Traditional Halloween treats include all oour obvious favorites: Snickers, Reese's, Twix, Skittles, and the (yummy) list goes on and on. But this year you should stray from tradition and pick up some not-so-typical treats for the youngsters in your building. Trust us, they'll get plenty of the tooth-rotting goodness, but they'll welcome the alternative Halloween treats we gathered here. Many of these items can be purchased in bulk for an affordable price at your local dollar store: Bubbles Play Doh Bouncing balls Glow sticks Cookie cutters Keychains Slap bracelets Temporary tattoos Notepads Crayons Stencils Stickers Slinky's Halloween rings Book marks Ink stamps Twin Ridge
Our 24-hour Fitness Center is a great perk of apartment living, adding to your quality of life in more than one way. But your gym etiquette (or lack thereof) could make the wrong impression, turning off neighbors, potential friends and even management. Here are some tips so you make a good impression in your apartment community's fitness center. Dress appropriately Workout clothes should be worn, not flip-flops or bathing suits. You never know who you'll meet in your gym: a potential employer, a future date, or simply a new friend. It's always beneficial to make a good impression, even when working out. Ripped or dirty clothes tell something about you, as does wearing something too revealing, provocative or downright offensive. Leave Work Behind You'll want to be friendly at the gym, but the less you talk about work at the gym, the better. Most people go to the gym with one of two things in mind: getting a good workout, or decompressing from a stressful day. You certainly don't want to be the one to wreck someone's fitness regime or their chance at a little peace of mind. Be Mindful of Conversation If someone approaches you and starts a conversation, you may certainly oblige them. But if you're short on time, do be honest and let them know. Tell them you'd love to talk more, and suggest another time. A nice, short friendly conversation is appropriate: just be sure to follow up. The same goes if you don't want to connect with a neighbor in the gym. Good etiquette includes being courteous and respectful. Perhaps you should bring your earplugs and iPod. It's an easy signal that you want to work out without talking. Great Gym Etiquette Guidelines Follow these basic gym rules to avoid irritating anyone: return free weights where they belong don't hog the cardio machines (typically most machines have a 30 minute limit unless the room is empty) turn off lights, fans and TVs when not in use wipe off equipment after use Besides boosting your health, the Fitness Center is a good place to meet your neighbors . . . so you'll want to ensure you're on your best behavior as you're trying to get in your best shape. When you work on your manners and leave a good impression at the gym, it could pay off in more ways than just your physique. Twin Ridge
Though it sounds crazy, your dishwasher is capable of washing so much more than just your dishes. Learn how this cleaning powerhouse can sanitize, clean, protect and extend the life of things other than dishes! Shoes Like our title says, you can put the sneakers in the dishwasher. (Just don't combine them with your dishes). Shoes get a lot of wear and get dirty very quickly. If you have little kids running around who like to get their feet dirty, this is a tip you'll definitely want to use. Before putting a pair of shoes in the dishwasher to be cleaned, give them a once-over to look for any extremely dirty spots that may need scraped or scrubbed off before going in the wash. Make sure the open part of the shoe is over the rungs of your bottom dishwasher rack and that the bottom part of the shoe is facing up. After that, run the dishwasher with your normal dishwasher detergent. Remember to turn off the "heat dry" option or you might end up with a shrunken pair of shoes. Remove them from the dishwasher once the cycle is finished. Let your clean shoes dry overnight. FUN FACT: You can also clean your flip flops on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Keys Think about it - your keys go wherever you go and can get touched by a lot of hands. Your keys are probably covered in germs. It's not recommended to put key fobs in the dishwasher, but simple metal keys can be put in your silverware holder for a wash cycle. They'll come out shiny and sanitized. Dog Supplies Dogs love their toys. They love them so much that they'll claw and drool all over them. Needless to say, they need a little extra cleaning from time to time. Most of your dog's supplies can be run through the dishwasher. Skip the detergent and just use a little vinegar instead. Soaps often contain chemicals that are harmful to pets, but vinegar works as a disinfectant. Their dishes, plastic toys, collars and leashes (not made of leather), can all be cleaned in the dishwasher without the "heat dry" setting. Makeup Brushes These brushes pick up a lot of gunk after each use. Then, they get used again each day without a thought. A quick cycle in the dishwasher gets them clean and extends their lifespan. Makeup brushes can go in the silverware holder to be cleaned and sanitized. Once a month is usually enough for this thorough cleaning. Ensure that the brushes are completely dry after you clean them. Garden Tools and Hand Tools It's pretty obvious that your garden tools can pick up some dirt after each use. Other metal and hand tools with plastic handles can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. After the dishwasher cleans off the grit and grime, do not use the "heat dry" option and remove the tools immediately to dry by hand. Drying by hand lowers the chance of rust forming on the tools. Plastic Children's Toys It's no wonder that your child's toys might need a quick wash to get rid of all the germs they pick up: those toys get around. Plastic kids toys of all kinds can be placed in the dishwasher for an easy sanitation. If you have a bunch of small plastic toys (legos, small game pieces, blocks, etc.), they can be put in a mesh bag so they don't get lost and fall through the racks. Important: Turn off the "heat dry" option to avoid any melted toys. As you can see, your dishwasher works to clean more than just your dishes. Save a few minutes and use it to clean and sanitize other items around your house, you'll be glad you did! Twin Ridge
The beautiful weather in the summer makes you want to be outside all day and all night, but your enjoyment of the outdoors can easily be ruined by the appearance of mosquitoes. These bloodsucking flying pests seek out human hosts to feed on, but you have a few options to help keep your cookouts and pool days bug-free. [caption id="attachment_503" align="alignnone" width="300"] https://www.flickr.com/photos/rob_swystun/[/caption] The easiest way to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate the places they can breed. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in and around standing water, the bugs need only a small pool or puddle (around 6 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch deep at a minimum). Look for and drain any flower pots, decorative buckets or dishes, and even tarps that might cover your grill or yard items; if the tarp is loose, water can pool in the folds. [caption id="attachment_506" align="alignnone" width="300"] https://www.flickr.com/photos/teo/16560278/[/caption] If there are troublesome spots that seem to fill with water no matter what you do, look for mosquito dunks, or mosquito bits. These come in a small ring or handful of pellets that you drop right into the water, and they kill off the mosquito larva. They contain a biologic pesticide, mostly a bacteria that feeds on the larva, and are safe for children, pets and other wildlife. If you are already in the midst of an infestation, there are a couple of ways to keep the bugs at bay. Using essential oils, or burning a candle loaded with essential oils, is a time-tested method to keep insects away. Look for citronella or lemon eucalyptus oils, available as an oil, a spray or in candle form. However, there might be an easier solution that could help keep flying bugs from pestering you. An electric fan could be the key to keeping your cookout bug-free. Mosquitoes and flies are not the strongest flyers, so a simple oscillating fan can help push them away from people and food. Additionally, mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale, as well as other scents released when we sweat. A fan might help disperse these fumes, so you will be less of a target for the biting insects. [caption id="attachment_502" align="alignnone" width="300"] https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/[/caption] If all else fails, it's time to reach for the bug spray, which can give you a few hours respite from the bloodsuckers. Look for sprays that contain DEET or picaridin, two formulations that are reported as highly effective scientific studies and customer reviews. Picaridin is recommended especially if you find that a spray with DEET irritates your skin. Look for products that contain 15 to 30 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin. Follow the safety instructions on any bug spray you buy and apply.
May 5th is Cinco de Mayo. This holiday commemorates a military victory that took place during the Franco-Mexican War in which the outnumbered Mexican troops halted France's army. Festivities in U.S. communities with high Mexican-American populations tend to be bigger than those in Mexico (Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in its native country) and are often full of parades and historic reenactments of the battle. In fact, the prevalence of Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. just goes to show how much of an influence Mexican culture has had on its neighboring country. If you're observing the holiday, here are four ways to honor it: 1. Color your home Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo with colors galore, including, of course, red, green and white. Bring the joy of the holiday to your home by sporting bright and saturated tones. While the colors of the Mexican flag are a good place to start, yellow, pink, orange and blue are also up for grabs. One way to bring the brilliant hues into your home and also enjoy spring, is to decorate with fresh Cinco de Mayo flowers. Any brightly colored bouquet will make a beautiful addition to the festivities. 2. Prepare an authentic meal The conflict that took place on Cinco de Mayo in 1862 is also known as the Battle of Puebla, named after the town where the event occurred. Many celebrations of Mexico's victory include dishes native to the area, such as mole poblano. After all, according to Business Insider, Puebla is the foodie capital of Mexico, so whipping up traditional cuisine is both a tasty and appropriate way enjoy the day. Chicken tinga, chalupas and molotes are all other iconic foods to try on Cinco de Mayo. Do some research into ingredients that are native to Puebla to plan your menu. 3. Go to a museum To truly understand the history of Cinco de Mayo, or to better appreciate Mexican culture, consider seeking out a Mexican-American museum or cultural center in your community. See if the locale is holding any festivities or hosting special exhibits. If not, you can still learn a lot from the material already available. This is also a great celebration option for families with kids, as your little ones will have the opportunity to explore a new culture. Call the museum ahead of time to see if it has programs for kids. You can also create a worksheet before going to the museum for your children to fill out while you're there. 4. Enjoy local festivities In addition to observing Mexican culture by visiting a museum, you can experience Mexican-American traditions by checking out festivities where you live. Whether it's attending a parade or watching a re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla, you're sure to find something new and exciting if you live in a diverse community. If your town doesn't observe Cinco de Mayo with as much flair, you can watch parades on TV or online to enjoy the celebrations. 5. Attend a concert Discover another part of Mexican culture by attending a concert. Not only will seeing live mariachi give you more insight into Mexican culture, but it also supports the artists and can be a fun time - few things are more energizing than live music.
In many industries, working remotely from home has become quite common. Many of the advantages are undeniable, especially when living in a big city. You don't have to get up early to face a long commute to the office via congested interstates, or embark on the hustle and bustle of mass transit. You don't have to worry about skipping breakfast or packing a lunch. You don't even have to get dressed! All you have to do is walk a few steps across your apartment. However, a major challenge of working from home is the ability to focus and prioritize. We've put together five tips to improve your productivity while working at home: 1. Claim Your Workspace Dedicate an area of your apartment as your sole workspace. No more wandering off to look for important work documents and getting sidetracked by television. A dedicated workspace helps establish boundaries for a better work/life balance. Storing your work supplies in one area - as opposed to spread throughout the apartment - will help keep you organized and focused. Many apartments are too small for a separate home office, but you can always find ways to separate a work area from the rest of the apartment. It may be a drawer devoted to your work supplies, or even a tucked away small desk and work chair. Whatever it is, do your best to make sure those areas are dedicated to work - and work only! If you reside with a roommate or spouse, let them know that when you're sitting in your workspace, you are officially at work. Anyone sharing a residence with you should respect your work life and understand that you are at a job each day, just like if you had left your apartment and gone into the office. 2. Set Professional Standards. You might be tempted to leave those pajamas on every day, but getting dressed helps define the workday and fosters productivity. When working remotely, your mindset is important. If you're in the correct frame of mind about being at work, it won't matter as much whether you're in an office or your own apartment. The snooze button is a remote worker's best friend and worst enemy. The time you save on commuting can be spent catching a few extra winks, but you should still aim to be focused and ready to work by the start of the regular work day. 3. Limit Distractions. There's no doubt that having an apartment in the hub of the city has many benefits, but one major problem is noise. People going about their daily lives in the apartment complex may distract you from work. Invest in a pair of good headphones to reduce the noise that invades your home office space. You can work in a virtual bubble with a pair of headphones and only let in the noise you want, such as computer alerts or phone calls. 4. Stick to a Schedule. Schedule your work day to be as productive as possible. Keeping a schedule might seem silly when you work from your rental, but it has been shown that strict scheduling each day will keep you on top of your "A" game. Remember that part of your schedule is taking time for yourself. Don't let your apartment serve as an office exclusively. Make suer you take a break for lunch, or take a 15-minute break to walk the dog and deactivate your work brain. You would do this if you were out of your apartment at an office, so make sure you translate this to your work space. It's tempting to "stay late at the office" if you need to complete a project, but don't make it a habit. Quitting time applies to home offices as well. 5. Applications and Programs. Computer and mobile apps have come a long way to help you stay in contact with business associates from around the globe. You might want to consider using Skype, join.me, Grasshopper, Basecamp, Trello, and Google apps for business when working from a home office. These great tools foster collaboration and give you the ability to seamlessly connect from anywhere. Twin Ridge
