October 2010
1 post
iDrakula Brings Vampire Drama to Your iPhone
If you are looking for a new way to get the of the old Letters to Drakula, you should check out iDrakula by Bekka Black. The story of this vampire unfolds on your iPhone. iDrakula is kind of a modern day abridged version of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula which, if you think about it, was kind of different for its time as the plot unfolded in letters. However, instead of being told through...
April 2010
16 posts
2 tags
How to Host a Rooftop Deck Party
You just discovered that your new apartment building has an accessible rooftop, just in time for the summer. You may live in an urban jungle, but that should not prevent you from enjoying the finest outdoor garden party. Surround yourself in a shady green oasis, and break out the nice table linens; you can host a rooftop deck or garden party that will make your yard-mowing suburban friends...
3 tags
5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in...
Austin is known as the “Tex-Mex capital” of the United States, so if you happen to live there, you are in an ideal location to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday. “Hump day” is the ideal day of the week for an after-hour cocktail. Here are just a few places in Austin that will be toasting Mexican culture on or around May 5 with drink specials, tasty...
3 tags
Cinco de Mayo Ideas for Working Stiffs
May 5th falls on a Wednesday this year. While “hump day” may not be ideal for most people to throw a massive Cinco de Mayo party, it is the perfect day of the week to relax and invite some friends over for Mexican-themed cocktails, food and fun after work. When you are busy, it is easy to forget about this festive holiday that is right around the corner. So be prepared when somebody says,...
4 tags
10 Tips to Break the Ice with Your Mother-in-Law
Mother’s day is around the corner. For many women who have mother-in-laws, this can be a stressful and confusing holiday. While some married ladies are lucky enough to hit it off with their in-laws from get-go, many others find that they need to put a little effort into their in-law relationship. If you feel that your relationship with the mother-in-law could use some warming up, here are...
2 tags
Advice for College Graduates Class of 2010
Many college students have the luxury of avoiding practical thoughts of reality while living in an academic world that promises a successful future with each passing class that leads to a college degree. College is generally fun and for the most part, easy. However, it rarely prepares you for the real world. It is no surprise that so many college students sail through their college years...
3 tags
Most Unusual Homecoming Traditions Across America
For most high school students, homecoming is the most important time of year. In fact, in most schools, activities for the entire year are merely a set up leading to the climax of this one important football game. Included among homecoming activities are crazy traditions. Here are some of the more unusual homecoming traditions across America. Image: Comwiz (Flickr) Homecoming Mums in...
2 tags
2010 Fashion Trends for Prom Dresses
You don’t have to miss out on the prom dress trends this year or spend a lot of money on a fashionable prom gown. In fact, spending more than $100 for a prom dress is so 2000. This decade is about looking like a million bucks while being smart about your hard-earned cash. No matter what your style, there are many prom dresses this year that will look fabulous on you. Here is a sneak peak...
1 tag
Four Ways Single Moms Can Celebrate Mother’s Day
If you’re a mom, no matter what your budget or schedule, you deserve to be recognized on Mother’s Day. Image: Ecohen (Flickr) Single mothers of young children often have to initiate their own Mother’s Day celebration. If so, don’t feel guilty about taking some time to yourself for some pampering, fun or quality time with your kids to reflect about what being a mother means to you. Here...
3 tags
5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in...
Austin is known as the “Tex-Mex capital” of the United States, so if you happen to live there, you are in an ideal location to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday. “Hump day” is the ideal day of the week for an after-hour cocktail. Here are just a few places in Austin that will be toasting Mexican culture on or around May 5 with drink specials, tasty food...
How to Accommodate Vegetarians at Your Barbeque
It’s Memorial Day weekend, and you are making plans for your famous annual barbeque. You pride yourself as a meat-grilling master Jedi, but just when you are ready to break out the recipe for your secret rub, you find out that there will be vegetarians present. What are you supposed to do to accommodate these oddballs? Don’t panic. You can still wow your meat-eating guests with your robust...
How to Baby Proof Your Apartment
As a new parent, you know how fast your baby grows. Just when you get used to your baby’s feeding schedule and diaper changes, you realize you need to accommodate his or her ever-changing routine. As your baby grows older, take some precautions to make your apartment safe and secure for crawlers and toddlers. Here is how you can baby-proof your apartment as your growing baby explores the...
Practical Nursery Ideas for Your Apartment
One of the most exciting things about expecting a baby is getting the nursery ready. When first-time parents start acquiring baby furniture and anticipating their baby’s every need, it makes the reality of having a baby more concrete and believable. The main mistake that many first-time parents make however, is believing that they need to buy every baby product advertised. Before you go...
The Apartment Blues Playlist
In these hard economic times, many former home owners have now become renters. While there are many perks to living in an apartment – especially these days – apartment life isn’t always easy. If you find yourself getting the apartment living blues, here is the perfect playlist for you. Be sure to crank these songs up loud so that your landlord and your neighbors can hear too. Image: Mrs....
College Campuses with Cemeteries
If you are a diehard college alumni, your college campus may have the perfect place for you both in life and in death. Some colleges offer the ultimate class reunion – in cemeteries and mausoleums, a small but growing trend on college campuses. Designed to house the cremated ashes of alumni, faculty and pets, a few colleges offer higher ed for the dead. If you’re a graduate of the following...
How to Plan a Rooftop Garden
In cities where space is a much desired commodity, vegetable gardens may be considered a luxury. But if you live in a building where a flat rooftop is accessible, you could create a great rooftop vegetable garden from container pots, trellises or even raised garden beds. Whether you have a small space or an entire building’s rooftop, here are a few ideas when planning your rooftop vegetable...
2 tags
5 Ways to Dispose of Large Objects
The day will come when you need to get rid of a mattress or a large piece of furniture. But what do you do if the object does not fit in your apartment community’s Dumpster? Most apartment complexes have strict rules about leaving trash near the garbage bin, requiring you to fit it your trash inside and close the lid. Don’t get stuck with fines for improperly disposing of your trash. Here...
March 2010
5 posts
2 tags
5 Essential iPhone Apps for Students at Penn State
If you are a student on the go at Penn State University, there are plenty of iPhone apps that can make your life easier. From transportation scheduling, keeping track of homework or even just showing your loyalty to Penn State University, here are some essential iPhone apps if you are a student at Penn State. These iPhone apps work with you iPod touch allowing you to take full advantage of...
Biggest Easter Egg Hunts in the D.C. Area
If you are looking for an Easter egg hunt for the family, Washington, D.C. offers plenty of them. Of course, the biggest event is at the White House, but even if you do not get a ticket to the famous annual Easter Egg Roll held on the White House South Lawn, you can still get involved in some of the biggest Easter egg hunts in the D.C. area. Image: Switzerland County (Flickr) 2010 Easter...
International Earth Day is March 20
International Earth Day, also known as the Equinoctial Earth Day, is celebrated on the March equinox (around March 20) to mark the precise day that the equinoxes and solstices are considered to start or separate the seasons. It’s not to be confused with regular Earth Day on April 22,which marks the birth of the modern environmental movement. Image: Fredcamino (Flickr) What is the History of...
How to Move a Mattress into an Apartment
If you have ever moved furniture, you know that one of the hardest things to handle is a mattress, especially if you have to climb stairs. Even with two or three people, there seems to be no easy way to grab a mattress. Here are some tips and advice before trying to conquer moving a mattress on your own. Photo by St Gleam (Flickr) Never Use the Mattress Handles Ever wonder why mattress...
Storage Options for Small Places
Living in a small apartment can be tough for storing things, especially if you are used to living in a house with a garage, basement, attic or work shed. If you live in a small apartment or condo, here are some storage options that could make your life easier, more organized and clutter-free. Image: Editor B (Flickr) Use Vertical Space In limited square footage, the only way to go is up....
February 2010
8 posts
Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia
Volunteerism in Philadelphia is alive and well. Whether you are a retiree looking for fulfilling and rewarding work to occupy your time or you are just looking for ways to connect with the Philadelphia community and make some like-minded friends, volunteering is a great way to bond with others and give back to the community. Image by: firstbaptistnashville on Flickr It’s easy to find a...
Things to Consider Before Moving In Together
So you’ve been dating a while and have decided it is time to take the big step and move in together. Before you start furniture shopping and getting comfortable in your love nest, you may want to consider some very important details of co-habitation. Image: Foxtongue (Flickr) Are you are ready to live together? When couples move in together, they see all aspects of each other’s lives – even...
Budget-Friendly Wedding Trends for 2010
Expensive, lavish weddings may still be in vogue for a minority of the population who has dollars to burn, but for most budget-conscious couples, the cheap wedding trend continues to gain popularity. Not only are budget-friendly weddings practical for money-saving reasons, but homemade weddings are fashionable in a shabby-chic, creative kind of way. Here are the latest budget-friendly wedding...
Best Break-Up Movies of All Times
The days leading up to Valentine’s Day inspire many people to cuddle up with their sweethearts and watch romantic films. But what about single people, or worse, people who have just had their heart broken by an unexpected or nasty breakup? Don’t despair. Buy yourself some chocolate and ice cream, have yourself a good cry and curl up in front of your TV to embrace your newfound freedom. Here are...
Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia
February is Black History Month. Philadelphia has a rich and interesting black American history. Boosted by a flood of Southern migrants in the early 1900s, Philadelphia’s black population took on a significant role as a cornerstone of America’s history. The election of W. Wilson Goode as the city’s first black mayor in 1979, along with other prominent Philadelphia black heros such as Cecil B....
What Does Your Ring Tone Say About You?
People are judging you by your cell phone ring tone. What does your ring tone say about you? Take this short quiz to find out. Posted via web from Apartment Living | Comment »
Turn Your Apartment into a Romantic Escape for...
Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day was designed for women. Since most guys could care less about mushy cards, candles, chocolates and flowers, women need to think a little differently when romancing their men. This Valentine’s Day, keep a few candles burning for yourself if you’d like, but if you really want him to feel the love and know that you appreciate him, here are some ways to turn your home...
New TV Shows Worth Recording For Spring 2010
Why does it seem like there is a lack of good television shows on when you come home from work? Maybe you just get busy and forget to watch them. Well, don’t let these new shows slip by you this spring. Fire up the DVR and start a series recording because this spring season has some DVR-worthy television shows that you may want on your recorded list. ...
January 2010
5 posts
5 Great iPhone Apps for Personal Money Management
If your new year’s resolution is to better manage your own money, you may want to check out these iPhone Apps designed for personal finance. Whether you are trying to stick to a budget, save money or manage your vast wealth of investments, you will find that these iPhone apps come in handy to master your money directly from your iPhone or iPod touch. 1. Mint iPhone App (Free) Mint has been...
Benefits of Renting a House vs. Staying in a Hotel
If you are a business traveler or frequent vacationer, you may realize that short-term rentals are quickly becoming the new luxury hotels. They may not have room service or housekeeping service, but many of them provide luxury amenities and perks that you simply cannot find in a hotel chain. Here are three advantages of staying in a rental home rather than a hotel: Photo by: Chad050 Flickr...
Overcome Hat Anxiety on National Hat Day, January...
Jan. 15 is National Hat Day. If you are a hat person, this holiday was made for you. Certainly you do not need an excuse to wear a hat for the day. However, if you are not a hat person (“I don’t look good in hats.”), this is a great opportunity to try on some head wear and hopefully learn to feel more confident wearing a hat. Here are some tips to help you break into hat wearing. Photo:...
Celebrate National Soup Month in January
January is National Soup Month, and now is the best time to get your slow cooker out to try some new soup recipes. Gather around your dining room table for some comfort food, and melt the winter chill away with the steamy aroma of wholesome, flavorful soup. Photo by Jugglerpm/Flickr Who Started National Soup Month? Nobody really knows who started Soup Month or when it began. Some believe it...
5 Great Places to Vacation with Your Income Tax...
Like many other people, the stress of the holidays may have left you worn out and in sore need of a getaway. After you tear down the holiday decorations and once you get your income tax refund, take advantage of the travel deals in January or February for some quality rest and relaxation. Here are five great places to vacation with your income tax refund money. Take a drive to Red Rock Canyon...
December 2009
4 posts
5 New Years Resolutions For Home Improvement
As we ride the crest of a recession into 2010, home is a place where Americans are spending much more of their time. Home improvements not only support the value of your home, but they can make life much more pleasant if you opt for money-saving “staycations” or nights eating in. Here are five New Year’s resolutions for home improvement, whether you choose to take on a remodel project,...
2 tags
Top 5 Affordable Warm Cities for Retirees
Retirees have good reasons for wanting to move away from cold weather. Shoveling snow and putting salt on the driveway every winter is back breaking work. Not to mention, cold weather in general can wreak havoc on arthritis. If you are interested in spending your golden years under some golden warm sunshine, here are ApartmentGuide.com’s top five affordable cities to retire in. Photo by...
Find the Perfect Roommate for Your College...
If you are like most college students, you need a roommate to share your housing expenses. There are many things to consider for your protection and everyone’s best interest. If you have never had a roommate before, or you are looking for a better roommate, here are some ways to help you find and choose the right college roommate to fit your lifestyle. Photo by: Zach Klein (Flickr Creative...
Apartment Fireplace Safety
You were lured by an apartment with a cozy fireplace. But before you crank up your gas, wood or electric fireplace this season, you should be aware of some safety precautions that could save your home, and even your life, from a fire disaster. Photo by: paulandaline (Flickr Creative Commons) Stock up on the hot chocolate and brandy. It’s that time of year to gather around the fireplace with...
November 2009
3 posts
Tunic Sweaters and Leggings -The Best...
This season’s trendy look is comfortable, easy and best of all, very affordable. Pair some opaque cotton leggings with a tunic sweater and some boots and you have “the look” of the season. This fashion trend is a revived 80’s look that has been updated to flatter almost any size or shape. You don’t have to worry about the pieces going out of style soon because they are so versatile that you can...
The Bright Side of Working on Holidays
Most people have had to do it at least once. Whether you are in retail, you are an independent contractor making up hours or you just got unlucky this year, you may find yourself at work on a holiday. Here is how to look on the bright side while you are stuck at work during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. Photo by: LittleDan77 (Flickr Creative Commons) There are as many reasons as...
Turn Your Home into a Banquet Hall for the...
Large crowds require space and various accommodations. Whether you are using the community banquet hall at your apartment complex, or you are turning your rental house into a buffet restaurant for holiday guests, here are some tips to make your holiday meal go smoothly. photo by: wili_hybrid Flickr Creative Commons The holidays may be the only time of year when you see so many of your friends...
October 2009
5 posts
Miami for the Holidays – Good Enough for a...
Have you ever fantasized about disappearing during the holidays –rebelliously ditching gift-giving consumerism, traffic, grumpy, stressed-out people and boring family gatherings? Sure, you could book an expensive, exotic cruise if you plan far enough in advance. But if you are looking for a quick getaway during the holidays, you need not look further than Miami. Photo by Sami Keinanen ( Flickr...
Tips for Fuss-Free Holiday Entertaining
If you are hosting holiday events this year, there is no need to stress over decorating and preparing fancy food. Learn to apply the “less is more” rule to your holiday preparation, and create a decisively elegant atmosphere for your next gathering. Whether it’s your turn to do Thanksgiving this year, or you have been chosen to host the traditional gift-giving exchange in December, here are some...
Surviving Thanksgiving with Acid Reflux
Thanksgiving can be an acid reflux sufferer’s worst nightmare; a smorgasbord of rich, tempting food to choose from and the inevitable heartburn, GERD or LPR that goes with it. Don’t despair. If you have been diagnosed with one of the above diseases related to acid reflux, here are some tips and tricks to help you survive the Thanksgiving feast and even show you how to enjoy it. Photo by: Rabble...
Keeping the Halloween Spirit Alive
Some people say that Halloween is alive and strong. But while retail stores push costumes, candy and decorations on their seasonal displays, and while night clubs and other corporate establishments promote Halloween events, some people say that the true spirit of Halloween is almost, well, dead. Photo by Foxtongue on Flickr Creative Commons In the old days, when people actually knew their...
How To Spook Up Your Apartment for a Halloween...
If you are hosting a Halloween party this year, you may be looking for cheap ways to put some creepiness into your place. Treat your friends to some festive décor, and spook them out with a few tricks, too. From ominous lighting to eerie optical illusions, here are some great tips for spooking out your apartment. Light Up the Party One of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to...
September 2009
2 posts
10 Best iPhone Apps for Science Majors
iPhone apps and science go hand in hand. Maybe you need to quickly refer to the Periodic Table, or perhaps you need help with your solubility calculations. Whether you are planning for a career in science or you just need to pass a science class in college, here are 10 iPhone apps you shouldn’t be without. Photo by: Okko Pyykko on Flickr Creative Commons 1. Chemical Elements (Free) This...
Rent a House for Game Day Weekend
Poor planning during college football season can spell disaster for out-of-town games. Nearby hotels are over-priced and over-booked. Heavy traffic plus accident-prone party goers on the roads are a given. So what is the best way to enjoy a lavish, stress-free game day? Location, location, location! How would you like to start game day off to the exciting beat of the marching band’s drums and...
August 2009
8 posts
Extreme College Football Fans
How far will people go to express their passion for college football? Long after they graduate from college, and many times even if they never attended college at all, serious college football fans of all ages pack university stadiums and hold tailgate parties year after year. Some people go to extremes to support their favorite college football team.Here are just a few… Famous fans They...