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May 2016

Young man in wheelchair unloading the dishwasher in his handicapped-accessible apartmentFinding an apartment that’s handicapped accessible can be challenging, especially if you’re unable to visit the apartment you’re considering. With the right resources and questions, though, you can do it! Of the 56.7 million Americans who have some type of disability, more than 30 million of those require a wheelchair. You’re not the only one out there asking questions about handicapped accessibility, and we’re here to help!

Hopeful smiling college graduate, looking forward to her first jobIt has finally arrived. After years of classes, courses, seminars, and a myriad of ups and downs, you have finally succeeded! Graduation is finally here! And, as you prepare to depart from your student housing apartment, you gaze ahead at the various paths that lay before you. New job opportunities could take you to your next home, or maybe to a cabin in the Rocky Mountains! In any case, most of you will be departing the life you have known and will be venturing to a new city. These are the best cities for the graduating class of 2016.

Group of happy graduates in graduation regalia, throwing their caps in the air against a bright blue skyIt’s that time of year again: finals have wrapped, plans are in motion, and hats WILL be thrown in the air. Yes friends, graduation time is (finally) upon us. And we all know what that means, don’t we? TIME TO FIND A JOB! Just kidding. Kind of. Before that, your grad will be walkin’ that stage with the biggest grin you’ve ever seen, and though your “love and support” mean the world to them, we’re sure it wouldn’t hurt to get them a little extra somethin’ somethin’. Here are a few ideas for grad gifts that they definitely need (and/or want).

Ominously shadowed desk calendar highlighting Friday the 13thLock the doors, pull the curtains tight, and turn on all the lights in your apartment! Friday the 13th is here and won’t come around again until next February. While this blog won’t be filled with scary tales pulled from the latest thriller movie, it will provide you with some frighteningly awesome facts about how cool it is to live in an apartment. Without further ado, here are 13 fast facts about apartment living as we celebrate 2016’s one and only Friday the 13th!

Brown door mat with black lettering reading "Welcome"Do you consider yourself the host/hostess with the most/mostest? Are you the envy of friends and family for the Pinterest-worthy parties you create? …No? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been on the receiving end of: “I’m going to be in town this weekend! Mind if I crash at your place?” (*insert wide eyes emoji here*) Of course you want to accommodate but…ohmygosh how on earth will you get ready for company should you make muffins and possibly put on an apron and wow there’s so much to do where to start AHHHH.

We know. Luckily, we’re here to help. Below are some tips to make your apartment feel like a cute, cozy, home away from home for anyone that crashes at your pad.

Young girl in patriotic dress hugging her father, a member of U.S. Armed ForcesFrom Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day to National Popcorn Day (yes, those are two “real” American holidays), there’s always something to celebrate in the good ol’ U-S of A. Few other days, though, are as important as National Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May.

Thanks to the efforts of President Harry Truman and Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 as a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service. On May 21, join your community in saying “Thank You” to service men and women near or far, with one of these five creative ideas!

Mother and daughter sharing a piece of cheesecake on Mother's DayRemember all the times you asked your mom, “Can I go out and play?” or “Do you think this outfit looks okay?” or “What the heck is a tax bracket and why am I paying the government when I make no money. This is ridiculous!” That’s what this day is for – to celebrate the woman who always has the answers. Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 8th, and we’ve got some fun suggestions on how to show her that you care. Read on to find out!

Young smiling couple surround by moving boxes, playing guitar and making memories in their new apartmentThere are nearly 38 million apartment residents in the United States. Each one has their own story to tell and each one chose apartment living for a different reason. I remember my first apartment. It was 1993 and I had milk crates for end tables and a high-voltage line spool for a coffee table. I can still hear the A/C compressor sputter as the unit kicked on. The apartment was small and very old, but it was three blocks from the beach and I loved being able to walk or bike to the sandy shoreline. My apartment was the social center for all of my friends. We would laugh until the early morning hours, and more than once we had a noise complaint. (Hasn’t everyone at one point or another?) It was a great time in my life, but that’s my “first apartment” story. What’s yours and why did you chose apartment living?

Newport Bridge at Sunrise - A Place to Celebrate Rhode Island Independence DayHappy Rhode Island Independence Day! Okay, so maybe it’s not as well known as the good ol’ U.S. Independence Day, but that’s because it’s so darn special. A little backstory: Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen U.S. colonies to gain independence, declaring itself independent on May 4, 1776, a full two months before any other other colony. Talk about ahead of the game. In honor of this momentous occasion, we’re giving you a few tips on how to celebrate like a true Rhode Island native.