Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa

After a long day at work, sometimes coming home and collapsing onto the couch just doesn’t help you to de-stress. But imagine if you had your own mini-spa right in your apartment bathroom! Some simple re-decorating is all it takes to turn your bathroom into your oasis. Use these tips from Apartment Therapy to get started.

"giant bathtub" by Erica Nicol is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Enclose it

Part of the joy of a spa is that ability to take a break from life — to step away from the stresses and just focus on you. So consider a way to create a barrier between you, your bathroom and the rest of the world. It could be an extra lovely/dramatic shower curtain. It could be a curtain that you place over the door for an extra barrier. It could be big plants that partially obscure the rest of your bathroom from say, your tub. Get creative to think of a way you can enclose yourself to feel protected and a little bit transported.

2. Consider the presentation

As you can imagine, bath salts, yummy-smelling soaps and other treats for your body are a great way to treat yourself to a spa day. But don't just line them up unceremoniously on your bathroom counter. Think about the presentation. Put products in lovely containers you like handling. If you have a tub, consider splurging on a lovely-to-you bathtub caddy that you can slip into a warm bath under.

3. Add something surprising

Maybe it's a piece of art in your shower (or something more practical). Maybe it's a giant mirror in a weird spot. Perhaps it's just a bouquet of flowers on the edge of your tub. Just add something that will surprise you and perhaps transport you to a feeling of relaxation.

4. Consider all your senses

Start with neutralizing the things that might stress you out first. Loud noises from construction down the street or neighbors? Include white noise or soothing music to cover up sounds you don't want. Hate the overhead light in your windowless bathroom? Bring in candles.

5. Surround yourself with softness

When you're ready to leave your spa-like bathroom, take that relaxation with you by surrounding yourself with softness. Make sure you step onto a plush bath mat or into fluffy slippers. Towel off from a bath or shower with an extra cozy towel. Wrap yourself in a robe.

What would you put in your spa bathroom?

Save or Splurge on Kitchen Essentials?

"Old Board" by Jeff Attaway is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Regardless of how often you cook, there are certain items that everyone will need at one point or another in their kitchen. Accumulating these items can add up quickly, so how do you know what items are worth their price and which ones you’re better off purchasing at discount stores? Apartment Therapy breaks down 15 essential kitchen tools and whether you should splurge or save.

Splurge On:

Skillet: A frying pan will be your main workhorse, so do the research and make the investment! It would be nice to have both a nonstick and stainless steel pan, but if you had to choose one, I would go with a stainless steel. Non-stick pans are good for things like eggs and pancakes, but I find that the stainless steel pans are better for sauces, searing meat and vegetables, and pretty much everything else. The cream of the crop here is the pan from All-Clad ($150).

Cutting board: Make sure that your cutting board is a sturdy one that you will want to reach for again and again. After years of buying cheap plastic cutting boards, I am coming to the conclusion that a high quality wooden cutting board is worth the splurge. Wooden boards last a long time- longer than the plastic ones - if you take care of them. I always thought wooden boards would retain more bacteria since it is porous, but a study was done where they found that while bacteria does enter the wooden boards, once they get in, they are unable to reproduce and die off. Plastic, on the other hand, allows bacteria to sit on the surface. In addition, a wooden board is much kinder to your knife. Try the Proteak Rectangular Cutting Board ($75).

Food processor: A food processor is one of those gadgets that you could get by without, but then you do get one and wonder why you didn't get one sooner. (Check out this article from the Kitchn for ways to use a food processor if you're not sure.) The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor ($180) isn't cheap but it isn't the most expensive one out there, either. It's an investment that will make your cooking life a little easier and make you more adventurous in the kitchen.

Save On:

Chef's knife: A really great knife and some basic cutting tips could be the thing that takes you from being a cooking novice to chopping vegetables with ease. The Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch Chef's Knife ($36) is heralded by chefs and home cooks alike of being a fantastic knife at a reasonable price.

Cast iron pan: I love my cast iron and I am just beginning to discover how versatile and helpful it can be. (For more cast iron love, check out this 35 Ways to Love Your Cast Iron article.) Luckily, for all its uses, the cast iron pan does not have to be expensive... just make sure to take good care of it! Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet ($25).

Mixing/prep bowls: Have a few of these bowls on hand in different sizes for mixing and prepping. You can find stainless steel bowls ranging from 1.5 QT to 7.5 QT in the price range of $8-$12.

Baking sheet: Look for a non-stick, non-dark, rimmed baking sheet, and you will see these at a reasonable price everywhere. You can use the pan for roasting vegetables and cooking meat, as well as baking cookies and even an occasional sheet cake. I usually line mine with foil first in order to preserve it and make the cleanup easier. The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is really popular ($13).

Pot: A pot that does the varied work of sautéing onions, cooking rice, making soups, sauces and creams, and boiling eggs and pasta should be one that will be sturdy, easy to handle and will last you a long time. The Cuisinart MultiClad Unlimited 4-Quart Saucepan ($70) isn't cheap, but it is on the lower end of many of pricey pots and does just as well (if not better!)

Measuring spoons and cups: Go simple with your measuring utensils. For a measuring spoon, look for ones with a long handle (to reach into jars) that are also detachable. Go with a large 2-Cup measuring cup for liquids and flat-bottomed cups for dry ingredients. I like the Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup ($13), the Squish Measuring Spoons ($5.50), and Oxo Good Grips ($9). These stainless steel spoons ($10) a little more expensive than the plastic, but the rectangular bottoms are a nice feature.

Wooden spoons: I love my wooden spoons and reach for them all the time - to sauté meat and vegetables, to stir soup, to scramble eggs, to transfer food to a plate, to place over a pot of pasta in boiling water to prevent it from overflowing....and pretty much any wooden spoon will do. You can get a set of three for $6.

Spatula: A spatula is perfect for flipping eggs, pancakes, hamburger patties, or any other kind of patty. We often do salmon patties, tuna patties, and zucchini patties at our house (my two-year old daughter loves helping me make them), and a spatula is what allows us to flip even the most misshapen of patties without breaking them. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner ($10).

Colander: Nothing else will do the job of straining water from your pasta, so pick one of these up. A colander is also useful for rinsing fruit and vegetables. Focus Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander ($9).

Instant read thermometer: If you are cooking a lot of meat, passionate about your meat, or paranoid about your meat, a digital thermometer will become invaluable. A few degrees can be the difference between a tender and tough steak, and the best way to confirm that roast chicken is done is with that thermometer. CDN DTQ450X ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer ($16).

Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is extremely handy especially if you frequently cook from scratch. The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler ($9) will not disappoint.

Kitchen shears: Some may balk at the need for kitchen scissors, but mine have become essential because I use it to cut almost all of my meat! I have found that it is the easiest way to cut up protein into small pieces. If you aren't already, try it! The Messermeister 8-Inch Take-Apart Kitchen Scissors ($14) have a bunch of other features too.

Small Space Living 101

"Settling In: Kitchen" by Nathan Yergler is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Living in an apartment definitely has its advantages, like no lawns to mow and resident events. However, lack of space can be an issue--keyword: “can.” By following these 10 commandments of small space living from Apartment Therapy, you will be on your way to a clutter free, organized and eye-appealing oasis of an apartment.

1. Thou shalt declutter your domicile — Especially in a small space, clutter can completely take over and make your home feel even smaller than it already is. Get it under control and take back your space, no excuses.

2. Thou shalt get a system to stay organized — Once you've gotten blissfully organized, you want to make sure to keep it up. Spend a few bucks and a few hours setting up a system so, even if you have limited space, everything has a place to go. It will keep you on track and your home feeling cozy not crazy.

3. Thou shalt make your furniture do double duty — When you have limited space, double duty furniture is a must. Why wouldn't you take advantage of every inch you can? Think storage benches, under-bed boxes or even simple ideas like a dresser used as a nightstand.

4. Thou shalt be careful with color —You know we love color but it's a powerful tool so be a bit careful. Get familiar with the properties of certain colors and what they can do for your space before you take the plunge. Already have a tiny, cave-like bedroom? Darks might not be the way to go as they'll make it feel even...ahem...cozier. Consider the amount of light, how you'd like to feel in that space and your room size to make sure you make the smartest choice.

5. Thou shalt utilize your wall space — There's plenty of valuable real estate all over your home, not just on the floor. Shelves, cabinets and even simple, cheap (and endlessly customizable) pegboard racks can get your belongings organized while keeping them from taking up your limited floor or counter space.

6. Thou shalt scrutinize scale — A common mistake we see in small homes is maxing out on the small scale furniture to save space. Please, no more doll house living! Mix up the scale with a few larger statement pieces, or utilize your wall space with large scale art (ahem...see above) to add some heft.

7. Thou shalt embrace visually light furniture — Here's a handy little tip: visually light furniture will allow you to have much more in a space without its seeming cramped! Think acrylics, hairpin or MCM tapered legs, or any other airy style that leaves plenty of empty space around your pieces.

8. Thou shalt spend time outside your home — Here' s the truth: no matter how perfectly designed your tiny home is, you still need to get out and about to avoid cabin fever. Make a point to actually use all the great places available to you like public parks, the library, coffee shops or any place where you can camp out and get a change of scenery for a few hours.

9. Thou shalt keep it clean — Dirt builds up terrifyingly fast in any home but in a small home it can seem almost instantaneous (and there's nowhere to go to get away from the mess). Get proactive, get on a schedule and nip that dirty, depressing situation in the bud.

10. Thou shalt keep your sense of humor — There will always be a few trying moments when existing in a small space, especially a shared one, but your sense of humor will see you through. Take heart in the fact that not only are you using less, you're getting out and participating in your community more. Everyone has a few gripes at home; at least cleaning 14 palatial bedrooms isn't one of yours. Enjoy your efficient, cozy and charming space and make it the best you can.

What would you add to these 10 rules? Share your ideas in the comments!

Plan Budget-Friendly Weekend

"Piggy Bank on Top of a Pile of One Dollar Bills" by Ken Teegardin is licensed
under CC BY-SA 2.0

Maybe the pay at your job isn’t the greatest or you’re saving up for something special, but regardless of your current financial situation, we all have to cut back from time-to-time. Imagine a weekend where not only do you not spend money, but you also feel like you had a full, productive weekend, too. It is possible! Apartment Therapy offers these six tips for planning a zero-spend weekend.

1. Plan what the rules to a money-free weekend are for you

Some people go extreme — no spending money means not evening turning the air conditioning or lights on. Others just pledge to cut down on frivolous spending. Others really try not to swipe their credit card the whole weekend. You know your needs and your family needs — so make up the rules that might be a little challenging for you but still doable.

2. Tell your friends and family

Yes, telling friends and family about your money-free weekend plans can help keep you accountable, but it might also help take temptation off the table — they might not invite you to the newest brunch spot or be more open to joining you on a free activity to help you keep your goal.

3. Use the weekend to work on home

If you've taken our advice about making lists and buying supplies as you go...this might be a perfect time to work on an item that needs repair or a DIY project you've been wanting to tackle. But it's also a great time to clean, straighten up or tackle an organizing job that won't take any money spending to accomplish!

4. Cultivate your list of money-free activities

Free arts shows in your community. A visit to the local library. A walk around a park with a good podcast. There are a number of free things to do, and a great place to start is to consider your favorite hobbies — and how you can tackle them without spending a dime. Love cooking? Give yourself a challenge to create a meal out of only what you can find in your fridge and pantry. Love photography? Walking around and shooting interesting things is free. Make a list this weekend to keep on hand so you don't reinvent the wheel every time you want to not spend a dime.

5. Give yourself a reward or remember a financial goal

If spending is a challenge, promise yourself a reward at the end of this money-free experiment (might work best if the reward doesn't cost money, though). Or, write down a financial goal before you start you can refer back to it when you get the itch to buy something.

6. Give it a try before deciding it's not for you

Not spending a dime for an entire weekend might be too weird of a concept — or for some impossible. But if you can, give it a go. It might give you the distance to see any unhealthy buying habits you might have and make financial changes for the better!

Keeping Street Noise Outside the Apartment

"Blocks of Flats on Poleg Beachfront" by Jonathan Pincas is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

You’re laying in bed, ready to get a good night’s sleep and then it happens...that annoying couple from across the street is having another fight. We’ve all been there, whether it’s “that couple,” car doors slamming, sirens or traffic, noise from the street has either awakened us or kept us from falling asleep at one time or another. It’s not something you can really control, but there are ways to prevent it from coming into your apartment, as Apartment Therapy explains.

Use your exterior walls

Nothing absorbs noise like a fat wall of books. Consider moving your bookshelves to line your outside walls so the books will help absorb some of the street noise. Fabric is another good insulator, so a solution that moves your closets, clothing racks, or linen storage to the outer walls can help as well.

Get thick curtains

Heavy curtains can also help dampen sound. The thicker and heavier the curtains, the more effective they'll be. You can even buy special noise-absorbing curtains designed to help cancel out annoying sounds. While I would love to drape my entire apartment in velvet someday, for now I'm using IKEA's Werna blackout curtains. They're very thick and heavy, don't cost a fortune, and as a bonus they also block all the light that would otherwise be seeping in. If the noise makes you batty, you might even want to consider hanging two sets of curtains.

White noise

"Midtown New York traffic under the Gimbels Bridge"
 by joiseyshowaa is licensed CC BY 2.0.

I find that a fan or a white noise machine helps a lot.

Reinforce the windows

A lot of noise seeps in through windows. While you're probably not going to be able to convince your landlord to replace your standard rental apartment windows with better ones that keep out more noise, there are some DIY options you can consider. Covering the windows entirely would probably turn your apartment into a dark little box, but cutting some sheets of acoustic foam to fit the windows will give you an option you can put in place at night and then take down whenever you want your windows back.

Earplugs

I like to save the squishy little foam earplugs that airplanes give out on international flights. They're comfortable enough to fall asleep in and keep out almost any noise.

Trust time to fix it

In the end, time will probably take care of most of the problem for you. I grew up in a major city, so sirens and car horns don't even register as noise for me. When my husband first moved to a city, he couldn't sleep for weeks because of all the noise. He was convinced he would never sleep again. But after a short time he got used to it, and now he can sleep through anything. He even slept through the World Cup game last night, and that was so loud I thought the windows were going to fall out. Give it some time and you may find you don't need any noise-canceling solutions at all.

Do you have other noise-free apartment living solutions? Share them with us!

Tailgate Tips

"Grilled Apple Sausage" by H. Michael Karshis is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Fall is in the air, which means one thing...football season is back! Are you ready? There’s no better way to spend pre-game time than tailgating. Follow these tips, courtesy of Apartment Therapy, to ensure that you are properly prepared for the perfect tailgate.  

1. Research the tailgating site: Even before you get to the packing and prepping of food, make sure you know where you can park, what the facilities are like, and what the rules are. Are open flames allowed so that you can grill? Is there running water, bathroom facilities, or rules about alcohol? What time can get there, and how late can you stay?

Think about the weather and the time of day when planning — will it be hot or rainy and a tent would be useful? And make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there and set up.

2. Pack in, pack out: Unless a tailgate site explicitly says so, assume that everything you bring in comes home with you, including trash. Make sure you have plenty of heavy-duty trash bags, figure out how you'll handle recycling and packaging leftover food, and think about how you'll pack and bring home a dirty grill.

3. Multiple coolers are a must: Two coolers are the minimum — one for food and one for drinks. If you have a third for the raw food that needs to be cooked, even better! Make sure foods are wrapped tightly to prevent leaking and cross-contamination, and pack the things you'll need immediately at the top.

Label your drink coolers and tie a bottle opener to the handle so it's convenient and never gets lost. Make sure you have enough ice for drinks and to keep everything cold until you get home.

4. Grill prep: Make sure your grill is clean and that you have the necessary grill tools, enough fuel to last through all the grilling, and a portable fire extinguisher just in case.

5. Food choices: Have ready-to-go finger foods and snacks that you can put out immediately to keep people happy while the grill gets fired up. Keep more substantial food items simple and easy-to-serve. Bonus points if you don't even need plates to eat them off of, like kabobs and quesadillas! If you plan on tailgating after the game too, pack some different snacks and foods to grill then so that you have some variety.

6. Food prep: Do as much as you can at home, including marinating, cutting up vegetables, threading things onto skewers, or forming burger patties. Mix up big batches of drinks or cocktails so all you have to do is pour.

7. Equipment: Pack a few folding or portable chairs and tables. A tablecloth looks nice and makes for easier cleanup, and a few big stackable plastic bins can serve as trash and recycling bins. Don't forget a cutting board, sharp knife, and serving platters. Foil can help scrape down a dirty grill, keep food warm, or wrap up leftovers.

8. Water, water, water: Freeze some water bottles to both keep the coolers cold and so you'll have something icy to drink if it's a hot day. Bring along a big water container with a dispenser for handwashing too.

What are your tailgating must-haves? Share them with us below!

5 Ways Your Apartment Can Boost Your Mood

"Living Room" by Jeremy Levine is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Your apartment should be your oasis. After a stressful day, there is nothing better than coming home to a comfortable, calming place. There are ways you can arrange and decorate your apartment so that you get the ultimate mood boost when you get home. As we all know, even though your work day may be over, there is always dinner to cook and things to clean. Why not have an apartment that energizes you to get these chores done? Apartment Therapy provides tips on ways your apartment can boost your mood.

1. Light — Natural light is an amazing antidote to the blues. Although there are many studies linking darkness and depression, you don't need science to tell you that walking into a dark room doesn't exactly lift your spirits. Don't wallow in darkness; throw open the drapes and soak up some rays. Or if it's already dark out, light a calming candle and chill.

2. Color — You know that certain colors just make you feel alive: think reds and yellows. There's no need to overdo it — just a few touches of cheerful color will help to give you an unconscious lift when you walk in the door. Bonus: brights tend to encourage social behavior so using them in a public space like the living room is a plus.

3. Scent — Thanks to a part of your brain called the amygdala, scent is strongly linked to your memories and emotions, but it can also affect the current emotions in your brain. Choose smells like lavender and jasmine for calming and soothing, lemon and orange for energizing, or basil and mint to help improve your mood.

4. Pets/Plants — Ahhh, the healing power of a pet. When you walk in the door after a rough day, a wagging tail is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Can't have a pet? A plant is also a great idea. Nurturing something and watching it thrive is a human necessity that will always make us feel good.

5. Soft Geometry — This is a new one on us, but we all know that Oprah is never wrong. O magazine reports that choosing decor with curves may actually make you feel more content, thanks, once again, to that good ole' amygdala. Designer Johnny Grey puts it like this: "The reason has to do with your peripheral vision...if you were to walk down a dark, narrow tunnel lined with sharp rocks, you wouldn't be able to think about anything except avoiding getting hurt. If the key pieces and places are curved, that makes the body relax." Makes sense to us.