Apartment Gardening: Round Two
Spring is in the near future, and with it always comes thoughts of fresh flowers, rich-green plants and the relaxing act of gardening. Just because you don’t have a patio or yard of your own doesn’t mean you have to miss out on it all. Apartment gardening is easy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Succulent plants are the way to go. Popular among most apartment dwellers, these plants require minimal maintenance. Virtually all cacti, aloe and others like these retain water so they’re fairly easy to uphold. Plus, their unique looks make for some really fun displays. Find them a sunny spot by a window and water periodically, and they’ll thrive in even the smallest home.
Bonsai gardening can also be fun. You can grow these miniature trees from scratch or purchase one to maintain. Either way, the process is very zen. This Japanese art form is focused on long term cultivation and sculpting and can be as time consuming as you want it to be. Check out this great Bonsai website for tutorials on growing, pruning, and caring for your own tree.
Avocadoes aren’t just a super food; they’re also fairly easy to grow. Keep the seed from the next one you buy, and follow the directions here to grow your own beautiful avocado houseplant.
Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls offers a great variety of plants and gardening supplies. Their well-experienced staff can help you plan the garden of your dreams, even if it’s indoors! It’s a great place to get started. Also, don’t forget to check out the local farmers market for other unique plant and flower vendors.
More Maps! New DIY Projects.
We mentioned before that up-cycled maps can make a great decorative addition to your apartment or home. Decoupage on a table, making map cut-outs, and using them for large wall art are all stylish ways to add a worldly touch to your home. Here are few new ideas we came up with in case you’ve still got that good ole’ atlas lying around.
Make some map coasters that will blow future guests away! Start out by laying out your map face-down on a cutting board. Place a circular piece of cork (coaster sized) on top. Trace around the cork with a cutting knife. Use a glue sealant to adhere the map piece to one side of your cork circle. Finish it off by applying a layer of the same glue sealant over the top and sides of the coaster to help set. Repeat to make as many as you like!
Turn a larger map into a magnetic board or cork board. Using some decoupage medium, adhere the map to the surface of a plain magnet board(IKEA has cheap ones) or large piece of cork board. Apply a coat of the same decoupage over the surface and sides to set the map in place. You may want to apply a couple of layers to give it a glossy finish. Now you can hang your magnetic/cork map on the wall and pin up pictures, ticket stubs, etc. from your favorite trips!
If you happen to have an old globe lying around the home, here’s a cool way of giving it a new look: Use two coats of chalkboard paint to cover the water between all of the continents. Using different colored chalkboard paint, cover all of the continents. (Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!) Use a thin brush to outline the continents in the color of your choice. One dry, grab some chalk and get to writing on that new globe!
These one-of-a-kind decorations look great in any home and are relatively easy to make. Before you toss that map into the recycling bin, or stuff it back into a crowded drawer, consider making it into art.
Have other map project ideas? We’d love to hear them!
Too Late for Lights? Apartment Decor that Glows.
You may have already boxed up your holiday lights, but that’s no reason to leave them there to collect dust. Keeping some twinkle lights out for all times of the year can help give your apartment a little bit of character. Here are some neat ways to put them to use:
Use white string lights to create or accent art pieces. On a piece of canvas (either white or painted the color of your choice) mark the design you want with pencil on the back, making small dots half-inch apart. Then, gently press an awl through each dot to make a small hole. Push a light bulb into each hole, using glue to secure into place. If you already have a piece of art that you love, draw more attention to it by stringing lights around its perimeter.
Drape icicle lights behind sheer curtains to create a dazzling display when the sun goes down. You may even want to cozy up your bed by surrounding it with sheer fabric and hanging beautiful fairy lights behind it. If you happen to have a canopy bed and want to ditch the fabric, wrap your lights around the canopy posts for a warm and dreamy look.
Use some lights to dress up a boring white wall or a room full of neutral colors. Cover and use Dixie cups to create unique shades for your light garland. Cut an X shape slit into each cup bottom and push a light bulb through each. Once each light on the string is covered by a colorful cup, hang your garland along a blank wall or over a doorway for a beautiful DIY look.
You can manipulate garlands of lights in so many unique ways. Drape them along your cabinets in the kitchen or use them to wrap around the base of a tall house plant to give your apartment or home an added glow year round.
Baking Soda – Not Just for Baking…
Have a box of baking soda sitting in the back of a cupboard somewhere? If you’re not much of a baker, you may find some of these other uses for baking soda to be pleasantly surprising.
Baking soda can work wonders when it comes to skin irritations. Whether it’s rashes, bug bites, sunburn or something else that’s got you down, baking soda can help soften skin and relieve discomfort. Add a cup or two to a warm bath and soak your way back to healthy skin.
This wonder ingredient can also be used as a mouthwash to help freshen breath. Mix half a teaspoon with some water and gargle to get rid of that morning coffee breath. If you’ve got to brush, mix it together with some peroxide paste and get to scrubbing those pearly whites!
We’ve all heard that sticking an open box of baking soda in your fridge can help eliminate odors, but did you know that you can actually use it to freshen the air around your apartment or home? Just mix it with your favorite perfumed bath salts and put in small sachet bags for your own home-made potpourri.
For all of you Spring Cleaners out there, try adding some baking soda to your supply list. Your bathroom will be sparkling clean if you use some to scrub the sink, shower or tub. While you’re in there, put about a cup into your toilet, let sit, and come back to flush an hour later for a toilet as bright white as it was when it was new. It’s also great for keeping drains clean (about four tablespoons per week).
This miracle product is cheap and highly effective around the home. Add half a teaspoon to your eggs for a light, fluffier omelet or sprinkle on your cat’s litter box to reduce odors. However you put your baking soda to use, you’re sure to be pleased with the outcome.
Creative New Uses for Old Jars
Sometimes you may rinse out a salsa or jelly jar with the intention of reusing it later, or see the six-pack of mason jars on sale at Target and impulsively throw them into your cart, only to find them stored with the rest of the Tupperware months later. Well, break them out again because with these crafty and creative ideas you can put those jars to good use.
Spray paint your jars in bright spring colors and use as decorative planters around the house or along a window sill. Fill them up two thirds of the way with some potting soil, and separate your flowers into natural small groups for a lovely addition to any home. (Use a hot glue gun to draw or write a design on your jar and let dry before spray painting for a cool, artistic effect).
Looking for a decorative centerpiece that won’t cost much time or money? Grab some jars of different sizes and pick up some sand and stones from the dollar store. Fill up the bottom of your jars and nestle a candle into the middle for a beautiful and natural decoration.
If you like the idea of using your jars to hold candles, consider turning them into gorgeous Epsom salt luminaries. Simply put a cup of Epsom salt on a plate, coat your jar in Mod Podge, and roll in the salt (do this by placing your hand inside the jar and rolling the outside along the plate). Then, add a little Mod Podge to the top lip of the jar and sprinkle the salt on top. (Add a drop of food coloring to your Epsom salt for a hint of color). When it’s completely dry, spray your salted jar with a clear gloss for a nice, shiny finish.
Mason jars can also make great drinking glasses. Consider purchasing some chalkboard paper putting a strip on each jar. Guests at your next party can write their name on their glass so there are no mix-ups!
When all else fails, use them for storage! Mason jars are the perfect size for storing Q-Tips, cotton balls, make-up sponges and any other bathroom items that take up space. Any jar, though, can be used for holding loose change, crafting materials, candies and treats, and more.
The Organized Home Office
Whether you’re in an apartment, a small home, or just don’t have the space to make your home office its own room, you can still make the space work for you. Having a home office can get messy with stacks of books and papers piling up. The home office, without an actual home office, can be difficult to maintain, but here a few tips to keep it a bit more organized than usual.
Invest in eye-pleasing storage. Rather than throwing all of your cords and pens into clear plastic bins and setting them aside, consider using baskets, vintage tins, or colorful crates to store any small supplies. A nice larger piece that can hold its own in a living room is a classic secretary. The pullout desk can easily act as a base for your laptop, and the remaining drawers are perfect for storage.
Decorative screens are perfect for separating your workspace from another room. It makes a great divider for any room, and can add a unique look to your space. For another decorative dual-purpose look, mount fabric-covered cork board on the wall above your work space for posting notes, etc. It will provide extra storage, free up any fridge-space you might have and look disguised as a colorful, patterned art piece.
If you work near the kitchen, consider stealing a few of the outermost drawers for office supplies. Using silverware drawer organizers are great for separating paper clips from pushpins, etc. You might even want to set one cabinet aside for larger items like paper and reference books.
If you’re a student or happen to work from home, you might not be lucky enough to have an actual home office. Clean up, get organized, and give your work space some color! It will help to make you feel refreshed, inspired, and ready to have a more productive day.
Last Minute (Today Only!) Valentine’s Gifts
Whether you forgot completely or simply procrastinated, Valentine’s Day is here! Don’t give up just yet if you’re stuck at home empty handed. There are still a few things you can do that may end up saving your holiday.
Chocolate bouquet – Rather than settling for the usual supermarket flower selection, spruce up any old bouquet by adding chocolate! Get some truffles, put them on skewers, and spread them out throughout the flowers. It’s a deliciously sweet gesture that will have that special someone thinking you put in a special order.
If you can afford to splurge, do it on a surprise weekend trip to somewhere great. Websites like Orbit and Travelocity make it easy to not only save money when booking flights and hotel stays, but they make it last-minute friendly. Just a few clicks and you’re on your way.
Romantic dinners are never out-dated. Take your significant other out to their favorite restaurant, or stay home and cook. Light some candles, put on some mood music, and whip up something he or she will love. It might not seem like the biggest gesture, but when you do all the cooking, cleaning, and schmoozing it can go a long way.
If you’re completely out of resources, grab a paper and a pen (or get on the computer) and design your own coupons. Good for a “free” massage, cooked meal, hug, or whatever else you can come up with, these personalized coupons are a great life saver.
There are lots of thoughtful gestures that don’t require a whole lot of time or money, so consider your options before you completely give up hope. Worst case scenario? A whopping IOU to be cashed in on your significant other’s terms.
Apartment Living with Cats
Having a cat can add something truly special to our homes, much more so than the right lighting or some new, trendy furniture. Each new friend that comes into our lives has the potential to add a unique quality to our space. However, living with a cat can be tricky at times, so being prepared, especially in an apartment, can make all the difference.
Before you adopt a new animal, make sure that pets are allowed in your complex. Read over your lease agreement, including the fine print, to see if there are any restrictions or specifications on breed, size, or monthly costs.
Once you clear everything with the owner, consider cat-proofing your place before you bring your animal home. Cats have a tendency to climb and claw, so any wires, shoes, and other off-limits things should be tucked away and put out of reach.
You may even want to consider your furniture. Some fabrics are more likely to catch dirt, hair, and scratch marks, so make sure to re-think your choices or have a lint roller handy! Leather is a great material that is easily wiped and won’t trap hair, and micro-fibre is another fabric that wears well and is easy to maintain. There are also stain and soil resistant furniture available if you’re really worried about the mess.
Pet toys can be expensive, but keeping your cat entertained is important, especially when they’re young and new to your home. Having multiple distractions for your pet will help keep it from clawing at your furniture and any knick-knacks lying around. If you’re on a budget, try making some home-made toys using water bottles, balls, old socks, bottle caps and other items. If you like to sew, stuffed toys and pillows can be great fun for your cat to play with.
Check with your local vet or pet store for more ideas specific for your cat and enjoy the comforts of home with your pet.
DIY Valentine’s Day Decor
Valentine’s Day isn’t exactly known for its amazing décor opportunities, but why not make your home a bit sweeter this year?
Positively Splendid featured a great tutorial on how to make a beautiful rolled rosette tree using 2 rolls of red crepe paper streamers, a large Styrofoam cone, and a hot glue gun. Start out by cutting the streamers in 30 inch lengths. Fold each piece in half lengthwise, twice. Then, at one end, start rolling the streamer tightly a few times. Secure it in place with hot glue. Take the remaining part of the streamer and fold it back at a 45 degree angle. Roll the tail around the center a quarter turn, and fold back again. Secure with hot glue.
Repeat this process until you have used up the rest of your streamer, and secure the end with hot glue at the back of the rosette. Make as many rosettes as needed and begin gluing to the foam cone in rows, until the entire cone is covered. When you’re finished, you’ll have a lovely Valentine’s appropriate decoration (that can even be reused for Christmas!)
For some unique, romantic-style art, consider displaying some of your favorite black and white photos in clear glass mason jars. For an even more vintage look, create your own silhouette art and display in a colorful (pink or red) frame. Make this original art by tracing images of friends,
family, and more onto black construction paper. Set it against a white background.
Fresh flowers can always help add a romantic Valentine’s touch to any room. Try pink tulips in crisp white vases, or red roses in a bold black vase for a darker touch.
Valentine’s Day can be just as festive as the other holidays, so get to work and start decorating. With only about a week to go, you can still find time to enjoy these romantic, sophisticated, love-inspired bits of décor.
Downtown Menomonee Falls February Events
Menomonee Falls is a beautiful community with great shops, delicious dining, and tons of fun events for all ages. “Wisconsin’s Largest Village” is coming to life again this month, offering great entertainment and an enjoyable downtown ambiance.
On Thursday, February 2nd it’s Kevin Smith: Live from Behind. Join the Menomonee Falls community as popular filmmaker Kevin Smith interacts with fans from around the country. This show will be preceded by “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old.”
Also, check out Chilly Fest on the 18th. With an amateur and professional ice carving contest, a mouth-watering chili competition, and other entertainment it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Held over at Mill Pond Park, Chilly Fest will host a series of games, raffles, and amazing foods and beverages that the whole family can enjoy.
If one of your resolutions this year is to get in shape, you might want to check out the RWF Bootcamp on February 7th. This free class starts at 5:15am, and is perfect for any and all fitness levels and fitness goals. Work with instructors and fellow participants to get into prime shape. If you like your experience, you’ll have the opportunity to join monthly sessions at a discounted, package price.
February 20th is ladies night at Angelo’s Café Vino! Come out and enjoy drink specials, unique fusion cuisine specials, and more. Hang out with the girls for a night of pampering with friends, music, and even psychic readings! Treat yourself to a night out on the town.
Hinken’s Apartments is just minutes from all of the downtown excitement that Menomonee Falls has to offer – just one reason why residents love this beautiful, blossoming community.