Living La Vida Solo

(Image courtesy of bp6316)

For the first part of our lives we all spend time sharing our spaces. As children we live with our parents and we may have siblings living with us. In our college years and early twenties many of us have roommates that share our apartments with us. So, it’s understandable that when moving out on your own for the first time the sense of freedom can be overwhelming. It’s exciting to be king of your own castle, not have to answer to anyone about how late you’ve gotten home and not having to worry about cleaning up anyone else’s mess.

Though there are some major benefits to living on your own, it is easy to quickly get caught up in a negative routine as you test the bounds of your new-found freedom. This article from renters.apartments.com outlines a few pitfalls first time solo apartment renters fall into. Keep reading to learn how to keep the balance when living on your own for the first time.

Keep your apartment clean. It’s easy to keep dishes piled up in the sink or leave your shoes in front of the door when you don’t live with anyone else. Try to establish good habits and set aside time to clean up and make your apartment a space you’re proud of.

Express your style. Have some fun with your apartment and paint the walls in your favorite colors and arrange the furniture how you see fit. You don’t have to worry about compromising your style by living alone so embrace your sense of design.

Be aware of how much time you spend in your apartment. When you live alone it can be easy to hibernate in your apartment. Make it a priority to plan a couple of nights out each week to keep a healthy balance of staying social and having your alone time.

Stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure your locks are working properly, test your smoke detectors, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Better safe than sorry.

Befriend your neighbors. Get to know your neighbors and establish a sense of community with your neighborhood. Whether you need a cup of sugar, or have an emergency, it’s nice to know who’s next door.

Get a pet. If you miss having some company in your apartment, look into adopting a pet from your local animal shelter. A dog or cat can be a welcoming comfort to come home to.

We hope these tips help you enjoy living alone in your apartment!

Making Friends With New Neighbors

(Image courtesy of denisp12)

When your favorite neighbors move away, it can be hard to make the adjustment to seeing new face. Though it’s normal to feel nervous about trying to establish a comfortable cohabitation with strangers, it’s important to establish a friendly relationship with your new neighbors early on.

Befriending your new neighbors will help to make sure that you’re both more comfortable in your surroundings. This article from apartmentguide.com has a few great tips to make sure that everyone adjusts to this new situation quickly. Keep reading to learn more.

Think the worst

We all harbor an understandable fear of the unknown. If you have settled into a positive pattern of coexisting with neighbors, then a situation that changes that dynamic could indeed feel a bit threatening.

Neighbor anxiety, or any kind of social anxiety, is often best managed by facing your fears with eyes wide open. Or closed, if you want to try a little visualization.

Imagine the worst neighbors you could possibly have. See them parking their car in your space after work. Smell the stinky food they cook. Hear the head-banging music they play every night and the shouting matches they have on their patio at 4 am.

Okay, that sounds really terrible. But ask yourself how likely a negative scenario like that will come to be. And if it did happen, what would you do about it?

Well, you’d call security, notify the community manager, buy earplugs — maybe turn on some of your own favorite music to drown out theirs.

In short, you could handle the situation, but it likely won’t happen at all if you take the next step and begin a relationship with your best good-neighborly skills.

Place your best foot forward

The keys to a good neighbor relationship are recognition and respect.

Let a new neighbor see your face and get acquainted. When you meet a new neighbor, introduce yourself, maybe even offer a little help getting to know the area, if the person comes from a different city. It wouldn’t hurt to bring over a new houseplant or something that will be a daily reminder that you are a sweet neighbor who should be appreciated. Keep in mind: it’s hard not to like the nice person who baked banana bread as a housewarming gift!

Subtly set expectations

Remember that you may not be the only one who is anxious about this new living situation. You might have a nervous neighbor next door who is dealing with culture shock, wondering how they should behave in this new community.

Do them a favor and ease their fears, while letting them know the real deal. A comment like “I think you’ll really like how quiet our community is” lets them know to keep the volume down. And “I’m your neighbor, Susan, with the red Honda over there” stakes your claim on your parking space. You can help the new guy or gal feel comfortable by subtly explaining the rules.

Sure, the unknowns of a new neighbor situation can be a little scary. But if you take control of the situation with some proactive friendliness, then you’ll put both your fears and theirs at ease. Nip potential bad blood in the bud by being, if not an actual buddy, then the kind of neighbor that you’d want to live next door to. (It’s amazing what a little banana bread can do!)

How To Stay Happy This Winter

(Image courtesy of Wonderlane)

The late fall and winter are full of fantastic sights and great activities to keep you busy. Though we are on our toes preparing for the holidays and taking part in all the festivities around us, sometimes the lack of sunshine and shorter days can take a toll on our overall happiness. Feeling sad during the coldest part of the year can make the winter seem like it will stretch forever, so it’s important to keep your summertime attitude while the snow falls.

There a few simple tricks you can use to keep a smile on your face during the cold weather. This article from apartmentguide.com has some great ideas to keep you acitve and your spirits high while the temperatures dip lower. Keep reading to learn more.

Indoors

• Bring the light in. One of the most effective ways to combat winter depression is with the use of an artificial light box. These small boxes, found online for upwards of $60, mimic outdoor light and are generally used for at least 30 minutes at a time to help adjust your body’s sleep cycles. You can even make your own by repurposing a wooden filing box from Ikea and purchasing some fluorescent bulbs. You can also brighten up your apartment by keeping blinds open and curtains drawn, allowing as much natural light in as possible. Sit near a window, either at home or at work, to take advantage of the sunlight. In terms of décor, use light-colored fabrics, wall treatments and rugs in your apartment during the winter to reflect light.

• Watch what you consume. Fight against the cravings and limit your intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, which will only cause a sugar crash. Instead, fill your diet with healthy foods that promote alertness and mental energy, like salmon, blueberries, whole grains, vegetables and nuts. Avoid self-medication with caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine may give you a brief jolt of energy, but it can also cause anxiety, muscle tension and other issues. Alcohol is a depressant, which can exaggerate symptoms. Try sipping on herbal tea instead, or if you must indulge, have a glass of heart-healthy red wine with dinner.

• Don’t oversleep on weekends. While it may be tempting to catch a few extra Zs on cold winter weekends, doing so can actually prevent you from fighting against the symptoms of SAD. The goal is to keep your body in sync as much as possible, so try waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day, even on weekends or days off from work.

Outdoors

• Load up on light. To drag your body out of its natural tendency to want to sleep all the time in the winter, take several breaks throughout the day to get as much natural light as you can. Get outside and go for a walk in the morning before work, or eat lunch outside during the day. In addition to getting some exercise, you’ll also increase your body’s capability to produce Vitamin D, both of which can lift your mood.

• Socialize. While the crummy weather and cold spells may have you looking longingly at your couch, it’s important to stay social instead of hibernating for the winter. So call up a few friends and make plans to do something fun, like grabbing coffee or checking out that new romantic comedy. Being around friends and family for even just a few minutes a day can make you feel better.

• Stay active. Just because the temperature is less than ideal doesn’t mean you should slack off on your workouts. Engage in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three days a week for optimal results. Plan your workouts for early in the morning, so you stay energized throughout the day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for a pre-work workout, studies show that early evening exercise can prevent fatigue during the evening, so plan on working out two hours before bed so your body and brain have enough time to settle down before bed.

How To Avoid The Winter Blues In Seattle

(Image courtesy of rutlo)

Like it or not, the winter season is fast approaching. The days are already getting shorter, the air is getting crisper and pretty soon, snow will start to fall. Just because the idea of winter coming along doesn’t fill you with the warm fuzzies doesn’t mean that you have to dread being snowbound for the next few months. There are plenty of great activities to keep you busy after the snow starts to fall

Barring all the usual outdoor snow-related activities, Seattle has some of the best winter events to keep you active this year. This article from renters.apartments.com highlights some of the exciting events happening in the city this year. Keep reading to learn more!

No matter what your interests are, there is a wintertime activity for everyone. Here are four activities that will have you jumping for joy this winter.

If you enjoy gliding across mountain tops, Seattle has many fantastic ski resorts within an hour’s driving distance depending on where in the city you reside. With the Cascade and Olympic Mountains near Seattle, you can snowboard or ski atop the breathtaking mountainous landscape. These impressive ski resorts include Hurricane Ridge, Crystal Mountain, and Summit at Snoqualmie. With friendly staff, a pristine environment, and recreational area, these resorts will accommodate professionals and beginners alike.

We all need some downtime from our busy schedules and hectic lives. Wintertime can especially be difficult with chaotic holiday operations and last minute errands. Holiday spa treatments are a must, and Seattle has some of the most distinguished spa resorts in the nation. Hyatt at Olive 8 has a luxurious, eco-friendly spa called elaia. Take a look at the wide selection of rejuvenating organic treatments. Tip: these also make a great holiday gift or birthday present.

The theater can help take your mind off the bleak weather. This season treat yourself to a three-hour theatrical performance of cirque, comedy, and cabaret including a multi-course gourmet dinner. Teatro Zinzanni is an elegant and captivating performance that will chase those winter blues away. Capture the warmth and excitement of this enchanting Seattle experience.

Sometimes you just need that well-prepared drink to drown the wintertime blues. Bathtub Gin is a quaint, antique-style cocktail bar intimately burrowed in the basement of an old brick hotel. This lounge brings in some of the most refined liquors from around the globe. Offering a diverse selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and gin, this tavern is sure to raise your spirits.

Wintertime doesn’t have to be dreary. The Emerald City has a lot to offer its residents and visitors, so bundle up and take part in the many winter events the city of Seattle takes great pride in. As you enjoy the whirlwind of activities, don’t forget to share these experiences with loved ones.

The Essential Renter's Tool-Kit

(Image courtesy of wikipedia)

There comes a time in every renter’s life when they need a painting hung or the toilet has a simple clog. Rather than searching up and down the halls for the one neighbor that will be willing to let you borrow a hammer, make sure you have the items you need to get the job done quickly. Being prepared is easy when you have an idea of the basic pitfalls that many renters run into.

This article from renters.apartments.com has a great rundown of the essential items every renter needs to have at his or her disposal. Keep reading to find out what items you should keep handy in the case of an emergency.

Hammer. Just owning a hammer instantly makes you better at home repairs. It drives nails in, pulls them out, and destroys spiders on contact (also the walls they’re crawling on, if you swing too hard).

Measuring Tape. Don’t think it’s necessary? Go ahead – try to get along without one. We’ll see how long it takes before you buy a sofa too big to fit through the front door.

Screwdriver. Invest in a Phillips-head version. Anything can sub for a flathead – a penny, a butter knife, a credit card – but the Phillips-head is tougher to work around and shows up more often in kitchen cabinets and IKEA furniture.

Spackle + an old credit card. Move-out day is a tough time to discover that not all of those picture-hanging strips you bought remove cleanly without taking your paint off with them. A squeeze bottle of spackle – I’m partial to the kind that goes on pink and dries white – can be spread and smoothed with an old credit card to undo a lot of damage on paint and drywall.

Plunger. The good news about plungers is that even the dollar store kind get the job done. Stash it behind the toilet and when you have to use it, alternate between deep plunges and shorter, faster pumps until you hear it unclog.

All-in-one tool. Think Swiss Army Knife, but bigger. Mine folds out into needle-nose pliers and also contains two knives, a file, a bottle-opener and something I use in place of a flat-head screwdriver. It’s probably the best gift my dad ever got me.

Flashlight. Fuses blow, blackouts happen and sinks always leak from the part of the pipe that’s too dark to see. Any flashlight will do, but for style, function and the obvious swagger factor, headlamps are tops.

And last but not least: Two kinds of tape. Specifically duct tape and painter’s tape. Duct tape is for things you want to keep stuck together for the rest of time. Painter’s tape is for everything else.

Because it comes in a wide array of colors, duct tape can be used as a patching agent that isn’t glaringly horrible. (Case in point: I’m currently rocking it over some small tears on my third-hand leather couch.) Painter’s tape can do all kinds of stuff, but one of my favorite uses for it is creating a line on the wall before hanging pictures. It’s easier to stand back and make sure the tape is level and you can hammer your nails in right along it to get the spacing right!

How To Make The Best Cocktail Party Playlist

(Image courtesy of guidosportaal)

Music has an instrumental impact on our moods and the music that we play at parties can have a major effect on the atmosphere of the room. Rather than just setting your ipod to shuffle and letting an app choose the music that you’re playing, take a little time before-hand and choose some songs that you know your guests will enjoy. Creating the right playlist will make your event seem more polished and you’ll avoid all the guilty pleasure music that’s hiding in your iTunes (Spice Girls, anyone?).

Picking the right music for your party can help your guests get started on their way to having a fun evening. This article from apartmenttherapy.com has a few great tips to get you started to creating mood music for your next cocktail party. Keep reading to learn more!

A few things to keep in mind for a cocktail party are to keep the music up-tempo, mix instrumental pieces with some classics or fan favorites that will help guests relax (doesn't everyone love to hear a favorite song playing on someone else's speakers?), and keep the tunes moving. Think about the type of music you would like to hear at a party: what songs make you feel good, feel like dancing, feel energized? If you put a playlist together from that angle, it's much more exciting than pressing "shuffle" and hoping for the best, or using some generic "lounge" mix that has no personal meaning to you or your friends. Have fun digging through your real and virtual stacks to mix up your own perfect playlist that will keep the mood bright and encourage spontaneous dancing.

Here's a mix I put together. You can access the full playlist on Spotify or check out links to individual songs below:

1. Koop - Come to Me

2. Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 - Day Tripper (Beatles cover)

3. Prince - Raspberry Beret

4. Javelin - Vibrationz

5. The Beach Boys - Heroes and Villains

6. J Dilla - Two Can Win

7. Jacqueline Taieb - Le Coeur au bout des doigts

8. Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love

9. Pulp - Disco 2000

10. Pretty Purdie - Soul Bossa Nova

11. Marlena Shaw - California Soul

12. The Jacksons - Blame it on the Boogie

13. Cal Tjader - Soul Sauce

14. Calexico - Alone Again Or (Love cover)

15. Nicola Conte - La Coda del Diavolo

16. Nina Simone - Real Real

17. Bibio - Jealous of Roses

18. Serge Gainsbourg - Couleur Cafe

19. Van Morrison - Spanish Rose

20. Jorge Ben - O Telefone Tocou Novamente

21. Bonobo - Kong

22. Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim - I Concentrate on You

How To Roast Your Own Pumpkin Seeds

(Image courtesy of jaxzin)

Don’t throw away your pumpkin seeds after you’ve carved your pumpkins this year, turn them into tasty treats to snack on at a Halloween party. Though it may be tempting to just dispose of all the goo that came out of your pumpkin, roasted seeds are an easy to make snack to enjoy during this time of year.

Create your own flavor combinations to create a unique twist on this classic fall snack. This blog from thekitchn.com walks you step-by-step through how to make your own roasted pumpkin seeds. Keep reading to learn how.

Pumpkin and squash seeds are good for you, too: they're high in protein, zinc, copper and iron. They're a good source of Vitamin E and K. (Here's a good pageshowing their complete nutritional breakdown.) Some people believe that soaking them overnight in salted water, or boiling them for 10 minutes in salted water, helps to make their nutrition more available and to make them crunchier when roasted. I cannot vouch for the nutritional claims but I did try boiling half my seeds in salted water before roasting them. In comparing the boiled and the unboiled, I really couldn't find any difference.

I like the simple approach and just toss my seeds in a little oil and salt before roasting. There is also a wide variety of additional toppings you can add, both savory and sweet, to jazz things up. See recipe notes for some suggestions.

It's not necessary to remove every last scrap of pumpkin/squash flesh from the seeds. Some people hardly bother removing any of the strings and extras from the seeds, stating that it tastes great roasted and adds additional flavor to the seeds. Others remove every last shred, which admittedly is a chore. I come in somewhere in the middle. I get most of the flesh and strings off, but I don't get too obsessive about it. If I did, I doubt that I would roast seeds ever again because it can be quite nitpicky!

How to Roast Pumpkin and Squash Seeds

What You Need

• A large winter squash such as a pumpkin
  
• Neutral oil such as canola, rice bran, or coconut
  
• Salt

• Colander
  
• Baking sheet
  
• Spoon or spatula
  
• Airtight container

Instructions

Scoop and clean the seeds: Preheat oven to 300°F. Cut the squash according to how you are going to use it. Scoop the seeds from the cavity and place in a colander. Pinch away all the large chunks of squash flesh and strings. Place the colander under cool running water and remove any additional squash flesh. Shake colander to remove water.

Dry the seeds: Dump the seeds out onto a towel and pat to dry. The seeds might stick to the towel a bit.

Oil and salt the seeds: Place the seeds on a baking tray and drizzle with a small amount of oil, approximately 1 teaspoon for 3/4 cup of seeds. Add a pinch or two of salt.

Toss and bake the seeds: Toss the seeds until they are evenly coated with oil and salt. Spread out so they are in a single layer, though some overlapping is fine. Place the baking sheet into the oven. Roast until the seeds are just starting to brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. If your oven has uneven spots, you may want to stir after 10 minutes.

Remove and cool: Remove the seeds from the oven and let the seeds cool on the tray. Enjoy right away or keep for a few days in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes

Sweet Pumpkin Seeds: Omit or reduce the salt and roast the seeds on parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool, then toss with brown sugar or a little maple syrup. Not too much, just enough to lightly coat the seeds. You can also add cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg or other 'sweet' spices. Toss well to coat evenly. Return the tray to the oven and continue to roast for another 10 to 15 minutes or so.

Sweet-Hot Pumpkin Seeds: Toss the seeds with a little honey and sriracha or chili flakes. A little cumin might be nice, or curry powder. Roast as with sweet seeds.

Savory Pumpkin Seeds: Add herbs such as chopped rosemary, dried oregano and/or spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin to the seeds before roasting. Check carefully to be sure the herbs and spices aren't browning too quickly. If so, roast at a sightly lower heat.