Valentine’s Day in SF

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us! The city of San Francisco is always buzzing with events, fabulous food and beautiful sights. Forget to make dinner reservations? That’s okay! Surprise your significant other with something different this year! If you need some ideas, here are just some events happening in the Bay Area this weekend, courtesy of San Francisco Travel:

San Francisco Beer Week

Feb. 10-19

Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St.

http://sfbeerweek.org/

The ultimate beer-lover’s fest lasts 10 mouthwatering days, including beer hikes (you sip before you step) to women-only tastings.

The Love Train

Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 14

Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA

www.winetrain.com, 800-427-4124

An unforgettable, classic experience on board the Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect gift to share with your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Prices range from $119-$164 per person and include dinner, chocolate, sparkling wine and strolling musicians.

Animal Attraction

Opens Feb. 11

California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr.

www.calacademy.org, 415-379-8000

From fish that can change sex to insects that eat their mates, explore some of the wildest mating strategies in the animal kingdom in this revealing new exhibit. Delve into the science of sex and encounter live animals that have evolved remarkable and often surprising techniques for attracting mates and producing offspring.

Valentines’ Day and Weekend at the Exploratorium

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St.

www.exploratorium.edu, 415-561-0363

Looking for a new Valentines’ date activity with that special someone? The Exploratorium has it covered with the Valentine’s date tour – featuring guided walks through the museum’s most romantic exhibits, film screenings and special Valentine’s Day dissection programs (flowers and cow or pig hearts).

San Francisco Zoo’s “Woo at the Zoo”

San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Rd.

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

www.sfzoo.org, 415-753-7080

Contrary to common belief, the animals will not “mate on cue” during the Zoo’s adults-only affair (21 years and older), but one will learn the many facets to the birds and the bees of the animal kingdom.

Ride with Your Valentine on a Bicycle-Built-for-2

Feb. 11-17

Bike and Roll, 899 Columbus Ave.

www.bicyclerental.com, 415-229-2000

Take your valentine on a tandem bicycle for a beautiful ride through San Francisco on the Bay Trail, over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and return by ferryboat. Daily discounted rate is $45 per day (25% off normal rate).

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Love Hurts: Litquake Preps You for Valentine’s Day with Readings from Some of the Most Wretched Passages on Love and Lust Ever Written

Feb. 13

Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St.

http://www.litquake.org/, 415-647-2888

Litquake commemorates the year’s most overrated holiday with 10 Bay Area authors reading their favorite overwrought prose from classics by the likes of Harold Robbins and Paul Theroux as well as selections from The Story of O, and that mother ship of romance and substance abuse, Valley of the Dolls. Tickets are $10.

Eternity Ball

Feb. 14

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason

www.eternityball.com, 415-967-3977

Whether married, divorced, engaged, or single – the Eternity Ball black-tie gala has something for all to enjoy. Come dressed to impress in a ball gown, wedding or bridesmaid dresses, or tuxedo. Afterwards, join hundreds of revelers at the Festival Pavilion for a giant reception, all inclusive of cocktails, food and dancing. Tickets for the Eternity Ball start at $100 per person. Part of proceeds from the Eternity Ball will benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Epic Romance Presented by BATS Improv

Feb. 14

Bayfront Theater, B350 Fort Mason Center

www.improv.org, 415-474-8935

BATS Improv presents a special Valentine's Day performance of their newest improv show, Epic Romance. Epic Romance is a sweeping and completely improvised “film”, performed live, in the style of Gone With the Wind and Doctor Zhivago. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Forever Tango

Feb. 14-19

Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street, 2nd floor

www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com, 415-771-6900

Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango features a world-renowned cast of dancers and musicians who bring an intoxicating sense of excitement and passion to the stage. Through music and dance, the production traces the tango's colorful history, from turn-of-the-century Buenos Aires bordellos to its acceptance into high society. Tickets range in price from $45 to $70. Tickets for the special Valentine’s Day Gala (Feb. 14) are $80 and include Gala performance, post-performance dancing with the cast and orchestra of Forever Tango and two beverages.

Local Tastes of the City Valentine’s Tour

Through the month of February

www.sffoodtour.com, 415-665-0480

Tours will start in San Francisco’s most romantic neighborhood, Little Italy, to sample the food and learn how it's made. The tour includes tastes of coffee, truffles, bread and pastries, special deli treats and olive oil.

Raymond Pettibon Inspired Valentine’s Treat

Through the month of February

SFMOMA, 151 Third St.

www.sfmoma.org, 415-357-4000

Blue Bottle Coffee on the SFMOMA rooftop will serve a heart shape crème fraiche parfait with maraschino cherries and cherry brandy gelee ($5); a special dessert created just for Valentine’s Day inspired by a Raymond Pettibon painting on view at the current SFMOMA exhibition “The Air We Breathe.” Other love related artwork may be viewed on the second floor.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Fifth Floor

Feb. 7-18

12 Fourth St.

www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com, 415-348-1555

Fifth Floor is offering a special seven-course tasting menu, available for $95 (wine pairings, tax and gratuities not included). For Valentine’s Day, a special nine-course tasting menu is also available for $130.

The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel

Feb. 11-14

2 New Montgomery St.

www.sfpalace.com, 415-546-5089

Sweetheart Tea

Feb. 11

Enjoy sparkling wine tea served complete with a strolling violin. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $48.

Valentine Brunch

Feb. 12

This signature brunch includes live music, sparkling wine and an array of savories and sweets. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $75.

Sip, Sup, Swing & Sway

Feb. 14

Experience an unforgettable evening including a five-course dinner, dancing and music by the Kent Strand Band, featuring the vocals of Pamela Rose. Reservations available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for pre fixe dinner and $100 for pre fixe dinner with wine pairing selections.

Valentine’s Dinner at Top of the Mark

Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins, www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

For $395 per couple, guests will enjoy a bottle of Moet Chandon Rosé, an appetizer and a four-course plated dinner. Diners will also enter to win the “Pack Your Bag Contest”: pack an overnight bag for a chance to spend one night in the presidential suite. Winner will be announced at the end of dinner.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company’s “Valentine’s Day by The Bay”

Feb. 11-14390 Capistrano Rd., Princeton-by-the-Sea, CA

www.hmbbrewingco.com, 650-728-2739

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, a beloved destination known for small-production craft beer, sustainable coastal cuisine, scenic outdoor patio fire pits and live music, heralds the arrival of Valentine’s Day with a special menu crafted by Chef Gaston Alfaro alongside beer pairings by Brewmaster Kirk Hillyard.

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

401 Taylor St., 415-775-7979

www.jasperscornertap.com/

Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration

Feb. 13

For the ultimate anti-Valentine’s celebration, Jasper’s kicks off their monthly movie nights with the showing of “True Romance” at 9 p.m. Chef Adam Carpenter’s snack menu features spicy kettle corn popcorn, chicken wings, baked Jasper’s oysters and a special “It’s not you, it’s me” cocktail

Couple’s Valentine’s Day Dinner

Feb. 14

For a fun night out, Jasper’s is offering a special menu available for $99 per couple (includes two glasses of sparkling wine, tax and gratuities). Menu highlights include Dungeness crab, oysters, lobster pot pie, baked mousse and more.

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room

Feb. 14

450 Powell St., 415-395-8595

www.harrydenton.com

Dress to impress, grab your special someone and head over to Harry Denton’s Starlight Room to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an unforgettable way. Singer/songwriter Tasche will perform hits from his new CD “A Love Worth Fighting For.” Tickets are $70 per couple and include a table, two glasses of Moet champagne and chocolate dipped long-stemmed strawberries. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For $10 per person, guests may enjoy the live music.

Valentine’s Day at Parallel 37

Feb. 14

The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St.

www.parallel37sf.com, 415-773-6168

Experience an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with Chef Ron Siegel’s special six-course menu at the newly-opened Parallel 37. Each couple will receive two different menus for a playful sharing experience. Tickets are $125 per guest; $79 for wine pairing. Seatings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Butterfly Restaurant

Feb. 14

Pier 33, The Embarcadero

www.butterflysf.com, 415-864-8999

Offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, guests will enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay over dinner. Dinner is $80 per person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity.

One Market Restaurant

Feb. 14

1 Market St.

www.onemarket.com, 415-777-5577

One Market will serve a four-course dinner for $75 per person. Michelin star Chef Mark Dommen’s specialties will include dishes such as Sweetbread Ravioli, Applewood smoked bacon, Roasted Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Carmelized Apple Tart, and Calvados gelée, apple cider “slush.” The menu will also include a cheese course.

The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

Feb. 14

1000 Great Hwy.

www.beachchalet.com, 415-386-8439

The Beach Chalet will serve a special four-course a la carte limited menu which includes Oyster Rockefeller, sautéed Rosefish, Porterhouse steaks for two, crispy stuffed chicken breast, pan Seared Sonoma County duck breast and Passion fruit and Tarts. Order three or more courses and a glass of champagne is included.

Living without a Closet

"two-twenty-six/three-sixty-five" by Laura Bittner is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Apartment living does not always offer ideal storage space, especially if you’re a shopaholic. While most apartments include closet space, more often than not, the available closet isn’t big enough, leaving us to find other, more creative ways to store our clothing and accessories. What are some alternatives to a closet? Apartment Guide offers some solutions:

An Armoire or Dresser

One of the most obvious solutions is to buy a large armoire or dresser to store clothes in. What’s great about armoires over dressers is that they offer a place to hang any clothing that you’d rather not fold.

Dresses, blouses and easily wrinkled items won’t have to be shoved into a dresser drawer, which could potentially save you from having to pull out the iron every day before work.

Dressers, on the other hand, are great for people with a lot of foldable clothes. Either piece of furniture comes in various sizes, so those who live in a small space will be able to easily find something that fits their room.

A Clothing Rack

Stores like Target and Ikea sell clothing racks of all different shapes and sizes. You’ll easily be able to find smaller standing clothing racks that have a single bar on which to hang your clothes.

There are also full closet organizers that you can mount to a wall with multiple shelves and rods great for holding an entire wardrobe. Though not as affordable, these are a one-and-done solution to not having a closet, and they’re pretty easy to install on the wall.

Bookcases

The variety of bookshelves available in stores and online is truly amazing, so they’re a great organization option for bedrooms with nonexistent closets. The bookshelves with cube-shaped cubbies are particularly useful for organizing different types of clothing and accessories.

If you’re planning on using bookshelves in place of a closet, be sure to buy plenty of baskets and bins that will help you keep the shelves neat and uncluttered.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are another useful storage option, and they’re especially great because they can fit onto walls of any size. Hang floating shelves across the width of an entire wall, or stack them from floor to ceiling. You can even install dividers on your shelves to keep all of your clothing items separated.

Under the Bed

Installing drawers under the bed is both practical and unobtrusive, so it’s a perfect solution for people who live in a small space. You can also inexpensively lift your bed to create even more storage space under it, using store-bought bed risers.

Consider storing shoes, handbags and other less-often-used items under the bed so you don’t have to get down on the floor every time you change clothes.

A Trunk

For a storage solution that’s part decorative and part amazingly effective, find an antique or vintage trunk to keep at the foot of your bed.

Trunks are very spacious, so you’ll be able to store a lot of your wardrobe in just the one area. Use it for bulky items like sweaters, sweatshirts and sweatpants that don’t stack as easily on shelves.

Create Pretty Decor

Some of the prettiest and most colorful items in a person’s apartment can be found in their closet, like shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry. Instead of tucking those items away into storage, find creative ways to display them around the room and apartment.

Buy a small coat rack just for your scarves and hang them by the front door. Line pretty high heels and handbags along the bookshelves in your living room or entryway. Hang your statement necklaces from pretty hooks on the wall above your toilet, rather than using that space for a piece of art.

Use a Curtain

Many of the storage solutions in this survival guide will leave your clothing out in the open or on display, but simply hanging a curtain can help you tuck your wardrobe out of sight. Attach a curtain to your bookshelves or simply hang one from the ceiling in front of your shelves to hide your clothing.

Mix and Match

If you have one wall in particular that would work well for a “closet,” mix and match the ideas to create exactly what you need for storing your own personal belongings. Hang floating shelves across the entire wall, then attach a closet rod to the wall beneath them. Or, find two small armoires and put them on either side of a short bookshelf.

Avoid Apartment Fever

"DSC08785-Yoga Time" by Gary is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether or not we have winter weather, spending too much time in your apartment around your roommate or significant other can make you go a little crazy. So while you may not literally be snowed into your apartment, you can still get “apartment fever.” How can you create little spaces for yourself or times for yourself to take at least a mental break? Apartment Therapy offers these tips for when you need some alone time.

Stagger when you're home

Even crazy-in-love couples may need a few minutes (or hours) apart every day and it's okay to talk about it. Try staggering your schedules to carve out some time when each of you gets to be alone in your apartment. Maybe your mate goes to the gym before work but he could switch to after work to give you a free hour at night. Maybe you can start going into the office early instead of getting a head start at home. There are always little tweaks that can give you some alone time.

Create a physical barrier

Just because you're both home doesn't mean you have to be interacting. It's totally acceptable to close a door, close a curtain or unfurl a screen to give yourself the illusion that you're alone while you think, meditate or just chill.

Create a mental barrier

If you really are squished in and need a minute to reflect, something as simple as putting on headphones with your favorite music may be enough to give you a little mental break. Or simply say to your partner that you need some quiet time sans interruptions and go sit in your favorite chair with your nose buried in a book. Works every time.

What tips do you have for keeping your sanity in a tiny apartment?

DIY Like a Pro

"Rope Napkin Rings DIY -Beach Table Decor -1" by Maegan Tintari
licensed under CC BY 2.0

Do you spend hours a day on Pinterest in search of projects to do in your spare time? Does the sound of Martha Stewart’s name make you insanely happy? If you live for a good craft project, then you are a member of the DIY (do it yourself) club! If you want to actually get around to doing some of the projects you’ve pinned, make sure you have these essential items and tools, courtesy of Apartment Guide, on hand!

1. Mod Podge

If you’ve never heard of this stuff/used it, let me tell you, it’s amazing. It might sound like the name of an ’80s pop rock band, but this decoupage medium actually comes in handy for a number of different projects.

It acts as a glue and sealant to attach anything from fabric to paper and glitter to a number of different surfaces. With Mod Podge, you can make your own jewelry, decorate mason jars, customize sunglasses, update your nightstand and more.

2. Washi Tape

Even if you have zero craft skills, washi tape is so easy to use. It feels like masking tape, but it’s adorned with different colors and patterns, so it’s much prettier.

Not sure where to use your washi tape? Here are a few easy project ideas to get you started:

• Wrap washi tape around a toothpick and cut the tape in a triangle shape to form cute cupcake toppers
• Adhere washi tape to your keyboard to create colorful keys
• Line the inside or outside of a lampshade with washi tape of your choice
• Wrap washi tape around unsightly chargers or routers
• Cover pieces of tile with strips of washi tape to create coasters

3. A Drill

Every DIYer should have a power drill in their arsenal of craft supplies.

Yes, it can be a pricey item, but if you craft often, the drill will end up paying for itself. Use it to put furniture together, hang art on the wall or make your own jewelry.

4. A Hot Glue Gun

A hot glue gun can be a quick and easy alternative to sewing, and once you apply the glue, there is very little drying time. This DIY tool is especially perfect if you love to make jewelry and little decorative projects. I plan on using my glue gun to create a monogram out of all my leftover wine corks.

Hot glue is also great for fixing things, like putting that handle back on your favorite mug or reattaching the bottom of your shoe. No matter what you end up making with your glue gun, just make sure you proceed with caution. After all, it has “hot” in its name for a reason.

5. A Sewing Kit

Don’t quite have the funds for a sewing machine yet? Then a simple sewing kit will do.

It typically contains mini scissors, needle threaders, and some colored thread so you can sew buttons and embellishments onto that new pillow you just made or fix the tear in your favorite shirt.

Don’t have the first clue about sewing? Watch a few tutorials on YouTube to help get you started.

6. A Rotary Cutter

If you plan on working with fabric, you’ll definitely want to have a rotary cutter on hand. This tool can slice through fabric like a knife slices through butter. Of course, a rotary cutter can be used to cut other thicker items as well, such as cardboard or foam board.

Make sure you have a gridded cutting mat to go along with your rotary cutter. You don’t want to cut your fabric directly on your kitchen counters, as the tool could easily make marks and scuffs on their surface. Plus, the mat allows you to form straight, precise lines.

7. Scissors

Scissors are a must-have for any crafter, but you can no longer get away with that dull pair sitting in the back of your drawer.

Invest in new pairs of regular scissors and fabric scissors to help you out with any DIY project you want to tackle.

8. Paint Tarps

As you probably know, DIY projects can tend to get messy quickly. Paint tarps are always there to help clean up that mess.

Whether you’re painting, using lots of glitter or spray painting something, lay down a tarp beforehand to prevent your floors or rugs from getting stained. If you do make a mess, try making your own DIY cleaning spray.

9. Painter’s Tape

You can’t get accurate lines while painting if you don’t have painter’s tape.

Use the tape to paint an accent wall in your apartment (if your landlord allows), or wrap some of the tape around kitchen utensils like ladles and wooden spoons to give them a quick splash of color.

10. Measuring Tape

Building a new coffee table or bookcase for your apartment? You’ll need this tool to measure the room in which you’re placing these items to make sure there’s space.

From hanging wall art to sizing fabric, a measuring tape will come in handy throughout your DIY days!

Organize Documents for Good

"Filed Away" by Mark Crossfield is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

You don’t have to wait until “spring cleaning” to do some organization around the apartment. In fact, this is a great time of year to do it - you’re feeling motivated after the new year, you’re stuck indoors more often - why not take advantage of it? It’s time to go through those stacks of papers you’ve shoved into drawers or have left on top of the counter for ages. Where do you begin to tackle these piles? Apartment Therapy shares tips on what to keep and how to sort it:

Step 1: Reduce clutter at the source.

These days, we can choose to deal with much of our filing digitally, reducing the need for storage and the paperwork headache. Bank statements and bills can be viewed online and receipts can be saved on our hard drives or in our email archives. Reducing the number of hard copies in your home makes the task of dealing with them that much easier.

Step 2: Divide and conquer.

The remaining items, those you can't or don't want to banish to your computer, should be sorted into basic categories. There are many ways you can do this, but my choice is a simple divide: those things that have to do with your home, and those that have to do with you. From there, continue to sub-divide to your heart's content. Like this:

HOME

• warranties and manuals for electronics and appliances
• receipts for large-ticket items
• quotes and receipts for recent household repairs
• a copy of your lease, if you rent
• home insurance documents
• mortgage agreements
• utilities bills
• car documents

PERSONAL

• certificates for birth, marriage, divorce, etc.
• pay stubs
• passports
• health insurance documents
• report cards for any children in the family
• education transcripts
• tax returns
• wills
• medical records

All of these documents should go into a dedicated and clearly labelled file folder—no sharing with other categories! I find that using different colors for the home and personal files helps, but you may simply opt to store them separately.

Step 3: Store it with sense.

This is where the fun (okay, shopping) starts. How much room you need for your filing system depends entirely on the size of your home and your family, as well as your lifestyle. I get by with a small plastic file box with ten or so compartments that gets thrown into a closet, while my parents have a two-drawer cabinet with hanging files in a home office. However you choose to go, make sure you give your system a little room to grow.

Step 4: Use it.

Seems obvious, but it's easy to forget you have a system when it's so neatly tucked out of sight. I find that putting all incoming paperwork into one place (even if it's just a kitchen drawer), and setting aside a block of time once a month or so to deal with it, works well. The point is to make the system work for you, not to be a slave to filing.

Step 5: Clean it out.

Now you've got the system, don't let it be the thing that attracts dust and takes up space. Make an annual date (January makes sense... just sayin') to review your files, and cull and update where applicable. Get rid of manuals for things you no longer own, ditch the last batch of bills or pay stubs, and make sure nothing important like insurance or passports are about to expire.

Keep Your Resolution All Year Long!

"Fireworks" by Mariya Prokopyuk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

New Year’s resolutions are difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still achieve your goals. Don’t think of your resolution as something you have to make because everyone else is, think of it in terms of what you want to achieve for yourself over the next year. Apartment Therapy offers some great advice on keeping your resolution going strong all year long!

Do

Start right now this minute — Whatever your resolution is, there's no sense in binging on your bad habit prior to beginning your "good" behavior. It'll just give you farther to go. You are at your most motivated when deciding to take on your resolution so ride that wave and get going immediately.

Set specific goals — Instead of "lose weight" which has no accountability attached, try "lose 20 lbs." If your resolution seems overwhelming, set smaller, manageable goals to build on throughout the year, like "lose 2 lbs a month."

Think about HOW you'll accomplish those goals — You need a step-by-step plan, addressing all parts of your resolution. If you want to lose 20 lbs, take a look at your diet plan and figure out an exercise routine. Figure out exactly what you will do when so when it comes time to put your plan into action, it's a no-brainer.

Write down your plan — You've gone over every detail and you know your plan by heart. Even so, write it down. The act of writing will help it sink in that much more and having a copy to refresh your memory during trying times will come in handy.

Make yourself accountable — Now it's time to share your plan. You can tell everyone or tell just one understanding person, but getting support — a sympathetic ear, an encouraging voice, a sensible opinion — is an essential part of accomplishing your goal.

Reward yourself when you reach a goal — After your initial rush of motivation fades around February, you're gonna need something to keep you going. A periodic reward may be just the thing to keep you honest, all year long.

Don't

Make it complicated — Don't make things harder on yourself than they need to be. Choose a simple, powerful resolution so you can really focus in and get it done.

Beat yourself up if you get off track — You will eventually make a mistake but the real test of your character is how you respond. Do you let one little slip up drag you down for the count? Rebound the very next day and pick up where you left off with no guilt.

Let others' failures lead YOU to slide — When other people get off track, they might try to mitigate their disappointment by tempting you to give up, too. Don't fall for it! Even though they look like they're having fun, indulging in all the things they'd resolved to give up, they're secretly jealous of your resolve.

Ignore small accomplishments — It may be hard to get excited about finishing a tiny sliver of your goal when you have the bulk of it looming ahead, but you must remember that this is a year-long process so giving yourself a pat on the back when it's due will keep you positive and motivated.

Illuminate Your Space

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A new year signals a new, fresh perspective on things - like your apartment style! If you’re not in the mood to complete big projects like moving around furniture or painting, there’s something simple you can do that will make all the difference in your apartment’s atmosphere - let the light in! Your apartment will feel bigger and happier by brightening it up with these tips from Apartment Guide:

Keep Shades Light

Since you probably want to avoid drilling into the ceiling of your rental, much of your lighting is bound to be in the form of floor lamps or end table lamps. The good news is that lamp shades offer an opportunity to really show off your style, so you can handle the whole daylight savings time issue with grandeur.

To keep your apartment as bright as possible, stick to light-colored lamps shades. Think white, cream, light gray, or similar hues when selecting a lamp shade. Darker lamp shades will filter out a considerable amount of light and may leave you sitting in the dark.

String Additional Lighting

If you still need more light once you have lamps set up, consider buying string lights, also known as fairy lights. While you may associate this type of lighting with the twinkle lights around a Christmas tree, there are other options available.

Designers now offer string lights with large bulbs, black or silver string, and a sleek modern look. Buy a decorative wooden ladder and string lights around it; set up your pyramid shelves in the corner and adorn the piece with string lights; or simply string them around a window.

Accessorize with Wireless Lights

Some rentals have a limited number of electrical outlets, and rewiring your home is not an option as a renter. Turn to wireless lighting that operates on battery power and is extremely mobile. Wireless LED candles, for instance, offer ambiance and go on with the flip of a switch.

Best of all, faux candles don’t pose the same fire hazard as an actual candle. Tap lights are also wireless and a good way to illuminate shelves or other small spaces. These lights are typically small and round, activated when you apply a small amount of pressure to the top of the light.

Use Mirrors to Maximize Lighting

Add a few mirrors to your rental space if you don’t have a lot of room or money for new lighting. Mirrors propped up against your walls won’t damage the drywall, and can reflect light from your lamps and other home lighting.

Mirrors create the illusion of more lighting sources, and doubles the amount of light that bounces around your apartment. Place larger mirrors next to a floor lamp and small wall mirrors adjacent to end tables with a lighting fixture.

Space Out Your Lighting

Now that your space is outfitted with several floor lamps, a few strands of string lights, and a handful of large mirrors–take a moment to consider the placement of each piece. Don’t put all the lighting in your living room, for instance, while neglecting to consider your dining nook.

Instead, space out your lighting fixtures. Put at least one light source near each corner of larger rooms. Place your mirrors within a few feet of a lighting fixture; this allows them to better reflect the light out into the rest of your space.

Lighting your new apartment should be at the top of your daylight savings to-do list. If you neglect to properly light your apartment, you will soon realize that it’s not possible to enjoy all of your lovely decor in the dark.