sldkjfalksj Category Archives: Getting Started In Your New Apartment

10 Ways To Make Friends With Your Neighbors

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10 Ways To Make Friends With Your Neighbors

 

You’re moving to a new place. A new home, a new town, perhaps a new job, new people.

New can be nerve-racking as most folks take comfort in the familiar. So how do you find ways to feel at home? Settle in. Settle in to your new home by unpacking and surrounding yourself with the things you love. Settle into your new neighborhood by familiarizing yourself with the area and finding new favorite shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Settle in to work by getting to the commute route, your job functions, your boss, and coworkers. Settle in by making new friends. All these steps will lessen the disorientation you’ll feel when moving into a new apartment home. In our Neighborly Neighbors post, we chatted about the whys of making friends with neighbors. Today we’ll help by sharing the hows in 10 ways to make friends with your neighbors.

If the thought of introducing yourself to strangers breaks you out in a cold sweat like it does me, rest assured are ways to ease into it without feeling super awkward. Neighbors are plentiful in an apartment community and there are many ways to connect with them. Check out these easy ways to turn saying, “Hi!” to neighbors to making friends with them.

1. Get Noticed

If your community allows it, let your neighbors know there’s a new kid on the block. Add a fun doormat, hang a wreath, place a pretty pot of flowers or a small bench by the door so they’ll notice a fresh change. Now this may sound unusual – but it’s so fun – hang cute (legible!) note on your door inviting your neighbors to knock. “Just moved in! Stop by to say hi!” Many people want to become friends with their neighbors too, so this can be the bit of encouragement they need. And most folks will want to befriend someone who obviously cares about their place.

2. Host A Meet & Greet Party

Even though you won’t (obviously) know your apartment neighbors yet, it’s quite possible that they don’t know each other either. A welcome party is a great way to not only meet them but to provide opportunities for them to connect with each other. Drop off an invitation at the door of each neighbor in your entryway, building, or on your floor. Call it a Meet & Greet. Have it for just a couple of hours and provide snacks. Ask everyone to bring their own beverages if you want to keep costs down. This is such an easy way to entertain and start down the path of making new friends!

3. Get Social (Media)

Many apartment communities will have Facebook groups for their residents or a Facebook page for the community itself. If you can’t find one, start by joining neighborhood groups. Chances are there are at least one or two of your apartment neighbors in those groups as well. Sometimes it’s easier to strike up a conversation naturally online.

4. Chit-Chat In Passing 

A bit cliché, but making small talk while you are coming and going to your door or your car can open doors to new friendships. Saying hi to neighbors is quick, easy, and gets the ball rolling. If you don’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger, try asking a question about the building and let them know you’re new. If you’d prefer a different approach, try complimenting them! Everyone responds well to a genuine compliment.  Once, when moving to a new place, a neighbor approached as I was walking to the trash corral. He said, “Hi, I’m Jesse. Welcome to the building. I live in apartment 2. You just knock on my door if you ever need a cup of sugar!” Jesse is from South Carolina, so his offer in that sweet southern accent just made my day. Even without an accent, it’s a really nice way to say hello.

5. Use The Amenities 

If your apartment community has a gym, pool, business center, walking trail, or bark park, use it! This is a great way to meet folk with whom you share a common interest and makes starting a conversation pretty darn easy. Plus you’ll quickly learn who the regulars are. Start by waving or saying hello to the people you recognize. Then, whenever the chance presents itself, strike up a conversation. If you’re not sure what to talk about, make a comment or ask a question about the amenity you’re both using.

6. Show Your Face

Attend events hosted by your apartment community. Many communities host events or mixers to help residents connect with each other. For anyone trying to figure out how to meet friends in a new city, this is a great way to meet people in similar situations or with similar interests! Keep in mind that there are probably others looking to make friends, too. If the building itself doesn’t host events, that doesn’t mean others can’t. Many communities have digital bulletin boards within their online resident portals. Don’t ignore them – check frequently to see if anything catches your eye.

7. Bring Fido

Dogs are the perfect icebreaker – almost everyone want to pet a pup, and it’s easier for most folks to say, “hi” to a dog than a person. So if you have a dog, bring him or her with you when you go out. So many places are dog friendly these days. We’ve made a note of these places in Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky, Dallas, and Dayton for you. Let them get the ball rolling in making new friendships. When I moved to a new state, I was fortunate to have a dog park near my apartment. My pup loved going there with me after work and soon we knew every dog  and pet parent in the neighborhood.

8. Help

When you see new neighbors moving into your apartment community, introduce yourself and let them know that you’re there to help if anything comes up. This could be something small, like borrowing a cooking ingredient or a tool, or something bigger, like running an errand, picking up a package, or carrying in a new sofa. Even though they may not take you up on it, this gesture of goodwill can go a long way toward helping you make friends. People almost always respond positively to kindness.

9. Ask A Question

Asking someone about themselves is one of the best ways to get a conversation flowing and avoid an awkward silence. Prepare a few questions to ask when you meet your neighbors – it could be something as simple as, “How long have you lived here?”, “Do you work around here?”, What’s the best place to get breakfast nearby?”

10. Go Outside

Get outside for fresh air, hopefully some sunshine, and perhaps a bit off exercise. Just being outdoors can be one of the easiest ways to meet your neighbors. If your apartment community has a rooftop deck, a pool, Bark Park, or a playground, you’ll be sure to find some of your neighbors there. If your apartment doesn’t have these things, go for a walk around the neighborhood or hang out at the nearest public park. You could meet others from your building there.  While outside, wash your car windshield or plant a flower in the garden. Again, just being out of your apartment has the potential to expose you to many more people than if you just sit indoors and binge watch.

Welcome to your new home! Hope you’re settling in comfortably and on your way to making friends with your neighbors. If you have any great tips on making friends in an new town, share them in the comments!

Create More Kitchen Storage in Your Apartment

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When she was in college, I helped my daughter move into her first non-dorm apartment in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was a cute studio apartment with one (albeit huge) window, a living/sleeping area, a bathroom, and a kitchen. But I was shocked to the core by how incredibly small her kitchen was. There was a refrigerator, a single bowl sink, and the tiniest stove I’d ever seen. The entire kitchen is pictured below.

Of course, it never seems we have enough storage no matter how much space we actually have (at least that’s always the case with me. LOL.). So if you’re like me, always needing more storage, here are some ways to create more kitchen storage in your apartment.

Use shelf risers.

Shelf risers can almost double your cabinet and pantry storage space. Bonus: they’re not super expensive. Use them to store extra plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs in your cabinets; and canned goods in your pantry.

Steal space from an adjoining room.

An alcove, nook, or empty wall in an adjacent room or hallway can be a great spot to add some shelves or a storage unit.

Add a utility cart.

A little wheeled utility cart can work wonders to give you a little more space. You can tuck it under a countertop or hide it inside a lesser-used closet when you need the floor space more than the stuff. A narrow shelf or rolling storage cart can be a stylish and practical addition to a small kitchen. Choose a low-profile design that can easily slide against a wall or into a corner. Stock it with dishes, glassware, and other items that will look good on display.

Check out IKEA’s Raskog cart or this narrow cart from Amazon. They are small but still have plenty of room for storage. And because they’re on wheels, they can be pushed into a closet or the corner of a room and pulled out to meet you at your workspace when you need it.

Hang a pegboard.

Think Julia Child’s kitchen. A pegboard creates about as much damage to your wall as hanging a picture. You can use a pegboard to store a myriad of items from utensils to awkwardly large pots and pans with specially designed accessories. You’ll just need to spackle the holes before you move (here’s how). A pegboard is a simple storage solution that can work wonders in a small kitchen. Affix a pegboard with repositionable hooks to a wall or the inside of a tall cabinet door to hang kitchen supplies. As your storage needs change, simply remove and rearrange the hooks to efficiently store cookware, utensils, and so much more.

Hang a curtain rod or pot rack.

Use a small curtain rod to hang your utensils (with S hooks or just hooked on), and slide the lids of your pots and pan behind it. This will free up a surprising amount of space for other things (and there will always be other things).  A pot rack or a sturdy bar can provide handy storage for all types of cookware. Mount it on a wall next to the prep area or directly above the cooktop so pots and pans are easily within reach. A mounted pot rack really helps save cabinet space and makes items easier to access. If you have limited wall space, a helpful small kitchen decor idea is to hang the rack from the ceiling or over a window.

Use adhesive hooks.

Use adhesive wall-mount hooks (like Command Hooks) to hang items that would otherwise take up space on the counter or in a drawer. A set of hooks make a great kitchen catchall adding valuable kitchen storage space. Use them for kitchen towels, cutting boards, and utensils to keep them out of the way but still within arm’s reach.

Screw hooks under cabinets.

Cup hooks screwed into the bottom of cabinets can create a cute way to hang up mugs, utensils, and other smaller items.  Or you can find cup hooks like these that simply slide into place.

Use the sides of your cabinets.

Put the sides of your cabinets to good use in creating more storage in your kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to hang a magnetic knife block or use adhesive hooks to hang smaller pots and kitchen tools.

Use the tops of cabinets.

If you have space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling, you can store less frequently items on the tops of your cabinets without making them look cluttered or messy. This gap between your cabinets and the ceiling can be critical in creating additional storage space. Think of a crockpot, a wine rack, or baskets filled with unattractive but necessary items like light bulbs and batteries. I know what some of you are thinking: “But I’m too short to store stuff this high!” A fold-flat stool you can tuck in between your fridge and cabinets will solve this worry!

Use the side of your fridge.

The side of your fridge can be the perfect spot for knife storage or spice storage, using magnetic racks. It’s an ideal spot to tack up grocery lists, hang keys, or sort mail and papers.

Install open shelving.

Create additional kitchen storage beyond your cabinets by installing open shelves. This simple project can transform a blank stretch of a wall into a stylish storage zone for dishware, cookbooks, pantry ingredients, and more. For extra organizing capacity, add hooks along the bottom of a shelf where you can hang mugs or utensils.

Divide cabinet space.

Encourage organization in smaller kitchens with dividers that break up the space inside cabinets. Use either horizontal or vertical cabinet dividers to store skillets, baking sheets, and narrow pans. You can simply slide each one out of its individual slot instead of having to sort through a haphazard stack.

Rethink spice storage.

Small containers of spices and herbs can easily become a jumbled mess inside a cabinet or pantry. To streamline access, dedicate a small drawer or sliver of cabinet space to spice storage. A drawer organizer that holds canisters in an upright position is an optimal storage solution for easy reading. Read our blog dedicated to storing spices here.

Install a small kitchen island.

Squeeze extra prep and storage space into a small kitchen with an island or kitchen cart that’s just the right size and height for your needs. Add-ons such as hooks and bins will help a small island work even harder. If space is especially tight, go with an island on casters to get the look of a built-in without the bulk. During cleanup or while entertaining, just roll the workspace out of the way.

Select small kitchen appliances.

Small appliances are essential to the kitchen, especially when it comes to entertaining and preparing last-minute meals on busy weeknights. Small appliances that pull double-duty, such as a combination air fryer, toaster, and convection oven, will save kitchen space.

Use wall-mounted bins.

A wall-mounted storage system allows a small kitchen to be the administrative hub that it is without taking up floor space. Choose metal bins that match the kitchen color scheme, and add storage labels to make them more functional. This would be a great place to store cooking magazines, bills (UGH), notepads, and the like.

Use windowsills as storage.

If you’re lucky enough to have a window in your kitchen, think about how you can use the sill as storage. Bring the outdoors in by adding plants – perhaps an herb garden, store cookbooks (if the window is not above the sink), or a dishwashing supply station (if the window is above the sink).

Use your windows as storage.

You might never dream of blocking any of that precious natural light, but you could hang your pots and pans in front of your kitchen window. This would also be an ideal spot for a hanging herb garden.

Use the top of your fridge.

The top of the fridge is a great place to store cookbooks, trays, and platters, or baskets filled with items like light bulbs and batteries, or dishtowels.

Hang a magnetic knife rack.

My fella thinks I’m nuts (because he sees threats everywhere LOL), but I love my wall knife rack. When drawer space is at a premium, every square inch counts (and I honestly see more of a threat storing sharp knives in a drawer). Squeeze out a bit more room by taking your cutlery to the walls with a magnetic knife strip. You can even use it to hang things that aren’t knives, like metal utensils.

Use the inside of cabinet and pantry doors.

A perfect spot to hang pot lids, pot holders, measuring spoons, and kitchen towels.

Turn your stovetop into extra counter space.

During dinner prep, your stovetop is just wasted space. A large cutting board creates bonus counter space while you are prepping dinner.

Hide bulky cookware in the oven.

It sounds simple, but if you’ve got a lot of heavy cookware, this trick can make all the difference. It’s a great place to store cast-iron pans and Dutch ovens (especially in a small kitchen). Just remember to relocate them before you preheat that oven.

Hang sink essentials on the sink.

Sink organizers are a total game-changer for storing soaps, sponges, and brushes where you can easily access them. Place them over your sink, next to them, or even attach them and hang them off the faucet for a space-saving way to keep essentials close.

Roll kitchen towels.

Marie Kondo your kitchen towels by rolling them instead of folding and stacking them into a toppling tower. Roll then lay them horizontally in a shallow drawer, or store them in upright rolls in a basket. They look much tidier this way—and don’t become a nuisance every time you need one.

Store canned foods on risers.

Canned foods often get tucked away in a cupboard, stacked on one another, and pushed way to the back. Instead of losing sight of all those cans, place them on risers so you can actually see what you have. An easy way to gain vertical storage is to add risers to pantries and cabinets. They help you fit more in a small space, plus you can see what you have so you don’t end up with a bunch of duplicates.

Use drawer separators.

There is nothing worse than a utensil or small tool drawer that’s messy with everything scattered about. It makes it harder to find what you’re looking for and easier to poke yourself with one of the tools. Drawer separators keep groupings, like utensils, together and are easy to sort through.

Be sure to evaluate your needs as you install the dividers, edit, and toss the duplicates. Sure it’s awesome to have multiple spatulas and non-stick skillets, but if space is a challenge, push yourself to only have one of each. While that may create a slight inconvenience occasionally, it’s better than having overflowing drawers and cabinets.

By adding dividers, everything has a spot and the drawer is less likely to get stuck on stuffed-in tools.

Under sink storage.

Maximize storage space under the sink by stacking bins or plastic drawers filled with sponges, dishwasher pods, rags, and more. Clear storage assures you won’t forget about what you already have. It’s also a great idea to have a plastic tray to store your cleaning supplies in. That way, if anything gets drippy, you just have to clean the tray and not risk warping the floor of the cabinet.

So there you have it. Who knew there were so many ways to create additional storage in any kitchen – large or small? We’d love to hear if you have any other ways to add storage to your kitchen! Let us know in the comments.

 

How to Host a Potluck: A Complete Guide

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A few years back, my boyfriend introduced me to his tiny, lodge-y, weekend getaway at a rural community on a lake. During my first visit, we attended a spur-of-the-moment get-together with some of his neighbors. It was a surprising night for me in two ways. First of all, everyone treated me like they’d known me forever. As a gal with definite introvert tendencies, this was most welcome and a great “note-to-self” for my own future hosting. Secondly, everyone brought their own drinks and a snack to share. Brilliant! Essentially, all the host had to provide was ice and toilet paper. Talk about stress-free entertaining! Piggybacking off this experience, here’s our complete guide on how to host a potluck.

Why Host a Potluck?
Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a veteran resident, a successful potluck party can help create and solidify friendships and make you feel right at home in your apartment community. It’s a fun way to make memories and create long-lasting friendships. It’s a great way to host without breaking the bank, and it’s a no-brainer because people like to eat. And, hosting a potluck will create a foundation to build upon to eventually host gatherings where you provide everything…and do all the work.

Getting Started
Invite some people: your besties, relatives, coworkers, apartment neighbors – mix and match! Decide how many people your home/dining table can comfortably accommodate and plan your guest list accordingly. Consider how many place settings you have – plates and silverware. Do you have serving spoons? If not, be sure your guests know to bring one for their dish. How much guest parking is available near your apartment? Don’t forget to let your guest know where they should park. If your apartment community is gated, let your visitors know how to get in so there’s no awkwardness upon arrival.

Planning any kind of get-together can be daunting. How much food should there be? What drinks should be served, and how many will be needed? A potluck solves these problems. If everyone brings food to share there will be plenty. When they also bring their own drinks, you have no decisions to make about quantities or types of refreshments to have on hand. Do make sure you have plenty of ice and glassware.

Hosting a potluck that satisfies all appetites is easier if you create a theme. This will help make your meal complete and cohesive. Just make sure your guests advise you what they plan to bring so you can make sure there aren’t duplicates and that all portions of the meal are covered. Here are some creative potluck theme ideas to choose from for your next apartment gathering.

Apartment Potluck Themes

RESTAURANT COPYCAT

Have your guests pick a dish from their favorite restaurant in town to recreate. Who knows what you’ll end up with? Pasta, empanadas, cupcakes, tacos. So many possibilities. It’s a great theme if your guests are foodies as their contributions will assure a variety of interesting dishes that will spark conversation about the best restaurants and best foods in your area.

TEX-MEX

Who doesn’t like Tex-Mex? With simple recipes and affordable ingredients, you can’t go wrong with a Tex-Mex potluck theme. Mexican-American dishes are delicious, filling, and difficult to botch – even for the novice chef. Opt for a Tex-Mex Night and make sure that everyone brings a different dish so you don’t end up with six jars of salsa and bags of chips.

COMFORT FOODS

Everyone has a dish that reminds them of home. My mom used to make a dish she called Surprise Packages. She’d make foil pouches filled with sliced potatoes, a hamburger patty, a slice of onion, sliced carrots and peas. They were awful, but my siblings and I never tire of teasing her about them, and my father loved them. Maybe your friends have better offerings like their mom’s chili, dad’s Sunday gravy, Thanksgiving’s sweet potato casserole, or a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations.  Ask your potluck guests to bring a family favorite and prepare to enjoy a wide range of heartwarming foods along with a night of nostalgic memories!

SOMETHING YELLOW

Theme your potluck with this cheery color and be prepared for a night of mac and cheese, coconut curry with mango, buffalo chicken dip, and cornbread. Once you open your mind to seemingly random themes, the possibilities are endless. Colors, letters, and numbers are all great places to start. Be relatively lax about the “rules” and see what creativity your guests bring to the table. What might seem odd in the beginning could end up being your favorite potluck theme in the end.

FARMERS MARKET FAVES

If you’re looking for a way to make your potluck dishes more cohesive but don’t want to limit your guests to a specific cuisine, consider a theme involving where they shop for their ingredients. A farmer’s market theme is also an excellent way to support local businesses like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Yankee Street Market in South Dayton, or Dallas Farmer’s Market. With dishes centered around in-season ingredients you’ll end up with similarities throughout your dinner spread — and high-quality ingredients, too!

THE VEGGIE

Have your meat-loving friends step outside of their comfort zones. Challenge everyone to add some type of vegetable to their dish — including the desert! A veggie tray would be a no-brainer, but there are many veggie dishes that are so hearty, no one will miss the meat. Like Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew which went viral >> #thestew. And, who doesn’t like carrot cake or banana bread? The options are endless and delicious for a plant-based potluck theme.

HOME STATE ORIGINALS

A classic potluck theme, friends bring an iconic home state dish. In Kentucky, that could be a Kentucky Derby favorite, burgoo. How about a recreation of Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili? Dayton-style square-cut pizza is a fun option, or how about one of these seven classic dishes famous in Dallas? Not only does this potluck theme have the potential to be delicious, but it can also spark some great conversation between guests about their home states.

SALAD BAR

A wonderful theme for spring and summer months, a salad bar is easy, fresh, and tasty. There’s always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available in season, but don’t forget about other warm-weather staples like pasta or potato salad! A salad bar theme is perfect for a light, refreshing dinner that will require no reheating.

CASSEROLE CREATIONS

Casseroles are great for cooler months. Hot, comforting casseroles are what everyone craves during the fall and winter. And, they tend to be easy to make. How about a gooey mac and cheese or a tater-tot casserole? For dessert, think apple crisp and or blueberry cobbler.

COOKOFF

Another fun idea is to have everyone bring the same dish and see who makes it best. Think a chili cookoff, taco night, or a chocolate chip cookie bakeoff.

So make a guest list, send out invitations, dust and vacuum, stock up on toilet paper, set the table, light some candles, and let the potluck party begin! If you and your guests have as much fun as I think you will have, consider a monthly rotation from one person’s home to another. Eat and drink your way to closer friendships and better neighbors.

 

Garbage Disposal Operation

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When I was a kid, and I will be dating myself here, we had a big old white porcelain sink with two basins. I was the dishwasher and my dad was the disposer of garbage. I washed the dishes because whenever my mom did the dishes, she broke at least one thing. My siblings and I used to joke that she filled the sink with hot, soapy water, added everything that was dirty (dishes, glasses, pots and pans), and stirred the lot with a big stick. A strainer in the sink caught any bits of food (or broken glass LOL). Once everything was washed and rinsed, I emptied the strainer into the trash for my father to take out. Good times. Today we have garbage disposals which are, when used properly (and in my humble opinion), a wonder of the world and saviors of dads everywhere. Because garbage disposals operate virtually trouble-free when used properly.

How many things operate virtually trouble-free when used properly? Best of all, they get rid of the muck when you wash dishes by hand, and the food scraps generated during food prep. But these scraps can get tricky if you try and dispose of the wrong thing. And a meal prep with a broken garbage disposal is no one’s idea of a good time in the kitchen.

Here are some helpful procedures and tips that will lead to a long life for your disposal and easy operation for you.

How To Operate Your Garbage Disposal

  1. Run a steady stream of cool water into the sink before turning on the garbage disposal.
  2. Flip the disposal switch to the “on” position before placing any food waste into the disposal.
  3. Gradually feed food waste into the disposal. Avoid putting large amounts of food waste all at once as this may slow the grinding process. Keep hands away from the inside chamber.
  4. Once the food waste has been broken down, turn the disposal off. It usually takes only a few seconds to grind food waste, although it depends on the quantity and type of food waste. The sound of the disposal will change when there is no more food waste in the grind chamber.
  5. Let water run for one or two minutes to flush the drainpipe.

Sounds easy enough, right? But my mother thought her method of washing dishes was easy, and we all know how that turned out. Although the device is easy to use, please take note of the following:

PRECAUTIONS

  • Never put your hand down a disposal when it is running.
  • Do not use hot water when operating a disposal.
  • Never try to put too much through a disposal at once. Slow and steady wins the race.

IN OR OUT?

Garbage disposals are designed to handle just about any type of everyday food waste.  But the topic of what not to put in a garbage disposal is alive and well, usually based on myths and old family stories rather than facts.

A good rule of thumb is: if you can’t eat it, neither can your disposal. Everything you put in your disposal should be biodegradable. But here is a more comprehensive list from the makers of InSinkErator Disposals which contains a few caveats.

Disposals can quickly and efficiently grind most everyday food wastes, including leftover meats, vegetables and fruits, as well as food preparation waste.  The key to keeping a disposal working properly is to follow the proper operation steps and avoid filling the disposal with too much food waste at one time. But do not put these foods in the disposal:

THE LIST OF NEVERS

  • Grease, fats, or oils
  • Fibrous materials (cornhusks, artichokes, potato skins, celery, onion skins, carrot tops, banana peels, tea bags, etc.)
  • Shellfish shells (clams, oyster) or nutshells
  • Expandable foods (rice, pasta, bread)
  • Eggshells, coffee grounds (see below)
  • Hard materials (bones, fruit pits, cigarette butts, wood, glass, plastic, anything metallic)
  • Drain cleaners or bleach
  • Dishcloths

ABOUT FAT, GREASE, AND OILS

These items should never go in your disposal. Instead, put used grease, fat, and oil into a small container like a small bowl or rinsed tin can and refrigerate. Once the fats solidify, toss in the trash.

 ABOUT COFFEE GROUNDS AND EGGSHELLS

Neither of these materials is harmful to a disposal, and will pass through without a problem.  However, problems can arise with household plumbing – especially if it is older, or has not been cleared in some time.

Both coffee grounds and eggshells are sedimentary in nature, if too much is placed in at one time, or if the plumbing is restricted, it can create a clog or a ‘slow drain’ situation.  Too help avoid any problems, feed these materials into the disposer gradually, and utilize a strong flow of cold water to help flush it through the pipes. Or, toss these items in the trash or compost them.

ONGOING

  • Grind a citrus peel or put baking soda down the drain to keep the disposal odor free.
  • Grind ice cubes to clean the unit walls and blades.
  • Place  the disposal cover or sink strainer over the drain opening when the disposal is not in use, and leave in this position to prevent foreign material from accidentally dropping into disposal.

 TROUBLESHOOTING

If the motor has stopped due to overloading, turn the disposal off.  Wait three to five minutes, and then push the red reset button (located under the sink on the unit itself).  Then follow normal operating procedure.

If the disposal has jammed, turn the power switch to the “off” position before attempting to remove an object.  With tongs, remove any objects that might be obstructing the free movement of the blades.  In many cases, you can insert a broom handle into the mouth of the disposal and turn it in a circular pattern to free the blades.

When movement is restored to the blades, push the reset button on the disposal unit.  Then follow normal operating procedure.

Of course, if you are a resident in a Fath Properties community, and ever run into an issue you cannot resolve yourself, a member of our professional, efficient maintenance team will be happy to help! Just call your leasing office and we will schedule a friendly service tech to come to your apartment home to make everything right.

 

 

Tools You Can (and will!) Use

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When I was helping my daughter move into her first apartment, we quickly realized that not only was she going to need furniture, cookware, bedding, and towels (and so much more!), but she was also going to need some basic tools she could use. There were pictures to hang, a towel bar to install (unbelievably one was not provided in her bathroom), a shelf to add in her tiny kitchen, a curtain rod to install on the apartments lone, naked window, and hooks to install by her front door since her new home did not include a coat closet.

Yes, as a renter, her landlord would take care of any maintenance issue that arose in her apartment, but extras such as these would be up to us. So off we went to find everything she’s need for these and future DIY projects. I was determined to assemble a collection of tools she could use now that she could build on over time to carry her into future.

I don’t know about you, but I love going to the hardware store. Doesn’t matter if it’s a small, locally owned shop nearby such as my beloved Greive Hardware in Dayton, Ohio, a woman-owned store that employs retired men and teenagers, you could go there and buy two nails if that’s all you need. Or maybe a big box store where – unbelievably – all the employees seem to know the precise location of every item and will even walk you directly to it. So our expedition to find and create and apartment-sized tool kit was an exciting prospect.

In shopping around, we realized we had a few options:

  • Purchase pre-assembled tool kits from IKEA where we were going anyway for furniture. They have a 17-piece toolkit for $13, and a small drill for $28, both in easy-to-store cases, and both available on line. PROS: inexpensive, easy to store, not all-inclusive. CONS: no room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws.

 

  • Purchase Wirecutter’s “best” all-in one kit for $49. PROS: great selection of tools included, easy to store. CONS: no room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws.

  • Purchase everything separately along with a toolbox. PROS: completely customizable. CONS: more time consuming to select individual items, room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws, ease of storage will depend on toolbox selected.

If you decide to completely customize the Tools You Can (and will!) Use, below are suggested items to include:

Power Drill. This small, wireless drill is a workhorse around the house! It will help you with small projects like screwing in a cute switch plate cover to large project like assembling furniture.

Screw Driver. Get just one, but make it a screwdriver with multiple bits. Because screws tend to loosen over time, a set of screwdrivers will be very useful around your apartment so you can easily tighten screws into place. Whether it’s a loose screw on a door handle, kitchen cabinet handle or furniture you assembled a while ago, you can easily take care of these issues with screwdrivers.

Hammer.  One basic hammer will see you through.

Duct Tape. Duct tape has So. Many. Uses.

Tape Measure. Invest in a good one and it will last you forever.

Extension Cord. Or two. Helpful when trying to plug in a lamp when the outlet is behind the bed.

Utility Knife. A utility knife is a godsend when trying to open a cardboard box!

Pliers.  You won’t regret this 3-piece set. Pliers are the workhorses of the toolbox: Invest in at least two: 8-inch needle-nose and 10-inch groove-joint pliers. Add locking pliers that allow you to apply more force when needed.

Level. Whether you buy a level for your toolkit or download a level app on your phone, a level keeps everything straight even when the world is a crooked mess. A small one should do you nicely for most apartment needs.

Scissors. Lose your scissors once and you’ll realize how often you use/need them. Keep a pair in your toolbox and another pair in your kitchen junk drawer. C’mon, admit it. Everyone has a junk drawer.

Assortment of fasteners, hooks, nails, and screws. Honestly, just buy them for each specific project. If you buy them in advance, the ones you have will never be the ones you need.

Pencil.  For marking measurements.

Safety goggles. Because you never know when something will go wrong safety goggles are a smart addition to your tool kit.

Toolbox or caddy.  I’ve owned toolboxes and caddies, and prefer something that allows me to see all my stuff at a glance. This one fits that bill and is not too big!

Step Stool. Foldable. Two-step if your ceilings are 8’; three-step if you have tall ceilings.

Now you’ve got the tools you can (and will) use, so go hang that picture, tighten that loose handle on your dresser, and add a light-blocking curtain to your bedroom window. You’ve got the tools; you’ve got the power.

 

 

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The Art of Hanging Art I – Placement

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In a past work life, I staged model apartments. While there was a ton of legwork (shopping, assembling, searching for perfect accessories to complement the furnishings, spending someone else’s money LOL), there was a great sense of satisfaction in creating an environment that showcased the best features of the home and making it desirable for the prospective renter while ensuring that person felt so at home, they’d be inclined to sign a lease. During those years, I learned that not only is artwork like the frosting on a cake, there’s also an art to hanging art.

“HUH?” you ask. Let me explain. When my daughter was a preschooler, we went to the home of a classmate for a play date, Bethany. As we walked down the hall to the living room, my neck craned upwards to look at a series of framed pieces of art. All were the same size, nicely framed, and evenly spaced. But something felt so…off. Wait! I was looking up while standing up. These prints were hung just a foot below the ceiling. I don’t know what Bethany’s mom was thinking (or not thinking), but this was not good. How could anyone enjoy artwork if doing so gave one a crick in one’s neck?

Doing some research, I learned that this is one of several mistakes that you can make when hanging wall décor in your space; mistakes that will not make you or your guests feel at home and at ease, but rather feeling a bit discombobulated.

Mistake #1: Hanging Art Too High

See what I mean? Hanging art too high is number one on the ApartmentTherapy.com mistake list! So what, exactly, is too high? This will be different for every home based on where the art is going, what it will be hanging above, how high the ceilings are, and what the room is used for. In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula that can tell you exactly where on your wall an art piece needs to go. But fear not; here are some easy guidelines.

  • 60” is a measurement to remember. Although different homes can require different placements, 60” on center is a great starting point. This means to place the center of your art piece 60″ from the floor. Then step back and see how that looks and feels. When hanging two art pieces, treat them as one and still hang them 60 inches from the floor to the center of the grouping. This rule also applies to groups of three and four. Make sure they are spaced only a few inches apart, so they look together and not disconnected.
  • Eyes on center is another consideration. What will you most likely be doing in the room – sitting or standing? If in a hallway where everyone is standing, you’ll want to hang art higher (but not a foot from the ceiling!) than if you’re in a room where you’re sitting most of the time. Place the art so your eyes rest on the center as appropriate in the room. Consider where your eyes rest when you walk into the rooms you use the most, including the foyer, living room, and primary bedroom. Common sense must prevail here, however. If you are 4’10” or 6’10” eyes on center may not be the best placement methodology for you.
  • Let your furniture guide placement. For a sofa or a headboard, start with 4″ to 8″ between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the art. This method will depend on how big the art piece is, and how much space exists between the furniture piece and your ceiling. Start here then step back to see if it looks right. NOTE: If the art is going above a sofa or console, the piece or group of pieces, should be approximately 2/3 width of the furniture.
  • The buddy system is also a useful method. Ask someone you trust to hold a piece of art up against a wall while you instruct them to move it up and down an inch or so at a time until it looks right. Then change places to see if you agree.

Mistake #2: Not Realizing Size DOES Matter

A tiny piece of art on a small wall will look and feel just as awkward as a huge piece in a small space. Why? The wrong size art makes the entire room – and its furnishings – seem out of scale and out of balance.

If you’ve fallen hard for a piece that’s too small, consider creating a collage wall. Two ways to achieve a successful collage wall are:

  • Use prints and photos with a similar theme and consistent frames. They could be black and white photos, botanicals, sketches, vacation pics, etc. Mixtiles is a great, inexpensive way to have fun with same size and shape photos. An added advantage is that they stick to the wall, so no nails needed, and the photos can be moved around easily.
  • Go with completely different pieces in mixed frames for an eclectic look. Hang large and medium pieces 2-3 inches apart, and smaller pieces 1.5-2.5 inches apart.

Other options for your too small art piece are to reframe using a larger frame and mat to make the piece seem larger. Or, you can paint (or hang) a solid square or rectangle of color or a beautiful piece of wallpaper behind the piece to make it seem larger. But don’t worry about achieving perfect proportion when hanging art, just remember the “go big or go home” attitude: If you’re going to do something out of scale to the rest of the room, make it obviously out of scale with the room, either way too big or way too small, so it seems intentional.

If you find you’re staring at a long, cold expanse of barren drywall, that’s usually an ideal place to hang a favorite artwork. A short wall that is sometimes obscured by an open door may not need anything.

Mistake #3: Not Enough Variety
When I moved in with my fiancé, there were Thomas Kinkade prints in every room, in every size, all framed in heavy, ornate gold frames. Kinkade’s are not really my thing, but he had a sentimental connection to this collection. So we compromised by creating The Kinkade Room – a guest bedroom filled with the entire collection. While the Kinkade’s in every room were overwhelming, they look great in The Kinkade Room.

When you hang the exact same type of art on every wall in every room of your home it’s called the Art Gallery Effect. It’s also called as “boring.” Mix unframed canvases and framed art. Hang tapestries or quilts. Display a collection – farm tools, decorative plates, masks, old printing stamps – and group on the wall. Your wall can tell the story of who you are and what you love.

Mistake #4: Improper Hanging
I used to report to a fellow who, upon entering any room, went about straightening crooked artwork. His actions drive me nuts, so I quickly got in the habit of checking for crooked artwork every day. This has become a lifelong habit (just like making sure the seams on all lampshades are turned to face the wall). Crooked artwork lends an air of “no one cares” to the space and is easily avoided by:

  • Using two nails spaced a couple of inches apart (depending on the size of the piece) instead of just one.
  • Adding small rubber bumpers to the corners of the piece will prevent your art from moving about.

Mistake #5: Not Leaning
Like an attractive person leaning up against the bar, leaning artwork can lend visual interest to a room. Consider leaning a tall mirror against the wall in a bedroom or hallway, or leaning a piece of art placed on top of your sofa, dresser, desk, or TV stand.  Not only does this trick add visual interest, it also adds textural interest to your place.

Well there you have it. You’ve decided where to hang all the beautiful things in your home. Next step? The actual hanging. Tune in next week for tips on the handyperson part of the process – The Art of the Hang.

 

 

 

Let’s Get Spicy

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The Spices of Life

Perhaps you’ve just moved into your first apartment (congrats!). Or maybe you’re sick of eating carry out and frozen dinners (I feel ya!). Or, maybe you want to add a little spice to your culinary life by creatively seasoning your food (now we’re talkin’). These are all great reasons to invest a bit of time, energy, and money into adding spices to your pantry, or your kitchen cabinet, or wherever. Let’s chat about which basic spices to purchase, where to buy, how to store, and shelf life. In other words, let’s get spicy!

 “Spices are the friend of physicians and pride of cooks.”
—  Charlemagne, first emperor (800–814) of what was later called the Holy Roman Empire

Basic Herbs & Spices

Online searches for a list of basics does not provide a definitive list as taste is deeply personal based on your preferences – do you like spicy? Herbal? Heat? So this list is also personal – my preferences. I am admittedly a spice junkie with some 75 containers on stepped racks filling an entire three-shelf cabinet, so the list below is what I’d consider necessary if stranded on a desert island (with a full kitchen LOL).

My spice obsession certainly did not come from my mother-in-law, who only had seldom-used salt, pepper, and paprika in her kitchen. We never looked forward to eating at her place because the food was so bland and so boring. My mom has a decent selection of spices, but she still has containers she got when she first married in 1952. Some of her are so old, it’s like adding dust to food. No, my passion is self-curated.

Salt

A must have. Kosher salt is less salty than the iodized version, so it’s easier to control the salty taste. It does not, however, contain iodine, which is essential for good health (in moderation). Iodine does not taste great, so get it from something other than your salt. Sea salt comes in many varieties and can be very nice for finishing. Think chocolate chip cookies dusted with sea salt. YUM.

Pepper

There’s a huge difference in taste and freshness between the pre-ground stuff you find in pepper shakers everywhere and freshly ground pepper. Invest in a pepper grinder and never look back. There are many varieties of peppercorns; start with black peppercorns, preferably Indian Black Tellicherry. Some black peppercorn jars include their own grinder, perfect when you’re just starting out, and until you decide to go big. Try freshly-cracked pepper crusted steak for a restaurant experience at home.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Oh, how I love the punch red pepper flakes add to just about everything. I once brought a large bag home from an adorable little market in Siena, Italy (pictured above) and made little gift pouches for my favorite cooks. All it takes is a pinch. Crushed red pepper flakes will lose their heat over time, so add just a bit and then add more if you’d like more heat.

Cumin

Can’t make a pot of chili without it! But there’s so much more you can do with cumin. Toss some wedges of sweet potato with salt, pepper, cumin, and olive oil and roast until crispy for an excellent, healthy side.

Cayenne Pepper

Use the tiniest bit when making buffalo chicken wings and chili to add a different kind of peppery kick.

Chili Powder

Also a must have for chili. Smokey and spicy, Chili powder is commonly used in traditional Latin American dishes like enchiladas and tacos. But a spoonful also adds a welcome kick to grilled meats, stew, soup, a pot of beans, and vegetables.

Paprika

While fairly tame compared to other pepper-based spices, paprika adds warmth and earthiness to a dish. You’ll find that there are many different versions, some with a smokier or “hotter” flavor than others. This spice adds vibrant color to any dish. It can be sprinkled as a garnish over deviled eggs or potato salad, or used as a flavoring for meat rubs. It has a sweet pepper flavor, without any heat. Smoked paprika is delicious.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon mixed with sugar on buttered toast (heaven!) is not the only use for this spice. It’s great sprinkled on your latte, and an excellent addition to certain savory dishes such as chili, tomato sauces, and other savory dishes as well as in sweet treats like gingersnap cookies or banana bread.

Ground Ginger

If you like to bake or enjoy Asian or Indian foods, ground ginger is great to have on hand. It’s the predominant spice in gingerbread and gingersnap cookies and is also used in many sweet spice mixes like pumpkin pie spice. Ground ginger is also used in savory applications like spice rubs, tagines, and marinades, and is part of the Japanese spice blend shichimi togarashi. A note here: for use in savory dishes, buy a knob of fresh ginger and finely mince it or grate it on your microplane. (TIP: peeling fresh ginger is a snap using a spoon.) It’s hot and spicy in every good way.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a recent addition to my spice larder. I absolutely prefer fresh garlic, but the powdered version can quickly add a garlicky flavor without the harsh bite of fresh.

Thyme

Thyme may be my favorite herb. It’s woodsy, lemony, and can be used in so many dishes. It’s wonderful to use either fresh or dried. And paired with chicken? Sublime.

Basil

Dried basil is delicious in sauces, like tomato sauce or pizza sauce, and as seasoning on chicken or other meats. Basil is an herb that tastes best fresh if using in uncooked dishes like caprese salad.

Rosemary

Dried Rosemary is a must for French and Mediterranean cooking. It is earthy, woodsy and piney. Rosemary can be an acquired taste for some, but it does give your dishes a one-of-a-kind flavor that helps them stand out from the crowd.

Oregano

Nothing says Italian quite like Oregano does! A little dried oregano will give your tomato sauce a real Italian vibe, and it’s great sprinkled on pizza. It can also be a pungent add in for Greek and Mexican dishes. Oregano is one herb I prefer dried over fresh.

Nutmeg

Just a dash adds so much flavor in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a must for bechamel sauces and other cheese dishes. However, you’ll probably use it most often in sweet treats that contain cinnamon. Buy the seeds whole as they last forever; but you’ll need a little grater. If you’d rather not stock your kitchen with specialty tools, you can use your microplane grater instead (a kitchen essential!).

Okay, this is a good start! While these herbs and spices will be a nice start for your spice cabinet, base your selections on the flavors and foods you most enjoy. No sense buying something you’ll never use. Then slowly expand your spice collection and add more flavors so you can enhance the overall taste and profile of everything you cook.

Spice Library

When you’re just getting started, it won’t matter so much how you organize. Once you have a larger collection, however, think about the best way to organize so it’s easy to find what you seek. My cabinet is currently organized by type – herbs, spices, seeds, specialty blends, baking and, quite frankly, it’s a hot mess. Perhaps alpha order would be a smart rainy-day project.

SMART STORAGE

There are almost as many ways to store your spices as there are spices! Stepped spice racks, pull-out units, and lazy susans work great for in-cabinet storage. If you have an extra drawer (is that an oxymoron?!?), jars can be laid down or – if you label the lid tops – lined up inside. There are wall shelves, fridge magnet storage, and wheeled storage. Figure out where you have room and how much storage space you’ll need, then organize away!

SAFE STORAGE

Jars of spices over the stove might sound convenient, but because herbs and spices deteriorate when exposed to heat, light and moisture, it’s not the most ideal place to keep them.

The best storage temperature for herbs and spices is one that is fairly constant and below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This means your herbs and spices must be kept away from the furnace, stove, and the heat of the sun. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation and eventually mold. If you store spices in the freezer or refrigerator, return them there promptly after use.

A good storage system keeps herbs and spices dry and in the dark as well. Amber glass jars with airtight lids are ideal. You might also keep them in a cupboard or drawer. Cover the jars with large opaque labels or use a cloth to cover them when not in use.

In summary, store your herbs and spices in clean, airtight containers, away from heat and light and handle them thoughtfully.

SHELF LIFE

Be Proactive

Write the month and year on the label every time you add an herb or spice to your collections. Some spices in particular have a tendency to outlive others. Frequently used spices are exposed to air more frequently and will need to be replaced sooner.

Use Your Sniffer

Don’t just look at ‘Sell By’ dates. Take the cap off and smell it. Since some expiration dates can be arbitrary or confusing, it’s OK to use your best judgement by using your senses: sight, smell and touch. The spice itself should be bright and fragrant. If it doesn’t have any smell, it likely isn’t strong enough to flavor your food. If stored in a cool, dark place, a spice should be OK to use as long as it holds its vibrant color, too. However, a spice stored in an area that gets a lot of light will show discoloration much more quickly and lose its flavoring power.

Ground or Whole?

Pre-ground spices might be more convenient but whole spices last the longest because the essential oils are kept inside and that’s where the majority of the flavor is. Whole spices can last three to four years, which will ultimately save you money. Once spices are ground, however, there is more surface area and they will quickly lose their “chemical compounds” that make them such great flavoring agents. In general, ground spices may last one to two years maximum, while dried herbs can last up to three years. But how does one grind spices you ask? You can purchase a small spice grinder, or get a mortar and pestle.

WHERE TO BUY

Thankfully, herbs and spices are readily available in grocery stores, big box stores, on line, and in specialty stores. When buying new additions for your cabinet, consider the container size. When I’m trying something new, or something that I may use only occasionally, I rely on Penzy’s Spices online store. They offer little jars and have an amazing variety. They also offer big bags of items you may use a lot of, like salt and pepper.

 

“He who controls the spice controls the universe.”
— Frank Herbert, Dune

Now go add some spice to your life and enjoy every moment.