Apartment Blog

It’s time to get creative! If you’re decorating style is stuck in a rut but you have little to no money to do anything about it, check out these great ideas. Most don’t require you to purchase anything, just using things you already have in your house. But boy will these ideas do the trick!

• Turn a quilt into a headboard. Drape it over your existing headboard or nail it on the wall to frame your bed.
• Prop up art to conceal cords. No one likes to see them all the time, use random frames to conceal them.
• Repurpose bracelets as napkin rings. This serves as a trendy and funky way to decorate your table.
• Dress up a dresser with ribbons, different colored ribbons would make a big impact.
• Paint legs of old chairs, or paint a different color on all the chairs at your dinning room table. This can be a great conversation piece.
• Wrap boxes with wrapping paper for a decorative & functional piece. Can be used all over the apartment.
• Unused wine glasses as candle holders. Simple and classy.
• Use clips from the office to hold photos or post cards around the house.
• Upgrade a lamp shade w/ribbon or paint it a color you’d never find in a store.
• Use a planter as a side table for the bedroom or the living room. All you need to do is add a glass top. This is very cheap compared to purchasing a new table all together.
• Rearrange furniture-like on an angle. It’ll make the room feel refreshed!
• Find any magazines or books that have photos in them that you like. Cut out the photos and frame them around the house.
• If you have a full bookcase, remove one shelf of books and treat it like a shadow box.
• Gather all your accessories that are the same color from every room in your house. Don’t worry how they relate or what you bought to go with what. Now…group all of them together on a tabletop.
• Remove all the pictures scattered around one room and rehang them on one wall, together - “salon style.”
• Instead of centering one big piece of art over your bed, hang one really small piece of art. It will have even more of an impact.

Check out your apartment and see how you can incorporate our suggestions. Or if you have any ideas that you have used before, please share! These tips were collected from Real Simple Magazine and House Beautiful.

Feeling inspired to decorate this year? As you may have read, decorating your apartment was number four on our ‘10 New Years Resolutions for Renters’ blog.  So we’re here to provide you with the styles in home décor in 2009, getting inspiration in pattern, environment and texture. See for yourself…

1. The Devil Wears Prada: Being a fashionista is hard work! So why not incorporate the style of your clothes into your home décor? Embellish your outfit with some gems; then incorporate those gems into the style of your apartment! One way to do that would be with decorative pillows. Pillows are said to be dressed in high fashion this year, so you better hit the stores for the ones that express your true style.

2. Van Gough: Who doesn’t love a beautiful art piece? I know I am also captivated by art in my, and other’s, homes. In 2009, art is a big ‘YES’ for interior decorating. Show your appreciation for local or nationally recognized artists by having a beautiful painting sit center stage in your apartment. A more creative way, if you’re talented, would be to make your own masterpiece! Now talk about a one of a kind piece.

3. Pattern & Textures: Who doesn’t love a nice paisley? Or a striking animal print? Or luxurious silk sheets? This year, home décor will incorporate all your favorite patterns and textures. Stripes and geometric patterns will appear in decorative accessories and furnishings all over the stores. Be sure to incorporate one that fits your style best!

4. One decorating trend you’ll see this year is the sanctuary feel. Create a safe haven for yourself in your home. This environment will be something that comforts and offers you refuge from the outside world. For this type of décor, simple, serene colors will work best. The cool color palette (blues and purples) exemplified this idea. And I would suggest something that reminds you of a peaceful place so you can escape.

5. Another decorating style you’ll find is MODERN. Modern can be defined as a contemporary style that would include classic pieces with a new twist; re-interpreting the definition of classic. A sophisticated modern style would have the edginess of new shapes and designs while also including timeless elegant pieces.

For pictures of these ideas and more, visit DecoratingDiva.com.

By Simon Phillips 

I like to do my bit for the planet by doing things like recycling and not using plastic bags for my grocery shopping, but my girlfriend takes green issues even more seriously.  Recently she started trying out all kinds of DIY cleaning tips using eco-friendly products.  To my surprise these strange concoctions made from things like baking soda and vinegar actually seem to do the trick.  As well as being good for your apartment’s air quality, you can cut down on packaging and reduce the number of cleaning products you need, and save money at the same time.  Here are some of the green cleaning tricks I’ve picked up, which you can try out for yourself next time you’re cleaning your apartment.

Upholstery - Baking soda works wonders at removing stains from upholstery.  To get rid of spots of greasy food on a polyester seat or cushion, rub dry baking soda into it and then brush off.  Vinyl seats such as recliners or barstools can be cleaned by using baking soda mixed to a paste with water.

Metal Surfaces - You can bring the shine back to a stainless steel sink by cleaning it with baking soda sprinkled onto a damp cloth.  You can clean chrome faucets and other fittings by using a paste of baking soda and water and buffing dry.  This works on metal barstools as well.

Flooring - To stop spills from staining carpet, remove any solids and then pour club soda onto the area.  You’ll need to act quickly and do this as soon as the spill happens.  The club soda will help bring the spill to the surface and stop staining.  When vacuuming, add baking soda and a few drops of a pleasant smelling essential oil to the bag to reduce unpleasant odors. 

Wooden Furniture - Ditch the synthetic spray polish and use olive oil mixed with a small amount of lemon juice instead.  Rubbing mayonnaise on water marks helps shift them, and lemon juice helps remove heat marks from wood.

Laundry - Adding a spoonful of washing soda crystals to each wash makes hard water softer and reduces how much regular laundry powder you need to use.  Stubborn stains, including red wine, tomato sauce and curry, can be removed from clothes by soaking them overnight in a mixture of 1 cup of washing soda to 1 pint of water and then washing as normal.

Bathroom - Use an old toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and water to clean up old grout on tiles around the tub.  Scrub shower curtains with baking soda or a few drops of white vinegar to remove mildew.  Pouring half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar down the plughole in the sink and tub can unclog blocked drains and if you do this regularly can prevent future blockages.  The same mixture can be used to remove lime scale deposits from a showerhead - leave it to soak in the mixture for an hour before running hot water through it.

Kitchen - Soaking greasy roasting tins in hot water and baking soda to loosen the grease and encrusted food makes them much easier to clean.  An effective multi-surface cleaner can be made from 2 cups of hot water, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of borax, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a drop of washing-up liquid.  A homemade disinfectant can be made from 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of washing-up liquid and 25 drops of tea tree oil.

Windows and mirrors - A really simple way of cleaning windows and mirrors that really works is to spray undiluted white vinegar onto the surface and then buff to a shine using scrunched up newspaper or a paper towel.

Simon Phillips is a writer, interior design enthusiast and co-founder of GetBarstools.com.  He loves finding eco-friendly, money-saving ideas for the home.

Most people during the holidays are trying to find tips on how to NOT over eat. Our society has told us that we shouldn’t eat whatever we want during the holidays. Well, I’m here to say if you want to eat-then eat! In fact, we’re going to provide you with tips on sneaky ways to get food without anyone noticing (or most importantly judging) you!

1. This works well for Holiday parties at work. Ask to take a plate home for your “husband or wife”.

2. Get two plates of food/dessert like you’re taking it back to the table for a friend, at a work party, or for a family member at home. No one will think twice if your friend or family member comes back for seconds (which was really their first plate)!

3. Desperate measures? Ask your family members if you can take their plate in. Grab a bite of Grandma’s left over ham before throwing away the food & putting it in the dishwasher.

4. Get a glass (that you can’t see through) and tell your family your getting water. Quickly fill the glass with the chips/whatever and walk away casually.

5. Find a way to carry the food. If you’re a girl, then carry a big tote bag with you. If you’re a boy, simply have big pockets or a jacket-you can always wear a sweatshirt with a big pocket.

6. The holidays are a great time for pictures! So why not use your camera or video bag to store your food! If you’re carrying the case, no one will think twice about what’s inside-but you’ll know!

7. Zip lock baggies are your friend!! Be sure to have plenty stored in your pockets and purse/bags. To really get the maximum amount of food, switch them out when they get full. Once you have a selection, you can proceed to snack on them throughout the evening without even having to share!

8. Put some food in a napkin when someone’s back is turned and when you get a craving for something, bring the napkin to your mouth. Pretend like you’re wiping your mouth when really you’re stuffing it!  (Literally)

9. Appearances can be deceiving. Lets say you want to get more creative….use a cover. For example, if you are the hostess and don’t want your guests to know you’re sneaking a bit on the side, take a cleaning supplies container (obviously thoroughly cleaned) and store food inside of it. Your guests will just think you’re either going to clean something or putting back the cleaner. This can also work well with a tissue box, etc. Whatever will cause the least suspicion will work best.

10. Have a wing man; a partner in crime to help. He/she can help create a diversion when you go in for the kill. Of course, as partners, you have to return the favor by either hoarding enough food for the both of you, or creating a diversion for him/her.

11. A simple, but useful, tip would be to hide the extra food underneath other food on your plate. For example, you want an extra scoop of mash potatoes? Go ahead and put it on your plate but then minimize visibility by putting a roll on top of them.

12. And finally, something effortless would be to get in line for food first. Go through and get a plate. Run into your secret area (i.e. your room, or closet if you’re at someone else’s house) and put the plate down. Wait and then get into the end of the line and make like this is the first time. Say comments about how yummy the food looks, or how much you’re looking forward to getting some Mac and cheese.

Do you plan on throwing a party this December? I know I certainly do. Having a little party is a great way to have friends over and enjoy the merriment that is Christmas.  So if you’re looking for tips and ideas for hosting a holiday party, check out our list. We’ve provided you with the essentials to make your party a success!

1. Invitations! Be sure and send out invitations. With the busy holiday season, your party is not the only one people would like to attend. Send out invitations in advanced so others know to put yours on the calendar! I would personally recommend Evite.com as that is a great website for you to host all your party’s details and list of attendees.

2. Holiday Decorations Outside Your Apartment. As guests come up to your home, you want to make sure they immediately feel the holiday spirit!

3. Holiday Decorations Inside Your Apartment. Check out our ‘Must Haves’ list for holiday décor (link).

4. Menu. Catering would be the easiest solution as you don’t have to prepare the food while you’re scrambling with other details. However, it is an alternative that could be more expensive. Regardless of what option you choose, make or cater, be sure to include a variety.

5. Beverage Assortment. Not everyone will drink regular soda (especially the diet conscientious). So be sure to have a plethora of options for your guests. Water for the non-drinkers! Or a neat idea would be to have a hot chocolate bar!

6. Entertainment. Be sure your guests are entertained at this event. Have a raffle for them to participate in, or games for interaction.

7. Music. Having a little holiday music is great for the backdrop of conversations taking place. It eliminates the lull of silence should any conversations cease for a period of time.

8. Theme. Want to incorporate a theme?? You could do an ugly Christmas sweater contest! Seeing all your friends in the ugliest creation is sure to get lots of laughs!

9. Serve Ware. Use plastic plates, cups and utensils for easy clean up at the end of the night. A ‘go green’ effort would be to recycle them all after washing them off in the sink!!

10. Attire. As the host/hostess you’ll be the center of a lot of activity. You’ll be answering any questions someone may have about the apartment (i.e. location of bathroom), partaking in just about everyone’s conversation, etc. So you’ll want to make sure you look good! Be sure and get dolled up for your holiday party by wearing a nice holiday outfit!

11. Thank You Gifts. A nice touch would be at the end of the night to have a little ‘party bag’ for your guests to take home. Something to remind them of the good times they had at your holiday party. It can be elaborate or something simple. It’s a really nice gesture for sure!

12. Relax!! You are finally at the party you’ve worked so hard to plan. So relax and enjoy your time with friends and family!!

We hope you have a terrific holiday party season! Have fun and be safe!!

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!