Home2015September

September 2015

man reaching for alarm clockWe do a lot with our iPhones these days. One minute, you’re checking your bank statement while listening to music and the next you’re using FaceTime to say hello to your dad from 1,000 miles away. However, one of the big flaws in Apple technology is the built-in alarm clock. (It can be unreliable, at best.) While this technology will surely improve, several alternatives have become popular in the meantime. Check out some of our favorite tech-savvy ways to wake up.

fall apartmentAutumn’s arrival is now official and the changing of the seasons is already in full swing in many states. As short sleeve shirts and sandals give way to sweaters and scarves, apartment dwellers across the nation take advantage of the many benefits of the fall season. Power bills are reduced, thanks to reduced air conditioning. More time is spent outdoors, enjoying the crisp air. And, for the apartment residents of many cities, there are plenty of things that make autumn an even more magical time of year.

Summer’s Hold Releases the Southeast

Weeks and months of oppressive heat and humidity have been plaguing the Southern states since May. But now, the days are beginning to cool off a bit and apartment residents are leaving the confines of their air-conditioned homes to venture outside. In Tampa Bay, Guavaween (the annual Latin-flavored Halloween celebration) draws the masses to the Sunshine State. In New Orleans, Voodoo Fest fills the Big Easy with the sounds of dozens of musical acts. And in Knoxville, the bright colors of changing leaves draw thousands to the Smokey Mountains.

apartment with furnitureIt seems like no matter how careful you are with your one-bedroom apartment‘s furniture, something is bound to cause a little damage. Whether it’s the process of moving, the presence of puppies, or the perils of popsicles, life happens and your furniture can get caught in the crossfire.

So how can you keep your furniture looking like new? Here are 5 do-it-yourself ideas for the renter who wants to take matters into their own crafty hands.

pittsburgh skylineCheck out our list of Pittsburgh’s prettiest attractions, from breathtaking views to stunning architecture. We help you avoid the typical touristy spots, and focus more on the scenic beauty that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Amazing Views

If you’re looking for a beautiful view of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline, the obvious choice is to go up to Mount Washington. Known as one of the most beautiful vistas in the nation, this neighborhood proves to be both beautiful and historically unique. The main way to ascend the hill is by using one of its two Inclines, or cable cars, which are the oldest of their kind in the US. Aside from housing an affluent neighborhood of the same name, Mount Washington also holds a slew of Pittsburgh’s best upscale restaurants.

senior enjoying cup of coffee with young personMaking sure a home is safe and livable for any senior should first priority when it comes to senior apartment living. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to deal with safety concerns for your senior’s apartment. Appliance safety (and ease of use), mobility issues, security concerns: all can be addressed to make sure that a senior living on their own is both comfortable and well cared for. Whether you make these modifications on your own or with the help of an occupational therapist, there are plenty of small things you can do to an apartment that will make a big difference for a senior’s apartment safety.

woman sitting on floor holding construction materialsDon’t get us wrong. A little apartment DIY can be a fun, crafty way to decorate a space on the cheap. But if you have too much fun with your upcycled cork projects, you may find yourself getting into the harder stuff. Thermostat installation? Maybe. Kitchen island demolition? Watch out. There’s a line between do-it-yourself and shouldn’t-have-done-it. If you’re fighting the DIY bug, here are some tips to help avoid falling down the rabbit hole of complicated apartment DIY.

New Orleans and Mississippi RiverThe Crescent City, the Big Easy, America’s Most Interesting City—it’s known by many names, but no matter its moniker, the city of New Orleans is an enticing one. It is home to a rich history, a diverse population, and a culture that has seeped into its Southern sidewalks over the course of nearly 300 years. Today, the city is home to some of the biggest festivals, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, where thousands flock to this epicenter of history and music to laissez les bons temps rouler.

But if you’re moving to New Orleans, you’ll want to know about more than just the best places to visit on Bourbon Street. Once you’ve got the perfect New Orleans apartment, it’s time to get acquainted with your new home. Here are a few tips for exploring New Orleans as a new resident.

leaves falling in autumnAutumn is right around the corner, which means crisp temperatures, color-changing leaves, and cozy sweaters. So as the days cool down, you’ll probably find yourself outside more often to enjoy the changing season. And what better place to relax than your apartment balcony? Apartment balconies can offer a charming and tranquil way to connect interior rooms with the outdoors while adding extra seating and attractive décor. Here are a few of our favorite balcony ideas:

Fall Plants

If you want to add more color in a natural way, consider fall-blooming plants to brighten your balcony. Flowers and vegetables like winter jasmine, snapdragons, carrots, and kale all thrive in cool temperatures so feel free to start an autumn garden this season!