Tag Archives: apartment

Jun25

Apartment Do’s And Dont’s

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Apartment Do’s And Dont’s

Hello! It has been a little over two months since moving into my apartment and I have so enjoyed the time spent in my “vacation home”. Apartment life is definitely different than being in your old neighborhood and, in the short while that I’ve been in mine, I feel like I have learned some important do’s and dont’s to make yourself the best neighbor and to fully enjoy your experience in your own place.

Whether you’re moving into a new neighborhood, condo, or San Jose apartments, these do’s and dont’s are good rules to live by. Read on to find out more!

Do: Introduce Yourself

First impressions are key everywhere in life so it shouldn’t be any different in your new digs. Introduce yourself to any of your neighbors that you might see in passing. It’s the polite thing to do and you might end up making a new friend or at least someone you could borrow a cup of sugar from, if need be!

I really like my neighbors and because of good first impressions, I can enjoy hanging out with them every so often for drinks or a chill sesh. This has been nice, especially since I live alone, because that can get a little lonely, for sure.

Don’t: Drive Recklessly

This applies to whenever you’re driving but please be extra careful when driving around the apartment property! Some people in my apartment neighborhood drive like goddamn maniacs and this is super dangerous because of the tight squeezes in the building parking lots and the winding roads to get to each building. You’re not going to get anywhere faster by straight whipping your car around and you could end up really hurting someone in the process. Je-sus!

Do: Be Quiet

A noisy neighbor can make or break the apartment experience for yourself or the people living next to you so keep it down! You are not the only one living in the space so no blasting the TV, music, or screaming matches with your roommate or partner. It is not hard to file a noise complaint, so don’t be surprised if this happens to you if you can’t keep it down. Remember, most apartment walls are paper thin.

Don’t: Forget Your Safety

The first thing that my dad told me when I moved was to always make sure that my doors are locked and I religiously abide by those rules. As well as for my car, too. Safety is key and my apartment community is not well lit so, if I’m coming home once it’s dark already I try to find a light to park under. But, carrying a flashlight isn’t a bad idea for these occasions, either.

It’s a scary world, so do what you can to keep your safety in mind when entering and exiting your apartment. This is also why it’s important to introduce yourself to your neighbors to let it be known that you’re there. That way, they become aware of you and your schedule and could help if something is not quite right. You’re always better safe than sorry!

Apartment life can be a really fun time if you let it be and you can help the cause by following the rules above to make it pleasant for both yourself and your neighbors!

What are some of your apartment do’s and dont’s? Do you have any advice for apartment life? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Crystal Collection

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Crystal Collection

Hi! When moving into my new apartment, my family and the families of the clients that I work with were so generous in the different ways that they helped. From moving furniture, helping me select apartment necessities, and words of encouragement, my move was definitely a group effort. And, some donations of goods that were no longer needed to the Lil Red Foundation certainly helped, too!

While a client’s family was cleaning through their garage, they offered me all of the crystal glassware that I will ever need. From wine glasses to mugs and drinking cups as well as the gorgeous pieces below, I think that I am all set! Check it out:

glassglass1glass2glass3glass4glass5glass6glass7

I love my job so much because I have become extremely close with quite a few of the families that I work with. And, being considered part of the family as opposed to the provider for their son or daughter with special needs is an honor that I don’t take lightly. Because of this family mindset that has formed thanks to the over year and a half that I have been working with some of them, an eagerness to help out from my families was displayed.

Of course, their services were something that I would never ask for but were insisted upon me and that kindness meant so much. I am so in love with all of the pieces in my crystal collection but, mainly, am enamored with the huge punch bowl with hanging glasses! I am so excited to create some type of tasty sangria to fill it with and serve at my next get together. The bowl set feels vintage and oh so chic and I am really looking forward to using it.

And, the set of four chunky crystal pieces are beautiful, too. And, once I get the lovely pair of curio cabinets that one of my client’s families was going to tote off to the Goodwill, I will be displaying them on one of the shelves. Can’t wait!

Do you have a crystal or China collection? How do you store or display your glassware? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Picking The Best Location For Your Move

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Picking The Best Location For Your Move

Moving house is stressful enough without then discovering that you have made a terrible mistake with the location you have chosen. With the expense of the move, you will have two choices; either stay put and try to make the most of an uncomfortable situation or put the house up for sale (or contact your letting agent if renting) and start the moving process again.

Of course, we need to clarify what we mean by making a terrible mistake. As examples, you might have moved next door to awful neighbors. The neighborhood could be deemed unsafe because of the local crime rate. And you might discover the location is impractical for your needs. So, if you’re currently thinking about moving, check our previous article on the subject; https://lifewithlilred.com/2017/11/03/looking-for-a-house-savvy-tips-for-your-search/, and then consider the following tips to help you choose the right location.

Commit to research online:

Be specific in your Google search, and try to learn as much information as you can about the location you are considering. Type in ‘things to know about living in (location),’ and you should come up with websites such as this one, https://onthegomoving.com/10-things-to-know-about-living-in-ballard/. In this example, you can find out information on the housing market, cost of living, and many more details on the location in question, so look for the same when you’re searching for info on the area you are considering.

Look at local news sites for the area too, as you will learn a lot this way about crime rates, social problems, community activities, and more. You should also search for crime rates. By visiting sites such as https://www.crimereports.com/, you can quickly and easily look up crime statistics for the various neighborhoods in the location you are thinking about moving into. Social media can also be most helpful as plenty of communities have their own “talk of the town” style pages. This is an excellent way to put feelers out for your new location. Then, use Google maps or similar, and get an up close and personal look at the neighborhoods in the area. Providing they are up to date; you will get an understanding of the facilities in the area, the cleanliness of the streets, and get an idea of the distance between certain locations, such as the house you are considering and the local shopping mall.

While online research is beneficial, it is nice to voice your questions and concerns to an actual real estate agent when considering renting or purchasing a property. Your agent will be able to give you the ins and outs of the area you are interested in while also pinpointing properties that meet all of your requirements. If this is the approach you prefer, simply enter a search for “letting agents knightsbridge” (or your local area). Moving is, of course, a huge change and you want it to be as successful as possible. Having an expert in your corner can give you more confidence in your decision with the most up to date knowledge.

Explore the area on foot and by car:

You can learn a lot of information online, but the best way to discover more about the location is to visit it. Using your car, you can get an overview of what it might be like to live in the neighborhood by driving around the locale. You can also monitor how long it might take to get to your place of work, your children’s school, and any other places of interest.

As you explore different locations, keep in mind that tours might be available in some communities. For example, if you are considering different master planned communities, you might be able to schedule a time to check out the amenities offered like pools or golf courses. You can also get a good feel for a neighborhood by publishing posts seeking recommendations on social media. You don’t want any surprises when you move!

You should also spend some of your time on foot. Without appearing like a prowler, casually spend time near the house you are considering. Listen for any noise from the next door neighbor, such as shouting, music, and barking dogs. Check the state of their property too, as well as that of surrounding properties, as you will get an idea of who lives there by the general upkeep of their houses.

And, look for signs of crime as you’re walking. If you spot a lot of graffiti and other signs of vandalism, you might assume that the area isn’t particularly desirable. Pop into the local police station too and get their professional opinion of the area.

Finally:

When moving home, the location is just as important as the property you will be moving into, so follow our tips when you’re looking to move. Hopefully, you will then make the right choice, and consequently, be very happy for many more years to come.

Featured Image By: Pixnio

May23

Paranormal Activity?!

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Paranormal Activity?!

Hellooooo! Okay, so the weirdest things happened in my apartment this past week which begs the question of if it’s haunted. Lol, I know it sounds crazy, but the instances that occurred were so impossible that it made me really freaked out. Let us proceed:

Exhibit A:

A few days before this occurrence, I accidentally broke a small plate when trying to get it out of my cabinet on the stove and refrigerator side. The plate broke into a few large pieces that were easy to pick up and get moved directly to the trash can. I then got the little shards cleaned up and continued to go about my day. To my knowledge, that was the last of the problem.

But, three days later, broken plate pieces reappeared in places that just weren’t possible for them to be at. That morning, I had taken my trash out that contained the plate fragments before I left for work. I got home that night and walked into my bathroom to start preparing a bath. And, as luck would have it, I stepped on a piece of broken plate. Mind you, the plate broke three days prior, was in the trash, and hadn’t left the trash since. AND, I stood in my bathroom that morning doing my hair and makeup and didn’t step on anything.

I tended to my foot, ran the bath water, and went to the kitchen to get something to drink. Then, on the opposite counter from which the plate broke sat a larger piece of plate that I couldn’t have missed that morning when I stood in the same spot to fix a glass of Tang for breakfast. This is when I started getting really uneasy, because there was just no way that I would have missed such a big piece of broken plate that morning. And, even if I did, the chances of it sitting there for three days without me seeing it was absolutely impossible.

After the glass incident, it made me hyper aware of two other instances that happened, one being the night before and the other happening the day before that.

Exhibit B:

Maybe this was nothing, but I don’t see how this could have happened without my knowledge, either. The night before the glass incident, I got out of bed to go to the bathroom. I was looking in my mirror while washing my hands and, behind me, I saw a HUGE hornet sitting on my wall.

When I go in and out of my apartment, I never leave my door wide open and I am always quick to get in or get out to prevent things like this from happening. But, even if I wasn’t, I definitely would have noticed this big sucker flying into my apartment. I shit you not, it was a little smaller than a silver dollar. So, needless to say, I was terrified when I saw it just hanging out in my bathroom.

I grabbed my fly swatter and, because it was gigantic, it was really slow and I was able to send it to a watery toilet grave. I felt very unnerved afterwards, though, because it just seemed too big to miss and that means it probably was in my apartment while I was home that evening and I didn’t even know it. Weird.

And, finally, the last incident happened the day before the hornet and two days before the two other glass instances.

Exhibit C:

I would say at least two weeks ago, over a weekend, my boyfriend was over and we were drinking wine on my couch. He accidentally dropped his glass and it broke on the floor space in between my couch and coffee table. It was no big deal and the glass was cleaned up and I thought that was the end of it.

But, two weeks after the glass breaking, a shard showed up again underneath my foot at least ten feet from where the glass broke to begin with. Once again, I have no clue how such a big piece could have gone unnoticed for two weeks or longer without me or someone else stepping on it.

I am glad it was me that stepped on it, though, because that morning I had my old skating coach and her daughter over for lunch. Her little girl was running around my apartment barefoot and it could have been her that stepped on it instead of me. I walked on the glass literally right after they left and was so confused as to how it got almost all the way to my front door and was sitting there for who knows how long without anything happening.

Maybe all of these were coincidences but three weird things happening three days in a row had me so spooked. Nothing has happened since and, hopefully, that will be the last of it. But, if not, I’ll keep you all posted!!

Can anyone offer me some explanations for the above instances? Have you ever experienced any paranormal activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Apartment Lyfe Update

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Apartment Lyfe Update

Helloooo! It has been almost one month since I moved into my very own apartment and, honestly, it couldn’t have gone better. The move went smoothly, I love my space, and it legitimately feels like a vacation being here. From furniture shopping to stocking up my pantry and cooking in my kitchen or waking up in my loft space, everything is still so exciting to me.

And, the novelty continues, as I work on fixing up my office and an art wall in my living room. But, my main living spaces are complete and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Even just sitting here at the desk in my office and typing on my own brand new laptop feels awesome!

This move happened at the perfect time and it felt right instead of rushed or scary. I am enjoying my new home so much and it has been such a joy sharing the process with all of you too! What was your first apartment like? What about your current living quarters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May16

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Final Few Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Final Few Edition

Howdy! For the final viewing of Lil Red’s Art Gallery, we are going to take a look at two of the biggest pictures and one of the smallest ones that I purchased from Goodwill. The two large ones honestly have me stumped on why I bought them other than the fact that I just thought they looked cool. The poster sized images feature wild berries and plants of Alaska, a state which I have literally no ties to. But, I don’t know, the colors were unique and I liked that it looked like something out of a textbook so into the cart it went! Take a closer look:

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And, as for the other little painting that I purchased, I loved what the women were wearing more than anything. The flowing dresses, huge sun hat, parasol in hand – I wish that us ladies still dressed like that! The colors in the painting also spoke to me. I like how soft the palette is and how it almost looks like it’s going to rain. You can also see the signs of a heavy wind from the ribbons adorning their ensemble blowing about. And, of course, this picture also reminds me of something that would be in the funeral home too, so there’s that! #funeralhomechic

What is your favorite art museum to visit? Who is your favorite artist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Favorites Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Favorites Edition

Hi everyone! So, when my grandma sold her funeral home in Cleveland and opted to live closer to family (like mine) in Akron, obviously, a lot of the furniture and decor couldn’t come with. So, when my grandma downsized, she brought only her favorites. One of which included a painting of a girl looking forlorn while wearing a huge sun hat and holding a bouquet of flowers displayed in an ornate gold frame.

I can recall one of my cousins wondering out loud why, out of all of the gorgeous art work in the funeral home, this picture was chosen. And, sadly, I never asked this question for myself. However, it is now hanging in my family home. The painting of the little boy holding a bunch of flowers seen below reminds me of the picture that my grandma apparently loved a lot so I consider it my version of that!

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My mom commented on my little boy blue giving off serious Little Prince vibes and I can definitely see it! I don’t know what it is about this picture but, as soon as I saw it, I fell in love. It’s such a sweet image to me and it makes me happy to think of the little girl or boy he’s going to give his flowers to. Or, maybe, he’s about to run into his mom’s arms and surprise her with it. It just makes me smile and I hope to some day hang up my grandma’s painting side by side with it.

And, of course, the Asian inspired embroidered cloth was a must, too. The colors, the subject, the craftsmanship – WOOF, I love this picture so much. The bamboo style frame is a nice touch and my only hope is that the words on there are something really random like “swimming pool” or “blow torch” and no one will know any better. But, if you do have any idea of what those characters are, let a Lil Red know!

If you could only bring a few things from your belongings to a new place, what would you take? Which of your belongings holds a lot of significance to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May14

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Floral Galore Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Floral Galore Edition

Hello hello! During the initial process of getting everything squared away for my apartment, I was a nervous wreck. But, the more I shopped, the more excited I felt about my big move. Retail therapy at its finest! I had the most fun shopping for my larger pieces of furniture and it felt good to check all of the big purchases off of my list. The extra stuff like things from the wall art seen below to hand soap were just the cherry on top of the moving sundae!

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Now, normally I am not a huge floral girl when it comes to wall art. But, the pictures above spoke to me for some reason and for eight dollars total at Goodwill, I figured “why not?”. Since we established that my decor style is apparently funeral home chic, these pictures will fit right in! I love the lace on the rose picture and the more ornate frame on the smaller one. I feel like someone loved these pictures a lot or maybe they belonged to one of their loved ones and I like feeling like I’ve given both of them a beautiful new home to be showcased in. :*)

Are you a floral decor fan or nah? What is your favorite thing to shop for when it comes to home goods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May13

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Ovals, Anyone? Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Ovals, Anyone? Edition

Hiii everyone! When wall art shopping for my apartment, I didn’t really have a specific theme in mind for the pieces that I wanted. I more or less just picked what I liked and went with it. Despite all of the artwork not necessarily “going together”, I think that once all of them are hung up it’s going to look super nice. Especially because even if the pictures are all different, the color palette is similar enough on all of them that it will still look like they belong together. I have a vision! Lol.

I went hard at the Goodwill, buying at least ten framed pictures in total, including these cool oval shaped ones below:

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My sister told me that all of the pictures I picked out are old ladyish and, be that as it may, I like them. In fact, a lot of the artwork that I purchased reminds me of the paintings that my grandma had hung up in the amazing funeral home that she operated. So, I guess you can call my taste in décor “funeral home chic”? Lol, regardless, of if the pieces that I bought are dated, I like that classic, vintage feel and I think that once my art wall is complete, it’s going to compliment the furniture in my living room really well. So put that in your pipe and smoke it, sis! 😀

Where do you get inspiration for home décor? Do you have a more modern or classic taste in decorating? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May11

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Van Gogh Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Van Gogh Edition

Hi hi! It seems like I end up at a Goodwill at least once a week when I’m working and, I’m so not mad about it, because I have found so much cool apartment stuff from there. You can’t beat the value of secondhand shopping and the thrill of a real life treasure hunt at your local thrift store.

It’s funny, because I’m a pretty major germophobe and, several years ago, I would have preferred that you cut my hands off than look through a store of other people’s old belongings. But, now, I thrift shop like the best of them (As long as I have Purell on deck, of course!) and it’s a small victory but that’s progress, baby.

During my last trip to the thrift, I found a beautiful framed copy of Van Gogh’s sunflower painting for FIVE BUCKS and I was (AND STILL AM!) excited! Take a look:

van

Ninety percent of the wall art that I got for my apartment is from the thrift and my only qualm is that they write the prices on the glass of the frame and I have no idea how to get it off! So any suggestions for that would be greatly appreciated. But, I guess that’s a small price to pay for paying a small price for some new decor.

I have always loved this painting and was so happy to have found it. It will make a great centerpiece for the art wall I want to make in my living room so I’m looking forward to getting everything hung up ASAP. Now, if only I can find me a copy of Starry Night at Goodwill next!

What is your favorite painting? Who is your favorite artist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah