year I did a calendar of photos for my mother. There are also mugs, pillow cases, aprons, mouse pads and more! Or you could take a photo that you have, that the recipient would like, and enlarge it. Frame it with a matte and it’s a one of a kind piece of art!

12. Coupon book. This works if you’re a little financially strapped during the holidays as well (who isn’t these days). In a book I created, I had a coupon for various tasks such as: FREE dog sitter one night, hot chocolate and a movie, dinner at your favorite restaurant, NO boys allowed-girls night out, etc. I also incorporated my skills at their disposal whenever they should need it (which I’m sure will happen since I’ve already offered it and they have a coupon saying I’d oblige). This was extremely appreciated as it came from the heart and literally is a gift that keeps on giving (until the coupons run out)!

We hope these gifts have inspired you and given you something to get for that one difficult shopper on your list!  Happy Shopping!

I know you know those people we’re referring to. The people you ‘have’ to like and ‘need’ to get a gift for. It could be a friend you’ve known through the various social circles you travel, or it could actually be a relative you’re not fond of. Whomever it may be, during the holiday season you are forced to come up with a gift idea suitable for them. Wouldn’t it be great if you could really tell them how you feel? Well how about doing it in a backhanded way through your gift this year?!?!  Take a look…..

1. For the friend who is always in debt and complaining about money-a ‘Managing Your Money for Dummies’ book (added bonus would be a piggy bank)!

2. For your smelly friends-a body wash gift basket set. She’ll think you’re just being sweet, but you’ll know the real reason why!

3. For the domestically challenged-a cookbook with a gift card to a restaurant. Just in case the ‘oops’ occasion happens (which we all know will)!

4. For the winer-literally a bottle of wine! Maybe even throw in some cheese. Better yet, a violin ornament. For the heart strings she’s pulling…….

5. For the friend with a POS car-a AAA Membership

6. For the friend who constantly talks about losing weight but can never seem to drop the chocolate-the ‘Weight Watchers Complete Cookbook’. (an accessory could be a scale)

7. For the single friend in your life-a frog statue with a note ‘kiss me, I’ll turn into your prince charming’…..then hopefully she can leave YOU alone!!

8. For the cat lady…..duh! ANYTHING with CATS!!!!! They’ll enjoy it, but you’ll get a kick out of the real reason you purchased it. Soon enough cat trinkets will start out numbering the actual amount of cats she has!!

9. For the friend who is WAY TOO chatty-a timer. Or better yet, if conversations always seem to circle back to her, a boomerang!!

10. For the ‘great listener’ friend-In one ear and out the other earrings. They are found at Uncommongoods.com

11. For the friend with constant drama-a set of Knife earrings. You could say it’s because she loves to cook……(but we all know the truth)! These are also found at Uncommongoods.com

12. And finally, sticking with holiday tradition-a Nutcracker! For the real ‘ball breaker’ in your life!  (nuts sold separately)

Hope this made you smile today, just thinking of the gifts you’d like to purchase for someone!! If you have any more ideas regarding gift giving for frenemies, let us know!! We all have them in our life….

I saw this article on AOL Shopping and it’s title immediately captured me…. “What Your Christmas Tree Says About You.” So of course, being the curious body I am, I had to click on it and see what my tree says about me! Check it out……

Fresh Cut:
A grown-in-the-ground tree not only has roots but is deeply rooted in ancient Christmas tradition. If your family takes the time each year to find their own fresh fir, that probably means that you have tremendous personality tied to old-fashioned traditions as well. Often, people with real trees like to go ‘by the book’ and are authentic. It also suggests that you are a diligent and reliable individual and you find joy in the simple things in life.

Artificial:
A faux tree is frequently favored by the frugal, because after a year or two of use- the artificial tree would have paid for itself. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who decorate fake branches year after year, you might be someone who values convenience too– once an artificial tree is completely set up there’s no extra maintenance required to keep it pretty.

Pre-Lit:
Even more frugal & efficient than an artificial tree is one covered with permanently placed lights. If you have a pre-lit tree then you probably are a perfectionist and know how to prioritize well, valuing your time & knowing when to cut corners in order to enjoy yourself and the holidays as much as possible; inarguably the worst task when it comes to tree trimming has to be hanging the lights, and eliminating this chore is sure to make spirits bright!

Tschotschke Christmas Tree:
Sentimental people love to cover their tree with all kinds of ornaments and goodies, with every glance comes a new ornament discovery and often unexpectant insight into the family life. If your tree is covered in trinkets and tschotschkes, you are probably an open individual who is comfortable with expressing and sharing yourself. Chances are your considered child-like and playful when it comes to Christmas.

The ‘not’ Christmas Tree:
If you choose to display a decorated palm tree or topiary instead of the traditionally triangular Christmas tree, you’re certain to be the jovial, humorous type who is perhaps a bit impish and prone to practical jokes. Because you know that everyone who visits will have comments (both critical and complimentary) you might be attention oriented year-round as well.

Upside Down:
You’re always full of surprises and your unexpected ways often lend to mixed messages being sent out about your personality. Chances are you’re actually pretty traditional at heart but you love turning the expectations of others onto their heads (no pun intended). You might be the gluttonous sort- many families choose upside down trees because they can fit more presents underneath.

Half Christmas Tree:
You are determined to make your childhood Christmas memories come to life again, whether you actually have the space to do so or not. You are a creative problem-solver and also someone who satisfies their desires no matter what, your main tools being thoughtfulness and elbow grease. You are probably the innovative type if you’re seeking out a half tree, as many families aren’t even aware of this type of tree.

Snow Covered:
Idealist love snow-covered Christmas trees because they are artificial representations of a traditionally ideal “White Christmas”. Imaginative types enjoy this type of tree as well because although the blanket of plastic white flakes would never be mistaken for real snow, it allows one to stare and dream of the delightful real thing.

Uniquely Colored Christmas tree:
Artists and the creative types just love to express themselves, especially with color and the unexpected twists in ordinary things. What better way to make a huge statement than with an off-color Christmas tree? Other people that take pleasure in an unusually hued holiday tree include those visual perfectionists that are extremely obsessed with keeping their home color scheme unmarred, even if it’s just for the holiday season.

Table Top Christmas Tree:
Just because your main tree is a table-top tree doesn’t mean your Christmas spirit is in miniature too. You may be taxed for space, but some table-top types might just feel less is more and may be most interested in the emotional joy of the season without having much of a need for a prominent physical representation.

While the later options are a bit more exotic, it is interesting to think how your holiday décor says a lot about your spirit both in and out of season.  So what’s your take? Do you believe that a Christmas tree really can give you signs of who the owner truly is???? Based on mine I’m frugal (cheap) and only care about convenience (lazy). While I don’t care too much for the description, I can admit that those two items aren’t far from the truth during the holiday season! Ha ha

If you really want to get a good laugh, check out some of the photos from this article “What Your Christmas Tree Says About You“, I particularly like the ‘uniquely colored Christmas tree’ option! J Happy Holidays!

This is actually the first post we’ve done regarding diet, but it is one that is near and dear to my heart. Last year during the holidays I searched & found an exercise regime that would meet with my holiday ‘sin’ such as cocktail parties, buffet dinner or dessert binges. But this post is more directed as proactive rather than reactive. Here are tips for you to avoid overeating in the first place during the holiday gatherings:

• Portions, Portions, Portions: When you are getting dishes to eat make sure you pay close attention to the size of the portions you are choosing. The recommended size is the palm of your hand or smaller. Given that during the holidays there are a plethora of delectables to feast on, you may want to go smaller so you can enjoy all there is to offer.
• Seasonal Favorites: It would be foolish of me to state that you should limit yourself to only 2 sides, when I know that I don’t do it. It’s hard with all the options to choose just a few but it might be easier if you were to look at it in a different manner. You’ll want to make sure you get seasonal favorites as those choices may not be around all year, so stick with those for your first round and if you’re still hungry then you can get other options. Wouldn’t you rather get cranberry sauce rather than bread and butter?
• Know your limits: This seems to be where people get themselves in to trouble. With all the goodies everywhere they continue to snack and snack and snack, bringing plate 1 to plate 4 or 5. When you are eating it is important to listen to your body for signals that you are getting full. This will help eliminate the overfull belly which can sometimes be painful (I know)! Again, sticking with the first two tips try everything you’d like, but make it smaller portions such as slivers of deserts and go back for more if you want (and are able to eat it). Don’t hoard everything onto your first plate as you will probably feel more obligated to finish it.
• Exercise: And keeping with my statement in the intro, exercise is a particular staple in my holidays. As I start to down my second sliver of pumpkin pie (personal seasonal favorite), I start to feel guilty. The easiest way for me to feel better about it is the promise to walk around my neighborhood twice afterwards (or do the stairs in my house a few extra times). I even ask my mother to join me so I’m still spending quality time with family. Exercise is important for any person, but during the holidays it is especially important as there is typically more stress and overeating.

With these tips in mind, hopefully everyone will be able to stick to their plan of not overeating. With the holidays being so close together, it really is key to be prepared so you can enjoy all to the fullest!