Carve It Out

Halloween is finally here and we're sure you've dusted off your decorations and crafted the perfect costume for the festivities. However, if you're still looking for a way to really make your fall pop, a carved pumpkin may be the perfect way to make your house stand out from the crowd. This blog from apartmentguide.com has some simple suggestions to make your pumpkin art stand out this year. Keep reading to learn more. 

Carve a Character

You definitely don’t need to be an artist to create a charactor jack-o-lantern. With patterns for sale and printable versions available online, all you have to do is figure out what image you want to carve. Deciding will be the hardest part, as there are printable designs depicting the New York skyline, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Peanuts characters, haunted cemeteries, and fire-breathing dragons, for example. Make your selection, tape it to the pumpkin, and get carving.

Pumpkin-Eating Pumpkin

Cannibalistic squash may sound frightening, but these innovative designs where a larger jack-o-lantern has been carved so that it is chowing down on a smaller pumpkin showcases the perfect mix of art and fright. Smaller pumpkins may be placed intact, inside the gnawing jaw carved with gnashing teeth, or squashed with pumpkin pieces spewed about. Another clever idea is carving the larger pumpkin to appear as if it is being split open from a mighty, small pumpkin bursting out.

Find a New Fruit

Here’s some trivia for your next cocktail party: pumpkins are actually fruits. Although carving a pumpkin has grown into a tradition, there are plenty other fruits to carve. Pick a different fruit, such as melons or gourds, when selecting your carving medium. Carving out oranges is a great way to do a small project that can easily line your apartment windowsill or table top, plus the smell will be amazing!

Drilling in Designs

If the only tool you have ever used to carve pumpkins is a giant knife, you are limiting yourself. There are several tools sold in pumpkin carving sets, but opting for your drill offers the opportunity to make some unique designs. Small drill bits can be used to create delicate patterns. Use a paper doily for the design for a super swanky pumpkin. Use several sizes of drill bits to create designs that will let the light shine out from all sides of the pumpkin. A favorite drill design is etching words or spooky sayings into the pumpkins.

Unusual Colors

With orange as one of the official colors of Halloween, it is no wonder that jack-o-lanterns are also traditionally orange. Mix it up by selecting some of the more unusual pumpkin and squash varieties for a white, yellow, green, or multi-colored palette. For over-achieving Halloween decorators, pick pumpkins in several colors and sizes to make for an impressive scene.

Painted

Painting a jack-o-lantern is a sure hit with any parent who does not want the mess or danger of scooping out pumpkin guts and carving designs. Little ones can let their creativity flow as they finger paint their spooky masterpiece. Those wanting to create a frightening scene or trendy decoration can use painter’s tape to plan out their design. Some paint on a jack-o-lantern face, others opt for a chevron pumpkin complete with glitter paint.

Jeweled Jack-o-Lantern

Similar to painting, this is a no-mess way to decorate a pumpkin that can decorate your front step or balcony for weeks without ever rotting. Those who love all things sparkly can bling out a gourd with jewels of any size, shape, or color. Simply attach the jewels with craft glue or a hot glue gun. An elaborate Day of the Dead theme would be really over-the-top in rhinestones.

Eerie Glow

Candles inside of jack-o-lanterns are so last millennium. This is the 21st century, so you have loads of options for lighting up your pumpkin. Battery-operated candles get rid of the risk of fire, and can be left inside of pumpkins even when you are not home. Decorate in color by using colorful glow sticks inside the pumpkin for another safe lighting option; your neighbors and landlord will love it.

Relax At Your Dinner Party

(Image courtesy of Elin B)

We all love to get together with friends. Whether it be a group outing, or a nice sit down dinner it's always a nice to gather a group of people that you care about and simply send time together. One of the best ways to make sure you get to spend time with the people that you care about most is to invite them over to your unique San Francisco apartment for a home cooked meal.

As if hosting a dinner party wasn't stressful at the best of times, sometimes small hiccups in the plan arise that can max out the stress level of anyone. These tips from Apartment Therapy  will help you to navigate any number of the uncomfortable situations that arise when large groups get together. Did we miss any? Leave us a comment and let us know! 

1. Uh-oh. You're in a terrible mood. You had an incredible picnic planned - but it's rained. You and your spouse had an argument just before everyone arrived. You didn't get any sleep the night before, trying to bake that 12-layered cake. If your plans just didn't work out, you're cranky, stressed out or have a sour mood for no reason at all, remember: your party is not about you, it's about your guests. It's fine to tell a best friend or spouse "I'm really disappointed things aren't working out," but don't keep bringing conversation at the party back to your mood or what you wish was happening or what you'd planned to do. If you can't shake the blues, go into the bathroom, take a deep breath, smile, come out, pop on a favorite CD, let yourself dance and laugh.
2. Something's gone wrong with the food. It's burnt. It's over-salted. Or worse: you cooked a meat stew for a vegetarian. Or a satay stir-fry for someone with a peanut-allergy. Just order take-out. Don't try to start from scratch. Don't serve the food (don't even think about "picking out the meat"). Be honest with your guests. "I'm sorry, I made a mistake, I tried," is a great way to start. Grab the take-out menus from your favorite local places. Take a vote on what people would like to eat. No one minds a great pizza, especially since it will come quickly. But remember - you're paying! If a good friend offers to chip in, fine, but don't ask to split the bill.
3. Surprise! Someone's turned up unannounced. Don't make a fuss of it, don't even mention it - instead, be warm and welcoming. Set an extra place at the table, and if you're worried you won't have enough food, take a look in your refrigerator/pantry for any of the following: bread, chips/crackers and salsa or dip, olives, dried fruit, fresh fruit, salad ingredients, frozen peas, cured meats, or, if you're particularly skilled, whip up some last minute cornbread, biscuits, or cookies for dessert.
4. You've been waiting for an eon...but that last guest still hasn't arrived. Try calling again. If you can, find out their estimated time of arrival, and if it's within the next 15 minutes, then wait to eat. If you can't get in touch, or they have no idea when they'll make it - go ahead and eat, but put together a plate food and tuck it away in the oven to stay warm. When your late guest does arrive, be warm and welcoming, even if they are often late. If you would like to address a friend's chronic problem with lateness, do so at a time you are both relaxed and there's no one else around.
5. He/she just won't stop gossiping. Emily Post, the great master of etiquette, said that conversation should be about something, not about someone. If you have a gossip-a-holic over for dinner, where discussion about someone who is not present seems to linger - change the subject. You can do so by directing open ended questions to other guests about topics that were just recently discussed.
6. No one can get a word in edgewise. If you're an extrovert, you know how easily this can happen. There's silence, and once you start to fill it, you end up completely taking over. As a host, help the helpless extrovert by deflecting attention away from them in the first available moment (even if you have to talk over them a little) by asking an open-ended question (one which requires a whole lot of information rather than just yes/no) of a guest you know has something new in their life to talk about, for example, "What are your plans this summer?" or "Tell us about that creative project you've been working on". Follow that discussion up with further questions that clarify ("How/what/why/when exactly...?"), reflect on ("I'm amazed/astounded/interested by...") or summarize ("So, you're telling me...") what your less-talkative friend has shared about.
7. An argument has broken out between guests. However conflict-averse you may be, remember that your fundamental job as host is this: to create a comfortable environment for all of your guests. This means, if a heated argument or negative, unwanted speech enters the conversation, it is absolutely your job as host to veer conversation back to healthy territory. An offensive or argumentative comment can be met with an "I'm sorry, you're joking, right?" (with a not-too-subtle note of disinterest) from you, which will give your guest the chance to say "yes" and move on. If they persist, be clear, firm but friendly: "Come on, guys, this is not the time or place for this." If talking won't work, separate the parties involved. Have a good friend take the more agitated party to a private spot in your home to cool down.
8. You're ending the night with a drunk dinner guest. Oh dear. Don't get frustrated or embarrassed, instead, stay calm as you speak to your guest and remember to smile, which will help your guest to be relaxed. Offer food and coffee, and perhaps have a friend take them into another room to chat alone, so they don't embarrass themselves in front of the group. Take their car keys away, and either offer them a place to sleep or, when they're ready, have a friend drive them home.

What's That App Again?

(Image courtesy of Johan Larsson)

If you're like us, you can't go anywhere without your phone. Whether you're just texting, snapping photos for your Instagram, checking the weather or looking for a great restaurant to try, your first source for information is your smartphone.

With such a demand for easier access to information, it's no wonder that start-ups are popping up on a daily basis and being based in the Bay Area, we're right in the middle of the action! Read what writer Kim Lucian from Apartment Therapy had to say about the new app craze that seems to be hitting us. Do you agree?

I get press releases on a near daily basis that go something like this... "check out our innovative new start-up." The services range from the ordinary (housekeeping, art curating, personal shopping, flower delivery) to the less than ordinary— a service that provides you with a personal valet to park and retrieve you car for you as needed, and the now infamous "Yo" app.

While I am well aware that living in a city known for its techie fever means I'm probably exposed to more of this than most, I have to admit, it gets a bit overwhelming. While there are definitely a few "startup" services that I have come to love (Open Table, Bloom That and Lyft to name a few), I've started to wonder... at what point are we getting ahead of ourselves?

As a good friend recently pointed out, "start-up" is just a trendy word for a new business and when you look at it through that lens, do we really need a business to address every one of life's little inconveniences? Or should we, I don't know, suck it up, put on some pants and go to the store ourselves once in a while?

What "start-ups" do you love and what do you think crosses the line into the unnecessary or just plain ridiculous? Leave your response in the comments below.

Plan To Cook, Cook Your Plan

(Image courtesy of U.S. Army)

Budgeting for your monthly groceries is a necessary evil. Though it's difficult to stock your kitchen properly without keeping and eye out during shopping trips, getting the perfect balance to your monthly meal budget can be quite a challenge. Thankfully, writer Michaela Cisney from The Kitchn understands the struggle and has compiled a working list of tips to create the perfect budget for your needs. Look below to learn more. 

1. Track what you actually spend for a month.

Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.

Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.

Pro tip: to make this easier when you go back through your receipts, load your groceries from cart to cashier in itemized groups.

2. Budget per month, but plan per week.

I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.

3. Name your priorities.

I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.

4. Don’t eat out.

Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.

5. Prize (and plan) variety.

...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.

6. Keep a fridge list.

Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.

7. Learn to love your leftovers.

They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.

8. Don’t be duped by coupons.

Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.

9. Stock when there’s a sale, but don’t overstock.

Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.

But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.

10. Take the time to comparison shop.

The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.

However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.

If you shop on a budget, what are your top tips? Share in the comments below!

Organizing Your Kitchen

(Image courtesy trec_lit)

When you move into a new apartment, one of the most time consuming tasks can be deciding how to fit all of your possessions into your new place. Though it can be exciting and fun to get everything placed and put away, the kitchen has it's own set of challenges. 

If you're like us, the kitchen is always the last room to be put away as it takes the most time. Writer Erin Roberts from apartmenttherapy.com has broken down three of the best strategies to organize your kitchen to put the pieces in the puzzle. Keep reading to learn more. 

1. Like Items with Like Items. This can take on many forms. Cereal bowls can go with all the other cereal bowls and wine glasses can go with all the other wine glasses, or items can be grouped in sets, such as the Fiestaware bowls going with the Fiestaware plates and the matching mugs. Grouping like items means they can stack inside one another or form tidy, uniform rows, and eliminate questions about where a particular item might be hiding. I had personally always preferred organizing by item type, but I recently reorganized my cabinets so that each of my sets of dishes has its own space (I have two sets, a vintage Corelle set that belonged to both of my grandmothers and a new, classic white set that was a wedding gift) and I find that I'm actually rotating my use of dishes more than when they were all housed in one space.
2. Except. . . When Grouping Items by Function. Yes, it seems the like items rule was just made to be broken. If you only use your mugs and cereal bowls in the morning, you're better off storing them together near your coffee maker than letting them clutter the area reserved for the rest of your dishes. My parents' always set up a coffee and tea area in one of their cabinets, with mugs, sugar, honey, and stirring spoons, with the coffee maker and a magically always full basket of pastries on the counter below. Or if you don't have a coffee habit, but have a collection of bar glasses like I do that are only used for cocktails and parties, by all means give them a separate area to call home and let them take their cocktail shaker and pitcher friends with them.
3. Get Things Out Where You Can See Them. There's been a huge uptick in the popularity of open kitchen shelving in recent years. We've even recently discussed how open shelving keeps you honest when it comes to keeping a tidy, organized kitchen. While open shelving is certainly the extreme version of getting things out where you can see them, the trick I've learned from my parents is to simply keep out and use all of those serving platters and cake stands that tend to get relegated to the tops of closets or similar hiding spots, only to make an occasional appearance around the holidays. I do keep some serving pieces out on open shelving, but I also use serving bowls to corral produce on my counter, or I grab a pitcher from the shelf above my drinkware to use as a vase, and I stash a few lightweight platters upright behind my dinnerware for casual hummus and veggie plate dinners with my husband. Like so much in the kitchen, I use these things because they're there, where I can see and reach them, instead of hidden away somewhere.