Should You be Roommates – Important Questions to Ask

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Chelsea Hoffman

Having a roommate has its perks. Nobody likes bills or chores, but when you have a roommate you can split them both! However, in order for things to run smoothly, you should sit down and establish expectations with your potential roomie before signing a lease. Discuss the following questions to establish whether or not you are compatible living partners.

What is your age?
Being in different stages of life of life may not be ideal.

How often do you go out?
Will you be comfortable if your roommate comes home in the wee hours of the morning and makes a lot of ruckus while you are trying to sleep? Will they be respectful of your schedule? On the flip side, will your roommate be a homebody and never leave the house?

Do you have pets?
Nothing can cause waves in a relationship like pet drama. Is your roommate’s pet a handful, and will she ask you to walk and feed her pet on a regular basis?

What is your cleanliness level?
Everyone has their preferences on how often they clean. If one roommate is extreme one way or the other, arguments about chores may occur.

What is your relationship status?
Make sure to ask this question and discuss the rules about significant others coming over and how often. Will you be ok with overnight guests?

How often do you like to hang out with your roommate?
Some people want to have roommates for companionship and others have too busy of schedules to bond with their roommate.

Do you have a steady job?
You want to know that your roommate can be dependable and share their half of the expenses.

What are your thoughts on house parties?
Some roommates are okay hosting guests on a regular basis and others prefer to keep the party away from home.

Do you cook often?
If it is beneficial to both parties, and you have a similar schedule, it may be a good idea to plan some meals together to save time and money.

The list above is not inclusive. You will still have to discuss your philosophy on sharing condiments and who gets the parking space. The important thing is to know what you can tolerate, and discuss where you draw the line. If you can both agree to respect each other, chances are you’ll have a successful roommate relationship.

Posted in Other | Tagged | Leave a comment

Four Ways to Make Your Apartment More Romantic

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Chelsea Hoffman

Making your apartment feel a bit more romantic and welcoming could help keep your relationship fresh – or help to start a new relationship. Feel free to steal these tips to give your apartment a romantic makeover.

1. Decorate with fresh plants and flowers.
Some could argue that the flower is a symbol of romance – so why not keep it present in your home? The fragrance of flowers mixed with fresh potted plants is a great way for a romantic home to smell. The vases and pots are equally as important as what is inside of them. Make sure they are pristine and fit the décor of your home.

2. Use soft, comfy decorative accessories.
A couch is not a couch unless it has its own accessories. Make your living room more romantic by having an incredibly soft throw and comfy, decorative pillows. Having these sofa trimmings will draw people to curl up on your couch and feel comfortable in your home. Having a desirable couch is a huge part of making your apartment more romantic.

3. Get rid of clutter.
There’s nothing that can ruin romance quite like stepping on a Lego or not being able to find a place on the counter for a candle. (Remember the Friends episode when Ross visited a date’s apartment to find a mess?) One step to making sure your apartment is more welcoming is clearing the clutter. Uncluttering your home gives you the ability to unclutter your mind – allowing you to be more romantic. Decluttering your apartment will help you and your significant other breathe easier.

4. Hang up pictures.
Displaying your relationships through pictures is a way to make feel more comfortable and happy in your home – which ultimately leads to romance. Hang up pictures of you and your significant other as well as pictures of you with your friends and family. Make sure they’re framed! This will give the impression that you value your relationships enough to put time into displaying them around your home.

Any apartment can be romantic – it’s just about working with the space you have. We wish you lots of fun in romanticizing your apartment!

Posted in Decorating | Tagged | Leave a comment

Winterize Your Apartment to Stay Toasty During the Cold Months

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Jamie Bisiar

When Old Man Winter comes knocking at your Archstone apartment door, you want to be prepared for the bitter cold, wind and snow he usually brings along with him. We winterize our cars at the end of Autumn, so why not take the necessary steps to ensure your apartment is prepared for the harsh cold temperatures that December, January, February and sometimes March bring to many parts of the country.

If you live in sunny Los Angeles, you may not need to winterize your apartment to the extent a New York City resident must. Regardless of where you live, winterizing your apartment is a good idea to ensure your utilities work well and efficiently during the winter season. Try these measures to winterize your apartment this year and keep your utility bills down:

  • Keep the thermostat turned down by setting the temperature to a couple of degrees lower than you usually do because for every degree you turn it down, you will save about 3% of your heating bill. Some experts even suggest keeping it as low as 55 degrees at night and 65 during the day. Program your thermostat to start the heat up about an hour before you arise in the morning, and then back down during the day while you’re at work. There’s no need to have heat blaring while you’re not even at your apartment. You can always get warmer by putting on a sweater or sweatshirt when you hang around the house. When you get your bill, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve saved!
  • Put plastic around your windows to prevent cold air from seeping in because drafty windows can cause a bill to go up about 30%! Multiply that over 12 months, and we’re looking at hundreds of dollars here for the average home. For a $30 investment, you can save over a hundred dollars a month. Want to learn how you can quickly and easily cover your windows? Check out this video courtesy of howcast.com: http://www.howcast.com/videos/87584-How-to-Insulate-Your-Windows-with-Plastic.
  • Close heating vents (registers) that you don’t need open. For instance, if there’s a room in your apartment like a spare bedroom or office that is rarely used, close off the registers in that room. Keep the door closed too because the less space you heat, the less money you have to spend.
  • Eliminate window air conditioners from your apartment. If your landlord allows window units, there’s really no reason to ever install one after September, and if you’re not able to remove the window air conditioners, ask your landlord to purchase an insulated cover for the units as these are like an open door to the cold outside air.
  • Use weather stripping around your doors and windows; it’s very inexpensive and will save you money in the long run.

Archstone Apartments staff is always looking for ways to save you money. Follow our suggestions for winterizing your apartment; your wallet is sure to thank you!

Posted in Other | Tagged | Leave a comment

Get a Jump on Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Chelsea Hoffman

Though ignoring those dust bunnies under tables, the fingerprints on the windows and the mass of holiday clutter in the corner is the easier approach – it would be smart to get a jump on spring cleaning before your apartment turns into one huge hot mess. Before you stress out and come to the conclusion that the task is too big to take on, read over some of these tips to help ease your mind.

Purge Your Clutter
After the holidays, we are usually left with a plethora of unnecessary clutter in our apartments. Whether it be body lotions that we just didn’t need or reusable bows from gifts – these things tend to stack up, and let’s be honest – we don’t really need them. To avoid hoarder-syndrome, we suggest clearing your apartment of all the clutter that you are not attached to. A good rule of thumb: Get rid of it if it’s something that (in case of a clutter-necessary emergency) you can buy again at the dollar store.

Make a List – Check it a Few Times
Take a minute, sit down and put together a task list of what you want to accomplish. Be sure to include everything on this list, from cleaning the refrigerator to wiping down the baseboards. Even if you think a task is impossible, having it written down on a list in front of you is a great first step to getting it accomplished (it makes it real!)

Get Your Supplies
When you get in that cleaning mode, nothing can bring you down quicker than not having the right supplies. In addition to the broom and the vacuum, make sure you are stocked up on sponges, cleaners, trash bags, and the basics.

Recruit Help
Whether it’s roommates, significant others or friends that owe you a favor – make sure your spring cleaning experience is not a one-person-job. Splitting up tasks or even working on the same task together can increase efficiency and cut down time. Having help is a mechanism to stop yourself from going completely insane from cleaning. If you’re having trouble finding assistance, we would recommend hiring a cleaning crew to kickstart the process for you, and take some of the pressure off of your back.

Remember, your spring cleaning list does not have to be completed in one day! Spread the tasks out – focus on one at a time – that way, you can set your due date for Spring. Get ahead and have everything done by the time others are just starting- and then be sure to invite others over to show off your sparkling clean apartment!

Posted in Other | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Decorating Trends for 2013

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Jamie Bisiar

Last January I wrote about 2012 apartment decorating trends, so I thought it would be fun to examine what I accomplished last year in my home and where trends are heading in 2013.

2012 focused on bold colors, gender-neutral decorating, unique light fixtures and revamping old pieces.  When I shared, I had incorporated three of the four trends, but still hadn’t conquered lighting.  While it’s still a work in progress, I did manage to find a unique tall paper floor lamp that adds an interesting element to my living room.

Some trends I am seeing everywhere for 2013 are brass, the color emerald green, graphic patterns and wall decals.  Ok, admittedly wall decals are a little 2012, but are still on the scene and I don’t think they’re going anywhere this year.  Brass is not really my style, but I could see it being very easy to incorporate into an apartment, as this vintage-y hardware can be found in door handles, lamps and cabinet fixtures.

IKEA curtains

Photo courtesy of IKEA

Since my kitchen is the next room that needs some sprucing up, I’d love to try out the emerald green trend.  I think it’s a perfect room to splash in this gorgeous and bright hue, and will go great with the black and white checkered floor.  I’m thinking a simple print for the wall, a new plant and some dish towels will be inexpensive and easy.

What I’m most excited about are graphic prints.  I need to be mindful, because I could easily see myself going overboard here.  I’ve already hung these bold print curtains from IKEA in my living room that really liven up the place!

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Rooftop View of Midtown Manhattan

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Chelsea Hoffman

Archstone Clinton view

I was able to visit New York City early October and wanted to share my favorite photo from the trip. Here is the view from the rooftop deck at Archstone Clinton, one of Archstone’s luxury apartment communities in Midtown Manhattan. I loved visiting with the staff, touring the amenities, checking out the fabulous apartments, and getting a feel for the neighborhood. Wouldn’t you love an afternoon on this deck to relax and enjoy a book?

Posted in New York | Tagged | Leave a comment

How to Make Hosting Holiday Brunch Fun, Not Stressful

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Chelsea Hoffman

Hosting a holiday party should be fun, not stressful, so to ease your mind and keep your anxiety at a minimum, we are offering some tips to make hosting a holiday brunch fun this year! After all, you should be able to enjoy the meal and the good company as much as your guests.

Brunch is a favorite meal for many people, so you want to make your holiday brunch a delicious and fun experience for everyone. Most mornings during the week and even weekends, we don’t have time to sit down and enjoy a hot meal, so to relax and enjoy a yummy meal with loved ones or people you just enjoy hanging out with is a real treat!

To actually have time to linger over a mid-morning meal and engage in conversation instead of dealing with the hustle and bustle of big city transportation is a rare occasion and definitely one to be relished. So, as you plan your holiday brunch, keep in mind that this may be the only meal of its kind for many of your busy brunch guests, especially during the hectic holiday season!

1)      Make as much food ahead of time as possible. Since brunch is the first meal of the day, there’s not as much time to prepare the dishes as there would be for a dinner party. If the thought of getting up at 4:00 a.m. to start preparing food for your 11:00 a.m. brunch does not sound appealing, then you must start the preparations before the actual date of the party. Foods that can be prepped ahead of time and then assembled and baked the morning of the brunch include croissants, sausage patties, cinnamon rolls, and scones. If you’re working with dough, you can usually freeze it ahead of time and then let it thaw out in the refrigerator the night before the brunch.

Photo courtesy of Food Network

2)      Keep your brunch simple. Your guests are not expecting a meal that would earn a five star rating. You’d be surprised at how much your guests will love the simple dishes you have prepared. You can make simple dishes elegant and make your guests feel special without slaving away in the kitchen for hours and hours. Breakfast wraps, pancakes, waffles and omelets are dishes that are simple yet spectacular when made properly. Find some great recipes for these culinary creations and wow your guests!

3)      Offer something to eat right away as your guests are going to be hungry, especially if children are invited. Have something for your guests to snack on and sip while you finish preparing the main dishes. Some suggestions to keep those hunger pangs at bay include smoothies, fruit salad, fruit and dip, yogurt, nuts and bite-sized muffins.

Make your holiday brunch a hit by following these easy tips!

 

Posted in Other | Tagged | Leave a comment

Make your Apartment your Own

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Chelsea Hoffman

Many dream of owning their own home so they can paint their walls to their heart’s content, and drill holes wherever they please. The good news is, you don’t have to wait until you are a homeowner to customize your living space. There are plenty of options to spruce up your apartment so it’s tailor made for you.

Archstone Grosvenor Tower

Accent Rugs
An accent rug will add some pizzazz to any room. Select something with a lot of color or a unique pattern to break up rooms and define each space. I love the elegant rug used in the model apartment at Archstone Grosvenor Tower.

Fabric Art
Applying wallpaper to your rented space may be a big no! no!, but it shouldn’t stop your apartment from beaming with personality. Select your favorite fabric and frame it to give your walls color. Use 3M picture hangers to display your new art and avoid wall damage.

Archstone Santa Monica on Main

Dress Up Your Windows
It’s amazing how a space will transform with some great curtains. Window treatments are arguably one of the best interior design elements you can add to a room. Solids or patterns can compliment and enhance your decor as at Archstone Santa Monica on Main.

Select Appealing Storage
An apartment becomes unique when its furnishings reflect your style. Think of how leaning bookcases and floating shelves can play into your apartment’s creative look. Not only are they functional, but they look fantastic!

Vinyl Wall Stickers
When you can’t paint all your walls or if you don’t have the motivation to tackle painting, vinyl wall stickers provide an ideal solution. They are easy to apply and can be removed without destroying paint or leaving sticky residue behind. As this trend has become more popular, your options have become endless.

If you stick with these types of creative decorating solutions, you and your landlord will live harmoniously. Truly, there is no place like home. Don’t forget to share this with all your friends who struggle with decorating their apartments, too!

Posted in Decorating | Tagged | Leave a comment

Three Quick Meals for the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Chelsea Hoffman

It’s a huge misconception that holiday cooking must be difficult and stressful. Delicious meals need not take hours to prepare and cook and setting up a lovely holiday table can really be done in a matter of minutes with the right “stuff” and right frame of mind. The key to pulling off any meal in your apartment like a rock star but on a tight budget is to be prepared ahead of time and shop smartly! To get your creative culinary juices flowing, let’s get you started by offering three quick meals for the holidays that are super simple, not super expensive, and super delicious!

1. The ol’ standby: Steak and Baked Potato and Haricot Verts (green beans to you and me)

You really can’t go wrong by grilling steaks and serving a baked potato and lightly seasoned haricot verts on the side. Just put fresh long green beans in a skillet with some extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and sauté them on a low heat until they get to your desired tenderness. Be sure you find out how everyone wants their steak cooked and try to cook them to perfection. If you are not experienced with cooking steak, please use a meat thermometer to get the internal temperature to your guests’ liking. You can find affordably priced steaks any time during the year and even at the holidays. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and lightly season with extra virgin olive oil and Kosher salt. Cook for about an hour to an hour and a half at 450 degrees.

Photo courtesy of The Food Network

2. Jamie and Bobby Deen’s Fig-and-Orange-Glazed Ham
Check out this easy recipe from Paula Deen’s sons, who can be seen on The Food Network.

Ingredients
1 spiral-sliced half ham
1 cup fig jam
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Grated zest of 1 orange
1/3 cup fresh orange juice

Directions
Preheat the oven as directed on the ham package and follow the instructions for baking the ham. Remove the ham from the oven about 30 minutes before the end of the warming time.

Meanwhile, combine the jam, mustard, and orange zest and juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, just until the jam melts (do not boil). Spoon half of the glaze over the ham and bake for the remaining 30 minutes. Remove the ham from the oven and spoon the remaining glaze on top. Transfer to a cutting board and carve.

Photo courtesy of The Food Network

3. Creamed Spinach from Food Network Magazine

Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all- purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 pounds spinach, tough stems removed
1 large egg plus 2 egg yolks
Freshly ground pepper

Directions
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth; cook, stirring, until the mixture lightens, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat; whisk in the milk, 2 teaspoons salt and the nutmeg. Return to medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking. Remove from the heat again; stir to cool slightly.

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and 1 teaspoon salt; cover and cook about 3 minutes. Toss with tongs, then continue to wilt, uncovered, about 2 more minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then squeeze the spinach until dry. Coarsely chop.

Gently reheat the sauce, then whisk in the whole egg and yolks; cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the spinach; heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

With the holidays almost upon us, the time has come to start preparations for your holiday meals, especially if you’re planning on having a houseful of guests for dinner, brunch or even dessert and drinks. Here are some ideas to get you started, but if you want more great easy holiday recipes, simply search online at FoodNetwork.com and you’ll find plenty of quick easy holiday meals to whip up for your holiday guests.

 

Posted in Other | Leave a comment

Easy Solutions to Hosting a Holiday Party in Your Apartment

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Chelsea Hoffman

A smaller living space may have you saying, “Bah! Humbug!” to throwing a holiday soirée, but there’s no reason to be a Scrooge at this time of the year. So, with a dash of hope and a sprinkle of creativity, we will have you on your way to hosting the party of the year. As you read these tips, your reservations should melt away.

1. Create more space.
To create more space, store pieces of large unnecessary furniture in your garage, bedroom, or friend’s place temporarily. You can store things such as large ottomans and bulky chairs.  One of the key successes for every party is space to mingle and move around comfortably so focus to create the perfect balance of seating and standing room.

2. Utilize every nook and cranny.
Make your bedroom the official spot for coats, hats, and scarves. If you keep your guests from laying their bulky coats all over the apartment, space will be freed up. A cheerful tablecloth can also camouflage your washer and dryer and convert it into the perfect beverage station. If you want to get really fancy, remove your books from the bookshelf and transform it into a festive bar. *Bonus points: Add holiday wrapping paper on the inside back of the bookcase for extra flair.


3. Keep the food simple.Chances are you won’t have a whole lot of sitting room in your apartment. Plan to serve appetizers than can be easily enjoyed while standing. Great appetizers and finger foods are much more convenient than foods that need cutting. Visit Food.com or Pinterest for great recipes and ideas or if you’re running out of time, check your neighborhood Whole Foods store for their selection of appetizers and order online.

4. Establish a flow for the party.Visualize the flow of your party and plan accordingly. To keep people from gathering in the same space at once, place beverages and food in strategic locations throughout the dining and living areas and plan activities all around the apartment. This should help your guests feel more comfortable and less cramped.

5. Decorate appropriately.
It may be a little overwhelming to display all of your holiday decorations and knick knacks. Create a beautiful centerpiece on your dining table and add just the right amount of holiday decorations throughout your apartment.

What are you waiting for? Send those invitations. The holidays are such a special time to spend with friends and family, so don’t let renting an apartment interfere with creating holiday memories. If you know a fellow apartment dweller who could also benefit from this advice, please share these tips with them, as well.

Posted in Other | Tagged , | Leave a comment