About jpalmer

James Palmer is a freelance journalist and copywriter who has written for a wide variety of publications. For more, visit http://www.jamesmpalmer.com/.

Spring Break on a Budget

Posted on February 22, 2013 by jpalmer

Being flexible with your travel dates can help save money on spring break.

After the long winter months, it seems like spring can’t get here soon enough.

But if you think that being on a budget will put a damper on your travel plans, not to worry. Get out of your apartment and away from the books for spring break by following these easy tips to let loose on the cheap.

Start your apartment search today!

Visit a big city
There are plenty of cities with tons to offer that aren’t popular spring break hangouts. For the budget-conscious, that means great rates on hotel rooms and less crowds. Check out sites like Priceline for cheap hotel rates, and find out about city passes that let you pay one low price for several attractions.

Check resorts for special offers
If you start early and look for bargains on resort special offer pages, you can get a great spring break deal at popular destinations like Orlando and Disney World.

Track your airfare online
Once you have your flight booked, that’s no reason to not be on the lookout for a cheaper rate. You might be in for a better deal if the price drops. Use an online tracking system like Yapta to keep track of your flight for you. If the rate drops, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference, meaning you may be able to lock in the better deal before you fly.

Become a voluntourist
Voluntourism is a new trend increasing in popularity, where people — usually civic-minded college students — combine their vacation with helping others in need. One popular voluntourist destination is New Orleans, where you can soak up the ambiance of this popular destination while helping those still affected by storm damage. Doing an Internet search on the word voluntourism will pull up tons of opportunities from all over the world, and in many locations grateful locals are happy to offer discounts on accommodations.

Visit a national park
National parks in the U.S. and Canada fill up in summer, making campsites hard to come by and costly, but during spring break they are less crowded and not as expensive. Take a canoe trip through the longest mangrove forest on Florida’s East coast at Biscayne National Park, or compete in a scavenger hunt at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And, best of all, if you visit during National Park Week, which runs from April 22 – 26, 2013, you can experience the beauty of a national park without paying an entrance fee.

Take a trip to Europe
Like national parks, Europe doesn’t hit its peak tourist season until summer, which makes spring break a great time to go for a visit. It might mean starting your spring break a little early or ending it a little late, but the lower cost and sheer cultural value more than makes up for it.

Be flexible about when you go
If you aren’t in college, have young kids and hate noise and crowds, define your own spring break. Arriving three or four days before spring break typically starts, or one or two days after it ends, can mean big savings on rooms and attractions, not to mention less noise and crowding at your favorite tourist spots. Spring break dates usually vary anyway depending on the college, so check with lodgings at your destination to find out when that area’s local schools let the kids out to party.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/PeskyMonkey

Need Some Home Décor? Check Your Recycling Bin

Posted on January 30, 2013 by jpalmer

Those old road maps can be a surprising source of decor if you frame them.

Decorating your house or apartment can get really expensive, really quickly. But decking out your pad doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are a few things you probably have lying around that you can recycle into beautiful home décor.

Start your apartment search today!

Calendars and Maps. Sure, maps are kind of old hat now that you’ve got that spiffy new GPS with turn-by-turn directions, but there’s no need to throw them out. Cut out an interesting stretch of land from your travels, frame it, and you’ve got instant art. The same thing goes for last year’s art calendar. Those iconic images you admired for just one-twelfth of the year can now be enjoyed year-round.

More about Decor:
Unexpected Places to Find Decor Inspiration
Repurposing Old Items to Decorate Your Apartment

T-shirts and Sweaters. With a little stuffing and some thread, those old items of clothing can become attractive and cozy throw pillows.

Doors. Old doors salvaged from demolished houses or barns can find new life throughout your home as decorative yet functional pieces and accents. Turn a barn door into a dining room table. Turn an old door into a headboard for your bed. Hinge three doors together, give them a splashy coat of paint and use them as a privacy screen. The sky’s the limit!

Older Fixtures. Even fixtures from an older house—or your old house—can find new life in your new abode, and many can be found cheaply. Turn decorative ceiling tiles from an old building into a kitchen backsplash. Replace your dingy plastic tub with an old claw foot model. Replace handles, hinges and drawer pulls with their older, more rustic counterparts.

Containers. You never know when an old vase, flower pot or umbrella stand might come in handy as an indoor planter or other conversation piece. Sometimes all it needs is a good scrubbing and a little spray paint to become something brand new.

These are just a few ideas for turning old items into beautiful new decorations for your home. With a little time and imagination, you can turn almost anything into a vibrant conversation piece for your place.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/DNY59

Save Time and Money by Preparing Meals at Home

Posted on January 24, 2013 by jpalmer

Save time during the week by preparing your meals on a day when you don’t have as much going on, like Saturday or Sunday.

Everyone in your family is super busy, including you! Preparing meals doesn’t have to be another expensive, time-sapping chore. You can save time and money in your apartment with just a few simple meal prep shortcuts.

Start your apartment search today!

A Crock Pot is a Busy Cook’s Best Friend. Most people only use their crock pots for an occasional roast or an annual dish for some special occasion, but crock pots can be a terrific time-saver in the kitchen. Throw in a chicken or roast and some veggies the night before or before you leave for work, and when you get home you’ll have a piping hot meal ready to serve. It’s not just for roasts and soups either. Crock pots are great for cooking chili and even spaghetti sauce.

Let Double & Freeze be Your Mantra. Make this your new rule in the kitchen. Get yourself in the habit of doubling recipes. Make one for tonight, and freeze the rest for later. Then, when you’re too busy to cook one night, just grab it from the freezer and heat it up.

Switch it Up. Try breakfast for dinner or some other mindless meal, like sandwiches, one night.

One Meat, Many Dishes. You don’t have to eat the same meal over and over again throughout the week. Throw a chicken in the crock pot and make some barbecue chicken and chicken salad to take to work the next week or to put in your kids’ lunches.

Go Canned or Frozen. Canned and frozen vegetables can be stored for longer periods and are easy to prepare or add to your favorite recipes.

Cook Several Meals at Once. Save time during the week by preparing your meals on a day when you don’t have as much going on, like Saturday or Sunday. You can easily knock out those nights’ meals plus get a jump start on the rest of the week. Put them in the freezer or fridge, and then all you have to do during the week is take them out and reheat.

These simple shortcuts will help you save time and money and have more time to do the things you enjoy, such as spending time with your family.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/fatihhoca

Delight Your Friends with a Decorative Housewarming Gift

Posted on January 22, 2013 by jpalmer

Consider giving a bottle of wine with a personalized label as a housewarming gift.

When a friend or relative moves into a new place, it can be hard to come up with a nice housewarming gift for them. Below are a few ideas for creative, decorative housewarming gifts to help your loved ones feel right at home in their new apartment.

Start your apartment search today!

Go Green
Plants always make a nice, thoughtful gift and can add a bit of life and color to a new place. If the recipient doesn’t have a green thumb, opt for something relatively easy to take care of, or an indoor plant such as a fern, cactus or bonsai tree.

Silver Lining
Silverware and stemware are perfect housewarming gifts, especially if your recipient likes to entertain. Additional items like napkin rings and candleholders can also add another layer of elegance to their table, and they’ll think of you every time they bring them out to use them.

Art is the Key
Decorative key holders are a nice housewarming gift and can add some artistic flair to any home. They’re also something the homeowner isn’t as likely to have already. Choose a key holder made of metal or wood with an artistic design.

Grape Expectations
Wine is a great housewarming gift, as long as you put a personal spin on it. Consider giving a bottle of wine with a personalized label. Many local and mail-order wineries allow you to customize the bottle’s label to reflect your friend’s exciting move or some other memorable event.

Photo Finish
An old photograph of you and the recipient, placed in a nice, decorative frame, makes a great, personalized housewarming gift.

Be Practical
A small kitchen appliance is a great practical housewarming gift. Before you give a particular appliance, make sure your recipient doesn’t already have one.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/YinYang

How to Create a Studio in Your Apartment

Posted on January 4, 2013 by jpalmer

With a little hard work and creativity, you can create an art or music studio in your apartment.

We all need a place where we can create a side business or work on a hobby, especially if that side job or hobby is rather complex. But with a little hard work and ingenuity, you can easily turn a bedroom in your apartment into a studio for your music, art or anything else. Here’s how.

Music or Recording Studio

Soundproof your space. Soundproofing is very important. Fasten egg crate foam to the walls, ceiling and windows using staples or drywall screws. This will help control echoes and keep sounds from coming in or getting out. Your goals are to both cut out street noise and not irritate your neighbors.

Noise Cancellation. Quiet your new studio by placing computers and other equipment in a closet or the next room if possible. This cuts out background noise from PC fans.

Mount speakers and other such equipment on the walls, and wrap the metal legs on chairs, tables or other equipment in Bubble Wrap to remove audio echoes.

If possible, build a separate booth for recording equipment or where you will do your actual instrumental or vocal recording. This will allow for additional soundproofing and noise control.

Leverage Technology. These days, you don’t necessarily need big, expensive mixing boards and other complex equipment. You can achieve all the same effects digitally on a PC, laptop or tablet using often free software and a $100 microphone.

Art Studio

Check Zoning Laws. Your state may require you to purchase a building permit in order to build an art studio, especially if you intend to sell your work out of your home.

Check Your Floor Surface. You’ll want a floor that’s easy to clean and can preferably take a beating. Carpet gets gobs of paint and collects paint or pottery dust, so that’s out. If the space you want to use as an art studio has inadequate flooring, consider ripping it up and redoing it.

Lighting. Strong, natural light is the best to work under, especially if you’re a painter. Make sure your chosen room has a north-facing window. If not, install some lighting that can simulate natural light.

Ventilation. Painting, drawing and pottery can throw up a lot of fumes and dust. You’ll need a safe way to filter this out of your workspace. Install a ventilation fan in the ceiling or place a box fan in an open window.

With just a few modifications, you can turn a spare bedroom into an awesome music or art studio so you can explore your passion from the comfort of your own apartment.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/dantok

Help Fluffy or Fido Stay Healthy with Homemade Pet Treats

Posted on January 2, 2013 by jpalmer

Nothing says love to our furry pals than a nice, homemade pet treat

We all want the best for our beloved dog or cat, and nothing says love to our furry pals than a nice, homemade pet treat. The trouble is, giving your cat or dog “people food” isn’t always the best option, and store-bought pet treats are expensive and usually not very healthy for your pets. But you can help your pet stay happy or healthy by making their treats at home. Below are a few suggestions for pet treats that are not only tasty, but inexpensive and easy to make.

For Dogs

Hot Dogs — Bring your franks to room temperature, and cut into pieces the appropriate size for your dog. Turkey or reduced fat kosher hot dogs are best, but hot dogs are generally higher in fat, so limit your serving size.

Vegetables — While we usually think of our furry friends primarily as meat eaters, most dogs will gladly eat a green bean or carrot, fresh or frozen. To make sure you are not accidentally giving them an unhealthy treat, check out this list of foods poisonous to dogs.

Ice Cubes — Simple ice cubes are a great dog treat on a hot day, but you can also make them with chicken or beef broth, low sodium and onion free, of course. Then you can freeze them and save them for the next time he brings you your slippers.

Chicken — Plain cooked, boneless chicken breast is a special treat that will make your dog love you forever. The next time you are making a chicken dish for yourself, just set aside a small amount to cook without seasoning or oil. Allow it to cool, then cut into appropriate sizes.

For Cats

Tuna Pops — Drain the liquid from a can of tuna and pour into a plastic pill organizer with dividers and freeze. Once they’re frozen, pop them out into a bowl so your cat can lick them.

Tuna Balls —Take the tuna you just drained and add half a cup of cut turkey or chicken and two thirds of a cup of dry cat food. You can even add sliced vegetables if you want. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Cover in crackers or bread crumbs, and serve.

Giving your dog or cat the occasional pet treat doesn’t have to break the bank. You can make your own pet treats at home that are safe and healthy, and will make your dog or cat love you even more.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Tina_Rencelj

Give Back This Holiday Season in Kansas City, Mo.

Posted on December 21, 2012 by jpalmer

This holiday season, give back in Kansas City through these volunteer opportunities.

Are you a new arrival in Kansas City, Mo.? Want to use your talents, skills and expertise to make a difference this holiday season? You’re in luck! There are plenty of organizations in the Kansas City area who are looking for caring volunteers just like you. Here’s how to find them.

Voolla.org
Do you have a specific skill that you want to put to use to help make the world a better place? This website matches you with people needing those skills, and the money they pay goes to charity. Register your skills for free today and get started.

Volunteermatch.org
Find tons of volunteer opportunities in your area. Many organizations in your own backyard need help with everything from party planning to data entry.

Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City (www.yvckc.org/)
This is a great resource if you have kids who want to volunteer. The YVCKC offers youth between the ages of 11 and 18 the opportunity to improve their community by volunteering. They offer plenty of after school, holiday, weekend and summer volunteering projects that are sure to fit you and your child’s schedule.

Volunteer Opportunities in Kansas City (www.americantowns.com/mo/kansascity-make-a-difference)
Part of Americantowns.com, this site links you up with local volunteer organizations in more than 27 categories. This is the one-stop shop for volunteering.

The Kansas City Zoo (www.kansascityzoo.org/Volunteer) has plenty of volunteer opportunities for you animal lovers out there. If you love working outdoors in all kinds of weather, you just might be a good fit for this great organization.

Church or School Organizations
Check with your child’s school or your church for places you can help out. If they don’t have any openings, they will almost surely know of someone who does. So get out and ask around!

Finding volunteer opportunities in a new city can be scary, but with a little patience and diligence, you’ll quickly find something that fulfills you while giving something of value to your new community of Kansas City, Mo.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/PinkTag

Repurposing Old Items to Decorate Your Apartment

Posted on December 4, 2012 by jpalmer

Purchase a few vintage glass bottles at an antique shop, or fill a vase with pine cones to give your apartment a new feel.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture, decorations and knickknacks for your apartment. Save money by finding old, used items and giving them a brand new life by repurposing them. Here’s how.

Use Your Imagination

Sometimes you have to get creative and think outside the box to get decorating ideas. A pair of old doors, for example, can be repurposed as a headboard for your bed. That antique sewing table in your grandmother’s attic can be used as a kitchen island. That old barn door can be turned into a lavish dining room table.

Paint It

You’d be surprised how a $5 can of paint can liven up a drab piece of furniture or object and turn it into something completely new. Or, you can even leave a piece in its original state for that rustic look.

Install New Hardware

Sometimes all a piece needs is a new set of knobs, hinges or cabinet pulls to become a cherished part of your new abode.

Strip It

Wood furniture is perhaps the easiest to repurpose because you can remove the existing finish and paint it, stain it, or leave it as is.

Bring the Outdoors In

Sometimes there’s no better way to liven up your apartment space than by bringing a bit of nature inside. Fill a vase with sticks found outside, or decorate with leaves, pine cones or fresh flowers to give your new living quarters the feel of the great outdoors.

Deck it Out in Glass

Comb through yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores for glass bottles. Dusted off, these cool little knickknacks can add a warm, homey feel to an apartment.

Make Your Own Wall Art

Do you like art but can’t afford to shop the fancy galleries? Make your own. You can repurpose art calendars by cutting out the pictures and putting them in a cheap plastic or wood grain frame. You can do the same with old maps. Antique tools also look great hanging on the wall.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Jill Chen

Volunteer Opportunities in Lafayette

Posted on November 19, 2012 by jpalmer

With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to give back to your community at these places in Lafayette.

With the holiday season coming up, it’s time to start thinking about giving back to others. Volunteering is a great way to have a positive affect on your local community and do something good for others. But what if you’ve just moved to a new place? It’s hard to find out about new venues where you can give to others. Fortunately, discovering new volunteer opportunities is just a click away! Below are some great places to start looking for volunteer opportunities near apartments in Lafayette, Ind.

United Way of Greater Lafayette’s Volunteer Center

Using this site (www.uwlafayettevolunteer.org/), you can search for volunteer opportunities in your area by city, ZIP code and interest. And new opportunities are being posted all the time!

Lafayette Online

The city of Lafayette maintains a website (www.lafayette-online.com/resources/volunteering) just for connecting volunteers with several local agencies in need of help.

Help the Homeless

Looking to aid a specific cause, such as the plight of our nation’s homeless? The Homeless Shelter Directory can help. Here is the link to search results for Lafayette:

www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/city.cgi?city=Lafayette&state=IN

Be a Big Brother or Big Sister

If you have always wanted to make a difference in the life of a child, now’s your chance. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lafayette, Inc. is always in need of child mentors. Their website (www.bbbslaf.org/) lists details about their programs and how to get involved.

Church-Based Support

If you are a person of faith eager to lend a helping hand to your new community, the Lafayette Urban Ministry (www.lafayetteurbanministry.org/) can help. Their website lists volunteer opportunities, details about their programs and ways you can donate.

These are just a few quick links to get you started. Once you get out there in your new Lafayette community, you’ll no doubt find other ways you can volunteer.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/asiseeit

How to Remove Old Wallpaper

Posted on November 15, 2012 by jpalmer

By following a few simple steps, removing old wallpaper can be done without too much fuss.

Redecorating an older home or apartment can be a difficult task, especially if the previous owner covered every square inch with wallpaper. Removing all that old, ugly wallpaper is no easy task, but the tips below should help you get it done with a minimum of fuss and bother.

Prepare the area

Cover the floor with drop cloths, as well as everything you can’t move. Wallpaper glue gets everywhere, and is hard to remove from other surfaces.

Get the wallpaper wet

Water alone won’t cut it, but you don’t have to use a harsh chemical wallpaper remover either. Liquid fabric softener, mixed half-and-half with water, works just as well. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the wall. Make sure you only spray the area that you think you can remove in 15 minutes, otherwise you risk the paper drying. After letting it set for a few minutes, you should be able to remove the wallpaper fairly easily.

Remove the wallpaper

Using a metal drywall or putty knife, start scraping off the old wallpaper.

Clean the walls

You’ll be left with little bits of wallpaper glue dotting your walls. A Scotch-Brite pad dipped in your stripping mixture will take care of these.

For wallpaper that is about 20 to 30 years old, you might need to use a different tactic. Most wallpaper from this era is usually vinyl over paper backing. This vinyl prevents your stripping solution from soaking through the paper to get at the glue holding it to the wall. For this type of wallpaper, you’ll need to slide your putty knife under it near a seam and peel off as much of this vinyl as you can, then use hot water and your fabric softener to soak the paper.

It takes work, but once the old wallpaper is removed, you’ll be able to put a new coat of paint and a fresh face on your new living space.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Allkindza

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