Sharing Common Areas with Your Apartment Roommate

You may find that it’s easy enough to keep up your own room in your apartment, but what about maintaining common areas? Read on for our guide to maintaining harmony in shared spaces in your home with a few simple maintenance habits.

Set the rules
Whether you and your roommate are new to each other or are moving together into a new place, laying the ground rules early is a must. That doesn’t mean you need to create a draconian lists of do’s and don’ts, but it does require thinking carefully about the habits that drive you or your roommate crazy, and then getting those details out in the open. Living with a roommate requires compromise, so be reasonable and willing to work out differences for your mutual benefit.

To share or not to share?
Often, the biggest roommate disputes revolve around food. Money can be saved when roommates pool funds to buy in bulk, but if one of you has a significantly larger appetite than the other, someone will feel short-changed. Similarly, if one roommate has special dietary needs, whether by preference or due to food allergies or a health condition, be sure to respect the other by either not cooking certain foods on shared pots and pans or by not eating the other’s vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, peanut-free, wheat-free or kosher food and beverages.

Everybody cleans
Another area for potential conflict is having a different tolerance for messiness than your roommate. Coming up with a regular cleaning routine and sticking with it can help by ensuring that common areas get clean before you or your roommate can get squeamish about the disorder. The best way to keep the workload fair is to have each roommate clean up after him or herself every day and then split the work on cleaning common areas such as the bathroom or kitchen.

Spend time together
The easiest way for petty resentments to get out of hand is for communication to break down. Don’t let that happen! Even if you and your roommate each lead separate, busy lives, find a way to do something fun together regularly, whether it is going to the farmer’s market, seeing a movie, or having a dinner party. Creating a bond through shared experience is the surest way to maintain a happy household.

Don’t let squabbling over common areas spoil your relationship with your apartment roommate. Create clear, reasonable rules at the beginning of your time together, and share in the work and enjoyment of your apartment. You’ll never regret the effort to make your home a happy one.

We have a Winner!

Congratulations to Zahra and her family in 2c for winning the HD Camcorder this holiday season!
Enjoy recording your memories!

This picture collage created with Smilebox

Holiday Party at The Square

We really enjoyed having everyone come to the office for crafts, gift wrapping and food yesterday!

Thank you for joining us for the holidays!

Prepare your Apartment for Winter

When winter weather hits and temperatures start to drop outside,

your apartment will get chilly, as well.

Use these tips to help prepare your apartment for winter,

and protect yourself from the cold.

Reverse ceiling fans
Running your ceiling fan in reverse in your apartment can keep you more comfortable in winter weather. Since hot air rises, your ceiling fan can push that warmer air back down onto you. Just flip the switch on your ceiling fan. If it’s in reverse, you’ll see the blades going counterclockwise when you look up at it.

Help your heating system
An efficient heating system will cost you less. As you prepare for winter, you will want your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently. Apartment management should take care of scheduling appropriate, regular inspections of important equipment. (You might inquire with management when your unit’s system was last assessed.)

You can also help your heating system to work more efficiently by wrapping your hot water heater in a special blanket. Available at home improvement stores, hot water heater blankets run about $15 and insulate a heater to improve its efficiency — that’s a pretty big deal considering that nearly 14 percent of your energy costs go towards providing hot water.

Winterize the fireplace
Turning the thermostat down and cranking up a warm fire can save you big bucks on heating bills. Your apartment fireplace should be number one on the list of amenities to check as you prepare for winter.

When you first use the fireplace, pay close attention to ventilation. If you notice smoke in the air or a strong smell of smoke, you might inquire with your apartment community manager about the process for having your fireplace inspected.

If you do not plan to use your apartment fireplace, make sure the damper (a piece of metal that keeps out cold air) is securely closed.

Prep for zone heating
Think about where you spend the most time in your apartment, and purchase heaters to keep those areas comfortable. Zone heating gadgets might include an electric blanket, a space heater, or a towel warmer — any device that allows you to focus heat where you need it, instead of using extra energy to warm a larger space.
Close off infrequently used areas.
Why should your laundry room have to be as toasty as your living room? Keep infrequently-used rooms and closets closed off during winter weather so that your heater can work more efficiently.

Insulate windows
Window insulation kits use shrink-wrap plastic sheeting to seal off drafts. This inexpensive investment could end up saving you money during a cold winter. Adding heavy drapery around your windows also cuts heating costs. Have maintenance plug up gaps.

Windows aren’t the only drafty places in your pad. Check for cracks and gaps on the outside of your apartment near windows and also inside your unit around outlets and doors. Check with maintenance staff to caulk any large leaks. You can also purchase door draft stoppers to help stop cold air from seeping in through cracks.

Set the thermostat
If you’ve got a programmable thermostat, prepare for winter by setting it to heat your home only during the hours you’re there. It’s much cheaper to turn the thermostat down during the day when you’re at work and back up when you get home, rather than keeping your apartment warm 24/7.

Turning the thermostat down just three degrees can save you money. That’s why utility companies recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees. Even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can still save money by adjusting your thermostat manually each day.

Check smoke detectors
Check your smoke detectors when you prepare for winter. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order, as well. Heating for winter potentially increases indoor fire hazards, so checking these devices now is a good idea.

Winterize yourself
Instead of turning up your thermostat, make yourself more comfortable with warm clothing. When it’s cold outside, dress appropriately for the weather. And get the right indoor garb for winter weather, too: sweat pants, slippers, warm pajamas, and a blanket for the couch.

Before you make any major changes to your apartment, of course,

check your lease and talk to your apartment property manager to

ensure you are not breaking any apartment community regulations.

Remember that a few small, inexpensive changes can help you stay comfortable

 and potentially save you money this winter.

Christmas Tree Safety

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart.
A small fire that spreads to a christmas tree can grow large very quickly.








Picking the Tree

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the Tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the Tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bilbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

aFteR the HoLidayS!
Get rid of the tree after the holidays or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

FACTS

1. Each year, fire departments respond to roughly 200 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.
2. Two out of five home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
3. A heat source too close to the tree causes one-quarter of the fires.

We're Ready for the Holidays!

Sumter Square is good to go for the holidays!

We just couldn't wait!

_____________________________________________________________________

Come by the office anytime between 1pm-7pm on

December 15, 2010

for our HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

• Free Gift wrapping by the staff (5 presents maximum)
• Tons of Food & snacks
• Hot cocoa & cider
• Crafts for the kidsCamcorder Drawing at 6:45pm!

WHAT WOULD YOU WIN THIS YEAR?

 Insignia HD Camcorder & 4GB Memory Card this year

Be sure to come by the office anytime before December 15th, 2010

 to enter your name into the holiday drawing!

We have a WINNER!

CONGRATS TO OUR TURKEY DINNER WINNER!!

CHAUTE in our 605 Building will be

feasting with friends and family this year!

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY

Must-have Cleaning Products for Your Apartment

Cleaning your apartment is an essential part of apartment living, but it’s not necessarily fun. You can make the task easier, though, with the right cleaning products and tools. While you’re stocking your apartment, pick up these must-have cleaning products.
Supplies

Below is a list of basic supplies that everyone needs in their cleaning cupboard. Keep in mind that there are many brands on the market, so shop around for the cleaning features you want. If you want the whitest bathtub ever, then go for products with bleach. If you prefer to go green, look for eco-friendly products. Also, choose scents that you like and packaging that you prefer — whatever it takes to make cleaning more fun for you. If you like to “do-it-yourself,” you can also make your own non-toxic cleansers from basic items found at the grocery store. Whether you are buying cleaning supplies off the shelf or concocting your own recipes, here are the main items you’ll need:

•All-purpose cleaner for sinks, countertops and stovetops

•Window & glass cleaner for mirrors, windows and glass furniture

•Dishwashing liquid

•Dishwasher soap

•Mopping solution

•Oven cleaner for ovens that aren’t self-cleaning

•Abrasive cleanser for bathtubs and sinks

•Toilet bowl cleanser

•Laundry detergent

•Wood polish

•Upholstery/carpet spot remover

•Air freshener

Tools

Now that you have a list of apartment cleaning supplies to buy, you’re also going to need some tools to scrub and scour with. There are a wide variety of choices on the market, from old-school sponges to new microfiber magic. Look for online recommendations, ask friends what cleaning tools they love or just hit the stores and pick the items that fit your budget and suit your style. Fill your shopping cart with these handy helpers:

•Sponges

•Scrub brushes

•Paper towels

•Soft cleaning cloths

•Toilet bowl brush

•Rubber gloves

•Microfiber or feather duster

•Broom

•Dustpan

•Microfiber dust mop

•Wet mop

•Mop bucket

•Vacuum cleaner & vacuum cleaner bags

Storage

Don’t forget that you’re going to need a place to store your super stash of apartment cleaning supplies. Bottles of cleanser and small tools can be tucked into a special cleaning supply caddy that is easy to carry from room to room when you are cleaning your apartment. You can store the caddy under the kitchen sink, or in the pantry or utility room after your chores are done. You may also want to put a container near your kitchen sink for wet sponges and scrub brushes. Mops typically are stored in their mop bucket. Brooms and floor dusters can be mounted on the wall or corralled together in a small trashcan.

Prepare yourself with a helpful set of cleaning tools and supplies, and you’ll be more likely to keep your apartment clean. As any mom will tell you, staying on top of your chores is half the battle of clean living.

Winter Holiday Safety

Winter Holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season

HOLIDAY DECORATING

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame retardant or flame resistant.
• Keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor use or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

BeForE HEadiNG tO Bed 
Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or to go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

FACTS
>>December is the peak time of the year for home candle fires.
>>Roughly two out of five home fires start in the kitchen.
>>Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires.

New Multi-Material Recycling available!

BULLETIN

Wake County is now accepting toys, car seats, strollers, cell phones, CD's, DVD's and VHS tapes for recycling at its two Multi-Material Recycling Facilities (toys, car seats and strollers must be in good condition).

These facilites are located at:
9029 Deponie Drive in North Raleigh
6000 Old Smithfield Road in Apex
These facilities are open from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Saturday. They are closed for New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information on these and other Wake County programs and services, please visit the Wake County website at www.wakegov.com or call (919) 856-7400.

Ways to Watch Movies in Your Apartment

Think the only way to watch movies in your apartment is to turn on the tube? Think again. While popping a DVD into your entertainment system may be the standard way to watch movies at home, technology is making it easier to get your hands on a good flick 24/7.

If you want a great apartment movie night,

take your pick of these ways to watch movies in your apartment.

Rental stores

If you only watch movies every once in a while and are mostly interested in new releases, renting DVDs from a rental store is a good way to go. Rental stores stock large amounts of the latest movies, and as long as you get to the store before the weekend rush, you’re bound to get a copy of the DVD you want.

Renting DVDs from a store does have a few drawbacks: you have to spend time driving to the rental store; you need good credit to sign up for a membership; and if you don’t get your movie back on time you will be on the hook for late fees.

Pros: No obligation to rent DVDs; get your movies right away.

Cons: Limited selection of older and more obscure movies; can be more expensive than renting online; late fees; credit check required.

Rental mailing services

For people who watch movies more than once a month, rental mailing services like Netflix or Blockbuster Total Access can be cheap and convenient.

Price is one of the biggest perks of using a rental mailing service. Most services offer unlimited rentals for a low monthly fee. Rent just a few DVDs a month, and you could save money over renting from a brick and mortar store. And as an added bonus, rental DVD mailing services don’t charge late fees.

Rental mailing services also offer convenience. Simply choose your movie from an online catalogue, and it’s delivered to your mailbox from a local mailing center in a few days. When you’re done with the flick, all you have to do is mail it back in a pre-paid envelope or, in some cases, return it to a rental movie store.

There are a few drawbacks. Whether you rent only one movie per month or 20 you will pay the same monthly subscription cost. Also, once you send a DVD back to the service, you will usually have to wait a few days for your next selection to arrive. Because of this, you do not get the instant gratification of renting from a brick and mortar store.

Pros: Good deal for people who rent many DVDs; convenient; wide selection of movies.

Cons: Must pay monthly fee whether you take advantage of service or not; have to wait for selections to come in the mail.

Streaming video and downloads

Thanks to the Internet, you don’t even have to have a TV or DVD player to watch movies in your apartment.

If you’ve got the right hardware, you can watch movies on demand on your computer (or hook your computer up to your TV). Download sites like iTunes and Amazon allow users to rent or purchase movies at a lower cost than going to a rental store. If you have a Netflix subscription, you can also watch certain films on your computer or through some brands of DVR. There are no late fees, and all you have to do is push a button to get an instant download. Some sites like Hulu even offer movies for free.

However, to take advantages of these services, you will have to have a computer and Internet connection able to handle the streaming or downloading of the movie. If your computer is older or your Internet connection is not the fastest, this will not be the best option for you.

Pros: Instant access to movies; low cost; watch some movies free of charge.

Cons: People with older computers and slower Internet service might be frustrated by slow downloads.

Kiosks

DVD rental kiosks, like redbox, are another popular way to rent the latest movies. Typically found in grocery stores or malls, these kiosks are basically like vending machines for movies. Just swipe a credit or debit card, and one dollar buys you a rental for a day. When you’re done with the disc, you just return it to the kiosk. These machines are an easy option for many people because they don’t require a credit check or a membership.

Pros: No membership or credit check required; inexpensive.

Cons: Have to drive to kiosk location; limited movie selection.

With so many ways to watch movies in your apartment, you will be able to put together a great movie night anytime!

All you need now is the popcorn.

Free Turkey Dinner Raffle

FREE TURKEY DINNER

Come by the office anytime and enter to win a

prepared turkey dinner for 8-10 people!!!

***FREE TO ENTER***

Drawing will be on:
November 18, 2010

Preapred dinner will be delivered to your door on:

November 23, 2010

Included in your Harris Teeter prepared dinner....

9-12 lb Turkey

2 lbs Green Bean Supreme

2 lbs Fresh Glazed Carrots

2 lbs Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

1 lb Turkey Gravy

2 lbs Cornbread Dressing

and don't forget.....

an APPLE PIE of course!

HALLOWEEN FUN AT THE SQUARE

Thank you to everyone that came to

see us in the office for Halloween!

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Things to Remember When Planning for Your Move

Like many complex projects, moving to a new apartment can be a lot more manageable if you do some planning first. Here are some tips on what to keep in mind as you plan your next move.

What’s changed since your last move?

You may be expecting this move to go much like the last one — but if you’ve acquired a few more possessions in the meantime, it might take that much longer. If you’ve got a pet, you’ll need to factor in keeping the pet occupied and comfortable during the move, and getting him or her used to the new apartment. Or you might find this move easier, if, for example, your new apartment is in a community with storage facilities that your previous place lacked.

What’s your moving budget?

If your moving budget is small, and you’ll be relying on friends’ help and driving the moving truck yourself, then moving is probably going to take more time than if you’re able to hire professional helpers.

Do you have to move anything not already at your current location?

That would include new furniture you’re buying, renting, or borrowing, or anything that’s held in storage for you, either off-site or in storage space at your current community. Retrieving these items will add time and extra trips to your moving timeline.

What shape do you have to leave your current place in?If you’re leaving an apartment, don’t forget to build in time (or money, if you’re commissioning a cleaner) to clean up the apartment enough to get your security deposit back. You may also need to schedule a walkthrough with your soon-to-be-ex-landlord.

What needs to be done at the new place?

See if the layout of the new apartment community will mean you need extra help when moving in. If your apartment is very far from the elevator or stairs, renting a dolly can make moving your heavy items much easier and speed up your move.

The best time to start planning your move is as soon you decide to move, or at least as soon as you’ve signed the lease at your new place and given notice at your old place.

A couple hours’ worth of planning before you’re up against the moving deadline

can help make the apartment move easier later on.

Tips for Moving Belongings Into Storage

Have too much stuff and not enough space to hold it all? Don’t sweat it — get a storage unit.

Rentable for short-term (or longer term) contracts, self-storage units can be lifesavers when your living arrangements won’t allow you the room you need to house all your belongings.

To get the most out of your storage space and safeguard your belongings while they’re in it, follow these handy self-storage tips.

Moving belongings into storage

While you may not be able to control Mother Nature and her critters, there is one aspect of your self-storage unit that you have complete dominion over, and that’s access. Avoid the frustration of not being able to find what you need by doing some strategic packing.

Creating easy access to items in self-storage starts with packing properly. Before you move anything, determine which items you won’t need to access. Move those items into your unit first, being careful to place heavy objects on the floor and lighter items on top.

If space is tight, maximize your storage unit by loading small boxes and loose items into larger pieces of furniture like armoires or side tables. You can also use a heavy item like a mattress to block off your “won’t need it” area and keep items from shifting if they fall.

Storage unit tips
Beyond packing your unit properly, there are a few other precautions you can take to protect items in self-storage:

•Place a moisture-reducing product like Damp Rid in your storage unit and replace it every three months.

•Label all sides of a box so you can locate its contents easily.

•Wrap all paper objects in plastic to protect them from rain during transit and moisture in storage.

•Add mothballs to boxes containing clothes.

•Wax wooden furniture with a varnish to protect against moisture.

•Store CDs and DVDs in sleeves or storage boxes — not plastic wrap, which can melt and ruin discs in extreme heat.

Self-storage insurance

Sometimes, despite all your best efforts at protecting belongings in a storage unit, disaster strikes anyway. Unforeseen disasters like fires, earthquakes, vandalism, or burglary can happen at any time, leaving your items vulnerable.

The best way to safeguard against these unfortunate circumstances is to make sure your belongings are covered by insurance. Rental or homeowner’s insurance policies may cover belongings in storage. (Read your policy or call your agent to be sure.) Your storage company may also offer insurance against these circumstances; in many cases, this coverage is cheap. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Moving in with a Significant Other

Moving in with a significant other is a big commitment. With this decision, you decide to share space with your partner, as well as all the many details that constitute a shared life.
Safeguard your relationship and foster success by talking about the realities of cohabitating before you move in together.

Why are you doing it?
You may already have had a serious talk about where each of you feels your relationship is heading: Marriage? An extended courtship? If you have not had this discussion, then the time to communicate your reasons and expectations for moving in together is now. Whatever the status of your relationship, staying on the proverbial “same page” with your partner is essential to the success of living together.

Talk about money
Money concerns constitute a squeamish conversation for most of us. We’d like to be magnanimous and not worry about where the finances comes from, but the fact is that anxiety over money is a major sticking point for couples and can cause incredible tension in a relationship.

Make a date with your significant other to talk about the facts, such as how much each of you can afford for an apartment, and what your monthly incomes and expenses are. Will you split expenses equally, or does a disparity in your incomes or debt mean that a different balance makes more sense, at least for a period of time? Will you each have a formal rental responsibility in the lease, legally sharing the burden for paying rent to your landlord, or will one partner be ultimately responsible? These are important decisions to agree on up front.

Determine an exit strategy
It may not sound that romantic, but planning for possibilities — not matter how unlikely they might seem — is smart. Both partners should be interested in protecting themselves, just in case living circumstances change. Agree in advance how you will separate assets, such as shared furniture, appliances, or the custody of your beloved pet, in the event you decide to split up as a couple.

Also consider that cohabitation law can sometimes view property disputes between unmarried couples as if they were married. Figuring basic terms out before you move in together is good planning. And, as a lawyer would advise, “get everything in writing!”

Be adaptable
No matter how head-over-heels in love you might be, consider the reality of two personalities living under one roof. Try to be flexible in finding the natural rhythm of your strengths and weaknesses. Maybe one of you prefers cleaning to cooking, or grocery shopping to handling the recycling. Ideally, you’ll parse out the jobs equitably, but if that’s not happening, sit down and talk about solutions so that neither of you feels he or she is shouldering too much of the apartment work.

Moving in together is exciting and perhaps a little scary. It represents a “next step” in your relationship, and it also means you will get to spend a lot of living time together. When you share a home, you are truly sharing a life, so hold on and prepare for a new adventure!

HALLOWEEN ALERT

LOOK FOR THIS PUMPKIN!

It's HALLOWEEN again!!!!!!
Living in an apartment community can be frustrating during this event. You just never know who's participating! We provide a "Welcome" flyer, with the above pumpkin on it, to all of our residents to place on their doors the nights we expect trick or treaters. Please remember that turing on your outside porchlight helps a lot too.

Don't forget to dress as your favorite character and stop by the office on

Oct. 28 & 29th to get your spooooky goody bag.

Have a safe and fun holiday from

Sumter Square Apartments!

Halloween Costume Safety

For adults & children.....
The right costume for you or your child can make all the difference for a fun Halloween. Adults seem to go more for horror themed costumes while kids seem to go for super heroes or the popular TV cartoon of the day. Check out Halloween Online's Make-up and Costume section for ideas.

Letting your child pick out his or her own costume, within reason, will give them a sense of responsibility and make them feel good that they could pick out their own costume.
One problem today for little girls, and boys as well, is that good role models are few and far between. If your little girl wants to dress up like a certain rehab bound starlet or heiress, steer them to a more positive role model like a nurse, teacher or President. A princess or fairy are always good fantasy choices as well. If your little boy wants to be like the latest drug addicted rap star or athlete, point them towards something like a fireman, doctor, or military person. They could also go for the latest cartoon of their choice.


Whether store bought or home made, Halloween costumes should be fun and scary yet safe. Below are some ideas to hazard-proof your Halloween fun. Costumes should be scary to those who see them, not those who wear them! Here are some easy tips to make your Halloween a safe and happy one!

Kids Costume Tips

 

Costumes should be made of flame retardant material. If they are home made, make sure and use either a fire retardant spray or fabric that has been treated with fire retardant.

 Make sure to work into your child's costume reflector strips, a flash light or light stick to make them more visible at night. This will assure that they are seen by drivers and that you can keep an eye on them as well if they get ahead of you while trick or treating.


Do not include high heel shoes or long dangling pieces of costume that your child could trip over. A scraped knee or bloody nose can really ruin their fun.


If they are carrying a prop such as a scythe or sword, make sure they are made out of a flexible plastic that will bend if fallen on. Most of the props available today are made of flexible plastic.
If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that the eye holes are big enough to see not only in front but peripherally as well. You may have to cut them open further yourself. If so, use some black or gray grease paint around the eye socket to cover skin.
If you and your child are going out with a group, make their costume a unique one so you can spot them easily in a crowded area. Use flashing lights or jewelry to make them stand out.
If you have more than one child, save costumes from year to year to pass down or to exchange with friends. You can add extra accessories or dress them up a little to make them different from year to year.

Adult Costume Tips

Make sure that your costume fits properly to avoid any accidents like tripping over a long dress or cape. Make sure that it is comfortable since you'll probably be wearing it for a few hours.

If you plan on doing any trick-or-treating with a group, and yes, some adults still do go out trick-or-treating, make sure that your group isn't too big and that you all have some type of reflective or flashing item on your person so cars can see if.
If you are wearing a mask, make sure that it is comfortable, has adequate eye holes and proper ventilation. If you have to cut the eye holes bigger, just use matching grease paint around your eyes to fill in where you have removed mask.
Women, if you are wearing something "low cut and sexy", as Elvira would say, make sure that you can easily get in and out of the costume for bathroom purposes. Nothing will ruin your fun at a night club or party faster than not being able to make it to the bathroom in time.

Picking your costume should be a fun and exciting time for you and your child. Just take your time, try it on in the store if possible and make sure that it's something that you really like!

Ways to Find Apartment Decorating Inspiration

Whether you’re in a brand new apartment or looking to spruce up your present one, most of us are on constant lookout for design inspiration.

But where to find it?

Read on for some places to find the decorating ideas you’ve been waiting for.

Do you have an emerging style?
Look around your apartment. Do you see a look that’s trying to get out? Perhaps you have several pieces that share the same era, color or style. What about the color, fabric or design of your bed linens, window treatments and wall hangings? You might discover that you have subconsciously been collecting items that create a style of their own, but it’s one that has been buried by the mish mash of other looks you’ve decorated with. Remove these unaffiliated pieces and accessories and replace with others that match your existing theme.

What are your hobbies?
Or let’s say you’ve got nothing but a hopeless hodgepodge for your look. Then it’s time to get down to some serious apartment decorating repair work. How do you find a look that reflects the real you, one that you enjoy looking at and living in? Let’s start with some soul-searching. What do you love? Look to your hobbies and the interests closest to your heart to develop some decorating ideas.

Are you a golf fanatic? Perhaps you’d enjoy the trappings of the Florida scene with a palm tree motif, plenty of greens and browns, rattan or dark wood furniture and vintage golf accessories. Do you love to travel? Posters from faraway places or of planes, trains and automobiles are a great way to underscore your theme. Antiques often deliver an old-world flavor. Do you like to garden, cook or build kites? Look for patterns, paintings, posters and colors that represent your passion and let your imagination run wild.

Inspired by art
Do you have a favorite painting or photograph, or a much-loved period of art? That information could make a great starting point for your apartment décor. From the Renaissance masters to modernism, a powerful framed piece can set the stage for an entire room. Go quirky or classical, depending on your favorite hanging.

Look to nature
Perhaps you have a favorite climate or geographic locale. Are you a beach lover or do the mountains call your name? Do you long for the Mediterranean life? Whether you want to create a beach cottage, an Italian villa or an alpine cabin for your apartment look, there are many nature-inspired apartment decorating ideas to fuel your design journey.

The world of design
Modern media is obsessed with design. From magazines to entire television channels devoted to interior design, there are literally countless resources at your disposal. Are you drawn to the modern look or do you prefer country rustic? Whatever your persuasion, you can find a Web site, show or publication that will feed your interest. Why not try the public library for books on apartment decorating, or browse the newsstand at your local grocery store and pick up several magazines to take home with you. The most exciting aspect of apartment decorating is combining styles to create your very own.

Design inspiration can come from virtually anyplace. If you’re short on decorating ideas, you need only look around you. Be open and inventive, and you’ll soon be living in the style that suits you best.

Fall Decorating for Your Apartment

Leaves are turning and there’s a chill in the air — clear signs fall has arrived.

You don’t have to let Mother Nature have all the fun.

Fill your apartment with fall flavor by decorating with autumn decor. Take your cues from the great outdoors and transform your interior before the first frost.

Changing colors
The color palette outside is transforming, and so should your apartment decor. Bring your favorite fall colors inside by adding accents of red, gold, orange, forest green and brown. The easiest way to shift your apartment color palette from sunny summer to festive fall is to replace inexpensive accessories. Swap out your spring-colored throw pillows for more autumnal colors such as hunter green. Put out new table linens in warm tones like orange and red. Store your brightly-colored cotton throw rugs and bring in brown and gold wool versions. Adding traditional fall colors to your existing apartment décor will make every day feel like a harvest festival.

Embrace the Earth
Fall decorating is also the perfect time to add an outdoor element. Go for a walk outside and notice the natural items that you could bring inside (for free!) There are a lot of creative options for table centerpieces that you can make yourself with leaves, dried corn and miniature pumpkins. (If you can’t find all of these items outside, hit the local grocer or farmer’s market.) Invite friends over for a decorating potluck where everyone brings their favorite autumn item to use for a craft project. Try making a few different fall centerpieces for the dining room table, coffee table and end tables.

Go cozy
Now that there’s a nip in the air, warm up your space by making the most of your fireplace. Dress it up with fall decor by adding a garland of gorgeous leaves that weaves its way through colorful red and gold candles. This creates a nice cozy atmosphere for fall entertaining or relaxing on your own at the end of the day. And when you are picking out candles for your fall apartment decorating, think beyond color to your favorite smells of autumn. Choose favorite scents that remind you of harvest time, for instance. Scents like pumpkin pie, apple orchard and candy corn will get you in the mood for the cooler days ahead.
Take it outside
Don’t limit fall decorating to the inside of your apartment. Bring autumn accents into an outdoor hallway by adding a wreath on your door or a leafy swag around the doorframe. Set out a trio of different sized pumpkins or a Jack O’ Lantern near your front entrance. Decorate your apartment patio with fall-themed window boxes and strings of tiny orange lights. You might even want to add a Halloween or Thanksgiving themed doormat to welcome guests.

‘Tis the season
In addition to all-purpose fall decor, add some holiday-specific items to help you get geared up for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners. You can go classic with witchy napkins and cornucopia centerpieces or blow it out with an inflatable turkey and fake tombstones. Remember that for some folks, football season is a national holiday! Proudly display your favorite team colors around your apartment. Be bold and hang a sports-themed flag by your front door to let your neighbors know which team you’ll be cheering for on game day.

The cool autumn sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating your apartment for fall. Window shop the stores and

browse home decor magazines for ideas,

then go wild with fall color and nature’s bounty