Author: Shannon Rooks

5 Apartment Storage Ideas

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Mother Nature doesn’t want us to have our spring just yet! If you’re thinking about starting your spring cleaning this weekend though, you may be in need of extra storage. Packing away winter clothing, coats and boots can take up a lot of space. Keep reading to find five great apartment storage ideas to try.

 

1- Utilize the space under your bed. If you have plastic storage containers that fit, try packing your winter clothes in those. Bonus tip – add a couple dryer sheets to the bins to keep your clothes smelling fresh until you need them again!

 

2 – Try over-the-door shoe organizers. These can free up a lot of space on the floor in your bedroom closet for extra storage space.

 

3 – Get some furniture that doubles as storage. Store your blankets and flannel sheets in an ottoman in the living room. Use a TV stand that doubles as a storage chest to increase your space.

 

4 – Free up space in your bathroom storage closet by adding an over-the-toilet rack/shelf. Keep your toiletries and towels here to make more space elsewhere.

 

5 – Check your closets and start cleaning. You’d be surprised how much space you can make in your home just by reorganizing. Toss items that you don’t need and rework your space by adding containers and baskets for extra storage.

10 Items to Buy Before a Storm

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. According to our forecast that may be true! It looks like we have a lot of wet, damaging weather heading our way. If you’re going out to the store today to prepare, make sure you have plenty of these items so you don’t have to venture later!

1- Bottled water

2- Coffee and/or tea bags (so you don’t have to venture out for your morning cup!)

3- Specialty foods for infants (like baby formulas, milks or pureed foods)

4- Pet food – don’t forget about your 4-legged friends!

5- Pantry staples – i.e. bread, snacks, soup mixes, canned foods

6- Toiletries (you don’t run out of these in the middle of a storm!)

7- Batteries

8- Medications

9- Diapers (if you have little ones at home)

10- Cereal, oatmeal or fruit to have on hand for breakfast the next morning after the storm!

5 Tips for Setting a Table for a Dinner Party

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Hosting a dinner party this weekend? Before you pull out the plates and flatware, keep reading to find our tips for setting the perfect dinner table for guests…

  1. Use a table covering of some sort (one that fits the theme of the night.) A tablecloth or table runner adds a beautiful touch to a standard dining table. Don’t have a table runner? A roll of brown craft paper can give a fun DIY touch to your table.
  2. Fill a glass water pitcher with cold water earlier in the day and pull it out to place on the table at dinner time. That way guests can refill their glass as needed.
  3. Try a fun napkin fold for the event! Watch this video here for some folding inspiration.
  4. Add the decor. Head to the local supermarket and get some fresh flowers to add to the table. Use small LED candles on the table as well to give your dinner a warm ambiance.
  5. Don’t forget about dessert! Save room on the table (and time) by plating your desserts ahead of time and keeping them in the kitchen. You can serve with coffee right after the meal.

Schedule For Washing Linens in Your Home

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

If you’re someone who is really organized you probably already know how often you should wash your sheets and pillows. But do you know when you should wash your shower curtain and bath towels? Keep reading to find a schedule that will keep your home in tip top shape.

  1. Bed Sheets – Wash every week
  2. Bathroom Rugs – Wash every 3-4 weeks
  3. Curtains – Wash and steam every 3 months
  4. Bed Pillows – Wash every month
  5. Bath Towels – Wash every other day
  6. Shower Curtain – Wash once a month
  7. Comforter – Wash every 3 months

5 Easy Ways to Make your Apartment Feel Cozier

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

We’re in the middle of winter and who doesn’t like feeling cozy inside when it’s cold and wet outside? You don’t need an interior designer to make your apartment have a cozier feel. Try following these 5 simple steps before you curl up at home to relax.

 

  1. Have lots of soft throw blankets in your living room. Store them in baskets or on a blanket ladder for a decorative touch.
  2. Use soft lighting. Instead of turning on overhead lights, turn on a table lamp or use flameless LED candles to give your home a soft glow.
  3. Switch to slippers right when you get home. Leave your slippers by the front door so you can slip right into them and take off your snow boots without tracking in any snow.
  4. Decorate with warm colors. Earth tones have a cozier feel than bright, bold colors.
  5. Designate a spot in your home that is comfortable to curl up. Whether it’s a comfortable chair or spot on the couch, make sure you have a soft place to unwind after a long day.

5 Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Whether you decided to eat healthier or keep your home clean and organized, keeping a resolution can be challenging. Before you start getting frustrated or thinking about throwing in the towel, check out these helpful tips!

 

1- Make your goal very specific. Instead of saying “I’m going to be healthy in 2018” make your goal more specific by saying “I’m going to exercise three times per week in 2018.”

2- If you need someone keeping tabs on you to keep you honest, make your goals and resolutions public. Share your goals on your social media account or with a friend and share your progress.

3- Reward charts aren’t just for kids. Make a chart that you can check off to keep organized. List all of your household cleaning chores and check them off as you complete them. Reward yourself with something special when you’ve completed everything.

4- Make your goals progressive. Instead of making one big goal to reach by the end of the year, make smaller goals that you’ll hit each quarter to build up to the bigger goal.

5- Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you slip back into old habits it’s okay. Don’t give up – you can always jump right back into a new lifestyle without ruining your plans for the year.