Living Room Photo Gallery 101

(Image courtesy of Horia Varlan)

We all live rich and exciting lives; we take vacations with friends, celebrate birthdays with families and sometimes even just go out to dinner on a random Tuesday with a group of best friends. All these events and moments are important to us and more often than not we snap a few photos to remember the occasion. A great way to remember these defining events, and to add some vibrancy and personality to your apartment walls, is to create a photo collage!

After choosing a collection of photos you’d like to display, you can add some additional personality to the images by putting them in decorative frames! This article from apartmenttherapy.com has all the basics that you need to know about creating a custom photo gallery for your living room wall. Keep reading for some great tips and design ideas!

Choosing the Frame The frame should match the style of the image and the style of the space it will live in. Remember the art is the star here, not the frame; it's supposed to enhance your image not overwhelm it. Choose a style and color that compliments the artwork or perhaps pulls out a specific color. If you really want the art to be the focus, get a frame that is the same color as the wall so it visually disappears.

Choosing a Mat The purpose of matting is to separate the art from the glass which allows air flow for the two not to stick together. It's also used to give visual space to your artwork and create a transition from the art to the wall. Just as in framing the mat should not fight for attention with the work. A rule of thumb is that the mat should be lighter than the art but darker than the wall. I personally like to stick with a 100% cotton rag mat in white, which is archival (an important detail we will get to soon).

Choosing the Glass Light and moisture are artworks' worst enemies so when choosing glass for your piece there are a number of things to consider depending on how concerned you are about being archival. Clear picture frame glass is most common and least expensive. If it's an inexpensive inkjet print, then this is probably a fine option to go with. Next is non-glare glass which is slightly more expensive and is used in high glare areas that can affect viewing. Lastly, there is UV filtering glass (museum quality) which is the most expensive and comes in clear or non-glare. This is the highest quality glass and is used for expensive artwork and archival framing.

Another option is to forget the glass all together and go with plexi. You can get it with a UV-protectant coating, and it also is available in non-glare. Check out the Apartment Therapy post Framing Artwork: Glass vs. Plexiglass for some great information to help you make the decision.

Using Acid-Free Materials If you are framing something of personal or monetary value you want to make sure to take archival precautions. Materials containing acid will eventually yellow, disintegrate and "burn" your artwork. To prevent this, you can decide to get a higher quality mat that doesn't contain acid. If you are getting the piece framed professionally than the rest of the materials they are using should be acid-free.If you're framing the work yourself you can purchase archival everything from your tape, to your boards, to your mounts. You can find all the materials you will need in non-acid form in art supply and framing stores and they will help keep your art as good as new.

Fatten Up Your Piggy Bank

(Image courtesy of 401(K) 2013)

During the holidays, it’s easy to overspend your budget. With gifts to buy, parties to host and family to go visit, it’s no wonder that, now that the New Year has started, your account is looking a little emptier than you would have liked. 2014 could be an exciting year of adventures and redecorating projects, but it’s difficult to plan these events without knowing what your finances will look like in the next few months.

In order to get ready for the big year ahead, it may be time to start saving right now. This article from apartmentguide.com has all the tips you need to get started on a simple saving plan so you can afford that trip you want to take without breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn more.

Lose the “latte factor”

Financial expert David Bach, author of the best-selling Finish Rich books, advises everyone to determine their “latte factor.” Your personal “latte factor” refers to the small, seemingly insignificant items you purchase on a regular basis, such as a daily coffee from Starbucks. These items may have small price tags, but when purchased periodically they really add up. You could buy café lattes five days at $3.50 a pop, or you could choose to save that money — which adds up to over $900 a year — in an interest-bearing account. Saving money is the same thing as making money, so it’s a good idea to look at where you’re bleeding extra cash — such as daily coffees, cigarettes, unused gym memberships, etc. — to consider what you might be able to cut out.

Kick off a year of fun savings

Here’s a fun way to watch your savings grow: start the year off by depositing one dollar in a savings account. The next week, deposit two dollars. On the third week, deposit three. On the fourth week of the year, deposit four dollars and so on, upping the amount you deposit each week by one dollar until by the 52nd week of the year, you’re making a 52-dollar deposit. If you save this way all year long, you’ll end up accumulating $1,378 — that’s a great start to a savings or retirement fund. And the best part is that the weekly deposits are so minimal that you’ll likely never miss the cash.

Pay yourself after you pay off a debt

It feels good to write that final monthly installment check for a car loan or credit card balance. If you want to amp up your savings, keep writing those monthly checks after the debt’s paid off — but route them to a savings or investment account.

Put your savings on autopilot

Financial experts often advise that you “pay yourself first” each month, meaning the first thing you should do with your paycheck is to siphon off as much as you can afford to save and then sock that money away.

It’s a great strategy, but, unfortunately, many people can’t stick to it. They’re too tempted to spend their paychecks right away.

If you fall into that category, do yourself a favor and take advantage of automatic deductions. You can use your online banking account to have a certain amount automatically transferred to savings on the days you get your checks. If you have an employer that offers a 401K account, you can also choose to have retirement funds deducted from your paychecks before they ever hit your checking account. Automatic deductions make being disciplined about saving a lot easier.

Saving money doesn’t have to be so painful. Adopting just a few of these simple strategies can help you save thousands of dollars this year. You’ll find that, after you get into the habit of saving, the experience isn’t quite as painful as you feared.

Accessories For Your Next Wine Tasting Gala

(Image courtesy of AForestFrolic)

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to clean up the decorations and use up the crazy amounts of leftovers. Eating all the food crammed in your fridge and drinking all the wine left in the bottles scattered around your apartment can be alot for one person to take on, so why not invite friends over for one last little get together. We know - after the mad rush of the holidays and the endless parties, the last thing any of us wants to do is to host another bash, but a low-key wine tasting party would be the perfect excuse to relive great holiday moments and clear your kitchen of all the leftover libations

Since everyone is exhausted from the holidays, there’s no need to go all out for this event. However, if you do decide that you’d like to take things up a notch, simple and decorative DIY wine glass charms may be just the accessory your gathering is looking for. This blog from renters.apartments.com has all the details you need to get you started making your own wine charms. Keep reading to learn more:

First, make sure you have enough matching wine glasses (you can buy them cheaply at Target or Crate & Barrel) to go around. If you’re on a budget, opt for glasses that can work for both red and white wine. Because everyone’s glass will match, you need to differentiate them somehow so as not to create confusion as the night goes on. This is where wine charms come in.

Sure, you could buy some at the same place you buy the glasses, but what fun is that? This simple craft will add a personal touch to your party, and best of all, you can reuse them anytime you have guests over. Pinterest boards and design blogs are full of ideas, using everything from beads to wine corks to Scrabble tiles. Here are a few of our favorite projects:

Not Martha uses silver hoops and beads from a jewelry supply store to create simple, color-coded charms. If you have an old Scrabble game that you’ve neglected since becoming hooked on Words with Friends, turn the tiles into wine charms; the hardest part will be drilling a tiny hole in each one. You can also use cut-up wine corks and stamp them with letters or other small designs, like flowers or stars.

The options don’t end there. Have some hoop earrings you never wear? Dress them up with beads, wrap them in yarn or cover them in glitter and voila, you have wine charms. Colorful or patterned ribbon, twine or yarn can be tied into a bow or wrapped all the way around the stems. For something more permanent, spray paint the bases with chalkboard paint and give each guest a piece of chalk when they arrive.

No matter which project you choose, don’t forget the last – and most fun – step: sipping wine from the finished product.

DIY: Make Your Own Cleaner

(Image courtesy of Muffet)

Green living starts at home and what better way to do something good for yourself (and the environment) than by cleaning your apartment! Many of the cleaners we commonly use to clean our homes often contain a myriad of harsh chemicals that can cause health issues if we are over-exposed to them.

To kill germs without risking exposure to chemicals like bleach and ammonia, consider making your own citrus based cleaners. Using the simple steps found in this article and just a little patience, you can make your own (great smelling) cleaning agent that you don’t need to worry about!

What You Need:

Materials

• Citrus Peels (I used a combination of navel orange and clementine)
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Water (optional)
• Airtight Glass Container
• Spray Bottle
• Tools
• Measuring Cup
• Strainer

Instructions:

1. Collect citrus peels and store them in an airtight glass container.

Note: citrus fruits contain d-limonene, a natural solvent that chemically reacts with oil to break it down.

2. Once your container is full, cover the peels with white vinegar.

3. Date your jar, and let it sit for about 2 weeks.

Note: when ready, the vinegar should have a strong citrus odor and be yellowish in color.

4. Strain the peels.

5. Dilute with water if you so desire.

The concentration depends on your intended use and preference. I used a 1:1 ratio.

6. Pour into a spray bottle and use.

While I have been using it mostly in my kitchen to clean up stove top grease, this makes for a great, all purpose cleaner.

Don't Forget Your Neighbors This Holiday Season

(Image courtesy of asenat29)

The holiday season is the time of year where most of us are more giving than we would be at other times. This season, put that giving spirit to good use and make new connections and friendships with your neighbors by inviting them to share in your holiday traditions. Offering a small gift to your neighbors this time of year could help you build a lasting friendship that spans the length of your stay in your apartment.

If you do choose to include a gift exchange with your neighbor for this year’s holiday festivities, you don’t have to go all out and break the bank. This article from apartmentguide.com has a few great ideas to get you started.

Your good neighbor policy
What makes good neighbors in your book? It might be the neighbor you trust to come into your apartment when you can’t be there to walk your dog or water your plants. Maybe it’s a neighbor who gets the mail when you’re out of town or who shares some of the cookies they bake with you. A good neighbor might just be a friendly face you see regularly, the person who smiles and waves and makes you feel like a good neighbor yourself. Whatever criteria you use, make a mental note as you encounter these people that you’d like to show your appreciation with a small, seasonal gift.

Holiday gestures

For many, the holidays are the time for swapping all kinds of gifts with a generosity that may not show up during the rest of the year. Your holiday gift list for good neighbors might include:

• A festive ornament or vase
• A great-smelling candle
• A homemade treat
• A bottle of quality olive oil
• A warm scarf
• Something for their pet

None of these items need cost too much; the gesture itself conveys the sentiment of good cheer.

Liquid sustenance

In a cold season, why not share the warmth of a hot drink? Give your neighbor a hot cocoa set complete with good-quality hot chocolate and cheery mugs. If a drink with a bit of a kick feels appropriate, consider a bottle of wine (not too expensive!) or a tasty liqueur.

Welcome presents

When a new resident moves into a community, there is so much for that person to do to settle in that meeting neighbors might not be the first priority. So, whether it’s the holiday season or not, why not share an inviting spirit with folks who move in near you in the community?

Prepare a simple gift to introduce yourself and let them know you’re glad they’ve arrived. You can make something as simple as a batch of baked goods, adding a bundle of ribbon-tied brochures as a list of resources your new neighbor might like to know about. You can share info about local spots from schools and libraries to your favorite restaurants and movie theaters. Gift cards and coupons are thoughtful, as is the housewarming staple, a live plant. You could also assemble a decorative pail of cleaning supplies. Just about any act of thoughtfulness might brighten the day of your new neighbor and communicate your welcome!

Just because!

The nicest gifts are often those given “just because” — no belief, creed or annual celebration necessary! If you’re out shopping and find something that you know your neighbor would enjoy – something that would really compliment her and her apartment — bring it on home to give! Flowers or vegetables from your balcony or patio garden make wonderful spontaneous gifts, as well. The gift of your time is another valuable thing you can share — especially if you are close friends with your neighbor.

Good neighbors are who they are because it’s their instinct — they certainly don’t expect anything in return. That’s why it’s so important to thank them in small, but personally meaningful ways. Share your holiday spirit with a present that says, “I’m glad you’re my neighbor!”

Where To Eat In Seattle

(Image courtesy of bryce_edwards)

No matter what we like to eat, or how adventurous we are when it comes to new cuisine, it’s always nice to switch up regular dining habits from time to time. Seattle offers an expansive variety of unique variety of bistros, bars and restaurants to choose from to add a little something different to your favorite meal of the day.

Branching out to new restaurants can present a problem-how do you decide where to go? This article from seattlemag.com lists some great restaurants in the city we all love. Keep reading to discover a new place to go for dinner tonight!

Hitchcock

Chef and owner Brendan McGill goes out of his way to shop well from local farmers, and then he lets those stellar ingredients do the heavy lifting. The applewood-fired oven is put to good use, scenting the perfectly cooked pork chop and the legendary chicken. Best bet: the always inspired name-your-price prix fixe menu. Dinner nightly. 133 Winslow Way E, Suite 200; 206.201.3789;hitchcockrestaurant.com

Restaurant Marché Bainbridge

We’re smitten with former Canlis chef and cookbook author Greg Atkinson’s Northwest-inspired bistro on Bainbridge Island. Atkinson is a pro, and it shows: The perfectly cooked steaks and salmon are paired with carefully considered sides. More pluses: friendly service and a stylish dining room. Lunch and dinner Tue.–Sat. Winslow, 150 Madrone Lane; 206.842.1633;restaurantmarchebainbridge.com

Ballard/Shilshole

Bastille

Ballard Avenue’s Parisian-style brasserie comes alive after dark, when the vintage light fixtures cast the fashionable crowd in a flattering golden hue. The best choices are plats du jour (such as a tender-crisp boneless quail). At brunch, the fluffy omelets and the farmers’ market people-watching (from tables in the cozy, enclosed patio) is top-notch. Brunch Sun., dinner daily. 5307 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.453.5014; bastilleseattle.com

Bitterroot

This hip corner spot in Ballard turns out the best barbecue we’ve tasted in Seattle in a long time, especially the ribs and the brisket. Plus brown liquor (the vanilla-scented creamed old fashioned is great) and a choice lineup of local beer. Lunch and dinner daily. 5239 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.588.1577; bitterrootbbq.com

Cafe Besalu

The heady scentof butter wafts out of James Miller’s tiny neighborhood bakery each time the door opens, inviting neighbors to come inside. Miller’s croissants, pastries and quiches are nothing short of superb, and the warmth of the windowed storefront space lingers. Breakfast and lunch Wed.–Sun. 5909 24th Ave. NW; 206.789.1463; cafebesalu.com

Delancey

The humble pizzeria that Brandon Pettit runs with his wife, Molly Wizenberg (creator of food blog Orangette), is such a hit there’s still often an hour’s wait. Pettit’s outstanding pizza has a chewy, salty, smoky crust and bright house-made tomato sauce. Craft cocktail bar Essex is a sparkling addition with its list of house-made bitters. Dinner Wed.–Sun. 1415 NW 70th St.; 206.838.1960;delanceyseattle.com

Honoré Artisan Bakery

Next door to Delancey is this quaint bakery where the buttery croissants rival Ballard’s other fab bakery, Cafe Besalu. But those caramelized canelés? Those shattering macarons? That kouign amann (a layered sweet-salty pastry from Brittany)? Perfection! Breakfast and lunch Wed.–Sun. 1413 NW 70th St.; 206.706.4035; honorebakery.com

La Carta de Oaxaca

Easily Seattle’s most authentic Mexican restaurant, La Carta has a menu that’s eminently craveable. You’ll love the hand-mashed guacamole with house-fried tortilla chips and tender chicken in Oaxaca’s signature sweet, sultry black mole. The tequila/mezcal display is particularly well researched. Lunch Tue.–Sat., dinner Mon.–Sat. 5431 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.782.8722;lacartadeoaxaca.com

Paseo

The pink food stand, with outdoor seating only, is hard to miss; see listing under FREMONT for full description. Lunch and dinner Tue.–Sat. 6226 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.789.3100;paseoseattle.com. Cash only. 

Ray’s Boathouse & Café

Head to Ray’s upstairs café, where breathtaking sunsets and standard-issue seafood dishes are a Seattle tradition. Downstairs, Ray’s seaside dining room reopened in January after a renovation, and chef Wayne Johnson (formerly of Andaluca) has taken over the kitchen. And then there is that view. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains fairly jump into your lap. Café lunch and dinner daily; restaurant dinner daily. 6049 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.789.3770; rays.com

Skillet Diner

All your big-boned Skillet faves, including the burger, the waffles with fried chicken, that kale Caesar—plus a few new Scandinavian dishes, such as Swedish meatballs—are here at the new diner in Ballard. See listing under CAPITOL HILL for full information. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 2034 NW 56th St.; 206.922.7981; skilletdinerballard.com

Staple & Fancy Mercantile

Ethan Stowell’s Ballard dinner house is a pleasantly funky space with a constantly changing menu, served family style. We love the peekaboo view into neighboring The Walrus and the Carpenter. Dinner daily. 4739 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.789.1200; ethanstowellrestaurants.com

Stoneburner

Our review will appear in December. Jason Stoneburner’s eponymously named Italian eatery lives in a richly decorated, sprawling space at the foot of the swank new Hotel Ballard. On the menu: house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, small plates and local veggies galore. Brunch Sat.–Sun., lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. 5214 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.695.2051; stoneburnerseattle.com

Veraci Pizza

The traveling wood-fired pizza ovens that helped pioneer Seattle’s mobile food trend churn out some of the most flavorful, inventive, cracker-thin-crusted pizza combinations—by the slice or the whole pie—in this casual, cozy family-friendly neighborhood spot. Lunch and dinner Wed.–Mon. 500 NW Market St.; 206.525.1813; veracipizza.com

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Renée Erickson (Boat Street Cafe & Kitchen) has made quite the splash with this breezy small-plates eatery and oyster bar, where raw, on-the-half-shell beauties are the stars. Dessert and cocktails are particularly good. Dinner daily. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.395.9227;thewalrusbar.com

Looking for even more restaurants in Seattle and on the Eastside beyond the ones on this list? Visit our Restaurant Guide.

Liven Up Your Apartment With Something Green

(Image courtesy of F. D. Richards)

Winter has taken over, and though the snow is beautiful, it’s inevitable that we’ll start to feel a longing for green plants pretty soon. One alternative to get your green fix is to adopt a houseplant or two. Even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, there’s no need to worry.

There are plenty of apartment-safe and easy to care for plants, that are sure to make you feel like spring is just around the corner. This article from renters.apartments.com lists some of the easiest plants to care for. Keep reading to find the right fit for your apartment!

The Unstoppable Jade.

Even if you’re so far from having a green thumb that plants wilt upon hearing your name, chances are still very strong that the jade plant will more or less take care of itself in your hands. Just a little bit of water every now and then, a little bit of light (just in the same room as a working lamp will cut it) and this plant means business. I dare you to kill it.

Herbalicious.

The best plants in my opinion are those you can eat! What’s better yet, those that smell terrific. And finally, plants that are easy to grow. Boom! Herbs hit all three of those criteria. All you have to do is get some pots, plant some herb seeds, throw in some dirt, and water. Place them in the kitchen or in an area that sees adequate natural light, and you've got an edible garden. Best bets to start: Oregano (grows like a weed, good luck failing on this one!), chives (doesn't even need that much light), mint (mojito anyone) and basil (smells heavenly, but is a bit more difficult – give extra light in winter). Need a head start? Try this read-to-grow herb kit from Wind & Weather.

Fiddle-dee-do!

The Fiddleleaf Fig Tree is not only really fun to say, but it’s really easy to care for too. And I’ll admit, a lot of easily-cared-for plants can be on the less attractive side, but not this bad boy! Nope the Fiddleleaf Fig is gorgeous—so gorgeous it looks almost fake. Medium light and light watering is all you need (soil does not need to remain wet; let it dry before watering again).

Tea Time.

English Ivy looks as quaint as a British garden at teatime. Put in shabby chic pots and let the ivy do its job! Meaning let it go crazy and spill over the edges and creep along the furniture; it’s charming and beautiful. Keep the ivy’s soil moist.

Palm Beach.

If you’re like me, the closest beach you've got is at a lake. I have no palm trees in my zip code so I rely on the Ponytail Palm. Voila, instant tropical feeling indoors! And believe it or not, this guy doesn't require constant watering. Want to take it up a notch? Buy a couple Ponytail Palms, string tiki lights around them, place around your dinner table and suddenly you’re dining al fresco—on the beach for that matter. Cocktail umbrellas not included.