Hello World!
Welcome to the blog page for Hinkens Apartments. On this page, we share information that we believe can be helpful to existing and potential future tenants in our apartment building. We hope you find what follows to be useful and/or interesting. Please feel free to leave comments and give us your opinion!
Also, on the other pages of this site, we share information about the apartments and the apartment community. Please feel free to browse for an apartment for yourself or for a friend or family member. We’d be more than happy to give a tour of any of our fine facilities. Thanks for visiting us here. We hope to see you in-person soon!
DIY Laundry Room Makeover
Even in a community setting, a laundry room should be a place where you feel comfortable and at home. Whether you’re using a community room or washing loads in your own, there are a few projects that you can take on to make your laundry room a bit more bearable.
DIY Laundry detergent: All you need is one bar of soap, one cup of borax, and a cup of washing soda to create your own store-quality laundry soap. Use a grater to shred the soap bar and mix well with the remaining two ingredients. Store in an air-tight container and use 1-2 tablespoons per laundry load. Not only will you feel better for saving some dough, but you’ll get to choose your own personal scent to give your clothes.
T-shirt scrap rug: What better accessory for your laundry room than a rug made out of old t-shirts? To start out, grab a large shirt to use as the base. Cut it into a rectangle (or sew multiples together) until you have your desired rug size. For your scraps, cut up old t-shirts into 5-6” long and 1” wide strips. Next, poke small holes into the rug base in horizontal/ vertical rows about ½” apart. Then, starting at one corner, thread a strip through the first hole and back through the second hole. Grab a new strip and thread it through the second hole (where the first strip came up) and back up through the third. Continue this process until all of the holes are filled!
DIY dryer rack: Old wooden ladders are perfect for this project. Whether you’ve got a laundry room of your own, or need a place to dry delicates in your apartment, you’ll find this to be a creative and decorative way to finish a laundry load. Wooden ladders are ideal because they’re small-space friendly and can be painted in the color of your choice. Simply lean it up against a wall and hang clothes on the rungs.
Ironing board cover: Sick of looking at the same old ugly ironing board? Beautify it yourself with your choice of fabric. There’s no set size for these boards, so figure out how much fabric you’ll need by measuring your current cover. You’ll need one package of ¼” elastic, too, along with the usual sewing necessities (pins, thread, scissors, etc.) Check out the full how-to here.
Put your creativity to use and make the laundry room a place you love (or at least can stand to be in once a week).
Tips for Hosting A Successful Party
Ever show up to one of those parties where people are just standing around, the music’s too low, the food is cold, and there’s that bug-filled fluorescent light flickering on the kitchen ceiling? Now that graduation and summer break are upon us, you may be considering hosting a party. Here are some important things to remember to ensure it’s a hit.
Most importantly, invite the right number of people for your place. Consider the amount of space you have when you’re putting your guest list together. If you’re having a sit-down dinner party, less is better. People will want to have a bit more space. If it’s a cocktail party or just a fun dance party, having a larger number of guests might be more appropriate.
Next, don’t be afraid to move some furniture around. Your party should consist of four key stations – entrance, bar, food, and music – all of which should be located in different places. It’s ideal to have open space in between all of these areas, as it will allow people to mix more freely from the very beginning.
Something else to consider: lighting. Lighting is a very important element when it comes to throwing a successful party. Vary the intensity of the lights throughout the party, using candles and warm lamps along with overhead lights. You might even put up some white Christmas lights for added charm.
Lastly, keep things moving. Have a constant stream of food and drinks available to your guests so that nobody has to go looking for it. Having a variety of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres set strategically in different places is a great way to prevent people from clustering in one particular room. Continuously mingle yourself, and introduce people who might not know each other as you go along.
Is there something we forgot? Share your party-planning tips here.
DIY Sun-Inspired Art
With warmer weather underway, we thought it would only be appropriate to share some incredible DIY art ideas that are 100% sun-inspired. As the temperature climbs this spring, try your hand at crafting some of these unique pieces that will give your walls a fresh new look.
Sunburst mirror- All you need for this project is a round mirror, some (wood) glue, and several packs of wooden shims in varying lengths. Group the shims together to form your “rays.” Once those dry, glue the rays together and mount onto a piece of plywood backing. Then, attach your mirror. This sensational piece of art will be sure to make your wall pop. Check out the full tutorial here.
Sun prints, also known as cyanotypes, are simple to make and require only a few materials: light-sensitive paper, water and sunlight. The first step is finding the right image. Whether it’s a picture, a flower, or an item of clothing, all you have to do is set the paper, with the image on top, under a piece of glass and leave it in the sun. Usually, it will only take a few minutes for the image to expose. Afterwards, rinse off the paper to get the chemicals out, and let dry. Voilà! Fast, easy, and affordable art!
Add some character to your windows this spring by creating your own sun-catchers. This particular design uses colorful kite paper and can be folded into shining star patterns. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with just a little time and patience. Check out the full how-to here.
Solar Wood-burning is another fun sun-craft. All you need for this one is any piece of light-colored wood, a pencil, a hand-held magnifying glass, and some varnish. Lightly sketch an image onto the piece of wood using your pencil.
When you’re ready, hold the magnifying glass over the image so that the sun’s rays passing through the glass get focused onto one spot. As the concentrated sunlight begins to burn into the wood, carving it as deep as you want, move the lens slightly along your sketch. It may take some practice, but you’ll love the result! Finish this project off with a quick coat of varnish.
These fun and affordable projects will give your apartment some spark, so embrace the sun this spring and create a work of art that is truly light-inspired.
New Uses for Used Dryer Sheets
Don’t throw away those used dryer sheets just yet! There are actually a lot more things that they can be used for. Whether it’s dusting, scrubbing, or just a fresh scent that you need handled, grab your dryer sheets and read on for a few ways they can help.
If you’re dealing with cat or other pet hair, run a used dryer sheet over your clothes or cloth furniture. Just like a store-bought lint roller, the sheet will pick up any hair any other small bits.
Keep your home smelling fresh and clean by sticking a dryer sheet in your vacuum bag. Use them in other areas of the home, as well, that could use some freshening up. Stick a dryer sheet in clothing drawers, under couch cushions, and in closets for a clean scent all around. Roll one up and stick it in the toilet paper roll for a fresh burst of clean with every use. You might even want to get rid of that old Pine air freshener hanging from your rearview mirror, and use a dryer sheet instead.
Dryer sheets can work miracles in the shower. Simply wet a used one and scrub gently to remove tough soap buildup and other mineral deposits. This also works well on stainless steel pots and pans. . Let the dirty dishes soak in water with a sheet present, and the softening/anti static agents will team up to loosen grit stuck to your pan for an easy scrub clean.
In the warmer months when bugs come back around, use a dryer sheet to help repel nasty pests like mosquitos. Rub a sheet on your skin for some extra protection. If you have a lot of bug stains on your car windshield, simply wet the surface and use a dryer sheet to easily remove all the gross guts.
Trouble getting all the dust off your TV screen or computer monitor? Grab a dryer sheet. These great multi-purpose cleaners are perfect for trapping dust and can even be helpful when trying to remove lint or pet hair from furniture, clothes, and other surfaces.
Who knew that a dryer sheet could accomplish so much? Feel free to let us know if you discover any further uses for these little life-savers.
Household Uses for Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits of all kinds can have multiple places in the kitchen. Adding an orange or a lime to a beer can give it an even more refreshing taste, and adding lemon zest to a cookie or cake can give it just the right amount of kick. However, there are some lesser known uses for citrus fruits that reach beyond the kitchen. Here are just a few…
Cut a lemon in half and use it to rub out any unwanted clothing stains. Whether it’s yellowed underarm stains, blotches of ink, or even grass, scrub them with a little lemon and rinse clean in cold water. Want to brighten those whites with your next load of laundry? Forget the bleach. Instead, add ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle and watch those whites shine. Spray any white tennis shoes with a little lemon juice and let sit in the sun for a look that’s good as new.
Lemons can be used for a variety of cleaning activities. Spray glass windows and doors with juice and wipe dry with newspaper. It’s better than Windex! Also, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. This will remove lime scale, hard water stains, and soap residue.
Orange zest in a bowl can help keep unwanted flies away from food. If you’re having a picnic or outdoor party, put the bowl on the table and enjoy your meal in peace. A mixture of lemon and water can be used to deter other pests like ants. Put into a spray bottle and spray in any cracks or under doorways and windows to keep them from getting inside.
If you’ve got a cat that can’t quite seem to make it to the litter box, use a citrus spray to cover his favorite spots. Ammonia-based cleaners smell too much like urine to deter a cat’s use of the space. They aren’t fond of the scent of citrus, though, and will steer clear of the areas you spray.
Have any other home uses for citrus fruits? Share them here!
More Menomonee Parks and Recreation
Menomonee Falls is home to a large number of passive and active parks. Perfect for hiking, biking, and just enjoying the outdoors, Menomonee offers some of the best parks and trails in the Midwest.
Old Falls Village is a popular attraction in Menomonee, inviting visitors to go back in time and see what life was like in the mid-1800s. Surrounded by a gorgeous, serene 17-acre park, the Village features historic homes, school houses, and much more. It’s an experience worth having and a great place to spend the day outdoors.
Lime Kiln Park is also one of Menomonee’s more popular places to go. This beautiful 16-acre area is home to the original falls of the Menomonee River, surrounded by historic lime kilns and the original limestone quarry. Grab a friend or the family and head on down by the water for a nice, Spring picnic.
If you’re looking to get out and do something more active, take a trip to Willowood Park. You’ll find tennis courts, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and even an area for ice skating! For the younger ones, there’s a toddler play-area and several picnic areas to enjoy.
Menomonee Falls is well-known as “Wisconsin’s Largest Village,” with over 33 scenic square miles. This Spring, try your hand at any of Menomonee’s many golf courses, or enjoy some fresh air at the Menomonee park along Bugline Trail and soak up some of that Midwestern sunshine. You may even see some white-tail deer and other interesting animal species wandering about.
DIY Crafts with Crayons
Crayons can be used for much more than coloring. A little bit of heat can go a long way in turning old crayons into new works of art. If you’re looking for a new craft to try on a free afternoon, consider the following.
Here’s one idea that’s particularly fun for kids. Use crayons to draw an image on a piece of fine sandpaper. Make sure to go over the image so that there is a thick layer of crayon. Put a paper towel over the sandpaper to protect the iron and iron on to your shirt for about 30 seconds. Once your image is in place, put a paper towel over the shirt, and iron to pick up some of the excess wax. Throw the t-shirt in the dryer for about 20 minutes to set the image, and you’re done!
Buy a foam ring at the craft store and paint it a nice color. Then, glue crayons (new pointy ones work best) around the edge for a fun and funky back-to-school wreath. For a unique look, try layering the crayons in all different directions.
Chop up old crayons and place them in mini-cake tins or cupcake sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 150 degrees. Let cool and remove for new fabulous fun-shaped crayons! If they stick to the pan, stick them in the freezer for a few minutes and then remove.
Crayon shavings can be used to create fun, colorful sun catchers to put in front of a window. Spread bits of crayon over a sheet of wax paper (cut to any shape) and cover with another sheet of wax paper. Use an iron to melt the wax in between and stick the two sheets together. They look beautiful with a bit of sunlight going through them.
Create your own crayon candles to give your home some color. Get a candle kit at your local craft store including boil bags, wicks, and white wax. Tape one of your wicks to a pencil or a chop stick and lay it flat across a glass jar or tin of your choice. Melt the white wax in one of the boil bags. Pour the wax slowly into the jar, adding broken crayon pieces to the mix. (The wax is hot enough to melt the crayon) Fill to the top adding as many crayons as you’d like to get an interesting, artistic look. Allow to dry.
These are just a few of the cool things you can do with an old recycled material like crayons. In just a few simple steps, you can turn your old coloring collection into beautiful works of art.
Small Spaces: Further Fitness Tips
If you’re keeping to your New Year’s resolution to get in shape but are working in a small space, we’ve got some more tips to help you out. You don’t need a gym membership or top-of-the-line equipment to get results, all you need is a good attitude and 30-60 minutes a day.
A great alternative to running, biking, or swimming is jumping rope. They’re pretty cheap to purchase, and they do a fantastic job of burning calories. It’s a great exercise to get your heart rate up and really engage the whole body. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford the rope, try mimicking the movements with your feet and hands.
Resistance bands are another great investment for all types of training. There are hundreds of different uses for them, and they’re small and easy to store.
Consider interval training as an alternative to doing straight cardio or weights. Looking for a good routine? Start out with 60 seconds of jumping jacks. Do as many as you can with good form. Take a 30 second break. Next, put a small towel on the floor and hop over it (horizontally) for another 60 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds. Continue with 60 second intervals with a 30 second rest in between. Here are some more great interval exercises: crunches, push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges.
Working on your core is a great way to boost overall strength and balance. To get those abs into six-pack shape, you might need to do a bit more than just your basic crunches. Scissor kicks are a great exercise to work the lower abdomen. Start out on your back with one leg straight up in the air and the other straight out in front of you about six inches off the floor. Switch every five seconds for 20-30 reps.
To work the obliques, lay on your back with knees bent and together. Twist so that both legs are on one side (back flat on the floor) and do 20-30 crunches in this position. Repeat on the other side.
Challenge yourself to a plank hold. Stay in the push-up position for 30 seconds to a minute (or longer). Make sure to keep a flat back and tighten your butt and abdomen muscles while holding in order to get the maximum results.
There are tons of exercises perfect for small-space workouts. Consider working out with a friend for support and get it in gear! These cheap and effective routines are sure to make a difference.
Spring Clean Green: More DIYs
You may have heard that a few simple, organic ingredients mixed together can make for some pretty great cleaning supplies. From bathtub cleaner to fabric softener, there are tons of easy (and green) ways to make your own at home. With spring cleaning on the way, here are a few more favorite recipes for your consideration:
Rid your home of unwanted odors with this incredibly easy and effective solution: mix an ounce of gin or vodka with six ounces of water. Then add 20-40 drops of your favorite essential oil, like jasmine. Use as needed to de-funk carpet, fabric, or to give your apartment a nice, fresh scent.
For a natural disinfectant perfect for bathrooms and kitchen countertops, mix together two cups of water, three tablespoons of soap (liquid) and about 25 drops of tea tree oil. Put it in a spray bottle and use to keep those counters germ-free.
To avoid spots when cleaning windows and mirrors, use two tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with one gallon of water. Spray it on and use newspaper to wipe for a streak-free shine.
Tackle slow and clogged drains in the kitchen or bathroom without nasty chemicals. Toss half a cup of baking soda into the drain and follow with two cups of boiled water. For sinks that are being extra-problematic, try adding ½ cup of vinegar with the baking soda and let sit for a minute or two. Then use the water to rinse clean.
This spring, kick the dyes and chemicals to the curb, and try out some of your own green cleaning methods. Have any favorites that we missed? Share them here!
Where to Shop: Local and Online Tips
When the time comes to buy new furniture, artwork, or other pieces for your apartment it’s important to know where to look. Having a few favorite shopping sites will not only save you time but can also save you money! Check out some of these great places to get started:
George Watts and Son, Inc. of Milwaukee is an awesome place to pick up anything from kitchenware to picture frames and lamps. With a variety of home accents and prices, this unique store makes home decorating easy.
If you prefer to shop from home, Etsy is a fantastic place to start. A site rich with a variety of vintage and hand-made items, this online marketplace has everything from jewelry to furniture. In the past, Etsy has been called “a crafty cross between Amazon and eBay” that continues to grow in popularity.
Uncommon Goods is another online mecca for home décor. Like the name suggests, you’ll find a wide range of unique and uncommon items on this site. Search for your own furniture or home accents, or use the online gift guide to help pick something special for someone you know. The store even has a blog with design tips and product offers all its own.
Keep an eye out for the Menomonee Falls farmers market, as well. While the majority of vendors offer baked goods and produce, there are usually a handful of people selling other pieces like birdhouses, jewelry, hand-painted decorations and more. With such a wide variety of vendors and crafts available, you never know what you’re going to find.
Have any other favorites? Keep us posted here.