5 Questions To Ask When Looking For Your Dream Apartment

Moving into a new space opens up a world of opportunities, it’s like getting to start out fresh, even if you are going to live in the same city. This gives you the chance to reevaluate your priorities to see what you’re wanting. This, of course, means that there will be some nerve-wracking aspects because you’re moving of course! When it comes to finding that right home, you want everything to be perfect, from the price, the sizing, the style, the character, and everything in between. But it all started with having some handy steps to get you started.

What type of location?

Location is everything, this is going to affect the price of the apartment (regardless if you’re renting or buying), this is going to play a factor in what’s going to be around you such as your work, school, etc. But the commute is another thing to keep in mind when mapping out your dream apartment. Maybe you want a short walk to the grocery store, and no more than a 10-minute drive to work. Make sure you know exactly what you’re wanting and start writing some general locations that you have in mind.

What sort of layout are you wanting?

Thinking about a cute studio? Loft? What about one of those luxury penthouses? There are more than enough styles for apartments, so it’s best to get a general idea of what you’re exactly after. When it comes to an apartment the square footage matters, so make sure you have a plan of what you’re wanting. Wanting to have multiple bedrooms?

Prefer to have a separate dining room? Dreaming of having a balcony with a small garden? Whatever you have in mind, you need to think it through and ensure that you’re wanting something that fits into your lifestyle. Maybe Meriton Apartments has something that you’re after.

Are you willing to fix it up?

Some apartments are for sale or rent slightly cheaper than average because they need some fixing up. This could include adding in the flooring, lighting, painting the walls, but it can go far beyond that too. So are you willing to work on a fixer upper to create your dream apartment? How much work are you willing to put in so you can have your dream apartment? It’s best to be realistic with yourself about this.

What can you afford?

Regardless of whether you’re opting to make a purchase or renting the apartment, you need to know what you can and can’t afford. While living in a comfortable home is great, being financially comfortable is significantly more important.

What sort of amenities are you wanting?

There are a variety of amenities that apartments will have this can include having a gym available, being pet-friendly, covering utilities such as interior or trash, free parking, washing machines, and so much more. Having these are great and it could be cheaper in the long run to get an apartment that has some of the amenities that you were already after in the first place. 

Look For Less: Home Edition (Coffee Table)

My boyfriend and I have been on a hunt for a coffee table for his home. It’s crazy to see how expensive these things can cost! While we were at Crate and Barrel the other day, we saw this wood table that we really loved but couldn’t justify the $799 price. While looking for other similar options, we came across this Home Depot one that is almost identical for half the price. Shop exact items here.

Should You Buy Or Rent An Apartment?

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

It’s an age-old question – should you rent or buy an apartment? We’re often told that it’s better to buy than to rent, but the truth is that renting has its benefits too. It all comes down to what you can afford, and what’s right for you at the time.

Take a look at some of the benefits of renting and buying to help you make the right choice for you. 

Should you rent an apartment? 

Renting is a popular choice for a lot of people, especially younger people. Some of the main benefits of renting include:

  • The flexibility to move around if you need to for work or for together reasons.
  • The process of renting a home is much quicker than buying, with a lot less paperwork involved.
  • Your landlord is usually responsible for maintaining your apartment, so you won’t have to spend money on repairs and maintenance work.
  • You won’t have to worry about the apartment’s value and whether it increases or decreases.
  • Renting can be more affordable, giving you a larger sized property than you’d be able to own.

But while there are some benefits to renting, there are some downsides too:

  • There may be restrictions on decorating your apartment as you want it – although there are ways to decorate a rental without losing your deposit.
  • Renting doesn’t give you an investment with a return, once the money is gone, it’s gone.
  • You could be faced with increases in your rent over time.
  • Your landlord could decide to sell the property at any time. 

Should you buy an apartment?

There are a lot of good reasons to decide to buy an apartment, including:

  • Your mortgage payments will help you buy your property outright over time, giving you an asset that you can sell in the future.
  • If your home increases in value you can make a profit once it sells.
  • You can decorate your house as you want, and carry out some renovations to improve your home.
  • The security that your home is yours, and you won’t have to worry about moving out and finding somewhere else to live. 

Some of the downsides of buying:

  • It can be complicated if you buy a property with a partner and your relationship breaks down – you may need to sell it.
  • It can be difficult to find apartments or houses for sale that tick all of your boxes.
  • Buying an apartment is a long-term commitment, you’ll be tied to a fixed-term mortgage until it’s either paid off or the house is sold.
  • The process of buying can be a long and complicated one, with a lot of paperwork and lawyers involved.
  • You’re responsible for taking care of and funding repairs and maintenance.
  • If you fall behind on your mortgage payments, your home could be foreclosed. 

Whether you decide to rent or buy depends on your financial circumstances, and your long-term plans. If you know you’re going to live somewhere long-term, and want to invest in your property, then buying an apartment could be a great option for you. If you’re unsure of what you want to do or your finances need some work, renting could be a fantastic option while you figure things out. 

Whatever route you decide to go down, find your perfect apartment and get ready to fall in love with your dream home.

 

How To Decorate Your Apartment For Summer

While the time for spring cleaning may have passed you by, there are various changes you can make to breathe some summer sunshine into your apartment this June. This doesn’t mean you have to plan to completely remodel or redecorate the space, as sometimes, even the smallest changes can have the biggest impact when it comes to interior design. Furthermore, changing up things such as color schemes and furniture throughout the year can entirely transform how your apartment feels, reducing the chances of you feeling bored of the space.

Therefore, if you’re looking to turn your flat from a fixer-upper into a dream apartment, you can use these tips to pull off the perfect summertime makeover! 

  • Replace bulky curtains with lightweight blinds so that you can make the most of natural light and sunshine – especially if you’re working from home or spending a lot of time indoors. 
  • Bring a splash of seasonal color into your home by getting your hands on some fresh flowers. You can even arrange Flower Delivery online by reaching out to a local florist. Flowers are a great way to change how a space looks or feels without having to make too many changes – and they look perfect wherever you chose to display them in your home.
  • In the winter months, you’ll probably focus on making your home as warm and cozy as possible – which often means you have an abundance of throws, pillows, and blankets lying around. While this is a great way to achieve the perfect winter aesthetic, they’ll likely feel suffocating when it’s warm outside. Therefore, you should ensure you store these items away during the summer. 
  • Switch out cushion covers, looking for bold and bright designs and colors that simply scream summer. For example, you should keep an eye out for pops of yellow and orange, and red. 
  • If you’re finding it hard to sleep, switch out your winter duvet for light sheets that will help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is yet another excellent opportunity to bring in a splash of color.
  • If you’ve put together a summer-themed color scheme, why not look for peel and stick wallpaper that matches your design? This is a great way to transform the space without altering it permanently – as you can simply remove the paper when you are done. 
  • Find ways to bring nature into your home. For example, in addition to flowers, you could also bring various plants into your home. If you weren’t born with a natural green thumb, focus on plants that don’t require too much attention or regular maintenance – such as succulents. Alternatively, you could also buy fake plants so that you never have to worry about taking care of them. 
  • If you have a balcony or any outdoor space, ensure you make the most of it. Throw open the doors to let in the fresh air, and give it a little TLC in time for summer BBQs and evening drinks. For example, one way you could enhance your outdoor space’s quality is by adding outdoor lights.

How To Impress Guests

When you’re hosting guests, whether difficult in-laws staying for the weekend or friends coming to a dinner party, you want to impress them as soon as they arrive. Here’s how to do it. 

Give A Great First Impression

First impressions are important, so make sure that the first place your guests come to, your front door, is inviting and spotless. You can do this in a few different ways. Arrange some pot plants around the front door, add a pretty welcome mat, make sure the front step is clean, or hang a wreath from the front door. You could try a few or all of these ideas. 

This can also be a good way to show off your decor taste. For example, adding some colorful pot plants instantly gives the impression that your house is a fun and light-hearted place. 

Create A Welcoming Entrance

You want to make a great first impression on your guests, and this first impression reaches the moment that your guests first step inside. You want to make them feel at home as soon as you can. 

Make sure you have an area ready where your guests can put down any small items they’re carrying, like the keys or a wallet, and still have easy access to them later on if they need them. If you like your guests to take off their shoes, put a shoe rack or box in your entranceway for shoes to be stored in. For coats and jackets, make sure you have a wardrobe that your guests can easily access without having to ask you to get them for them. 

For another welcoming touch, add some fresh flowers or a scented diffuser. 

Offer Beverages And Snacks

If you ever stay in fancy hotels, you will know that one of the first things you’re offered is a drink or a small snack. This is part of how hotels welcome guests, and it works. It is especially well-received by guests who have traveled a long way. 

Offer drinks soon after people arrive, and something light to eat. If you want to really impress, choose a snack with wow factor. You can buy caviar online, for example, for something really special. 

Show your guests where to find drinks and snacks too, so they can get them later themselves. 

Show Them Their Rooms

No matter how close you are with your family or friends, a lot of us prefer to have our own space, whether only for a few minutes or as a retreat if things get busy or noisy. Your guests feel no different. 

Show your guests to their rooms soon after they arrive, if they’ll be staying with you. If you don’t have a spare room and your guest will be sleeping on the sofa, at least show them where they can put their luggage. 

Make sure your guests know where the bathrooms are. Set out towels for them, and do things like showing them the shower works if it’s tricky. 

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Ideally, you want to wow your guests as you approach your property. There are all sorts of ways to do this. One option is to install exterior lighting that illuminates your home in interesting ways. Another is to hire a window replacement company to replace your existing windows with something more stylish. You could also experiment with lining the path or driveway to your home with beautiful bushes and trees and putting flower boxes outside the front door. 

How to Protect Your Phone

Keeping your smartphone safe and sound is so important, as it’s such a large investment that you simply cannot let go to waste. Luckily, learning exactly how you can keep your smartphone out of harm’s way needn’t be as difficult as you might expect, as there are several simple tips and tricks that you can do to ensure you can keep your device for as long as possible. So, if you would like to find out more, then simply read on! 

Invest In A Strong Case 

One of the easiest options that you can pursue to protect your phone involves investing in a super strong case that can absorb the impact should you ever accidentally drop your phone. There are so many different cases available on the market today that claim to be able to protect your phone, but it’s important that you can spend some time researching a few options to see which have the best reviews. Many products claim to be able to stop glass smashing from a height of as much as 5 metres, but oftentimes it’s unlikely that this claim can be backed up or proven. So, read through the reviews that have been left by previous customers to identify whether each option is actually a worthwhile investment. A personalised wood phone case might just be the perfect option, as not only are they made from an über sturdy material, they’re also aesthetically pleasing to look at! Try to avoid those which do not wrap around the phone to protect the edges of the screen, otherwise you will still end up damaging or smashing your smartphone if you drop it face down. 

 

Get A Screen Protector 

Investing in a screen protector is a brilliant way to keep your phone out of harm’s way, as you can source even the most intense tempered glass to help protect your screen from any kind of damage. Even doing something as simple as popping your house keys into the same pocket as your smartphone can scratch all over your screen and cause serious issues, so you must make an effort to keep your screen clear of any imperfections by utilizing a screen protector. It’s a good idea to check out a few tutorials on how to apply a screen protector is the best way, otherwise you may end up with unsightly bubbles of air that get trapped beneath the surface. 

Check out Amazon for some cheap screen protectors that work great!

 

Get Insurance

Getting an insurance package that covers damage to your smartphone will help you to maintain ultimate peace of mind, as no matter what happens to your device you will be covered financially. If you break your smartphone beyond repair then your insurance company will ship out a new device free of charge, so it’s a brilliant investment that every tech owner should consider. Insurance can even cover less serious issues such as cracked screens too, so it’s a worthwhile decision that can be of real benefit for your device. 

It’s never been easier to protect your smartphone! 

It’s Time to Spring Clean!

The past year feels like we have all cleaned and sanitized nearly everything within an inch of its life. But as spring approaches, thinking about spring cleaning is still as relevant as ever. But where do you even start with this kind of thing? You might be lacking in motivation to sort and clean your apartment and get those jobs done that you have been putting off. But if you get it done now, then it is done and you can focus on enjoying the rest of spring and summer. 

Have a plan in place

If you want to not have to spend more time on this than is needed, then think about a plan to get spring cleaning in your apartment. Plan out what needs to be done when, and which rooms need the most attention. What kind of timeline can you plan for the spring cleaning? Start with rooms that are busy and get the most use, and then you can go from there.

Declutter

One of the best ways to start a spring clean is by having a good clear out of all of the items in the apartment. You may be short on storage space as it is, so having a chance to declutter can be such a good idea. It can be a good idea to work on the premise that if you haven’t used it or worn it in over a year, then it is time to say goodbye. Of course, any items that are of good quality could be sold or donated, rather than just thrown out. 

Check what needs to be repaired

After winter, your apartment could need repairs in a few areas. For example, looking at an HVAC repair or a service could be needed after a winter of using it a lot. You might need to repair some cracks in the walls, broken tiles, or other things in the apartment that have endured a lot of wear and tear after the past couple of years. Spring is a good excuse to start afresh with something, so it could be just the reason that you need to get things just as you want them to be.

Assess your cleaning supplies

The last thing that you want to find, when it is time to polish your glass and mirrors, that you are out of glass and mirror polish! If you want to do a deep spring clean, which could be just what your apartment needs, then you need to have the supplies in place to help you to do this. Then you can start to clean anything, as soon as you have the time to do it, rather than being held back because you don’t have the right cleaning products in for the job.

Motivate yourself with a playlist

When it comes to doing the cleaning or the decluttering and organizing, having a playlist ready to go can help you to get in the zone. It can motivate you to get moving, and if you choose something like a podcast, can be some really enjoyable and therapeutic time. Check out my Spotify playlists here

4 Easy Health Hacks to Feel Better Every Day 

We often feel it’ll require so much time, money, and effort to improve our health, well-being, and lifestyle. However, it’s more attainable than we think. With a few simple lifestyle tweaks and adding new habits to your daily routine, you can turn your life around just like magically snapping your fingers and waking up with a smile. Statistics have suggested that over 40 million adults in the US are dealing with some form of health or anxiety disorder, yet the pandemic could worsen the situation. I for one suffer from anxiety, so I try my best to make simple tweaks to feel better daily. Here are some tips that can help keep you healthy and feeling great!

Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep
The need for regular adequate sleep every night cannot be overemphasized. According to the National Sleep Foundation, having a decent amount of restful sleep from anywhere between seven to nine hours each night can sharpen your brain, improve your mood and peak your energy levels. Additionally, having a good rest reduces your insulin level and decreases your stress rate, leaving you with glowing and radiant skin. If you find yourself sleeping less or having trouble getting enough sleep, you may reach out to the doctor or try the tips below;

 

 

  • Create a sleep schedule and stick to it
  • Consider what you eat or drink before heading for bed
  • Create an atmosphere ideal for sleeping 
  • Limit your daytime naps. 

Consume more vegetables
A recent study has proposed a new way to gain more from your food nutrients without the need to put in extra effort; consume your veggies raw. Nutritionists have indicated that some vitamins and minerals are lost during cooking, making an excellent case to consume your veggies when they’re not yet cooked if you can. Meanwhile, some researchers have suggested that consuming vegetables in their natural state can help manage depression. While this isn’t for everybody, there are other ways you can eat your veggies. Why not check out this delicious garlic dip and sauce to take your meal to the next level?

 

 

Burn calories with regular physical activity
The rich benefits of regular physical activity are enormous; from muscle gain and fat burn, the perks of regular exercising goes beyond just the physical benefits. As proposed by the American psychological association, regular exercise effectively boosts your mood, and it has demonstrated a useful technique for managing anxiety, stress, and depression. Aside from its short-term effects, working out has long term effects of leaving you feeling good over an extended period. You can begin with working out 15 minutes every day and just three times each week. 

 

 

Have a positive outlook
After everything happening currently, from job losses, social distancing, and lack of outdoor activity, it may be challenging to keep positive over an extended period with the impending second wave of COVID-19 infection. However, psychologists have advised writing down three positives from every day and how it made you feel. No matter how small they are, write them down. This means you’ll have something positive to feel good about despite everything else that happens during the day. 

 

 

Are you looking to live a healthier, better long life? Then these simple tips, diets, and lifestyle adjustment should get you started.

 

I Rebranded My Boutique + Launched Etsy! Say Hi to Something Social

something social

As some of you may know, I own an online boutique. I just went through a major rebranding. Formerly known as John + Suki, my shop is now called Something Social. 

I’m SO excited by this rebranding. Shoutout to my friend Cam who helped me create the awesome logo! I also gave the website a facelift and changed things around. Our IG also is now @shopsomethingsocial so if you’re not already following it, go give it a follow!

 

On top of this, I created a brand new Etsy shop! Shop Something Social on Etsy will be for all graphic items. This is just a fun spot for me to express my creativity and create some fun items for you guys. If you have any sayings you want on a shirt – let me know, I would love to create it for you!

Feel free to check both Something Social and Something Social on Etsy out! I would love your feedback and support 🙂

How to Host a Dinner Party

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

As I get older, I love the idea of throwing a dinner party. A dinner party is one of the most delightful things when it comes to hosting. We get to cook food we love for the people we love. You can get creative too. You might want to design a whole 28-course tasting menu or keep it stripped back and simple with a delicious bacon-wrapped filet mignon and herbed potatoes. 

It really all comes down to the company, but being a great host isn’t just about serving up delectable dishes. So here are some quick tips for pulling off the perfect dinner party. 

People

You want to ensure that you have a conversation that flows freely all evening. This means you’ll need to pay careful attention to who you are inviting. There are some friend groups that don’t mix, and others that have a firecracker who can talk about anything. Make the decision based on who makes you smile, and you can’t go far wrong. 

Food

Most groups of people will have one or two dietary requirements. Try to keep that in mind when you are preparing your menu. Almost all dishes can be made for vegetarians, vegans, and those with intolerances and allergies. It is a small and thoughtful step in your preparation. 

Space

If you don’t have a natural cleaning schedule, then a few days before your dinner party, it’s time to prep the space. Your home doesn’t need to be as picture-perfect as a show home, because this is all about spending time together. But, spending some time cleaning up and decluttering anyway. Think about where people will gather after the meal. Is there enough toilet paper and hand soap in the bathrooms? 

Double-check you have all of your pots, pans, and enough cutlery for all of your guests. You can even set these out the day before, streamlining it all will make cooking even more enjoyable. 

Seating 

You might not have to even think about this. Depending on your friends, they might be happy to sit anywhere. If you, however, have people meeting for the first time, or there is a mix of personalities, you can spend some time creating seating placement cards. Most people will like to sit with someone that they know. However, you can mix it up and have fun with the seating. 

Relax

When you are hosting, it is tempting to stay standing, serving, and busy all evening taking care of your guests. Simply watching all of your hard work pay off, and people enjoy themselves. However, even when you serve yourself last, make sure you take your seat and join in with the conversations that are happening. Be part of the moment, as well as facilitate it. 

And finally, once the meal is over, it is likely that people will offer to help you clean up. Accept the offer of helping to tidy up, as it can be a thank you for the effort that you have put in.