Apartment Living

iDrakula Brings Vampire Drama to Your iPhone

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:18:29 -0400

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 diary entries, newspaper articles and personal letter excerpts, iDrakula for your iPhone is presented in text messages, voice mail, emails and web site screen shots.

The dialog takes place between a few under-age kids. There are three protagonists; Jonathan Harker, Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray. Judging from the casual dialog, its not hard to imagine these young adults as typical high school students next door -only probably better looking, more self assured and well rounded. (How many high school students travel to Romania to meet a count?)

iDrakula is perfect for those with a short attention span. Teens and young adults who don’t have the patience for verbose dialog and descriptions will enjoy eavesdropping on the drama of this vampire story. It’s not a long story so you probably won’t get too attached to the characters. Expect to be entertained for a couple of hours or so if you scroll straight through the text messages and emails.

iDrauka is available in the iTunes Store .

The cost is $1.99.

Review by April Lentini

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How to Host a Rooftop Deck Party

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:53:00 -0400

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 wish they had rented an apartment in the city.

Image: Jawcey (Flickr)

Get permission from the landlord.

First, you need to find out if you are allowed to host parties on the roof of your apartment building. There may be some rules about how many people can access the roof, what the roof can be used for or reserving the roof during busy times of year. While you’re getting permission from your landlord, see if your apartment building neighbors want to help put together a big deck party. It would be a great way to get to know them and all their friends.

Make sure you have enough furniture for entertaining.

If your rooftop deck is not already equipped with patio furniture or lounge chairs, it’s time to ask your neighbors to get some tables and seating together. If every outdoor-loving, sociable tenant contributes at least one piece of furniture, you should have enough space for people to sit. Maybe the landlord will let you leave the furniture on the rooftop for future events. It’s best to keep it simple, so stick with inexpensive plastic furniture or folding chairs. If you plan on hosting a fancy affair, you can always dress up the patio furniture with tablecloths (or white sheets) and chair covers with ribbon.

Check for electrical outlets and a water connection.

If you want to play music or need to have access to water for your outdoor rooftop bar, it is important to make sure that you have the essentials ahead of time. Electrical outlets are not a given on a rooftop, and neither is a water supply. Look for this stuff ahead of time so you can make a plan for running extension cords from nearby apartments or stocking up on canned or bottled drinks with ice-filled coolers.

Prepare for the weather.

The weeks leading up to this fabulous rooftop party have been filled with warm, sunny days. However, be prepared for Murphy’s Law. Rain is always a possibility, and so is unbearable, sweltering heat (you are on a rooftop, after all). It’s a good idea to have a waterproof tent or canopy set up in addition to a few strong electric fans. The temperature on the top of a roof tends to be more extreme either way. Hot, stagnant days of summer are amplified on a tar-filled roof. Contrarily, rainy wind does not have building walls to buffer the blow, so make sure that the gazebo tent is secure and does not blow off the rooftop.

Provide trash cans and recycling bins.

Not providing adequate and proper waste management is a common mistake among amateur party hosts. Be sure that people do not have to ask you, “Where should I dump this beer bottle?” Also, find out what the smoking rules are beforehand. Chances are strong that smoking will be prohibited if you are on the roof of a public apartment building. Be sure to let guests know, and post signs to reinforce this rule.

Rooftop deck parties are the perfect venue for urban apartment dwellers to enjoy the outdoors. By adding outdoorsy details such as large potted plants and flowers, your guests will have the best of both worlds –a rooftop garden party amidst an awesome view of the city’s lit skyscape.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

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5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:48:59 -0400

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 and other Mexican-themed goodies.

Image: Thetruthabout (flickr)

La Condesa
400 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

Make sure you make a reservation on May 5. This hip, modern Mexican restaurant is popular on any night of the week, but Cinco de Mayo is especially busy. Conveniently located downtown, La Condesa offers a modern, eclectic atmosphere with contemporary Mexican dishes inspired by the hip, bohemian Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. This is a good place to go if you are in the mood for posh dinner on Cinco de Mayo.

El Chile Café Y Cantina
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

Get there early to get a seat on the patio. El Chile Café Y Cantina serves up Tex-Mex food with rich, decadent sauces. Try the Oaxacan red mole that Critics rave about on El Chile’s roasted pork enchiladas. The smokey salsa is so good, they sell it by the jar. Happy hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. You can get half price appetizers and $1 off all drinks.

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741

No alcohol is served here, but that may not matter if you are in the mood for a good greasy spoon place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. If that is the case, head down to El Taquito for some rather authentic greasy Mexican food. Beware, though, that this place caters to those who like the real deal – the kind of food you might find on the streets of Mexico City. There is no orange cheese here, and the tacos are made from corn tortillas – not flour or wheat. Ask for a jarisco drink or have a Mexican coke.

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

On the classy end of Mexican restaurants in Austin, perhaps Fonda San Miguel takes the cake. The heavy doors and elaborate paintings on the wall will make you feel like you’ve been invited to a wealthy drug lord’s estate for dinner. Fonda San Miguel is a great place to impress a date for a Cinco de Mayo dinner. The hacienda style building is surrounded by great landscaping, mood lighting in the trees and you are greeted by valets as you pull up. The menu and drink selection are equally impressive. Make sure you make reservations.

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704

Curra’s Grill is a relaxed environment to grab some really good food and reasonably priced drinks. This place is very popular among locals, but it also has gained respect and notoriety in several restaurant reviews. It was voted “Best Interior Mexican Food” by the Austin Chronicle and “One of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Texas” by the Texas Monthly. Their hot sauce alone was voted “Best Red Sauce” in the 1998 Austin Hot Sauce Contest. Get there early to get one of the coveted patio seats.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

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Cinco de Mayo Ideas for Working Stiffs

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:43:58 -0400

May 5^th 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, “Hey, what are you doing for Cinco de Mayo tonight?”

Image: Cillian Storm (Flickr)

Keep in mind that nine-to-fivers need to get an early jump on middle of-the-work-week festivities. Do not wait until 9 p.m. to get your Cinco de Mayo party going. If you are hosting an event, make sure you include food so people will not have to squeeze in time for dinner.

Host a Taco Night

Taco nights are so easy and versatile; it is hard not to please everyone. Just set up a buffet-type taco bar complete with refried beans, taco meat, lettuce, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole an more. Give people the option of both hard shells and soft shells. Stock your bar with Mexican beer and liquor for authentic Mexican libations. Adding ambiance to your house or apartment is super easy with a few details such as a piñata, some string lights and, of course, Mexican music.

Have a Mexcian-Themed Pot Luck Night

You’re busy, so why do all the work when most people are more than happy to bring something to the fiesta? Host a Cinco de Mayo potluck at your home that will make all of your foodie friends believe that they have died and gone to a Latin American heaven. Pot lucks are low maintenance get-togethers because you only have to worry about one or two dishes and perhaps drinks. Pot lucks are also a great way to try new dishes. So, toast Mexican culture this Cinco de Mayo with some great home-made Mexican food and drinks.

Prepare a Margarita Bar, Including Light Hors d’oeuvres

Perhaps your “hump-day” amigos enjoy afternoon cocktails to break up the work week. In this case, get the blenders out and invite people over to your place with the focal point being a margarita bar. Don’t forget the cute mini umbrellas and sliced fruit to garnish your frozen drinks. If you need some inspiration on making creative margaritas, MargaritaTexas.com has everything you need to know about making margaritas, including some very unique recipes. You can’t let your friends drink on an empty stomach, so make sure that you have plenty of Mexican-like hors d’oeuvres available.

Attend Happy Hour at a Latin Club

If you prefer not to have the Cinco de Mayo celebration at your house, outsource the fun with the professionals. There are plenty of local bars in your town that have Cinco de Mayo events –especially during happy hour when you and your colleagues get off work. Take your salsa shoes if you are going to a dance club and make sure that you have a designated driver or make plans to take a taxi home if you plan on taking advantage of the two-for-one sangria specials.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

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Previous Topic: 10 Tips to Break the Ice with Your Mother-in-Law

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10 Tips to Break the Ice with Your Mother-in-Law

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:40:10 -0400

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 10 tips to break the ice.

Image: dospaz (Flickr)

1. Plan some one-on-one time with your mother-in-law.

Sure, you are married to her son and she sees you (with the rest of the family) at holidays. But how well do you actually know each other? If you found this article by typing “mother-in-law” along with “break the ice” in a search engine, chances are you need help reaching out. If you live in the same town, why not initiate some time together – even if it is only for lunch or running some errands one weekend while your husband stays home or is out of town? Chances are, she will appreciate the simple suggestion: “Hey, want to do lunch on Saturday?”

2. Never mistake your mother-in-law’s taste with that of your own mother.

Never expect your mother-in-law to be similar to your own mom. Keep in mind that the mother/daughter things that you enjoy doing with your own mom may not necessarily work with your spouse’s mom. A day of shopping with lunch and a pedicure may, in your opinion, sound like the perfect recipe for bonding, but not if your mother-in-law hates that stuff.

3. Find out what your mother-in-law likes to do.

Ask your husband or just ask her yourself. If going to a Nascar race or football game is her idea of a fun time, score some tickets and surprise her for a day of sport watching. Don’t like sports? Well, just suck it up. This is about making an effort to bond with your mother-in-law, after all. Besides, you may be surprised that by opening yourself up to new experiences, you actually have a good time.

4. Correspond with her via email.

If your mother-in-law is really a tough nut to crack, you may want to begin softening your relationship by email correspondence. Sometimes email can be an easy way to open up discussion for those that have a tough time communicating. You have time to carefully reflect on your dialog rather than worrying about what will blurt out of your mouth (or hers) in person. Email her just to say hello, or use email to bring up more touchy subjects that require a certain degree of diplomacy.

5. Call her just to say hello.

Pick up the phone once a week and call just to say hello. Tell her what you and your hubby have been up to and ask her if she feels better from that cold she had last week. You can keep the conversation brief and unless she really hates you, she will undoubtedly appreciate your concern and sentiment.

6. Don’t tell her too much.

So, now that you have a dialog going, that does not mean that you have to tell her everything. In fact, keep sensitive details to yourself. She does not want to hear about your financial business, fights with her son or other personal affairs. If you need someone to lend an ear, save your baggage (if you must) for your closest girlfriends. Meanwhile, keep it positive with your mother-in-law. On the contrary, if you are particularly proud of your husband, be sure to tell her how great he is – even if she already knows.

7. Cook for her.

If your mother-in-law is like most women, the way to her heart is a good meal. Invite her over for brunch one day or cook her dinner. This takes the pressure off of eating out and wondering who pays. Plus, it’s a chance to show off your cooking skills – if you have any. If you are not the best cook, keep it simple or order in. The point is, she is invited over to your house for dinner.

8. Give her time alone with her son.

Sometimes mother-in-laws who are hard to warm up to are jealous of the time you are spending with their son. If your husband is a momma’s boy and you suspect that she may be jealous of the time you are spending together, give them some time alone. Mom may want some time to discuss important family issues with your husband or just want to enjoy a day of golf with their son like they used to do before you were in the picture.

9. Ask for help.

No daughter-in-law is perfect so do not try to pretend to be. The good news is most moms like to feel useful and help. This goes double for retired mother-in-laws. If she enjoys sewing, ask her if she wouldn’t mind making you something if you provide the materials. Of course if you have kids, she will most likely be happy to babysit occasionally.

10. Kill her with kindness.

If all else fails and you are really dealing with an ice-queen mother-in-law, just kill her with kindness. You know you can’t change people, but you can at least control how you deal with them. Simply don’t expect much from her in return. You can live easy knowing that you have done everything in your power to reach out and bond with her. Just be nice and deal with her in the nicest way you know how.

April Lenini writes for apartmenguide in Austin.

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Advice for College Graduates Class of 2010

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:28:09 -0400

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 choosing to be blissfully oblivious to the details of real life after college. If you are part of the college graduating class of 2010, you face some unique challenges. Here is some advice for you. Consider it a cheat sheet for real life 101.

Image: Bredgur (Flickr)

Don’t be ashamed to move back in with mom and dad – for a while anyway

If you do not already have your own place with a steady income and a sound budget, it may be a smart idea to move back home until you get all that sorted out. Don’t be ashamed. You are not the only college graduate who will be moving back in with mom and dad. According to a recent poll by Collegegrad.com, 80 percent of 2009 college graduates moved back home with their parents after graduation, up from 77 percent in 2008, 73 percent in 2007 and 67 percent in 2006. Moving in with the parents is smart because it saves you lots of money while you figure out how you are going to afford to live on your own. Just be mindful that you are no longer living in the dorms and be respectful of the house rules. Offer to contribute to the household like an adult if you want to be treated like one.

Size up your expenses and debt – if you have any

Do your budget. If you have any student loans, you usually have a grace period of 6 months or so before you have to start paying money back. Even so, find out your your payment will be and factor that into your monthly living expenses. You may not be paying rent and utilities if you have chosen to move home, but gym memberships, credit cards, car payments, gas and other expenses still need to get paid. You may have to eliminate some things from your freshly graduated, broke budget. Make it a priority to pay off any consumer debt and devise a plan to do this once you find a job.

Just get a job

This is of course the reason you attended college in the first place, right? Well, keep in mind your first job out of college may not be your dream job. According to Collegegrad.com’s Director of Marketing and PR, Adeola Ogunwole,t he competitive job market is only one dynamic getting in the way of college graduates’ gainful employment. The other big obstacle is unreasonable expectations. Consider your first job a starter job – something to keep you busy and help put a little cash your pocket while you work toward the ideal career. Don’t feel bad if you don’t even know what that ideal career is. You have plenty of time to figure that out and it will always change as you get more experience and figure out exactly what you do and don’t like about various industries. The average person changes careers several times in his or her lifetime (not jobs, careers). So you might as well get started and get the crappy jobs out of the way first.

Define your goals (short term and long term)

While you are working your way through your first entry-level job, you may feel a sense of disappointment. “Is this what I went to college for?” many college graduates wonder. Use this as a motivation to figure out what you really want to do with your life. Look on the bright side and make the best of the experience. Entry-level positions can teach you, by process of elimination, what you like and dislike about that job. Keep notes and put your career goals in writing. As you define your goals, let others know about them too. Your boss may help you move to a different department within the company or your parents may have friends that work in a field that you are curious about. If you have personal goals of getting married and starting a family, define, write down and imagine how your life would look with those aspects as well. It may seem corny, but these jedi mind tricks can be a powerful tool when it comes to going after and getting what you want.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

Very few college graduates get the life that they imagined for themselves immediately after graduating. It takes much more than a four year degree to acquire skills, maturity and experience. While it may not seem like it for a while, there is life after college. Be patient and enjoy the ride.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

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Most Unusual Homecoming Traditions Across America

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:16:29 -0400

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 Texas

Many students in Texas take homecoming mums just as serious as the homecoming game itself. A homecoming mum is an oversized corsage wildly decorated in school colors with anything from bows, bells, stuffed animals, long ribbons or streamers, and even lights. This southwest version of a corsage is so big it is worn around the neck as a breastplate with streamers flowing down the front of the body to the floor. When it comes to mums for homecoming, it seems the tackier, the better. Homecoming mums have been known to cost more than $200 and weigh more than 20 pounds. Traditionally given to girls by their boyfriends, mums are exchanged by boys and girls alike by family members or friends. Boys wear a smaller version of mums on their sleeve called homecoming garters.

The Speedo Dash

At Cupertino High School near San Jose, Calif., the boys water polo team shows off their half naked bodies -scantily clad in Speedos by making a dash out of the corner of the football stadium and running across the field during halftime. That may not seem so bizarre, except that they do this at the moment the homecoming king and queen – all dressed up – are being crowned. Nonetheless, it is a popular homecoming tradition at Cupertino, with their much anticipated entrance being announced over the stadium PA and high school girls cheering wildly as they dash across the field.

Cross-dressing

In a small Texas school district, high schoolers from Spurger county celebrate TWIRP, which stands for “The Woman Is Requested to Pay.” During homecoming week, boys and girls have a chance to reverse social roles and let older girls invite boys on dates, open doors and pay for sodas (cougars in the making?) There is an additional twist. To add a dramatic visual to the conventional role change, this homecoming tradition encourages boys to dress like girls and vice versa (in other words – cross dressing.) This unusual tradition has been stopped by one parent’s complaint of “homosexual overtones.”

Weird Homecoming Mascots

Forget fierce and intimidating animal mascots, some high schools are so confident in their athletic teams, they transcend the cliché symbols of bravery, stamina and victory. Take the “The Laurel Hill Hoboes,” for example. This high school mascot is a basically a clown-type bum with a school letter t-shirt. A high school in Huntington Beach, California has “The Huntington Beach Oilers.” The mascot is a man in a hard hat, boots and a wrench standing in front of an oil leak. It is easy to imagine the students fighting each year over who is going to be the mascot in that homecoming parade. Centralia High School features “The Orphans” (for boys) and “The Annies” (for girls). New Berlin High School has a pretzel as their mascot.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

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2010 Fashion Trends for Prom Dresses

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:07:41 -0400

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 at the dresses you will see at the prom in 2010.

Image: Cherryfluff (Flickr)

Bright Colors

Fashion experts are saying that bright is the new black. Think 1980s neon bright. Bright shades of red, orange, blue, yellow and green are popping up everywhere in retail stores for prom. This is your night to stand out. Forget the basic little black dress for prom, and go with a bold color that looks good on your skin tone. You may want to consider self-tanner or a spray-on tan if you need some color to pull off a bright color, but do not get too obsessed with having a tan. It is not worth risking your health in a tanning booth and besides, the orange, over-tanned look is definitely out this year.

Shiny and Metallic

Metallic fabrics have made their way into the classic formal option and will probably never really go out of style. This year, fabrics with a sheen or sparkle are popular choices for those beauties who love to shine – particularly in shades of gold, copper and silver. Shiny beads also add pizzazz to any fabric. Whether they are used sparingly or liberally, they are hot details for prom dresses in 2010.

Wild or Bold Patterns

One of the newest fashion trends for formal dresses this year is fresh, bold prints. From floral to graphic designs, these dresses are showing up everywhere including celebrity events, weddings and of course, proms. Fashion hint: When you choose a bold pattern, make sure to keep accessories at a minimum. The pattern of your dress is sure to get you noticed enough. No need to take away from it with large earrings or a sparkly necklace.

Any length goes

From mini dresses to long, sweeping gowns, this year is filled with a variety of lengths when it comes to prom dresses. Choose a prom dress length for your body type. If you are short, you may want to stick with a shorter length dress just above your knees. Tall girls can wear anything but look great in long gowns. A tea-length dress comes about mid-calf, which works best on medium to tall girls.

Flowing, Tutu or Straight

One of the hottest prom dress trends (carried over from last year) is the tutu prom dress. Usually a short, baby doll dress, it flares out at the waist or just below the bust with layers of soft crinoline. Contrarily, a straight pencil prom dress with either a pleated or fitted waist is a fresh fashion trend for 2010. These dresses are also known as a pin-up or vintage dress. Flowing dresses are always a romantic look, whether pleated, flared or with a duster or train.

Thrifty

It’s en vogue to be a frugal fashionista. “Frugalistas” are well-dressed women with financially savvy brains. They know that you don’t need to spend more than $100 on a dress to look great. You can look like a million bucks with a used dress from a thrift store, consignment store or discount retailer such as Ross, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. If you don’t plan on wearing your dress again, you can spread the frugalista karma by donating your dress to a girl in need or getting a free dress if you need one yourself at Donatemydress.org.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

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Four Ways Single Moms Can Celebrate Mother’s Day

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:50:38 -0400

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 are some ways that single moms like you can honor their supermom selves and celebrate Mother’s Day.

Time to Yourself

Being a mother is hard work. Sometimes you just need to get away. While it may seem ironic to want to get away from your kids on a day that honors your commitment to motherhood, it is not a bad idea. Remember, this is your day. Let a friend or grandparent take the kids while you take a few hours for yourself to have a pedicure, shop or go for a vigorous hike or another workout you enjoy. You may be surprised at how fast you can recharge your mom batteries with just a day – or even half a day – to yourself.

Time with Friends or Other Moms

If you need some girl time, ditching the kids to spend time with your adult friends may be just the thing for a Mother’s Day celebration, especially if your friends are also moms. Get someone to watch your children and join your fellow baby mamas out for brunch, a chick flick and maybe even some afternoon cocktails. It is important to reconnect with the friends that you had before you had kids. No one can lend an ear or make you laugh like a good girlfriend.

Time with Your Mom

Why not spend the day with your own mom, with or without the kids? If you get someone to watch the little ones, you can do all the things grown-up moms and daughters like to do, such as shopping and lunch, shopping and snacks or shopping and eating chocolate. If your mom doesn’t get to see her grand kids that often, you can include them on a Mother’s Day outing. Go to a park and pack a picnic. Let the kids wear themselves out on the playground while you and your mom sip mimosas and gossip. Or, go someplace cool, such as a museum exhibit or an aquarium.

Time with Your Kids

They are the reason you are being celebrated on this day. If you are like many busy working single mothers, you may not feel like you have enough quality time with your kids. Sure, you are constantly harping on them to do their homework, pick up their room and help with the dishes, but don’t forget that being a mom can actually be fun. Take some time to actually enjoy your kids by doing something fun together.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

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5 Popular Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:43:13 -0400

Image: Thetruthabout (flickr)

La Condesa
400 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

El Chile Café Y Cantina
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

El Taquito
1713 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78741

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

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How to Accommodate Vegetarians at Your Barbeque

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:21:12 -0400

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 marinades while being a good host to vegetarians, too. Here are some simple ways to accommodate vegetarians at your Memorial Day barbeque.

Image: Basykes (Flickr)

Much to the carnivore’s surprise, accommodating vegetarians is pretty easy. Vegetarians are generally prepared when they attend a meat eater’s barbeque to fend for themselves anyway. Your vegetarian guests probably plan on bringing their own veggie burgers or fish (if they are pescatarians) to your barbeque. If you are the type of host that likes to be prepared and cater to everyone, here are some great meat alternatives for you to have on hand for the grill no matter what your barbeque style is. You may even be surprised to see your meat-eating friends enjoying these vegetarian options too.

If you are grilling hamburgers

If you are having a casual hamburger grill-out, you don’t need to go to great lengths for your vegetarian friends. Large portabella mushroom caps make a great hamburger alternative. Best of all, you can season them or marinate them in your own fabulous hamburger spices so your vegetarian friends can be equally impressed. Pescatarians will also appreciate a well-prepared, grilled salmon burger. Of course, you can always find frozen veggie burgers at your local grocery store if you don’t feel like preparing extra stuff. Keep in mind that veggie burgers and portabella mushroom caps do not need much time on the grill compared to the real hamburger patties you are cooking.

If you are grilling hot dogs

You can find vegetarian hot dogs at almost any major grocery store. They are also known as “veggie dogs” on the packaging. Vegetarian hot dogs, like most processed soy products, do not take long to cook on the grill. You can find a variety of vegetarian hot dogs including vegetarian bratwurst and even vegetarian Italian sausage. If you shop at Kroger or Publix, you will easily find these products in the refrigerated health food section. Keep in mind that you are not limited to these soy alternatives. Guest can fill up their hot dog buns “hoagie style “with a vegetarian stir-fry. Put some red peppers, onions, mushrooms, chopped-up tofu or tempeh in some aluminum foil on the grill. Topped off in the hot dog bun with sprouts and some good dressing, these will make a perfect meat alternative.

If you are grilling chicken or steak

Pescatarians love a good tuna steak or a flavorful salmon fillet. You can dress up a tuna steak or salmon fillet in the same glaze or marinade that you plan on using for your regular steaks. For strict vegetarians, you have some other options. Go to the health food section of your grocery store and look for the firmest tofu you can find. It may say “extra-firm” but if you see “firm as a brick,” get that one instead. You can also use tempeh, a tougher, grainier soy product. Slice the tofu or tempeh into flanks and marinate them in your secret sauce. Tofu takes on whatever flavor that you apply to it. Many recipes exist for creating the perfect tofu steak. Some involve mixing it with bread crumbs or cornmeal for the right consistency. Just remember that soy products take a fraction of the time to cook as your regular steaks.

If you are grilling shish kebabs

Vegetarians love shish kebabs. As long as you have plenty of veggies in your shish kebab lineup, you don’t need to do anything else. Don’t forget to include a variety of vegetables and even fruit. Pineapple, tomatoes, peppers and onions are great, but you can also include Japanese eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes, zucchini, squash and of course, marinated tofu or tempeh for added protein. Also, shrimp and scallops make a great seafood option for meat-eaters and pescatarians alike.

If you are grilling a whole pig on a spit

Please warn your vegetarian friends. They may decide to eat before they come to your house or they may decide to not come at all.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin.

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How to Baby Proof Your Apartment

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:03:28 -0400

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 world around him or her.

Image: Magerly(Flickr)

For the first three months, you may have not given much thought about how safe your entire apartment is for babies. They don’t really move much as you carry them back and forth to their cribs, playpens, car seats and strollers. But be prepared after four months to think about the nooks and crannies that your baby will be exposed to as soon as she starts to crawl.

Inspect from a baby’s eye-level

One of the best ways to see the potential household hazards to your baby is to crawl around your apartment floor. Dog bowls, nails, wires, dust and other small objects are some things that you may not even think about while standing upright, five or six feet above the ground. Babies have keen eyesight for small things up close. They will inspect things that you wouldn’t even notice if you were not looking for them. So, get down on all fours and remove anything from the floor that you would not want them putting in their mouths.

Remove or cover sharp edges

Furniture with sharp corners and clumsy babies learning to stand or walk are not a good combination. You may want to exchange your square or rectangular coffee table with a round one or, better yet, just get rid of the coffee table so your baby has room to scoot about on the floor. If you absolutely cannot part with furniture, or sharp edges in your apartment are unavoidable, you can always buy safety guards to turn sharp corners into soft corners. They are not very stylish, but you may as well face it: If you have a child, your apartment is probably not going to look stylish for the next several years.

Cover electrical outlets

Electrical outlets that are floor level should all have covers on them –unless they are being used, in which case they should be blocked from access to prevent your baby or toddler from playing with electrical plugs. Baby-safe outlet covers can be found on most online stores. One of the most popular outlet covers on the market is the sliding panel outlet cover. The cover automatically slides over the outlet when the plug is pulled out, protecting your baby from an exposed outlet.

Rearrange House Plants

What kid doesn’t love to play in the dirt? A potted plant is the perfect playground for babies and toddlers, so say goodbye to any house plants that are on the floor or within reach to a small gardener prodigy. If the weather is warm enough, put them outside or find another location for them, such as hanging them from the ceiling.

Install baby locks for cabinets

Kitchens are the most dangerous place in the house –especially for babies. No baby should be roaming around on the kitchen floor unattended, but even if you are keeping a close watch on your child, it is wise to secure your bottom kitchen cabinets with baby-proof locks. Accidents happen so fast, and the last thing you want is for your child to get into cleaning chemicals under the sink or cut himself on a sharp appliance.

Keep bathroom doors closed

Does your dog drink out of the toilet bowl? What about your baby? Bathrooms are the second-most dangerous place (after kitchens) for a baby or toddler to explore. Medicine cabinets, showers, tubs, faucets and chemicals are not baby-friendly. The best way to keep your baby safe from the bathroom is to get in the habit of closing the bathroom door – always.

Invest in a baby gate

In areas that do not have a door, the best investment you can make in your home is a baby gate. The safest baby gates are the plastic ones with solid panels. It’s best to avoid the kind with fancy bars, as babies can get their hands stuck or even heads stuck in between the rails. Accordion-style baby gates are not even made anymore, but if you happen to come across one, don’t even think about using it. They are very dangerous and can pinch or even strangle your baby.

By putting yourself in the mind of a curious baby, you can get ahead of the game and create a baby-safe apartment before your child has a chance to get hurt or injured.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

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Practical Nursery Ideas for Your Apartment

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:52:08 -0400

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 crazy buying a retail package of nursery furniture and decorations, consider the long term use and value. Here are some practical (and affordable) nursery ideas for your apartment that could last you well beyond the baby years.

Image: Jelene (Flickr)

The Crib

According to consumer reports, it’s never a good idea to get a hand-me-down, used crib. Older cribs are often recalled for safety reasons and besides, doesn’t this brand new baby person deserve to sleep in a brand new bed? But that doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy an expensive, trendy baby crib such as the round baby cribs that have been made popular by many celebrities. Cool, yes. Practical, not at all. The most practical cribs are the ones that convert into a toddler bed and even a twin bed when your child gets older. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you think ahead and get something that can be used for a longer amount of time.

Wall Decorations

Before you start painting an elaborate mural of Noah’s Ark in your nursery, think about how old and dated it will look by the time our child is 3. Baby experts recommend using bright colors for developing eyes. One easy and fun way to achieve this is to get some blank canvases and paint. If you are creatively inclined, you can paint your own colorful artwork on a few canvases. If you are not confident in your artistic abilities, you can always find some colorful fabric and staple it to the canvas. This creates a sort of wall paper / paint illusion without having to permanently alter the walls.

The Changing Table

Changing tables can be the most over-rated pieces of baby furniture ever. If you are looking for practicality, use a bookcase, small desk or dresser that is waist-high and throw a changing pad on it. That way, you do not have to sell the changing table when your baby is potty trained and you can repurpose the furniture as a bookcase, small desk or dresser. Voila, that is one less thing that you need to buy as your child transitions from “baby room” to “child’s room”.

The Rocking Chair

While it may seem a little “old school”, you will find a comfortable rocker comes in handy when you are putting your baby to sleep or feeding your baby in the middle of the night. Babies are comforted by slight movement because they are accustomed to it from being in the mother’s womb. The rocking motion mimics the familiar motion of the mother’s body when she walked and moved around. Having a rocking chair in the nursery will undoubtedly be practical and can be used later for seating on the front porch, sun room or backyard patio.

Nursery Themes

Many excited parents are determined to stick to one theme and go all out decorating the nursery with frogs, princesses or teddy bears. This obsessive tendency to theme a nursery can become expensive and is not really practical at all. Remember, your little baby is soon going to have an opinion of his own, and before you know it, you will be re-doing the walls with posters of Thomas the Train, Dora the Explorer or whatever Junior deems appropriate for his own room. As long as you are prepared to part with the elf motif that you labored over before the baby was born, that is fine. If not, keep it bright, fun and simple.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

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The Apartment Blues Playlist

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:22:06 -0400

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. Logic (Flickr)

One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor
~Paul Simon

If you have neighbors living above you or below you, this song is for you.

Tell the Landlord
~Robert Cray

Time to ditch your lover? Well, move on out and don’t forget to tell the landlord.

One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
~George Thorogood

If ever there were a need for this alcoholic concoction, this would be the occasion.

Dear Landlord
~Joe Cocker

Need some landlord forgiveness? Better be nice and maybe he will cut you some slack.

Get Out
~Sublime

Getting kicked out of your apartment? Well, better luck next time.

The Apartment Song
~Tom Petty

Miss living in your old apartment? Sometimes shacking up together is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Rent
~Pepper

“It’s expensive just to live”. Paying rent and bills can sometimes leave you broke. However, the surprising upbeat tune of this song will make you not really care.

The Old Apartment
~Barenaked Ladies

Reminiscing about the old days in your old apartment? Funny, so were the Barenaked Ladies when they wrote this song.

Tomorrow Can Pay the Rent
~The Spin Doctors

So what if rent is due? Go ahead and put it off another day. All that really matters is love.

Rent Man
~Black Uhuru

This ska song from Black Uhuru makes California landlords sound somewhat cool.

My Apartment
~Ironpearl

Wow. Just when you thought you had reason to get the apartment blues, this guy’s apartment will make you feel much better about yourself.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.

Tags: apartment blues playlist, apartment playlist, apartment songs, landlord songs, rent songs

Previous Topic: College Campuses with Cemeteries

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College Campuses with Cemeteries

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:08:43 -0400

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 institutions of learning, you may be able to score a final resting place on campus.

Image: NathelieMaynor (Flickr)

Kenyon College Cemetery

Recorded burials at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, date back to when the college began, around 1827. Perhaps the most mysterious grave site on this campus is the grave of “an old man.” It’s believed that this grave was the first one among the hundred-odd graves in the official Kenyon College Cemetery. The college cemetery, which is surrounded by a low wrought iron fence behind Rosse and Rutherford B. Hayes Halls, is still used for alumni, employees and others, with the permission of the college president.

Notre Dame Cemetery

People are always trying to sprinkle their loved ones’ ashes on the Notre Dame football field, in the woods around the lakes and elsewhere on campus. In response to this clandestine scattering, the university opened up a final resting place for alumni. Cedar Grove, located on the Notre Dame property, is an open-air garden mausoleum at the west end of campus that features vaults (for purchase only by faculty and staff) and niches for cremated remains which can be purchased by alumni. You can even buy a custom coffin or urn for Notre Dame’s “Coming Home” mausoleum marketing campaign.

The Jackson Street Cemetery (University of Georgia)

Buried in this historic cemetery are merchants, tailors, ministers, children of UGA faculty members, families of state government officials and two UGA presidents, Robert Finley and Moses Waddel Duncan. The cemetery is also known as the Old Athens Cemetery and is located between the Visual Arts Building and Baldwin Hall. While this historic grave site is no longer active, you can purchase a lot at Oconee Hill Cemetery down the road owned by the University of Georgia. Bulldog Haven is a section in the cemetery devoted entirely to the university’s football letterman.

Iowa State University Cemetery

Iowa State University has maintained a university cemetery since 1876. Located on the northwest corner of the Central Campus, there are more than 700 graves in the cemetery, seven of which belong to university presidents and faculty and staff members who helped shape Iowa State. Two students also are buried in the cemetery. One of them, Kung Fan Chi, a 29-year-old horticulture major, was believed to be the 70th direct lineal descendent of Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher. In order to be buried in the Iowa State cemetery today, one has to have continuously served the university for at least 20 years. In addition, faculty members must have attained the rank of tenured assistant professor or higher.

Duke University Memorial Garden

Because many people have been caught scattering ashes on campus, Duke University started a program in which they charge $25,000 a pop to bury ashes in its new two-acre memorial garden. For that price, the deceased receives a stone with his or her name on it that lines the gently winding path leading from the courtyard up to a wooded hill. Ashes are scattered in the Memorial Garden, which is situated on two acres just north of the terraces, between the Rose Garden and the Hanes Lawn. Profits from this program help finance the school’s vast public gardens.

University of Florida Gator Graveyard

The University of Florida is hoping to cash in soon on the campus cemetery bandwagon. The school is trying to receive special permission from the state to turn part of its campus into a cemetery. The university wants to build what’s called a columbarium, a structure with niches for the ashes of alumni. UF officials say that they hear requests from people who want spread their ashes on the football field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Many people have scattered family remains on campus without permission, so they figured, why not build a columbarium and charge alumni $3,000 to $5,000 to store their charred remains for all eternity? This plan is still pending the state lawmakers’ approval.

Woodland Cemetery: Clemson University

Woodland Cemetery, also called Cemetery Hill, was the idea of Clemson’s former president Walter Merritt Riggs, who developed a fierce loyalty to the school when he was nominated as president in 1911. He wanted a final resting place, a faculty cemetery, to recognize faculty and college administrators for their service. In 1924, Riggs became the first person buried in the cemetery. Woodland Cemetery no longer has plots for sale, but to help support the grounds’ preservation and research, the college accepts gifts designated for the Cemetery Hill Preservation Fund.

Texas A&M Aggie-Themed Cemetery

The Memorial Cemetery of College Station has an eternal resting place for folks who are really devoted to Texas A&M University. This cemetery has a section for Aggies and their supporters who want to show their school pride – forever. Roughly one-third of Memorial Cemetery’s 57-acre burial ground is dedicated to A&M devotees. There are more than 3,000 spaces for Aggie alumni. The school says it has no financial stake in the $10 million project but is allowing the city to use the school logo and a few other A&M-trademarked items as part of a licensing agreement. The new cemetery is marked by two stone columns the with college’s logo. Kyle Field can be seen in the distance a mile or so away, creating a visual gateway to the football stadium. The stadium view was one of the college’s requirements in the cemetery contract.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Austin

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How to Plan a Rooftop Garden

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:15:09 -0400

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 garden.

Image: Egan Snow (Flickr)

Container Veggies

If the garden is just for you and your family, using container pots is the easiest way to go on a rooftop. You can grow tomatoes, peppers and herbs in medium to large flower pots. Make sure to choose pots with holes drilled in the bottom for proper drainage. If you love tomatoes, you can actually buy a variety called Patio Hybrid tomatoes that were specially bred to grow in containers. Be sure to position your potted tomatoes away from strong winds, and make sure they get direct sun at least five hours a day.

Raised Garden Beds

If you have many more vegetables in mind or you are building your rooftop garden with a community in mind, building a raised garden bed may be the perfect option. You can make a container garden out of a number of things: metal washtubs, children’s plastic wading pools, wooden crates, used tires or even burlap feed sacks. The tub or planter should be able to hold enough water to feed the plant(s) adequately. If you are designing a large garden, make sure to leave a path between the container beds for foot traffic so you and your neighbors can tend to the garden.

Climbing Veggies

Some garden vegetables require space to climb. Cucumbers, squash and peas, for example, like to attach themselves to vertical things. A rooftop trellis is the perfect addition to your rooftop garden. If you simply want practicality, you can make a makeshift trellis from an old step latter or wire fence. Of course, you can always buy a more ornamental trellis from a garden store if you want the kind of garden meant for parties and entertaining.

Water Access

Before you think about planning a rooftop garden, you must consider water access. Does your building have a water faucet on the roof where you can easily attach a hose? If you are handy, you can provide your own water spigot with PVC tubing run from an indoor spigot and fitted with a closure valve. If not, plan on dragging pitchers of water up to the roof so you can properly water your plants. If you plan on being away for a few days, you can set your container plants in a water tray. The soil draws the water upwards from the drainage holes in the bottom of the containers. You may also consider green irrigation systems (collecting rain water in barrels).

Proper Drainage

Rooftop gardens cut down on rainwater drainage because the soil absorbs the rain and filters it while the plants put water back into the air. However, when you water your plants with a hose, you need to think about where the excess water will drain out and the structure of your rooftop. Rooftop gardens require an insulation layer and a waterproof barrier on which the soil can rest. You should also make sure that there is a root barrier that prevents plant roots from penetrating the waterproof layer. The garden should include a layer of clay, gravel, or plastic which allows water to drain.

Rooftop gardens have many benefits. Despite the obvious aesthetic benefits and gardening pleasure, a rooftop garden can lower temperatures. During the heat of summer, plants use evapotranspiration to transfer heat and moisture from the soil into humidity – making the air cooler. During the cold months, rooftop gardens serve as insulation, protecting buildings from heat loss and saving people money on their heating bills. Rooftop gardens collect the rain fall, as well as leaves and sediment, purifying the water before it enters the city’s sewer system.

Rooftop gardens are a great way to bring the community together too. If your apartment building does not already have a rooftop garden, check with your manager or landlord to see if they would be open to letting you plan and organize one.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose

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5 Ways to Dispose of Large Objects

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:49:37 -0400

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 is how to dispose of large objects if you live in an apartment community.

1. Sell Your Trash

Okay, so maybe no one wants to buy your old mattress (it’s illegal to buy a used mattress anyway), but if you are trying to get rid of a piece of furniture, particularly wood furniture or something that could be refinished, consider selling it first. You may be surprised who is interested in that old, wobbly wooden desk with dents and scratches on it. There are many people who would be happy to take it off your hands for a cheap price. Many times people list their old junk on online services for free just for the convenience of having someone else pick it up. Old treadmills, broken washers and dryers are the kinds of items that compulsive hoarders or fixer-upper type of people look for. Just be honest about whether or not the stuff works.

2. Donate Your Trash

If the object you are trying to get rid of is too big to fit into a car, charities such as the Salvation Army will send a truck to your apartment and pick it up for you. Otherwise, load your car or borrow a friend’s truck to take your trash to Goodwill. However, be considerate about the trash that you are donating. Goodwill or any other thrift store does not want anything that is broken beyond repair or so dirty that no one would buy it. Ask yourself it if it would be useful to someone else or if you just need to find a way to ditch it.

3. Break Down Your Trash

If your large object isn’t worthy of selling or donating, its time to consider a different approach. First, consider breaking the object down so it fits according to code in your apartment’s Dumpster. If you can stand to see it broken with a hammer or axe, have some fun chopping it up into manageable pieces. Better yet, if it comes apart, dismantle it and dispose of it piece by piece. Don’t expect the maintenance person or the trash collection service to do this for you. Remember, you don’t want to get stuck with a fine.

4. Hire a Trash Removal Service

Sometimes it may be impossible to fit large trash in a Dumpster. In this case, you may need to employ the help of a professional. Companies such as Got Junk? charge a fee to come to your apartment and pick up the stuff you cannot dispose of yourself. It may be worth it. Why not get together with some apartment neighbors to see if they have any large objects they are trying to unload? You could split the cost by putting your stuff together for one pickup.

5. Ask Your Landlord

When in doubt, just ask your landlord or apartment manager how to dispose of your items in question. They have likely dealt with this issue before, and it will not be the first time someone asks them how to get rid of something too large for the community’s Dumpster.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose

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5 Essential iPhone Apps for Students at Penn State

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:53:04 -0400

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 Penn State University’s campus-wide free Wi-Fi network via AT&T.

PSU Live – Free

Stay connected to the Penn State University with The Penn State Live iPhone App. Thousands of Penn State students are already are using the iPhone app to access Newswires, PSUTXT, Twitter, Facebook, the Penn State Live Web site and mobile Web site to stay informed about the latest in news, research and sports at Penn State.

Pigskin Penn State -$0.99

Show your school’s colors with Pigskin Penn State for iPhone. You can follow the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. With this application, you get the schedule of game dates and times and it updates you on game summaries and other scores provided by ESPN.com. An essential tool for Penn State football fans, don’t miss out on the premiere Penn State Athletics Football news feed.

CATA – Free

Are you tired of standing in the cold, wondering when the next White Loop is going to show up? You’re in luck because there’s an app for that. The new bus-tracking iPhone application from the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) displays the real-time locations of CATA buses through Google Maps, allowing users to check bus schedules, locations and the closest stop from their current position from their phone.

MyHomework – Free

Never forget a homework assignment again with MyHomework app, a simple and easy to use iPhone application that allows you to keep track of your homework, classes, projects and tests while interacting with fun, easy-to-use user interface. MyHomework’s design resembles a notebook with sections that are separated by colorful “sticky pads.” Quickly enter your class schedule and use it to differ between homework assignments. Assignments are color-coded according to late, next day or upcoming so you can easily identify which homework takes priority.

Apartment Guide – Free

Did your roommate kick you out? Search free apartment listings on the go. This free app has apartment listings near the Penn State Campus making it easy for you to quickly find a new place to stay. With up-do-date listings, the Apartment Guide iPhone app is easy to navigate, offering detailed search results according to category, price and location. The app also lets you easily bookmark your favorite apartment listings near Penn State so that you can refer to them later.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia
Image: williamhook (Flickr)

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Biggest Easter Egg Hunts in the D.C. Area

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:22:11 -0400

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 Egg Roll
Where: White House South Lawn
When: April 5
Cost: Free (if you are selected)

This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Go!” promoting health and wellness to children. To coincide with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat childhood obesity, all of the activities will encourage children 12 and under to lead healthy and active lives. Here is the catch: you have to win a lottery ticket to this event. If you are one of the lucky ones who were selected through an online lottery system, you can enjoy live music, sporting events, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.

Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Where: Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
When: April 3
Cost: $7 for children, $10 for adults

Touted as “the largest Egg Hunt in Washington D.C.,” the Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place offers an exhilarating Egg Roll Contest, exciting games, egg decorating and spring basket crafts. Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, who is available for pictures all morning. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5.5 acres of beautiful gardens. Be sure to bring a basket, a spoon and one hard-boiled egg per child.

Easter Monday –Celebrating the African American Family
Where: Smithsonian National Zoological Park
When: April 5
Cost: Free

Rain or shine, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park will offer visitors a variety of special family activities, entertainment, food and special opportunities to learn more about animals. Easter Monday has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years, and this year will feature special performances such as African drumming, gospel music and storytelling. The Pathways to Freedom Peace Quilt will be on display, honoring the work and life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Where: Butler’s Orchard in Germantown Maryland
When: March 27, 28, April 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 & 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
Cost: $8 for children and $6 for adults

This small, family-friendly zoo in Germantown, Md., has annual Bunnyland festivities around Easter. Families can participate in a day’s worth of events, such as an Easter egg hunt, pony rides, raffle tickets, candy, face painting, Easter pictures, and even a hayride down the Bunny Trail. If that is not enough to entice your kids, how about the Rubber Ducky Derby, the Pedal Tractor ride, giant slides and plenty of food vendors offering hot dogs, veggie pitas, popcorn, cookies and more?

Easter Egg Hunt at Ida Lee Park
Where: Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia
When: March 27, noon – 4 p.m.
Cost: $6 per child in advance, or $8 at the gate

There are more than 15,000 eggs hidden throughout Ida Lee Park at this annual Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunts are separated by age group. Other activities in the park include a moon bounce, a jumbo slide, a fire truck train, face painting and balloon artists.

Easter Egg Hunt at Morrison House
Where: The Morrison House Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia
When: April 11, 2 p.m.
Cost: $38 for adults, $28 for children

Make reservations soon for this popular Easter event, as spaces fill up quickly. The Morrison House has a regular Story Time Tea program, but this Easter it will incorporate a special Easter party and egg hunt that includes a reading of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Kids will have a chance to make their own Easter basket, indulge in a spread of candy, treats, tea, and sandwiches and participate in an indoor/outdoor egg hunt throughout the main level of the hotel and in the courtyard. Plus, the Morrison House makes it interesting for adults too. One golden egg will be hidden, containing a gift certificate for an overnight stay and dinner for two at The Grille.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C

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International Earth Day is March 20

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:38:21 -0400

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 International Earth Day?

The idea of a global holiday called “Earth Day” was proposed by John McConnell at the 1969 UNESCO Conference on the Environment. John McConnell was an altruistic humanitarian interested in religion, science and peace. San Francisco was the first city in the world to celebrate International Earth Day as Mayor Joseph Alioto issued the first Earth Day proclamation on March 21, 1970. The United Nations first celebrated Earth Day on the March equinox in 1971. This was also the first time ever that the United Nations celebrated Earth Day. After word got out, celebrations were held in various cities, such as San Francisco and in Davis, Calif., with a multi-day street party.

Who Celebrates Earth Day?

The United Nations celebrates Earth Day each year on the March equinox, which is often March 20. There are also national block parties, festivals and many retail and hospitality-related events. Earth Day is observed around the world by numerous groups concerned with the environment. In the United States, cause-oriented college students get involved in marches and rallies that bring awareness to the environment.

Where is Earth Day Recognized?

International Earth Day is celebrated all over the world.

How is Earth Day Celebrated?

Earth Day is traditionally observed at the moment of the equinox by ringing the Japanese Peace Bell, which was donated by Japan to the United Nations, and the Earth Society Foundation organizes the event at the U.N. Celebrations occur worldwide to correspond with the one held at the U.N. The U.N. peace bell is rung three times to mark the day, and a minute of silence is followed.

Do Earth Day Events Make a Difference?

Maybe, but it is mostly a feel-good holiday for those who like a reason to celebrate and want to feel good about helping the environment. While International Earth Day was created to bring awareness to the environment, it is questionable whether or not the holiday actually benefits the earth. If anything, it makes people think a little more about recycling, briefly contemplate the use of energy and allows them to wear hemp sandals and buy T-shirts with earth-centered logos on it.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Detroit.

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