10 Things To Do Before Summer is Over

If you’ve visited a department store recently you’ve probably noticed that school supplies and backpacks have taken the place of bathing suits and pool toys. July is almost over so now is the time to make sure you’ve crossed a few items off your summer bucket list before it’s too late. If you’re looking for some summer-themed activities to make the most of your last week’s of summer keep reading….

1 – Visit a beach at sunset

2 – Go to a water park or splash pad

3 – Go strawberry and blueberry picking

4 – Host a barbecue

5 – Go to an outdoor concert

6 – Take a boat ride

7 – Make homemade popsicles

8 – Drink lemonade

9 – Sit by an outdoor fire

10 – Dine al fresco at a restaurant

Now Pre-Leasing Holmes Beverly

Holmes Beverly has it all – rich color palettes, top of the line finishes, carefully thought out floor plans and water views too!

Your new apartment home comes with an unrivaled amenity package including a cozy library with fireplace, telecommuting office, pet spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, flexible club room and roof deck.

Experience the convenience, vibrancy and excitement of city living just outside your doorstep. The Holmes Beverly is walkable to shops, dining, beaches, music, art & theater.  It’s one of the most commute friendly locations on the North Shore – with 72 trains to Boston every weekday, just steps from your front door.

Click here to view floor plans and additional photos. Contact us to schedule a tour today!

5 Garden Plants that Keep Mosquitoes Away

Summer brings longer days and evenings outdoors. There’s nothing that can ruin a summer cookout more than the itching and scratching of mosquito bites! If you’re planning to spend time outside after dusk, try putting these plants in your garden to keep the bugs away…

1 – Lavender – Not only does it look beautiful, it smells great too! Another thing that lavender does is hinder a mosquito’s ability to smell. The leaves of this plant have natural oils that will keep your garden smelling fresh and the pesky bugs away.

 

2 – Marigolds – These annuals add beautiful color to your garden and they also deter mosquitoes, aphids, white flies, and squash bugs.

 

3 – Citronella Grass – Most people have heard of citronella candles but did you know that you can plant citronella grass directly in your garden? This plant is known as the most effective at repelling pests and is low maintenance. A must-have for your outdoor space!

 

4 – Rosemary – Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with, especially with cooking. Rosemary’s woody scent is what keeps mosquitoes as well as some moths and flies away.

 

5 – Basil – Another herb we use in our cooking, basil is also great at keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away. The pungent smell of any type of basil is powerful to keep mosquitoes from entering your space. Try planting some in pots on your patio and you can also use some for preparing dinner!

5 Tips for Refinishing Old Furniture

Not only is refinishing old furniture a great way to save some money, it’s also a fun hobby! Before you purchase a new table or bureau for your apartment try refinishing some old pieces to freshen them up with these tips!

1 – Check to see if the furniture has been painted. If a piece is painted, there’s usually a reason for it. A previous owner may have painted the furniture to cover up dents, scratches or other imperfections.

2 – Before you start working, check on the piece’s value. If it’s really old, it may be valuable in it’s current condition. Consult an antique shop for answers to your questions.

3 – Get inspiration. Check Pinterest for some photos of how other pieces look in certain colors before you get started.

4 – Don’t rush the sanding process. If you’ve decided to sand and re-stain the piece, make sure you have taken enough time to sand thoroughly. It will make a huge impact on the final product.

5 – Don’t forget the photos! Snap a before picture before you get started and don’t forget to snap the after for comparison. You’ll love seeing the difference in your new and improved furniture pieces.

Mill and 3 Apartments in Chelmsford, MA

High-end finishes, 9+ foot ceilings and one or two bedroom floor plans await you at Mill & 3 Apartment Homes in Chelmsford, MA!  This new construction property consists of 3 three-story buildings with direct access garage parking and a first class clubhouse.

Work up a sweat in the clubhouse fitness center and enjoy relaxing by the pristine outdoor pool.

The apartments feature two-toned kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops, glass tile backsplashes, luxury plank flooring in living areas and kitchens, washers and dryers, 9+ foot ceilings, walk-in closets, patios or balconies, and dining areas in select units. Visit our website to view floor plans, our photo gallery and more.

Contact us today to be one of the first ones to live in this new apartment community!

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Pantry

When we think of spring cleaning we usually think of packing away clothes and washing the floors. Don’t forget to clean what’s behind your pantry door too! Get yours in tip top shape for the season with these great tips

1 – Start from scratch. Pull all of the items in the pantry out and put them on your counter so you can vacuum the floor and clean the shelves.

2 – Take inventory. See how many items you have, what can be donated, what is expired and decide which items are going to stay.

3 – Reorganize your shelves. Decide what is going where and stick to it. Put the kids snacks on the bottom shelf and the canned goods above. When you’re looking for what you need you’ll know exactly which shelf to go to.

4 – Consider using some baskets or plaster containers to help with your organization. If you buy snacks in bulk you can save space by emptying and recycling the large boxes and keep your snacks in a basket instead.

5 – Stick to it! Don’t let your hard work get ruined the next time you go grocery shopping. Keep your pantry in tip top shape by following these steps every couple of months.

5 Ways to Add Spring Color to Your Home

Spring is finally here! Adding pops of spring color to your home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Try on (or all) of these five, easy changes to make your space feel lighter and brighter!

1 – Change your couch pillows to new, spring pillows! This doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of buying a whole new pillow, buy new pillow covers. You can find great spring pillow covers online at store like amazon.com. Cover your existing pillows for a quick and beautiful update.

2- While you’re switching out your pillows, try changing your throw rugs too. If your couch pillows have a bright-colored detail in them, try adding a throw rug to your room with the same color to match.

3- Flowers can make any room feel like spring! Add fresh blooms to your living spaces for a pop of color and the scent of the new season.

4- Switch our your linens. Try changing your hand and bath towels to a brighter spring color to give your bathroom a quick fix.

5- Change your artwork. If you have wall hangings, try adding a new print to your frames. You can purchase spring prints on etsy.com and print them yourself at a local print shop.

5 Apartment Storage Ideas

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.

5 Tips for Setting a Table for a Dinner Party

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.