Are you lucky enough to have extra room in your apartment? If so, there are plenty of ways to make use of it. Read on for great spare room ideas.
Ready for guests
Turn your spare room into a guest room so you can host out-of-town friends and family. A daybed works as a sofa for you and sleeping quarters for your visitor. Add a night table and perhaps some space in the closet, and you’re ready for your mom or your German pen pal.
A home office
You can create an office workspace in your apartment at the kitchen table, so imagine what you could do with a whole room? A desk, chair, filing cabinet and bookshelf create a fully-equipped private workspace — an office away from the office. Bring in a comfortable seat to lounge on, and you can read or teleconference in comfort.
Your own library
If you are an avid reader who owns a lot of books, creating a library may be an excellent use for your apartment spare room. With today’s (mostly) easy-to-assemble modular shelves and room dividers, it’s simple to create wall-to-wall bookcases. Add cozy seating, a throw and a fireplace (or a nice space heater), and you have a quiet corner for a good read with a cup of your favorite beverage.
Play room
A place to play gives your apartment a feeling of creative freedom and confines toy chaos to a home of its own. To add play potential to your extra room, use modular frames to hold bins of toys and games. You also use this wide-open space for a train table, a doll house, bean bag chairs or a rocking horse.
Craft room
Do you like to bead, knit or scrapbook? Make your extra room an artistic oasis. Under-the-table rolling drawers hold art and craft materials and are easy to hide when not in use. You can store a taller version in the closet. A simple table or one that can store all of your supplies gives you plenty of dedicated work space.
At-home gym
Who needs a gym, when you have workout space at home? A television set with DVD player stands by for exercise discs, and exercise mats can stow away easily in a closet or roll up into an attractive basket. Add weights and other equipment to your regimen and store them in a handy shelves and bins unit.
Entertainment room
Maybe you’d like a place just to watch movies and television, or play video games. With an entertainment center, a small sofa, comfortable chairs or bean bags, you can invite friends for the game or spend uninterrupted hours with your Wii or PlayStation.
Do you need a roommate?
Of course, the most lucrative use for your extra room is to rent it out. Think hard about whether you’re really ready to share your home and deal with another person’s lifestyle and habits before you begin the process. You can find a roommate through word of mouth, a classified ad or via a roommate referral service. If you decide to take on a roommate, however, make sure to talk with your apartment manager and them onto the lease so you are covered should something happen.
Have you got too many rooms on your hands? The possible uses for an extra room are limited only by your imagination. See how much you can make your spare room multitask, and you could expand the living space of your apartment in ways you never thought possible.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Finding a Veterinarian
Getting a new pet can be exciting — and challenging. In addition to planning your day around walks or keeping abreast of litter-box changes, you’ll need to find a good veterinarian who can help you keep your pet healthy. But if you’ve moved to a new city, you might not know how to find a veterinarian. Here are some suggestions to help you find the best doctor for your pet.
What kind of pet do you have?
What you need in a veterinarian may depend on the type of pet you have. If your new pet is a dog or cat, especially a mixed breed, almost all veterinarians will have experience with treatment. But a particular breed of dog or cat, or a less common pet, may necessitate seeking out a vet with experience with that breed or animal. If you bought your pet from a breeder you trust, you can ask that breeder for recommendations. If you’re moving to a new place, Google to see if there’s a community of pet owners in your area. Odds are that if you have a particularly exotic pet, the community is relatively small, and a majority of the group goes to only one or two veterinarians in the area. Bird owners can get information from the Association of Avian Veterinarians .
Get recommendations
If you have a dog or cat, you have more options, so you may have more trouble figuring out which veterinarian would be best. You can ask for recommendations from fellow pet owners in your apartment community, or go on a website that specializes in recommendations and reviews, such as Angie’s List . Another resource is your state veterinary medical association. The American Veterinary Medical Association has links to all 50 state associations. Through the state association, you can check to see if a particular veterinarian is licensed.
Emergency care
You’ll need not only a veterinarian (your pet’s equivalent of your “general practitioner”) but information about where to take your pet in case of a medical emergency. HealthyPet.com, run by the American Animal Hospital Association, offers a directory of accredited veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons also has a search tool for pet owners. You may find a veterinarian who practices at a 24-hour clinic, or one affiliated with a local hospital. When you’re checking out a veterinarian, find out not only the office’s hours and practices, but its general referral customs.
Veterinary schools
One resource you might overlook is local veterinary schools. If you live near a university with a large veterinary program, you may be able to get your pet treated at the university hospital; if not, you may be able to get information about alumni practicing in your area. US News and World Report last ranked the best veterinary education programs in 2007. But even a smaller veterinary program will have resources to help you locate a recommended veterinarian. Veterinary schools will also be good resources for pets who need specialized treatment, such as vision or hearing problems.
Checking out the vet
Once you find a veterinarian, act as if you’re choosing a doctor for yourself. Visit the office and see how the staff acts towards you and your pet. “Bedside manner” is as important with vets as it is with doctors; if you feel that your questions, or your pet’s distress, are being ignored, then trust your instincts and keep looking. Convenient location will be a factor with an emergency hospital, but don’t make it a primary concern with a veterinarian: for the majority of your pet’s life, if your pet is healthy, you’ll only be making the trip twice a year
What kind of pet do you have?
What you need in a veterinarian may depend on the type of pet you have. If your new pet is a dog or cat, especially a mixed breed, almost all veterinarians will have experience with treatment. But a particular breed of dog or cat, or a less common pet, may necessitate seeking out a vet with experience with that breed or animal. If you bought your pet from a breeder you trust, you can ask that breeder for recommendations. If you’re moving to a new place, Google to see if there’s a community of pet owners in your area. Odds are that if you have a particularly exotic pet, the community is relatively small, and a majority of the group goes to only one or two veterinarians in the area. Bird owners can get information from the Association of Avian Veterinarians .
Get recommendations
If you have a dog or cat, you have more options, so you may have more trouble figuring out which veterinarian would be best. You can ask for recommendations from fellow pet owners in your apartment community, or go on a website that specializes in recommendations and reviews, such as Angie’s List . Another resource is your state veterinary medical association. The American Veterinary Medical Association has links to all 50 state associations. Through the state association, you can check to see if a particular veterinarian is licensed.
Emergency care
You’ll need not only a veterinarian (your pet’s equivalent of your “general practitioner”) but information about where to take your pet in case of a medical emergency. HealthyPet.com, run by the American Animal Hospital Association, offers a directory of accredited veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons also has a search tool for pet owners. You may find a veterinarian who practices at a 24-hour clinic, or one affiliated with a local hospital. When you’re checking out a veterinarian, find out not only the office’s hours and practices, but its general referral customs.
Veterinary schools
One resource you might overlook is local veterinary schools. If you live near a university with a large veterinary program, you may be able to get your pet treated at the university hospital; if not, you may be able to get information about alumni practicing in your area. US News and World Report last ranked the best veterinary education programs in 2007. But even a smaller veterinary program will have resources to help you locate a recommended veterinarian. Veterinary schools will also be good resources for pets who need specialized treatment, such as vision or hearing problems.
Checking out the vet
Once you find a veterinarian, act as if you’re choosing a doctor for yourself. Visit the office and see how the staff acts towards you and your pet. “Bedside manner” is as important with vets as it is with doctors; if you feel that your questions, or your pet’s distress, are being ignored, then trust your instincts and keep looking. Convenient location will be a factor with an emergency hospital, but don’t make it a primary concern with a veterinarian: for the majority of your pet’s life, if your pet is healthy, you’ll only be making the trip twice a year
Monday, September 20, 2010
Avoid These Apartment Decorating Mistakes
You might think decorating your apartment will be a piece of cake: Throw some paint on the wall, add some throw pillows and hang a few photos, and you’re done. But be careful, decorating haphazardly could lead you to make some classic apartment decorating mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get your apartment decorating off on the right track and avoid apartment decorating mistakes.
Decorating Mistake # 1: Ignoring the walls
Even if you pick the right furniture, accessories and window treatments for a room your decorating scheme can fall flat if you ignore the walls. You don’t have to pick a bold color for your walls or attempt a difficult finish, but if your walls are looking flat, do something. Whether you paint them or hang paintings on them your walls could be an amazing accent to your decorating scheme.
Decorating Mistake #2: Doing too much
You may think you are never finished decorating a room. But adding too many decorative elements in a room is just as bad as adding too few. Too much of one color, for instance, can be overwhelming to the eye. Break up monotonous color schemes with a flash of bold color. Use accessories wisely. Sometimes a clean, elegant look is the best way to go.
Decorating Mistake #3: Bare windows
Window treatments are a great way to add a focal point to your apartment, accessorize an existing decorating scheme or hide unsightly views right outside your window. The good news is that there’s no shortage of options for window treatments. Whether you choose blinds, shades, curtains or draperies, you’re covered.
Decorating Mistake #4: Too much clutter
No matter how well-decorated a room is, if it has too much clutter it will look messy. So get organized, clear out the clutter and keep your apartment looking neat.
Decorating Mistake #5: Using the wrong size furniture
Furniture that is too big for a room can make it seem tiny. The reverse is true as well: small furniture in a large room can make it seem sparse and under-decorated. So think of scale when choosing furniture pieces for your apartment.
Decorating Mistake #5: Looking outdated
Your room can look 90 percent perfect, but one badly outdated piece of furniture or design element can bring the whole room down with it. Get rid of outmoded furniture or accessories. If the offending piece is not in style anymore, your room won’t be either.
Avoid these common decorating mistakes and you will be able to decorate your apartment with style and ease.
Decorating Mistake # 1: Ignoring the walls
Even if you pick the right furniture, accessories and window treatments for a room your decorating scheme can fall flat if you ignore the walls. You don’t have to pick a bold color for your walls or attempt a difficult finish, but if your walls are looking flat, do something. Whether you paint them or hang paintings on them your walls could be an amazing accent to your decorating scheme.
Decorating Mistake #2: Doing too much
You may think you are never finished decorating a room. But adding too many decorative elements in a room is just as bad as adding too few. Too much of one color, for instance, can be overwhelming to the eye. Break up monotonous color schemes with a flash of bold color. Use accessories wisely. Sometimes a clean, elegant look is the best way to go.
Decorating Mistake #3: Bare windows
Window treatments are a great way to add a focal point to your apartment, accessorize an existing decorating scheme or hide unsightly views right outside your window. The good news is that there’s no shortage of options for window treatments. Whether you choose blinds, shades, curtains or draperies, you’re covered.
Decorating Mistake #4: Too much clutter
No matter how well-decorated a room is, if it has too much clutter it will look messy. So get organized, clear out the clutter and keep your apartment looking neat.
Decorating Mistake #5: Using the wrong size furniture
Furniture that is too big for a room can make it seem tiny. The reverse is true as well: small furniture in a large room can make it seem sparse and under-decorated. So think of scale when choosing furniture pieces for your apartment.
Decorating Mistake #5: Looking outdated
Your room can look 90 percent perfect, but one badly outdated piece of furniture or design element can bring the whole room down with it. Get rid of outmoded furniture or accessories. If the offending piece is not in style anymore, your room won’t be either.
Avoid these common decorating mistakes and you will be able to decorate your apartment with style and ease.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sharing a Kitchen with your Roommate
Sharing a kitchen might conjure homey images of collaborative meals cooked with good friends. Or does it make you think of stealing food from the fridge and the dirty dishes that won’t go away?
You can make your apartment kitchen a happy place for you and your roommate; just follow these tips.
Set some ground rules
You don’t have to be hard about kitchen do’s and don’ts, just clear. Before you and your roommate move in together, take the time to set up the ground rules. Decide how the meals will be prepared, for instance. If you are friendly enough, with schedules that cooperate, you and your apartment roommate may want to do meals together or pick a night of the week where you can. On the other hand, you might absolutely want to do your own kitchen thing for every meal.
You’ll want to be clear on whether you’ll be sharing food expenses. And if there are dietary issues, such as food allergies or vegetarianism, get those issues worked out at the beginning.
Who buys what?
Food ownership is one of the stickiest issues when it comes to sharing a kitchen. In most roommate situations there is usually one person who eats something “different.” That could be a special brand or a specific kind of diet. In these instances, it’s a good idea to do separate grocery runs and consider sharing expenses on uncontroversial food items. Items that go bad or stale quickly, like milk and bread, are good to share.
If you happen to find yourself in total food harmony with your apartment roommate, go ahead and divide up the grocery bill and the task of shopping. Just try not to scarf all of the peanut butter.
Sharing tools and equipment
As in any relationship, you and your roommate will probably come to the arrangement armed with a few of your favorite tools. You’ll both want to be careful if there are certain pans, appliances, cutting boards or utensils that shouldn’t come in contact with specific foods. Maybe you’ve got an heirloom cast-iron skillet, or your roommate treasures a top-of-the-line food processor. Do you trust your roommate not to ruin the 100-year finish on the skillet when washing up, and can you handle the bells and whistles of her expensive small appliance? Be honest with each other up front to avoid future tears and/or bloodshed.
Excited about sharing a kitchen with your apartment roommate? You should be! The kitchen space can be a comfortable place to catch up after a long day, over some good food. Just be sure to get your kitchen issues out early and create a happy space for chatting and chewing.
You can make your apartment kitchen a happy place for you and your roommate; just follow these tips.
Set some ground rules
You don’t have to be hard about kitchen do’s and don’ts, just clear. Before you and your roommate move in together, take the time to set up the ground rules. Decide how the meals will be prepared, for instance. If you are friendly enough, with schedules that cooperate, you and your apartment roommate may want to do meals together or pick a night of the week where you can. On the other hand, you might absolutely want to do your own kitchen thing for every meal.
You’ll want to be clear on whether you’ll be sharing food expenses. And if there are dietary issues, such as food allergies or vegetarianism, get those issues worked out at the beginning.
Who buys what?
Food ownership is one of the stickiest issues when it comes to sharing a kitchen. In most roommate situations there is usually one person who eats something “different.” That could be a special brand or a specific kind of diet. In these instances, it’s a good idea to do separate grocery runs and consider sharing expenses on uncontroversial food items. Items that go bad or stale quickly, like milk and bread, are good to share.
If you happen to find yourself in total food harmony with your apartment roommate, go ahead and divide up the grocery bill and the task of shopping. Just try not to scarf all of the peanut butter.
Sharing tools and equipment
As in any relationship, you and your roommate will probably come to the arrangement armed with a few of your favorite tools. You’ll both want to be careful if there are certain pans, appliances, cutting boards or utensils that shouldn’t come in contact with specific foods. Maybe you’ve got an heirloom cast-iron skillet, or your roommate treasures a top-of-the-line food processor. Do you trust your roommate not to ruin the 100-year finish on the skillet when washing up, and can you handle the bells and whistles of her expensive small appliance? Be honest with each other up front to avoid future tears and/or bloodshed.
Excited about sharing a kitchen with your apartment roommate? You should be! The kitchen space can be a comfortable place to catch up after a long day, over some good food. Just be sure to get your kitchen issues out early and create a happy space for chatting and chewing.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FREE TURKEY DINNER
All Sumter Square Residents need to come into the office starting October 11, 2010 and enter to win a turkey dinner for 8-10 people!
*****FREE RAFFLE*****
You could win:
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
The winner of the drawing will be picked on November 18th, 2010.
*****FREE RAFFLE*****
You could win:
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
The winner of the drawing will be picked on November 18th, 2010.
TRICK OR TREAT
October 27th thru October 29th, 2010
Come by the office dressed in your favorite costume!
We will be taking pictures of all our fairies and goblins for our Facebook and Blog, so be sure to make your sweetest..or scariest!...face for the camera!
After your picture, you will get a special GOODY BAG full of halloween treats. We promise..no tricks!
(Please be in costume to recieve your treat)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Assemble a Home Theater in Your Apartment
An upgrade to your living room sound system can make a huge difference in the way you listen to music and watch TV. Learn how to shop for a home theater system that fits your needs and your budget with these home theater set-up tips.
Getting started
When you shop for a home theater system, first consider what you really want. Are you a serious audiophile who wants booming bass, or do you simply want to enhance your TV’s sound? Knowing what you want to experience from your home audio-visual system will help you determine how much to spend for that experience.
If you want your home theater design to include the best of everything, your best bet is to buy separate components and customize your system. You can choose your components to ensure they have enough power to fill your space with high-quality sound. Be prepared to budget generously for the best equipment, though doing a little research may help you find quality that approaches the best and remains affordable.
For the average person, building a custom home theater system may not be necessary. Instead, a prepackaged home theater system may be the best option. Prepackaged home theater systems are affordable, with decent packages starting around $200. Even if you want to upgrade to a high-definition blu-ray player, you can still find a great system for under $500. These prepackaged sets include everything you need: speakers, wires, subwoofer, and other connections. They’re made to be idiot-proof and usually install in just a few minutes.
Home theater shopping tips
Here are a few tips you can use when shopping for a home theater system:
•If you assemble your home theater system a la carte, do research to find components that work well together. Your system is only as good as its weakest link.
•With audio gear, your opinion is the one that matters most. Test out potential sound systems in the store and pick the one that sounds best to you — don’t just choose a system based on its price.
•If you already have a DVD player, you could save money by getting a system that doesn’t include one.
•Make sure a system has enough inputs and outputs. If you need to plug in components like a camcorder or MP3 player regularly, look for front panel inputs.
•Think about the kind of sound you want. If you want true surround sound, you need a full complement of speakers for the whole living room. (Keep in mind that these systems usually require you to run wires across your room to get the best effect. Only wireless home theaters don’t.) If you just want to enhance your TV’s sound, a system that includes two front speakers and a subwoofer is all you need.
Whatever system you choose, check the store’s return policy before you buy. A home theater system will sound different in the store than it does in your apartment. That’s because your own unique environment affects how sound waves reach your ears. If your new system doesn’t sound good in your apartment, you should be able to take it back.
Home theater setup tips
Keep your neighbors in mind when you set up your home theater. You may want to hear a movie from every room in your apartment, but your neighbor sure doesn’t. Keep volume levels under control by taking a few precautions during installation. Install speakers on spikes, and keep subwoofers away from shared walls to deaden loud vibrations. This way, you can enjoy your new sound system while your neighbor enjoys her sleep.
Getting started
When you shop for a home theater system, first consider what you really want. Are you a serious audiophile who wants booming bass, or do you simply want to enhance your TV’s sound? Knowing what you want to experience from your home audio-visual system will help you determine how much to spend for that experience.
If you want your home theater design to include the best of everything, your best bet is to buy separate components and customize your system. You can choose your components to ensure they have enough power to fill your space with high-quality sound. Be prepared to budget generously for the best equipment, though doing a little research may help you find quality that approaches the best and remains affordable.
For the average person, building a custom home theater system may not be necessary. Instead, a prepackaged home theater system may be the best option. Prepackaged home theater systems are affordable, with decent packages starting around $200. Even if you want to upgrade to a high-definition blu-ray player, you can still find a great system for under $500. These prepackaged sets include everything you need: speakers, wires, subwoofer, and other connections. They’re made to be idiot-proof and usually install in just a few minutes.
Home theater shopping tips
Here are a few tips you can use when shopping for a home theater system:
•If you assemble your home theater system a la carte, do research to find components that work well together. Your system is only as good as its weakest link.
•With audio gear, your opinion is the one that matters most. Test out potential sound systems in the store and pick the one that sounds best to you — don’t just choose a system based on its price.
•If you already have a DVD player, you could save money by getting a system that doesn’t include one.
•Make sure a system has enough inputs and outputs. If you need to plug in components like a camcorder or MP3 player regularly, look for front panel inputs.
•Think about the kind of sound you want. If you want true surround sound, you need a full complement of speakers for the whole living room. (Keep in mind that these systems usually require you to run wires across your room to get the best effect. Only wireless home theaters don’t.) If you just want to enhance your TV’s sound, a system that includes two front speakers and a subwoofer is all you need.
Whatever system you choose, check the store’s return policy before you buy. A home theater system will sound different in the store than it does in your apartment. That’s because your own unique environment affects how sound waves reach your ears. If your new system doesn’t sound good in your apartment, you should be able to take it back.
Home theater setup tips
Keep your neighbors in mind when you set up your home theater. You may want to hear a movie from every room in your apartment, but your neighbor sure doesn’t. Keep volume levels under control by taking a few precautions during installation. Install speakers on spikes, and keep subwoofers away from shared walls to deaden loud vibrations. This way, you can enjoy your new sound system while your neighbor enjoys her sleep.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How to Pack Fragile Items
Worried that your fragile items might not survive the trip to your new digs? Relax. Pack fragile items safely by following some simple packing tips.
To get started, all you need are the right tools. The following moving supplies are musts for moving fragile objects:•Newsprint
•Packing or masking tape
•Markers
•Bubble wrap
•Cardboard boxes
•Styrofoam peanuts
•Stretch plastic wrap
Glassware and china
When it comes to packing fragile plates or collectibles, the key is to give each item individual attention before stowing it away in a box.
Start by preparing a cardboard box, securing the bottom with packing tape. (Wooden boxes are also good options.) Use as small a box as possible for the items — even if that means you’ll use three smaller boxes to pack your entire china collection. Smaller boxes are lighter, and therefore easier to carry. If you’re packing stemware, get a special stemware box from a moving store. These boxes provide individual slots for glasses.
Next add a shock-absorbing layer of bubble wrap to the bottom of your box. Then wrap each individual fragile item in bubble wrap or newsprint. (Use blank newsprint for your glasses and dishes. Since it doesn’t have ink on it, it won’t stain or dirty your china.) Stack the wrapped items in your box — heavier items on the bottom, lighter items on the top — taking care not to overstuff it. Finally, pour in Styrofoam peanuts to fill up empty spaces and provide secondary cushioning.
After you tape up your box, mark it as fragile. You may even want to wrap it with red fragile tape (available at large moving stores) to make it easily identifiable. Professional movers will save these fragile boxes for last. If you’re moving yourself, do the same. And for truly priceless fragile items, transport them in the car where you’ll have more control over the bumpiness of the ride.
Mirrors and artwork
The glass in framed artwork or mirrors can shift around during a move, so it’s best to tape it. Apply masking tape in a star pattern on the glass to prevent sliding and safeguard against injury should the glass break during transit.
After the glass is secured, protect corners from dings with Styrofoam corner protectors (available at moving stores) or wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, if possible.
If you plan on transporting your artwork in the car, the bubble wrap may be all the protective cushion you need. However, if you plan to pack fragile art or mirrors on a moving truck, buy an artwork box or crate. These slotted boxes prevent pieces from rubbing together.
Electronics
When it comes to moving fragile electronics, their original containers are the best protective packaging. But if you can’t find the original boxes, you can still pack electronics safely. Choose a box that’s slightly larger than your component, and layer it with bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts before and after inserting individual pieces.
Before you pack fragile electronics, make sure they’re empty of CDs or DVDs. And when it comes to your computer, back up all of your important files just to be safe. Don’t forget to secure any of the moving parts on your components with stretch plastic wrap. While you’re at it, make unpacking easier by labeling any wires or adapters before you put them into a box.
Furniture
Stretch plastic wrap is your best friend when it comes to moving fragile furniture. Wrapping the plastic around your furniture protects against dirt and scratches. It also prevents drawers from sliding out.
Before you load your fragile furniture on the moving truck, make sure you’ve covered its legs or casters. These delicate pieces are susceptible to breaks, so guard them with bubble wrap. Load these heavy items on the truck first and cover them with furniture blankets to provide cushioning.
Unloading
Pack fragile items safely and securely, and they’ll be no regrets when you unload. A little planning can also make the process go by quicker: take a moment to label each box’s final destination when you pack, and you’ll know exactly where it should end up in your new place without opening it.
To get started, all you need are the right tools. The following moving supplies are musts for moving fragile objects:•Newsprint
•Packing or masking tape
•Markers
•Bubble wrap
•Cardboard boxes
•Styrofoam peanuts
•Stretch plastic wrap
Glassware and china
When it comes to packing fragile plates or collectibles, the key is to give each item individual attention before stowing it away in a box.
Start by preparing a cardboard box, securing the bottom with packing tape. (Wooden boxes are also good options.) Use as small a box as possible for the items — even if that means you’ll use three smaller boxes to pack your entire china collection. Smaller boxes are lighter, and therefore easier to carry. If you’re packing stemware, get a special stemware box from a moving store. These boxes provide individual slots for glasses.
Next add a shock-absorbing layer of bubble wrap to the bottom of your box. Then wrap each individual fragile item in bubble wrap or newsprint. (Use blank newsprint for your glasses and dishes. Since it doesn’t have ink on it, it won’t stain or dirty your china.) Stack the wrapped items in your box — heavier items on the bottom, lighter items on the top — taking care not to overstuff it. Finally, pour in Styrofoam peanuts to fill up empty spaces and provide secondary cushioning.
After you tape up your box, mark it as fragile. You may even want to wrap it with red fragile tape (available at large moving stores) to make it easily identifiable. Professional movers will save these fragile boxes for last. If you’re moving yourself, do the same. And for truly priceless fragile items, transport them in the car where you’ll have more control over the bumpiness of the ride.
Mirrors and artwork
The glass in framed artwork or mirrors can shift around during a move, so it’s best to tape it. Apply masking tape in a star pattern on the glass to prevent sliding and safeguard against injury should the glass break during transit.
After the glass is secured, protect corners from dings with Styrofoam corner protectors (available at moving stores) or wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, if possible.
If you plan on transporting your artwork in the car, the bubble wrap may be all the protective cushion you need. However, if you plan to pack fragile art or mirrors on a moving truck, buy an artwork box or crate. These slotted boxes prevent pieces from rubbing together.
Electronics
When it comes to moving fragile electronics, their original containers are the best protective packaging. But if you can’t find the original boxes, you can still pack electronics safely. Choose a box that’s slightly larger than your component, and layer it with bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts before and after inserting individual pieces.
Before you pack fragile electronics, make sure they’re empty of CDs or DVDs. And when it comes to your computer, back up all of your important files just to be safe. Don’t forget to secure any of the moving parts on your components with stretch plastic wrap. While you’re at it, make unpacking easier by labeling any wires or adapters before you put them into a box.
Furniture
Stretch plastic wrap is your best friend when it comes to moving fragile furniture. Wrapping the plastic around your furniture protects against dirt and scratches. It also prevents drawers from sliding out.
Before you load your fragile furniture on the moving truck, make sure you’ve covered its legs or casters. These delicate pieces are susceptible to breaks, so guard them with bubble wrap. Load these heavy items on the truck first and cover them with furniture blankets to provide cushioning.
Unloading
Pack fragile items safely and securely, and they’ll be no regrets when you unload. A little planning can also make the process go by quicker: take a moment to label each box’s final destination when you pack, and you’ll know exactly where it should end up in your new place without opening it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES presents BUG FEST!!!!!!!!!!
http://bugfest.org/
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9 am–7 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and all four floors of the Museum will be filled with buggy fun!
Enjoy the entertaining displays, exhibits and activities — both inside and outside the Museum.
Learn about arthropods, which make up three-quarters of all animals on Earth, during fascinating presentations.
Taste delectable dishes featuring creepy crawlers as a major ingredient at Café Insecta.
Join the moths, fireflies and katydids for an exhilarating evening of nocturnal activities at the Evening Insectival.
Beekeeping Workshop
Bring an unusual bug to the Stump the Experts table
This year’s theme is aquatic bugs!
BugFest Illustration Contest
We invite you to illustrate your best and most realistic version of a bioluminescent or aquatic bug in its natural surroundings. Judging will be based on artistic merit and scientific accuracy.
Three winners from each of five age groups will receive a prize. All entrants receive one free child's admission to GLOW.
Illustrations will now be accepted through August 31, 2010. Winning entries will be displayed at BugFest on September 11, with the Grand Prize winner selected on site by event attendees.
Submission Form
BUGFEST
9 am–5 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and all four floors of the Museum will be filled with buggy fun!
BUGFEST: Evening Insectival
5–7 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and the first and second floors of the Museum will be teeming with live bands, bug stations, a nocturnal insect tour and a street carnival.
About the Evening Insectival
Special BugFest $4 Discount Tickets to GLOW: Living Lights
Open late! Last ticket sold @ 6 pm.
Workshop: The Backyard Beekeeper
Session 1: 10:30–noon
Session 2: 1:30–3 pm
If you have ever dreamed of keeping honeybees or you simply find them fascinating, then this class is for you. We will explore the biology and management of a backyard hive and see an active honeybee hive. Additionally we’ll learn about an interesting, low-cost approach to keeping backyard bees and where to obtain honeybees, equipment and advice. Oh, and let’s not forget the honey! You will witness an easy, affordable way to harvest the honey from your bees.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-Registration Required.
To register, fill out the registration form and email it to Kari Wouk at kari.wouk@ncdenr.gov or call 919.733.7450 x502.
Fee: $10 per person
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer for BugFest 2010
BugFest is the kickoff event for the NC Science Festival, September 11-26, 2010.
BugFest is made possible by generous gifts from the following sponsors:
Lead Sponsor
Terminix Company of Eastern NC
Also sponsored by:
Armstrong Cricket Farm
Bruegger's
Caribou Coffee
Clif Bar
Chick-fil-A (Capital Crossings , Falls Village & Fayeteville Street stores)
Mitchell's Catering
Pepsi Bottling Ventures, LLC
Whole Foods Market
Event presentations and displays are subject to change without notice.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9 am–7 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and all four floors of the Museum will be filled with buggy fun!
Enjoy the entertaining displays, exhibits and activities — both inside and outside the Museum.
Learn about arthropods, which make up three-quarters of all animals on Earth, during fascinating presentations.
Taste delectable dishes featuring creepy crawlers as a major ingredient at Café Insecta.
Join the moths, fireflies and katydids for an exhilarating evening of nocturnal activities at the Evening Insectival.
Beekeeping Workshop
Bring an unusual bug to the Stump the Experts table
This year’s theme is aquatic bugs!
BugFest Illustration Contest
We invite you to illustrate your best and most realistic version of a bioluminescent or aquatic bug in its natural surroundings. Judging will be based on artistic merit and scientific accuracy.
Three winners from each of five age groups will receive a prize. All entrants receive one free child's admission to GLOW.
Illustrations will now be accepted through August 31, 2010. Winning entries will be displayed at BugFest on September 11, with the Grand Prize winner selected on site by event attendees.
Submission Form
BUGFEST
9 am–5 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and all four floors of the Museum will be filled with buggy fun!
BUGFEST: Evening Insectival
5–7 pm
Jones Street, The Plaza, Edenton Street, and the first and second floors of the Museum will be teeming with live bands, bug stations, a nocturnal insect tour and a street carnival.
About the Evening Insectival
Special BugFest $4 Discount Tickets to GLOW: Living Lights
Open late! Last ticket sold @ 6 pm.
Workshop: The Backyard Beekeeper
Session 1: 10:30–noon
Session 2: 1:30–3 pm
If you have ever dreamed of keeping honeybees or you simply find them fascinating, then this class is for you. We will explore the biology and management of a backyard hive and see an active honeybee hive. Additionally we’ll learn about an interesting, low-cost approach to keeping backyard bees and where to obtain honeybees, equipment and advice. Oh, and let’s not forget the honey! You will witness an easy, affordable way to harvest the honey from your bees.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-Registration Required.
To register, fill out the registration form and email it to Kari Wouk at kari.wouk@ncdenr.gov or call 919.733.7450 x502.
Fee: $10 per person
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer for BugFest 2010
BugFest is the kickoff event for the NC Science Festival, September 11-26, 2010.
BugFest is made possible by generous gifts from the following sponsors:
Lead Sponsor
Terminix Company of Eastern NC
Also sponsored by:
Armstrong Cricket Farm
Bruegger's
Caribou Coffee
Clif Bar
Chick-fil-A (Capital Crossings , Falls Village & Fayeteville Street stores)
Mitchell's Catering
Pepsi Bottling Ventures, LLC
Whole Foods Market
Event presentations and displays are subject to change without notice.
Splitting Bills with a Roommate
Paying bills is never fun. Having a roommate, or more than one, can make bill-paying much less stressful… or much more. Here are some tips for managing apartment bill-paying among roommates.
Types of apartment bills
You’ll encounter three types of bills: monthly bills for a fixed amount; monthly bills for which the amount varies every month; and variable bills. Your rent will almost certainly be the first type of bill. The second type includes most utility bills, although some may be a fixed amount, such as your cable bill or your gas bill if you choose a fixed-rate plan. The third type will include everything from groceries to cleaning supplies to repair bills on shared items. With each type of bill, you have to decide how you’ll split costs and how you’ll handle the actual payments.
Work out the details
Rent may be the easiest bill to handle, since you know how much it will be and when it will be due. You may also be able to handle utilities through separate payments, although you run the risk of everyone’s power being turned off if one roommate is late paying his or her share of the power bill. You may be able to decide whether to put the utilities in the name of everyone on the lease or just one roommate.
Have someone in charge of bills?
Another way to handle bills is to designate one roommate as the bill-payer and have other roommates pay or reimburse him or her. If one roommate feels better having control over the process, this may be the best strategy. Be warned, though, that while things can be tense if one roommate owes money to the apartment community or the power company, they can be even worse if one roommate owes money to another.
Make an agreement
If you end up being the one who pays the bills, you may want to spell out in a roommate agreement what happens if one of your roommates falls short. What if one roommate is the one always talking on the phone? You might want to agree early on that, even if you’re dividing up bills equally to start, that’s subject to change if one person is responsible for increasing a bill. Similarly, one roommate might take on the bill for the extra cable channels or super-fast Internet access that he or she wants.
When all is said and done, you might end up owed, or owing, a few dollars, because you and your roommates are human and may make a mistake or two. For the benefit of long-term roommate harmony, you might let the occasional difference of a couple dollars slide. But if you feel you’re being taken advantage of, speak up about it quickly, rather than feeling resentful for a long time.
Types of apartment bills
You’ll encounter three types of bills: monthly bills for a fixed amount; monthly bills for which the amount varies every month; and variable bills. Your rent will almost certainly be the first type of bill. The second type includes most utility bills, although some may be a fixed amount, such as your cable bill or your gas bill if you choose a fixed-rate plan. The third type will include everything from groceries to cleaning supplies to repair bills on shared items. With each type of bill, you have to decide how you’ll split costs and how you’ll handle the actual payments.
Work out the details
Rent may be the easiest bill to handle, since you know how much it will be and when it will be due. You may also be able to handle utilities through separate payments, although you run the risk of everyone’s power being turned off if one roommate is late paying his or her share of the power bill. You may be able to decide whether to put the utilities in the name of everyone on the lease or just one roommate.
Have someone in charge of bills?
Another way to handle bills is to designate one roommate as the bill-payer and have other roommates pay or reimburse him or her. If one roommate feels better having control over the process, this may be the best strategy. Be warned, though, that while things can be tense if one roommate owes money to the apartment community or the power company, they can be even worse if one roommate owes money to another.
Make an agreement
If you end up being the one who pays the bills, you may want to spell out in a roommate agreement what happens if one of your roommates falls short. What if one roommate is the one always talking on the phone? You might want to agree early on that, even if you’re dividing up bills equally to start, that’s subject to change if one person is responsible for increasing a bill. Similarly, one roommate might take on the bill for the extra cable channels or super-fast Internet access that he or she wants.
When all is said and done, you might end up owed, or owing, a few dollars, because you and your roommates are human and may make a mistake or two. For the benefit of long-term roommate harmony, you might let the occasional difference of a couple dollars slide. But if you feel you’re being taken advantage of, speak up about it quickly, rather than feeling resentful for a long time.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Win a day at the NC State Fair on Sumter Square!
Come by the office if you live with us at Sumter Square,
and enter to win a day of fun at the State Fair!!
What can you win?
6 Adult Admission Tickets (good for children too!)
90 Ride Tickets
$50 Cash for games or food
Come by the office anytime before October 5, 2010
and drop your raffle ticket into the box.
Every apartment gets 1 entry.
You do not purchase a ticket for this raffle...entry is always FREE at The Square!
As always, we are excited to be a part of the fun!
and enter to win a day of fun at the State Fair!!
What can you win?
6 Adult Admission Tickets (good for children too!)
90 Ride Tickets
$50 Cash for games or food
Come by the office anytime before October 5, 2010
and drop your raffle ticket into the box.
Every apartment gets 1 entry.
You do not purchase a ticket for this raffle...entry is always FREE at The Square!
As always, we are excited to be a part of the fun!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Helping Your Kids Share a Bedroom
Whether you’ve got another child on the way, live in a smaller apartment, or want to create an extra common space, you may decide that your kids need to share a bedroom. Read on to discover how to help the experience bring them closer, rather than create a territory war.
The pros
As a parent, consider some of the benefits of having your kids share a bedroom. You kids may learn to work together better. They may develop negotiation skills for solving problems and learn to better respect each other’s property. This can all go a long way toward making your children better socialized with each other and the world at large.
The cons
Gauge the temperaments of your kids. Think about how your children interact, and consider whether sharing a space is realistic. The need for privacy among older kids is a consideration, especially when sharing space also means involuntarily sharing friends. Once opposite-sex siblings reach a certain age, sharing a bedroom may be a less healthy idea.
Talk about it
Companionship and the prospect of sharing clothes or toys may help change a resistant child’s mind. For a child who has only known his own room, the prospect of sharing a bedroom with a baby brother or sister may be an unwelcome one. Talk to your child about the ways that she can help her new sibling and take on new responsibilities. Remind your children about the benefits of the extra space: their shared bedroom means a dedicated play or family room in the apartment.
Divide it up
The two biggest roadblocks to happy room-sharing are space and privacy. To guarantee the former, label your children’s respective areas with a label maker, decorative stickers or signs. Set up separate bins or storage units on opposite sides of the room or in different closets, if possible. Giving your kids a sense of control over what is available to them — and helping them keep track of their things — could be real benefits to bedroom-sharing.
To help ensure privacy, especially among older children, you might allow for assigned times of the day when each one can have the apartment bedroom to herself. Invite the other child to relax with music or television in the family or living room, or visit a friend’s house, while her sibling spends her private room time.
Set the rules
To help reduce bickering, talk about the basic rules of respect with your kids. To start them off, you may even want to post a list of shared bedroom rules — items like asking before using the other’s toys, respecting the other’s choices and opinions, and reducing noise when the other is trying to study.
Whether you have happy or horrified memories of sharing a room with a sibling, weigh the pros and cons carefully for your children, considering their gender, temperament and age. You might be surprised by their willingness to give it a try, and they may be surprised by how it actually works for them.
The pros
As a parent, consider some of the benefits of having your kids share a bedroom. You kids may learn to work together better. They may develop negotiation skills for solving problems and learn to better respect each other’s property. This can all go a long way toward making your children better socialized with each other and the world at large.
The cons
Gauge the temperaments of your kids. Think about how your children interact, and consider whether sharing a space is realistic. The need for privacy among older kids is a consideration, especially when sharing space also means involuntarily sharing friends. Once opposite-sex siblings reach a certain age, sharing a bedroom may be a less healthy idea.
Talk about it
Companionship and the prospect of sharing clothes or toys may help change a resistant child’s mind. For a child who has only known his own room, the prospect of sharing a bedroom with a baby brother or sister may be an unwelcome one. Talk to your child about the ways that she can help her new sibling and take on new responsibilities. Remind your children about the benefits of the extra space: their shared bedroom means a dedicated play or family room in the apartment.
Divide it up
The two biggest roadblocks to happy room-sharing are space and privacy. To guarantee the former, label your children’s respective areas with a label maker, decorative stickers or signs. Set up separate bins or storage units on opposite sides of the room or in different closets, if possible. Giving your kids a sense of control over what is available to them — and helping them keep track of their things — could be real benefits to bedroom-sharing.
To help ensure privacy, especially among older children, you might allow for assigned times of the day when each one can have the apartment bedroom to herself. Invite the other child to relax with music or television in the family or living room, or visit a friend’s house, while her sibling spends her private room time.
Set the rules
To help reduce bickering, talk about the basic rules of respect with your kids. To start them off, you may even want to post a list of shared bedroom rules — items like asking before using the other’s toys, respecting the other’s choices and opinions, and reducing noise when the other is trying to study.
Whether you have happy or horrified memories of sharing a room with a sibling, weigh the pros and cons carefully for your children, considering their gender, temperament and age. You might be surprised by their willingness to give it a try, and they may be surprised by how it actually works for them.
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