(Winter) Apartment Gardening

Posted on January 4, 2012 by leaseanapartment

You don’t have to own a house to have the garden of your dreams.  Apartment gardening is easy and affordable, so anyone can do it – green thumb or not.  Even in Winter!

Bring the natural world into your home with an indoor herb garden.  Cooking herbs like basil, sage, and thyme are easy to grow at any time of year and all you need is a pot and some soil to get started.  Plus, using fresh herbs in your cooking will enhance the flavor of your food, and you won’t even have to leave home.

A planter box on the windowsill is a great way to add a pop of color to your home.  You won’t always be able to paint in a rented space, so choosing vibrant plants and flowers will give a white wall some much needed detail and decoration.

If you don’t happen to have a green thumb, you may want to bring some air plants into your home. These plants store water in their leaf bases, so they require minimum
attendance.  They don’t even require soil, so they’re easy to store and display anywhere.

The Fields on Caton Farm is a great place to get your garden started.  With an extensive plant inventory, this nursery provides new and exciting varieties of flowers to more traditional types.  There’s a plant to fit all personalities.  This unique garden center is open
Monday-Friday all winter, so you don’t have to wait for warm weather to bring the outdoors in.

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Cleaning Home Remedies

Posted on December 29, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Who says you have to wait until Spring to get cleaning?  With the New Year on the way, now is the perfect time to get organized and whip your apartment into top shape.  Cleaning supplies can get expensive, however, so before you head to the store, consider trying a few of these home remedies in the bathroom, kitchen, and around the home.

Clean your toilet with Kool-Aid.  The citric acid in the lemon and orange drink powder can help eat away tough stains in your toilet bowl.  All you have to do is sprinkle some in, scrub with a toilet brush, and let sit overnight.  When you wake the next morning, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find your toilet free of buildup.  (You can also run this through the dishwasher to clean mineral deposits.)

Use baking soda to thoroughly clean your kitchen sink.  After wetting the sink, sprinkle some baking soda and softly scrub with a toothbrush or sponge.  If you have a garbage disposal, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with a cup of white vinegar.  Let it fizz for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Steel wool can be used to eliminate hard floor stains in no time flat.  Use a fine grade and press lightly, careful not to scrape the surface too hard.  Dab with a little bit of water and watch that spot disappear before your eyes.

For those hard-to-remove microwave stains, place a wet sponge in the microwave and cook on high for two minutes.  When finished, let sit for a few minutes leaving the microwave door open.  This will help loosen the mess, leaving it ready to clean.  Use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe the inside.

Used tea bags can be re-soaked in cold water and used as a cleaning solution.  Spray this onto your countertops to remove grease and grime, and you might even use on mirrors to
remove any streaks and stains.  Make sure you wipe with a clean paper towel afterword to prevent any new tea stains.

Give these simple home solutions a try, and let us know if you have any other home cleaning secrets of your own!

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New Year’s in Joliet and Other Upcoming Events

Posted on December 27, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Joliet is one of Illinois’ fastest growing cities with an increasing number of great restaurants, unique shops, and popular entertainment venues.  Over the past year, residents and tourists alike enjoyed Joliet’s incredible downtown events like the farmer’s market, Race Fan Rally, and concerts among others.  Now, as we get ready to embrace a whole new year, the excitement is building for Joliet’s 2012 event schedule.

If you’re looking to have a kids-free New Year this time around, bring them by the Multi-Purpose Center for a night full of fun.  Kids are invited to ring in the New Year with a celebration all-night party.  They’ll get to enjoy music, games, art, movies, and even inflatable bounce houses with a midnight snack and delicious breakfast the next morning.  Drop-off starts at 7:00pm New Year’s Eve and doors lock at 9:00.

Don’t forget to check out the New Year’s Bash at Harrah’s Casino!  Las Vegas is coming to Joliet with great drink specials, food, live music and dancing.  Party through to 2012 with swing-dancing, party favors, and a giant balloon drop at midnight.  Don’t miss this wonderful event as Harrah’s in Joliet is transformed into the city of sin for one night and one night only. Festivities start at 6:00pm.

Also, you may want to check out a show at Rialto Square Theater. January 11th is a special production of the Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein. Join Igor, Dr. Frankenstein, and the rest of the talented cast for a monster show you’re sure to remember forever.

Feel like hitting the slopes this winter?  Come out to Woodruff Golf Course on January 8th for the Joliet Nordic 12K and 4K Cross Country Ski Race and Ski Rentals.  Take part in the fun race 4K, or push yourself to compete in the 12K classic. Registration starts at eight, so grab a few friends and come on over.

Joliet is the perfect place to live, work, and play. Check out some of our available properties and spend the New Year exploring and enjoying all that this marvelous city has to offer.

 

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Spa-Themed Gifts from the Kitchen

Posted on December 20, 2011 by leaseanapartment

There’s still a few days left before the holiday madness begins, so if you’re looking for a unique last-minute gift for someone special then head to your kitchen!  Here are a few
great home-made gifts you can make using some simple ingredients from your pantry.

Soaps – You’ll need to pick up some glycerin from Michaels.  For each cup you use, add 1 tsp. honey and 2 pinches of ginger for a lovely honey-ginger soap.  Or try 2 pinches of cinnamon and 2 pinches of ground clove.  For an oatmeal-honey soap, try clear glycerin with 1 tsp. honey, 2 pinches of ginger, and 2 tsp. of oatmeal.  Whichever combination you decide, mix them together and put them in a mold to set (you can use a yogurt cup).  Once they’re hardened, pop them out of the molds and give as gifts!

Body Scrub – Mix together 2 cups sugar and 1 cup of carrier oil in a big bowl.  Then add 8 drops of essential oil and 1 drop food coloring.  Stir until the color is consistent throughout.  Then all you have to do is spoon the mix into small canning jars and package as you please.  Easy as that!

Bath Salts – Using about 4 cups of Epsom salt, mix in several drops of any aromatic bath oil.  Throw in some dried plants like lavender or eucalyptus for an added scent, and pour into a jar.  Package this mixture however you like, and give the gift of a relaxing and wonderfully scented bath.

Soap Cubes – These make great gifts that are fun to make, too! Melt a block of glycerin in a microwave safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until completely melted.  Coat the inside of an ice-cube tray with petroleum jelly before pouring the melted glycerin into the tray.  Let cool for about 2 hours and then pop your soap cubes right out!  Use food coloring to give your cubes an added pop.

These home-made spa gifts are perfect for making someone feel special.  With just a little bit of time, patience, and creativity, you can give a gift that can be enjoyed long after the holidays are over.

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Make Your Holiday Party a Hit

Posted on December 14, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Ever show up to one of those parties where people are just standing around, the music’s too low, the food is cold, and there’s that bug-filled fluorescent light flickering on the kitchen ceiling?  If you’re thinking about putting together a holiday party, here are some important things to remember to ensure it’s a hit.

Invite the right number of people for your place.  Consider the amount of space you have when you’re putting your guest list together.  If you’re having a sit-down dinner party, less is better.  People will want to have a bit more space.  If it’s a cocktail party or just a fun dance party, having a larger number of guests might be more appropriate.

Don’t be afraid to move some furniture around.  Your party should consist of four key
stations – entrance, bar, food, and music – all of which should be located in different places.  It’s ideal to have open space in between all of these areas, as it will allow people to mix more freely from the very beginning.

Lighting is another important element when it comes to throwing a successful party.  Vary the intensity of the lights throughout the party, using candles and warm lamps
along with overhead lights.  You might even put up some white Christmas lights for added charm.

Lastly, keep things moving. Have a constant stream of food and drinks available to your guests so that nobody has to go looking for it.  Having a variety of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres set strategically in different places is a great way to prevent people from clustering in one particular room.  Continuously mingle yourself and introduce people who might not know each other as you go along.

Keep all of these things in mind the next time you throw a little get-together, and you’re sure to have people eager to come back again.

What are your party tips?

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5 Ways to Help Reduce Heating Costs

Posted on December 7, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Winter is finally here, and with it comes the dreaded rise in our electric bills.  Rather than immediately turning your heat up to full blast, consider a few of these other ways to keep warm.

1.         Before you leave your apartment for the day, open up the blinds and let in some sun.  This goes a long way towards maximizing the benefits of direct sunlight.  Close them up again when the temperature drops at night to provide a little extra insulation.

2.         Use space heaters.  Rather than racking up a huge electric bill by turning the main heat on, try placing a couple of these smaller heaters around your apartment.  They take
a little longer to warm up, but they do a great job of keeping a small space nice and toasty.

3.         Consider an electric blanket for bedtime.  It’ll keep you nice and snug and will also help to relax your muscles for a better night’s sleep.  Plus, you can continually adjust the temperature right from the comfort of your own bed.

4.         If you have bare floors in the kitchen or bathroom, set down some area rugs for the winter to keep your feet warm.  A nice, textured rug can help add comfort, warmth, and style to any room.

5.         When all else fails, bundle up!  Put on some slippers, sweat pants, socks, scarves, and any other warm clothes you’ve got stored away and curl up under a nice big blanket.

You may not be able to avoid the heater completely, but doing a few other things can help cut costs considerably.  Even the smallest task, like using the oven or drinking a hot cup of tea, can save you a few dollars on your heating bill.  Just a one degree difference in temperature can reduce energy costs by up to 5%.

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Holiday Handmade Gifts

Posted on December 5, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Get into the spirit of giving this holiday season without putting a dent in your wallet!  Here are a few simple, DIY ideas that can be done right from the comfort of your own home.

Recycled Map Corkboards – Perfect for anyone, anywhere!  Grab an old map or road atlas and cut out the city or state preferred.  Spray the back with spray mount and stick to a large, flat piece of cork.  Begin cutting out the cork to follow the outline of the map.  You can use push pins, string, or any other creative tack to mark the places you’ve been and
love.

Postcard Calendar Journal – A fun gift to help someone stay organized and create memories.  Get 180 4×6 index cards and cut them in half. Use a date stamp to stamp the day and month on each card. Use vintage or colorful postcards to divide the index cards by month.  Put them in a small fruit box and package with a bow!

Vintage Tin Candles – Ever stroll through a flea market or goodwill and see those vintage tins we all love but can never find a purpose for?  Now you can turn them into beautiful candles in just a few simple steps! Using pre-waxed wicks with a tin base, place the wicks in the tin, wrapping around a skewer placed over the top of the tin to hold in place.  Melt down your desired amount of wax.  Pour in to the tins and let harden for about 24 hours.  Trim the excess wick, and enjoy.

Tea Soaps – Know someone who can’t get enough of the sweet and spicy aroma of tea?  Give the gift of tea soap!  Use a melt and pour soap base and add your own favorite teas to the mix.  Melt in the microwave and then pour into a pan to dry.  After a few hours, cut the block into smaller rectangles.  Use white tissue paper to wrap the blocks and fold into a tea bag shape.  Add a string with a tag, and you’re good to go! Check here for complete
instructions.

You don’t have to break the bank this year to have a fantastic holiday.  All of these gifts
can be handmade with love, right from your own home!

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Downtown December Events

Posted on December 1, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Get into the holiday spirit this season with downtown Joliet and Chicago events.  Join us on December 3rd at Bicentennial Park for the 35th Festival of the Gnomes.  Learn about the history and mystery of gnome lore through live shows, as the lobby fills with “gnomemade” treasures.  It’s a unique experience that only comes around once a year, so don’t miss out!

On the 6th and 7th of the month, the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate is putting on a White Christmas Lunch Matinee inspired by the classic film.  Experience the holiday concert just as portrayed in the movie, with a World War II performance for the troops kicking off this musical journey.

Also, don’t forget to check out “A Christmas Carol,” running December 5th – 7th at Bicentennial Park.  Seats are only $5 for this hilarious, interactive version of the classic story.

If you’re willing to take a quick trip to the big city, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting Zoolights through the rest of 2011!  Come and enjoy ice carving demonstrations, visits with Santa, warm drinks and cool crafts, plus more, all while taking a walk through the Zoo decorated with over two million stunning lights.

You may also want to visit the Chopin Theatre for a showing of the Nutcracker.  This talented show house weaves together beautiful music and spellbinding dance to tell the classic holiday story of magic and mystery.

You’re only less than an hour from some of Illinois’ most fabulous winter events.  Visit downtown Joliet and Chicago to see what everyone will be talking about in the new year!

 

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Holiday Home Accents

Posted on November 28, 2011 by leaseanapartment

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to break out the holiday decorations.   Along with the more traditional Christmas and Hanukkah décor that you’ve probably got lying around somewhere, here are a few DIY ideas to try out this winter.

Wrapped candies can make beautiful and colorful garlands for the season.  Rather than stringing popcorn, simply staple the ends of wrapped treats together in whichever pattern you prefer.  Once your strand is long enough, pin or tape the ends to the mantel, or use to dress up your Christmas tree!

Keep your living room warm and cozy with your own decorative candles.  Instead of spending the extra dollars on store-bought scents, buy plain pillar candles and use
colorful thumbtacks or pushpins to decorate. Place a rubber band around the base of the candle to use as a guide and stick your pins in your desired pattern.

Looking for a good centerpiece?  Gather up some pine cones and spray paint them with reds, silvers, and gold.  Put them together in a big bowl or serving plate for an eye-catching accent.

If you’re looking for a unique wreath but don’t want to spend much, consider making your own using grapevine, pinecones, and spray paint!  Use the grapevine as the base to
hot-glue pinecones to.  Spray paint in red, green, silver, or desired color, and let dry.  For added sparkle, dab glue over the pinecones and sprinkle glitter before hanging.

Holiday décor doesn’t have to be expensive.  There are plenty of simple and affordable
projects that can give your home the look you want this winter.

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Three Easy Ways to Remove Tough Stains

Posted on November 16, 2011 by leaseanapartment

If you’re planning on having company over sometime during the holidays, you’ll probably have to deal with a few messes and spills.  If you’re a renter, you don’t want to have to pay to replace someone else’s carpet when you move out, and if you’re an owner, you still don’t want to have to pay to replace it.  Instead of panicking every time you tip over a glass, consider these tips to help get rid of those hard to beat stains.   

For red wine stains, there are a handful of household products you can use to quickly and effectively clean them up.  Pour salt over any fresh spills to keep the liquid from setting further into the carpet.  White wine can be poured over the stain to neutralize the red and help lift the color from the carpet.  If it’s still visible after that, try following it with some club soda. 

After dinner coffee stain?  Make sure you blot the stain rather than rub it so as not to push it deeper in the carpet.  Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with a cup of warm water and sponge the stained area.  Then, mix a bit of white vinegar with warm water, and blot until completely faded. 

If you’ve got an old or new spill of candle wax, don’t panic!  Grab a spoon, a paper bag, and an iron.  Scrape as much of the dried wax as you can from the carpet using the spoon.  Then, place the paper bag over the remaining spot.  Set the iron on high steam, and run it over the paper bag back and forth.  You can also substitute the bag with a towel to soak up even more wax. 

Even without stains, it’s a good idea to have the carpet cleaned every 12-18 months.  If you’re renting an apartment, the office should have a good guide of available services.  You can also rent a steam carpet cleaner and do the job yourself.  Just be careful not to let the carpet sit wet for too long, as this can allow mildew and bacteria to grow.

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