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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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.