Prepare your Apartment for Winter

Prepare your Apartment for Winter

When winter weather hits and temperatures start to drop outside, your apartment will get chilly, as well. Use these tips to help prepare your apartment for winter, and protect yourself from the cold.

Reverse ceiling fans
Running your ceiling fan in reverse in your apartment can keep you more comfortable in winter weather. Since hot air rises, your ceiling fan can push that warmer air back down onto you. Just flip the switch on your ceiling fan. If it’s in reverse, you’ll see the blades going counterclockwise when you look up at it.

Help your heating system
An efficient heating system will cost you less. As you prepare for winter, you will want your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently. Apartment management should take care of scheduling appropriate, regular inspections of important equipment. (You might inquire with management when your unit’s system was last assessed.)

You can also help your heating system to work more efficiently by wrapping your hot water heater in a special blanket. Available at home improvement stores, hot water heater blankets run about $15 and insulate a heater to improve its efficiency — that’s a pretty big deal considering that nearly 14 percent of your energy costs go towards providing hot water.

Winterize the fireplace
Turning the thermostat down and cranking up a warm fire can save you big bucks on heating bills. Your apartment fireplace should be number one on the list of amenities to check as you prepare for winter.

When you first use the fireplace, pay close attention to ventilation. If you notice smoke in the air or a strong smell of smoke, you might inquire with your apartment community manager about the process for having your fireplace inspected.

If you do not plan to use your apartment fireplace, make sure the damper (a piece of metal that keeps out cold air) is securely closed.

Prep for zone heating
Think about where you spend the most time in your apartment, and purchase heaters to keep those areas comfortable. Zone heating gadgets might include an electric blanket, a space heater, or a towel warmer — any device that allows you to focus heat where you need it, instead of using extra energy to warm a larger space.

Close off infrequently used areas
Why should your laundry room have to be as toasty as your living room? Keep infrequently-used rooms and closets closed off during winter weather so that your heater can work more efficiently.

Insulate windows
Window insulation kits use shrink-wrap plastic sheeting to seal off drafts. This inexpensive investment could end up saving you money during a cold winter. Adding heavy drapery around your windows also cuts heating costs.

Have maintenance plug up gaps
Windows aren’t the only drafty places in your pad. Check for cracks and gaps on the outside of your apartment near windows and also inside your unit around outlets and doors. Check with maintenance staff to caulk any large leaks. You can also purchase door draft stoppers to help stop cold air from seeping in through cracks.

Set the thermostat
If you’ve got a programmable thermostat, prepare for winter by setting it to heat your home only during the hours you’re there. It’s much cheaper to turn the thermostat down during the day when you’re at work and back up when you get home, rather than keeping your apartment warm 24/7.

Turning the thermostat down just three degrees can save you money. That’s why utility companies recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees. Even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can still save money by adjusting your thermostat manually each day.

Check smoke detectors
Check your smoke detectors when you prepare for winter. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order, as well. Heating for winter potentially increases indoor fire hazards, so checking these devices now is a good idea.

Winterize yourself
Instead of turning up your thermostat, make yourself more comfortable with warm clothing. When it’s cold outside, dress appropriately for the weather. And get the right indoor garb for winter weather, too: sweat pants, slippers, warm pajamas, and a blanket for the couch.

Before you make any major changes to your apartment, of course, check your lease and talk to your apartment property manager to ensure you are not breaking any apartment community regulations.

Remember that a few small, inexpensive changes can help you stay comfortable and potentially save you money this winter.

Post from Apartment Guide Newsletter
www.apartmentguide.com

Black Friday's Dirty Little Secrets

Black Friday bargain hunters beware. There's a good chance you won't score that doorbuster deal you've set your heart on.

Retail experts say the annual hype and hoopla that surrounds Black Friday also masks some nasty surprises.

The most painful: The crushed hopes of hundreds of midnight shoppers, who camped outside for hours in the cold hoping to score a 40-inch LCD HDTV for under $500, only to later learn that the store had four in stock.

That's one harsh — but all too common — example of a Black Friday reality that shoppers need to know about before they map out their shopping warplan, said Edgar Dworsky, consumer advocate and editor of Consumer World.

But there are many more. Here's a sampling of Black Friday secrets that CNNMoney.com has flagged for deal hunters:

Limited supplies: Read the fine print on the Black Friday circulars.

Most doorbuster deals — especially those on big-ticket items like HDTVs and washer-dryer combos — are in very limited supplies, often only four to six units per store.

So unless you are among the first six on line before stores open on Black Friday for those deals, you're pretty much out of luck.

Retailers use these juicy deals to entice shoppers into their store, that's when the switcheroo happens. Even if you didn't score the bargain you wanted, sellers hope that since you are already there, you'll probably grab some other deals instead.

HDTV deals. Is it the standard model, or a 'derivative?' Some of the holiday electronics with those low sale prices are products with fewer features than a standard model in that product line.

The difference can be subtle and most consumers probably won't even notice, said Dworsky.

Dworsky points out a Samsung 40-inch LCD HDTV for under $500 that has appeared as a doorbuster deal on several retailers' Black Friday circular.

"That model doesn't appear on Samsung's web site. Maybe it was made just for Black Friday," he said. Another red flag, the deal on that TV just lists the deal price and not the regular price of the model.

The lesson for shoppers: Do your own research and check the specifications on those discounted HDTVs.

A Samsung spokesperson was not immediately available to comment for this story.

Avoid bad bling. Jewelry is always a sought-after deal on Black Friday. But experts say consumers should keep some tips in mind before buying their bling this year.

Because of surging gold commodity prices, jewelry manufacturers are paying much more for the precious metal than last year. So one way that jewelers are keeping their own costs, and retail prices down reasonable for consumers, is by selling more gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry.

Many advertised deals on gold jewelry will use phrased such as "gold-filled" or "gold-overlay." This is not the same as solid gold, said Kevin Adkins, a graduate gemologist.

"When you see those terms, know that you're buying silver with a plate of gold coating over it," said Adkins.

If the price is too good to be true on that diamond set, then it probably is. "I saw an online deal for a 1-carat diamond cocktail ring for $431.40. A 1-carat ring sells at least for $1,000," he said.

His advice: Ask about the four C's — cut, clarity, carat and color — before buying diamond jewelry and always check return and refund policies on Black Friday deals.

Which Black Friday deals are online? Many retailers will say that their Black Friday in-store deals are available online but they won't tell you which ones, said Dworsky.

"So do I run out and stand on line all night or gamble on the computer all night?" said Dworsky.

The other annoyance with retailers' Black Friday online deals, he said, is that many sellers don't tell you what time the web deals kick in. "Is it just before midnight, at midnight or at the same time that the stores open?" he said.

Don't assume a "price match" policy. Many retailers who typically follow a price-match policy during the year may drop it for the Black Friday shopping weekend.

Again, carefully read fine print on the Black Friday circulars to see which retailers will match the lowest prices on an identical product and which sellers explicitly say the policy will not be in effect.

by Parija Kavilanz
Tuesday, November 23, 2010

www.finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111366/black-fridays-dirty-little-secrets

Best Way - Apartment Patio Decorating Ideas | eHow.co.uk

Flowers

An apartment patio often has a less-than-scenic view and can sometimes overlook a parking lot or a neighboring patio. Create some privacy and your own garden getaway by building a wall of flowers to alter your view.

Purchase plastic flower pots that have an old world charm. Lightweight and stylish, plastic pots are now fashionable and available in urn shapes, and weathered and distressed terra cotta designs, and offer an apartment dweller a lighter-weight container for her garden. Purchase some taller plants such as sunset hyssop, hollyhock and daisies. Place these taller plants along the corners and edges of your patio to shield an unattractive view. Then, pot up some additional plants that are shorter to place in front to create a faux garden view. Not only will potted plants create a nice view while on your patio, they also will attract butterflies and provide a visual barricade for lower-level or ground-level patios. Be sure to care for your investment by watering daily as weather dictates.

If you like, save room for a few vegetables and herb plants on your patio as well. Tomatoes, peppers and all herbs grow terrific in containers and will make your patio smell great as well.

Furniture

Even a small patio can be a nice outdoor living space, so decorate it as you would a spare room. Start with a small outdoor area rug to further define your space and make if comfortable for your bare feet even on the hottest of days. You can purchase nice grass or bamboo-styled outdoor area rugs at your local home design and remodeling store.

Once placed, top it off with a small bistro table and two chairs to create a relaxing nook for you to have your morning coffee or evening cocktail. If tanning is your thing, get a smaller, lower round table and a settee for your patio, as well as one additional chair for guests. A settee is a great place to take a nap or tan on a warm day. No matter what your price point, you can get attractive furnishings for your patio, so shop around and always shop off season for the best value.

Accessories

Accessories set the tone of your patio as they do in your home, so bring your personal style to your outdoor space. Zen like Buddha statues can create a relaxing atmosphere, while pink flamingos stuck in your planters will give you a retro sense of fun. Outdoor candles, a fountain, bird feeders or wind chimes all help create an ambiance for your outdoor space, so consider your patio and how much room you have for additional items.

Hang sundials or terra cotta masks on your brick wall easily by using specially hinged no-drill picture hangers available at your home improvement store. You also may choose to hang or place rusty vintage wrought-iron fence pieces around to add even more character to your patio.

10 Things To Do Under $10

A Night out at the Movies-









Catch a flick at AMC Theaters on 119th & Roe or at Olathe 30. You can see a matinee for just $5 Monday thru Thursday. Order your tickets online and make it a movie night. http://www.amcentertainment.com/Studio/?tab=2







Indoor Ice Skating-



Did you know Overland Park has an indoor Ice Skating Center? It is located at 135th and Quivira. Grab a friend and head to Pepsi Midwest. During open skating sessions it's only $7.50/person. Check out their website for open skating times at http://www.pepsiicemidwest.com/index.php



Bowling-

INCRED-A-BOWL is a one-of-a-kind, 65,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment center. It's definitely not your typical "bowling alley". Located at 151st each game is just $4.25 per person.



Tour The Boulevard Brewing Company-



The Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become one of the largest specialty brewing companies in the Midwest. Get your friends and take a walking tour of the brewery and hear the history of the company. On any Wednesday, Thursday or Friday no reservation is required and best of all its FREE!

Check out http://www.blvdbeer.com/tours/ for more information and times.



Mini-Golf @ Power Play



Power Play's Cosmic Mini Golf is nine holes of Glow In The Dark fun. Do you have what it takes to putt under the glow of the black light? It's the perfect competitive atmosphere for all ages and abilities. All this fun for just $3.50 per person!





Enjoy a Happy Hour-


Houlihans has an amazing happy hour! With locations all over the metro one is sure to be jusst around the corner. Don't forget to sign up on their website for specials like a free dinner on your birthday and other great specials!



See an Exhibit-

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its outstanding collection of more than 33,500 objects. From ancient times to modern day, this encyclopedic museum is one of the best in the country, offering visitors the opportunity to explore civilization through the eyes of painters, sculptors, craftsmen, and many other artists.

The Nelson-Atkins is FREE to all visitors, everyday... come discover the best of Kansas City

Laser Tag

Strategy, planning, team building. Let us at INCRED-A-BOWL solve your team building issues. Laser Tag is the perfect event to strengthen employee morale, efficiency and communication. With games for up to 10 players, INCRED-A-BOWL is putting the “T” back in teamwork. Call today for solutions to your employee team building problems.

Laser tag is offered in 10 minute sessions. Each game is only $7.00 so get your friends together and have a great time!

Visit the Arboretum




For just $5.00, you can see "Music For The Birds" playing at 2:00pm each Sunday in February. Toy can also stroll through the arboretum for free! Order tickets online http://artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/visit_sub_2.html