3 Stores for Décor You Have To Visit

Kirkland’s- www.kirklands.com

Until about two years ago, I had no Idea about this place. I fist visited the location up north at The Shops Of Boardwalk and fell in love! This place is filled with so many different types of décor. I got really nice and huge (5ft by 3ft) mirror for $49!!! I wouldn’t say it is top quality like high-end stores, but if you want to stick to the budget, it is worth a visit. With door mats to wall art at reasonable prices, I think you will love shopping at this place.

World Market- www.worldmarket.com

Who wouldn’t love a store that sells such a variety of original quality items from around the world. You can buy a kitchen table and a bottle of wine in the same place. Speaking of wine, they have a very good selection to choose from. The wine prices are very good too. Any time I need a wicker basket, this place pops into my head. I actually found a really nice birthday card here not too long ago.

Gordman’s- www.gordmans.com

Or as I like to call it “old faithful.” Gordman’s is a great place to go if you need to stick to a budget or if you need a hard to find accent piece. Since they have such a random variety of items you never know what you will find. I am all about coupons they send out too. So make sure you sign up for their e-mails while you are there. I get a few “20% off one item” coupons every other month. I don’t always find what I am looking for here, but it is worth my time just looking around.

By Jeremy Lawson

4 Reasons to Rent an Apartment

By: Jeremy Lawson

You are more flexible

"I need more space"... "No I need less space"…"I just got a job transfer out of state." "I want to move to Florida where it’s warm." These are just a few of the great reasons why a lease is a great idea. I read a survey not too long ago that said the average home owner only stay in their home about five years. Why not rent and save the difference?

Maintenance

I don’t know about you but I don’t even want to think about finishing a basement ( and all the cost) or replace the tile in my bathroom. If you get a clogged toilet, a leaky sink or even a broken dishwasher and you can simply submit a service request. Not pay a plumber $75 to pull in to your drive way and who know how much to do the work.

Taxes…No thank you

Just because home values plummeted doesn’t mean your taxes do too. Just like everything else they continue to go up. But luckily renters don’t have to worry about that. Just relax at the pool or get your work-out on. Not only that, tax bill come out in December, the worst possible month of the year.

Think of all the extras!!!

Pest control, landscaping, fitness memberships it all adds up… $30 here and $45 there can really hit your budget hard. That is one reason why it only makes sense to rent. Instead of cutting costs to pay the landscaper, (or buy all the stuff so you can do it,) catch a movie at fork and screen and make it a great night!

http://www.thepreserveop.com/

5 Places in OP I like to eat

By Jeremy Lawson

1 Oklahoma Joes

Basically the best BBQ in the world. I am going to go out on a limb and say it. I eat at this place every chance I get. Sign me up for it any day. I don’t even have to look at the menu. I will take a “Smokie Joe” and an order of their ridiculous fries. If you have never been their you have to put it on your short list! They only have two locations, one in Olathe by AMC and the original location in Merriam. This is one of the place I don't tell people about because I it is a secret I like to keep. But now the word is out.

2 Freddys Steakburgers

What can I say about Freddys? Yum! They are kina like Steak and Shake mixed with Culvers? But sooo much better. They have really good steak burgers and the best hot dogs around. With such a great menu selection you will surly have options. Don’t forget to save room for desert! They have some awesome custard. freddysfrozencustard.com/

3 Boston Market

For a chain Boston Market has got it going on! Home style food that is fast. It reminds me of the holidays every time I eat there. This is one place I will change it up and order something random off the menu for my main entre. The sides however, I don’t mix up too often. Mac and cheese and their apple crisp. When I eat here, I am a happy camper. www.bostonmarket.com/

4 Hen House Salad Bar

Not a place you would think of seeing on a list like this. But seriously, if you like salads like I do, drive your car to Hen House for your next meal. The selection they have is similar to other salad bars but the quality is where you will be “wowed”. I personally love the chicken, it is seasoned to perfection and I never pass it up. www.henhouse.com

5 Orange Leaf

I would eat ice cream from here for breakfast if they were open. This is such a different type of ice cream place for you lovers. With so many selections of flavors and toppings to choose from. You get to sample the different flavors and mix and match what ever you want. If I had to pick one flavor, which I don’t, I would pick the fat free frozen yogurt with raspberries. Thank you Orange Leaf for opening up more locations! orangeleafyogurt.com/

http://www.thepreserveop.com/

How to Plan a Romantic Date in Your Apartment -- Romantic Date Ideas at Home | Apartment Guide

Plan a Romantic Date in Your Apartment

You don’t have to spend top-dollar out at a quiet, candle-lit restaurant to have a romantic date. Why not create an intimate mood in your apartment? Read on for fun dating ideas to try inside your own four walls.

Bring on the creative courses
When we cook at home, we often have just enough time and energy to prepare one-dish meals, or perhaps a meat/protein and a side dish or two. Preparing a more lavish meal to share in courses is a special treat, and your date will appreciate the special effort. If he or she has a favorite dish (salmon? steak?), use that in the main course and get creative with your appetizer, soup or salad, and dessert. You might want to experiment with a new recipe for one of the courses, but choose dishes that you’re more experienced with making for the rest of the meal.

In the dark
There is an interesting trend in some eateries to host dining in total darkness. The experience is meant to heighten senses of taste and smell, so that food is enjoyed without the distraction of sight. Though it might prove a little messy, why not try the same concept for an apartment dinner? You and your date can each prepare dishes ahead of time and keep them covered. When the lights are out, you can unveil each one at the table and enjoy the surprise of what the other has made to share. Expect some interesting conversation as you marvel at how unexpected the flavors are when enjoyed in the dark.

Dinner and a movie, at home
Have fun creating an alternate universe for an evening. Themed dates bring together food and entertainment. How about BBQ and Westerns, Chinese food and kung fu, sushi and samurais, or Italian food and Fellini? You can even add decorations to go with your theme, such as Chinese lanterns, Italian travel posters, or cowboy hats.

Stargazing indoors
If you’re like many apartment dwellers, stargazing isn’t exactly easy to do, with city lights and surrounding buildings competing with starlight. Try this romantic date idea: buy glow-in-the-dark star stickers and create your own ceiling constellations. You can assemble the best-known ones or create your own heavenly palette. Along with star shapes, you might also use glowing hearts or images that represent your date’s hobbies. Try to get it as dark as possible in your apartment, then spread a blanket on the floor. Unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the night sky in your own living room!

Think beyond the white tablecloth and candle: you can create a romantic date in your apartment by listening to music or old radio shows, playing truth or dare, or sharing stories. Be creative and see if some of these dating ideas inspire ideas of your own. Most of all, have fun on your at-home date!