All of us are really small space lovers. While McMansions rule the suburbs, and those with means build estates and ranches, us city folk aspire to the perfect perch.
Why? Because we are drawn to the warmth and buzz of urban life.
We are cliff dwellers. We long to be close to one another and feel the rhythm of the streets. We want to be right on top of it all, close to our friends, near the energy. If anything, we want a view, we want sunlight, and we want location, location, location. Space we are willing to give away.
But because perches are short on space, we are all -- both high and low -- forced to be creative when building our nests. Here then, is our starter list for our fellow cliff dwellers. Feel free to add your own.
Remove your interior doors (use curtains instead on closets and doors). Replace your big refrigerator with a smaller, undercounter model. It's more than enough room. Treat yourself to a really good, sturdy small vacuum (we love Meile). Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling. Install lighting inside closets so you can see what's in there. They will be easier to maintain and you will gain the feeling of more space. Clean your windows often so that more light comes in and your view is not blocked. Buy quality cookware, tableware, and linens. Small luxuries go a long way. Go wireless, transfer all your music to your computer and sell your CDs! Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home. Have lots of dinner parties. People actually socialize better in small spaces. And, as an added bonus, apartment dwellers who entertain take better care of their homes. For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments. After a day of hard work you can relax in your luxury rental apartment and buy undergarments for yourself or your loved one online here. You can check out the women’s clothing undergarment blogs and shapewear here, here, here and here. For shapewear and it’s a great place to buy women’s undergarments.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Review Your Lease Before You Sign
– A Quick ChecklistYou’ll probably have a million things on your mind when you’re moving into your new place. Probably one of the most important things you need to do, and one that gets lost in the shuffle, or just gets rushed, is to thoroughly read through your lease before you sign it.
Here we’ve provided you a quick checklist to print off and take with you when you review your lease. Make sure you review all these items to ensure a happy and stress-free stay in your new place.
Check to see when the rent is due. Find out where to go to pay your rent, who it should be given to, or where it should be sent. What are the late charges for rent not paid on time? -When do these charges begin? Exact amount of deposit needed. When is this deposit returned? How can you lose this deposit? Is there a pet deposit? If so, how much is it? When can it get refunded? Can you get this deposit back if you no longer have your pet? How soon after you move out is the deposit returned? Can you have roommates and what is the building’s policy on adding someone to the lease if necessary? What exactly does the rent include? Does the rent include any utilities? If so which ones? What appliances and/or furniture, if any, are included in the apartment rental fees? Is parking included in the apartment rental or is there an additional charge? Are there any additional charges for the use of any building amenities such as the gym or community center? If there are additional fees, what are they and if you don’t use the amenities will you still be responsible for those fees? What repairs are covered within the lease? If something happens and repairs need to be made by building management, who needs to be called? Are there any charges for repairs not covered in the lease? If so, what are those costs? How quick is the turn around for something to be fixed that is covered in the lease? For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Here we’ve provided you a quick checklist to print off and take with you when you review your lease. Make sure you review all these items to ensure a happy and stress-free stay in your new place.
Check to see when the rent is due. Find out where to go to pay your rent, who it should be given to, or where it should be sent. What are the late charges for rent not paid on time? -When do these charges begin? Exact amount of deposit needed. When is this deposit returned? How can you lose this deposit? Is there a pet deposit? If so, how much is it? When can it get refunded? Can you get this deposit back if you no longer have your pet? How soon after you move out is the deposit returned? Can you have roommates and what is the building’s policy on adding someone to the lease if necessary? What exactly does the rent include? Does the rent include any utilities? If so which ones? What appliances and/or furniture, if any, are included in the apartment rental fees? Is parking included in the apartment rental or is there an additional charge? Are there any additional charges for the use of any building amenities such as the gym or community center? If there are additional fees, what are they and if you don’t use the amenities will you still be responsible for those fees? What repairs are covered within the lease? If something happens and repairs need to be made by building management, who needs to be called? Are there any charges for repairs not covered in the lease? If so, what are those costs? How quick is the turn around for something to be fixed that is covered in the lease? For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Financial Requirements
Financial Requirements and What to Bring on Your Apartment Search In order to rent an apartment, you will be asked to complete an application, by your prospective landlord. You may also be required to pay between $50-$200 for credit reports and/or application fees. Landlords want to see evidence of steady income and good credit.
Financial Requirements - Most landlords require that the prospective tenant have an income equal to 40-45 times the monthly rent in annual salary (combined income is used for roommates). You and your roommate will need to have all of your income verification paperwork readily available upon application for an apartment. If you are a full time student or do not meet all the financial requirements, most landlords will require a lease co-signer or guarantor. A guarantor is an individual, typically a family member, who lives in the U.S., preferably in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Guarantors are asked to disclose detailed financial information and have a credit report run on them as part of the approval process. The guarantor's income needs to be at least 75 times the monthly rent and they will also need to submit the paperwork listed below.
Funds - When the landlord approves your apartment application, be prepared to pay the first month's rent and the security deposit upon lease signing. Most landlords require that these funds be paid in the form of separate certified checks or money orders. Landlords will not accept personal checks or credit cards. An additional certified check or money order will be required at the time of lease signing to pay the broker's fee, if applicable. Necessary Documents - Bring the following items with you when you start looking for apartments: Letter from your current employer stating your salary or from a CPA if you are a freelance worker or a business owner First two pages of last year's tax return Most recent bank statement(s), bank account numbers and credit card numbers Most recent pay stub(s) Names, addresses and phone numbers of previous landlords Names, addresses and phone numbers of personal and business references Photo I.D. such as driver's license or passport
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Financial Requirements - Most landlords require that the prospective tenant have an income equal to 40-45 times the monthly rent in annual salary (combined income is used for roommates). You and your roommate will need to have all of your income verification paperwork readily available upon application for an apartment. If you are a full time student or do not meet all the financial requirements, most landlords will require a lease co-signer or guarantor. A guarantor is an individual, typically a family member, who lives in the U.S., preferably in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Guarantors are asked to disclose detailed financial information and have a credit report run on them as part of the approval process. The guarantor's income needs to be at least 75 times the monthly rent and they will also need to submit the paperwork listed below.
Funds - When the landlord approves your apartment application, be prepared to pay the first month's rent and the security deposit upon lease signing. Most landlords require that these funds be paid in the form of separate certified checks or money orders. Landlords will not accept personal checks or credit cards. An additional certified check or money order will be required at the time of lease signing to pay the broker's fee, if applicable. Necessary Documents - Bring the following items with you when you start looking for apartments: Letter from your current employer stating your salary or from a CPA if you are a freelance worker or a business owner First two pages of last year's tax return Most recent bank statement(s), bank account numbers and credit card numbers Most recent pay stub(s) Names, addresses and phone numbers of previous landlords Names, addresses and phone numbers of personal and business references Photo I.D. such as driver's license or passport
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Decorating Tip
My dining room has a very "earthy" decor. It has pale green walls, a scrubbed pine table, lots of candles, a simple pine buffet, and Mexican saltillos hanging in the corner on an antique ladder. I don't use a tablecloth very often, but I'd been itching for a table runner for months. The table just looked a little naked without one.
I checked all the usual places--Target, discount stores, the flea market, eBay, and other stores that carry home accessories. No luck, no luck at all. I wanted something, but I wasn't sure what. I thought maybe a tan, rough, linen runner would be nice. But I couldn't find one anywhere. At least, not one that I could afford. But I knew I wanted it to be a neutral color and to have an interesting texture.
Then I was at Joann etc. one day, and I wandered by a display that held bolts of burlap. Hmm..right color, lots of texture...bingo! I bought a couple yards (at just a few bucks each) and made my own runner. I cut a long, rectangular strip, then make fringe on the sides by carefully pulling some of the horizontal threads out. So for a few bucks and about a 1/2 hour of work, I got the table runner I couldn't find in any store.
Stay tuned for more tips, coming soon!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
I checked all the usual places--Target, discount stores, the flea market, eBay, and other stores that carry home accessories. No luck, no luck at all. I wanted something, but I wasn't sure what. I thought maybe a tan, rough, linen runner would be nice. But I couldn't find one anywhere. At least, not one that I could afford. But I knew I wanted it to be a neutral color and to have an interesting texture.
Then I was at Joann etc. one day, and I wandered by a display that held bolts of burlap. Hmm..right color, lots of texture...bingo! I bought a couple yards (at just a few bucks each) and made my own runner. I cut a long, rectangular strip, then make fringe on the sides by carefully pulling some of the horizontal threads out. So for a few bucks and about a 1/2 hour of work, I got the table runner I couldn't find in any store.
Stay tuned for more tips, coming soon!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, December 1, 2008
Keeping Warm This Winter
When the weather outside is frightful, the temperatures inside your apartment can be less than delightful. Here are some tips on keeping your place warm when Old Man Winter rears his frosty head.
Let there be light. Open shades and curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Be sure to close them, curtains especially, to add a bit more insulation. While you may not be home during the day to appreciate the mid-day warmth, your apartment should stay warm enough to reduce your heating costs during the day (you are turning your thermostat down before you leave for the day, aren't you?).
Carpets aren't only for Aladdin. If you have bare floors (tile or hardwood, for example), use rugs to help them feel warmer in the morning and evening.
Be a draft dodger. If you have a draft, block it. This is best done with weather stripping around leaky doors and windows, but check with your landlord or property manager before attempting anything like that. If that's not an option, even a blanket in front of the door helps reduce the drafts coming in from the bottom of a door.
In space, no one can hear you shiver. If you spend the majority of your time in one or two rooms, consider the use of a space heater to warm that space instead of using the furnace to heat your whole apartment.
Listen to your father. As dad used to always say, 'Put on a sweater.' Wearing an extra layer of clothing can go a long way in keeping your body temperature up and your heating bill down. And don't forget that thick socks or slippers can help a lot with keeping you warm.
Be more like Linus from Peanuts - Use a blanket. Why heat the whole place when you're sleeping? Plug in the electric blanket and you can have a most cozy bed, while your house remains at an affordable temperature during the night hours. A blanket with dual temperature controls is best if you share your bed. Nary a couple can agree on the 'right' temperature.
Change is good. Have your furnace filter changed regularly. A dirty filter makes the furnace have to work harder, decreasing it's efficiency and increasing your heating costs.
You don't live in a barn. If you have a multi-room apartment, close the door to the unused rooms. And close the vent. If you don't use the room, there's no need to heat it.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Let there be light. Open shades and curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Be sure to close them, curtains especially, to add a bit more insulation. While you may not be home during the day to appreciate the mid-day warmth, your apartment should stay warm enough to reduce your heating costs during the day (you are turning your thermostat down before you leave for the day, aren't you?).
Carpets aren't only for Aladdin. If you have bare floors (tile or hardwood, for example), use rugs to help them feel warmer in the morning and evening.
Be a draft dodger. If you have a draft, block it. This is best done with weather stripping around leaky doors and windows, but check with your landlord or property manager before attempting anything like that. If that's not an option, even a blanket in front of the door helps reduce the drafts coming in from the bottom of a door.
In space, no one can hear you shiver. If you spend the majority of your time in one or two rooms, consider the use of a space heater to warm that space instead of using the furnace to heat your whole apartment.
Listen to your father. As dad used to always say, 'Put on a sweater.' Wearing an extra layer of clothing can go a long way in keeping your body temperature up and your heating bill down. And don't forget that thick socks or slippers can help a lot with keeping you warm.
Be more like Linus from Peanuts - Use a blanket. Why heat the whole place when you're sleeping? Plug in the electric blanket and you can have a most cozy bed, while your house remains at an affordable temperature during the night hours. A blanket with dual temperature controls is best if you share your bed. Nary a couple can agree on the 'right' temperature.
Change is good. Have your furnace filter changed regularly. A dirty filter makes the furnace have to work harder, decreasing it's efficiency and increasing your heating costs.
You don't live in a barn. If you have a multi-room apartment, close the door to the unused rooms. And close the vent. If you don't use the room, there's no need to heat it.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
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