15 Items to Keep in Your Apartment Medicine Cabinet

Posted on April 4, 2013 by mprice

Keep your apartment medicine cabinet stocked with essentials like cotton swabs, pain relievers and antiseptics.

With spring allergies looming, it’s the perfect time to reassess your medical supplies to ensure you’re prepared for any situation. Check the pulse on the medicine cabinet in your apartment and keep it stocked with these 15 must-have items.

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For Cuts, Scrapes and Burns

Bandages. Make sure your medicine cabinet is full of bandages of all shapes and sizes protect wounds. This also includes self-adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape and other special bandages.
Antiseptics. Clean and disinfect minor cuts and scrapes by having some sort of liquid disinfectant on hand. Good options include hydrogen peroxide, which can be used as a stain remover and generally stings less than alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, which can be used as a cleaner.
Antibacterial ointment. An antibacterial ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin can help with pain relief and often speeds up the healing process.
Cotton swabs. These are helpful for applying ointments and other medicines in a sanitary manner, and they can also be used for removing makeup and cleaning, making them a versatile investment.
Tweezers. This tool is useful for removing splinters and ticks. Find sturdy metal tweezers with pointy ends for best results.

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Feeling SAD? Combat Winter Depression in Your Apartment

Posted on January 10, 2013 by mprice

Don’t succumb to winter depression – fight it off in your apartment.

The magic of the holiday season has come and gone, and with the cold, dark days dragging on, things can seem a little bleak this time of year. If you find yourself feeling down during the winter months, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, primarily starting in the fall and continuing through spring, and according to a study done at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, an estimated 4 to 6 percent of the population in the United States suffers from it.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have SAD, the Mayo Clinic has released a list of symptoms to watch out for, including depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, weight gain, difficult concentrating and appetite changes, particularly a craving for foods high in carbohydrates. While the specific cause of SAD is unknown, a few factors that might come into play include a disruption of your body’s circadian rhythm, and a drop in serotonin and melatonin levels due to reduced sunlight and the change in season. The good news is that there are several quick fixes you can make in and around your apartment to help fight seasonal affective disorder and boost your mood by spring. Here’s how.

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Indoors
• Bring the light in. One of the most effective ways to combat winter depression is with the use of an artificial light box. These small boxes, found online for upwards of $60, mimic outdoor light and are generally used for at least 30 minutes at a time to help adjust your body’s sleep cycles. You can even make your own by repurposing a wooden filing box from Ikea and purchasing some fluorescent bulbs. You can also brighten up your apartment by keeping blinds open and curtains drawn, allowing as much natural light in as possible. Sit near a window, either at home or at work, to take advantage of the sunlight. In terms of décor, use light-colored fabrics, wall treatments and rugs in your apartment during the winter to reflect light.

• Watch what you consume. Fight against the cravings and limit your intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, which will only cause a sugar crash. Instead, fill your diet with healthy foods that promote alertness and mental energy, like salmon, blueberries, whole grains, vegetables and nuts. Avoid self-medication with caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine may give you a brief jolt of energy, but it can also cause anxiety, muscle tension and other issues. Alcohol is a depressant, which can exaggerate symptoms. Try sipping on herbal tea instead, or if you must indulge, have a glass of heart-healthy red wine with dinner.

• Don’t oversleep on weekends. While it may be tempting to catch a few extra Zs on cold winter weekends, doing so can actually prevent you from fighting against the symptoms of SAD. The goal is to keep your body in sync as much as possible, so try waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day, even on weekends or days off from work.

Outdoors
• Load up on light. To drag your body out of its natural tendency to want to sleep all the time in the winter, take several breaks throughout the day to get as much natural light as you can. Get outside and go for a walk in the morning before work, or eat lunch outside during the day. In addition to getting some exercise, you’ll also increase your body’s capability to produce Vitamin D, both of which can lift your mood.

• Socialize. While the crummy weather and cold spells may have you looking longingly at your couch, it’s important to stay social instead of hibernating for the winter. So call up a few friends and make plans to do something fun, like grabbing coffee or checking out that new romantic comedy. Being around friends and family for even just a few minutes a day can make you feel better.

• Stay active. Just because the temperature is less than ideal doesn’t mean you should slack off on your workouts. Engage in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three days a week for optimal results. Plan your workouts for early in the morning, so you stay energized throughout the day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for a pre-work workout, studies show that early evening exercise can prevent fatigue during the evening, so plan on working out two hours before bed so your body and brain have enough time to settle down before bed.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/HuntImages

Spoil Your Senses at Home in Your Apartment

Posted on January 2, 2013 by sharper

Treat all your senses to the best! Live in luxury at home with these sensory tips.

You don’t need a lot of space or a huge budget to spoil yourself at home in your apartment. Here are some tips to treat your five senses without even stepping outside!

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Sight
Treat your eyes to a daily dose of inspirational artwork. Sure, that kitschy paint-by-number pony you got at the thrift store might be hip, but if you really want to spoil yourself, splurge on art that speaks to your soul. Scope out a local gallery or two, and talk to the gallery owners about the style of artwork you like most. Then figure out your budget and invest in at least one piece you really adore to hang in your apartment space. Your day will be made every time you feast your eyes on it in your apartment.

Sound
Curious how to spoil yourself on a budget? Try treating your ears to some relaxing sounds that will help you sleep. Good rest at night is one of the healthiest ways to spoil yourself, and a soothing sound machine just might help do the trick. You can get an afforable model for as little as $12 and enjoy the same relaxing white noise, waterfalls or nature sounds as the well-to-do. A relaxing experience at a great price will be music to your ears.

Smell
If you can sniff out luxury from miles away, then you’ll love enjoying fine scents at home in your everyday life. Here’s a trick for spoiling yourself at home: make average cleaning activities exceptional with upscale cleansers. Simply replace your dingy dishwashing soap and canned cleaning products with decadent brands like Caldrea, Mrs. Meyer’s or Williams-Sonoma. They cost a little more, but your nose will thank you every day. (And you won’t need an aromatherapy massage to feel great!)

Taste
Do you get tongue-tied trying to choose luxury products for your palate? Sit back, relax and enjoy at-home pampering in your apartment by joining a wine-of-the-month club like Vinesse. Having wine delivered to your door is the ultimate luxury, and you’ll get the chance to experiment with different flavors every 30 days. If wine isn’t your passion, try a monthly cheese, fruit, salami or chocolate club. Heck, there’s a club for just about anything your taste desires.

Touch
After spoiling yourself with a face full of senses, don’t neglect your sense of touch. To truly tantalize your fancy feelers, invest in the ultimate in-home indulgence, luxury hotel sheets. Admit it: every time you stay at an upscale hotel, you never want to get out of bed. So why not have that experience in your own apartment bedroom? These days, most high-end hotel chains sell their own brands of sheets. With the click of a button, you could be resting on the same bedding as someone at the Ritz-Carlton.

You deserve a touch of class. The truly pampered wouldn’t think of setting foot out of their own homes to spoil themselves, so try these fun tips for living it up in your own living space to see what they’re going on about!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / MJTH

How to Keep Your Refrigerator Food-Friendly

Posted on September 11, 2012 by ag-admin

A dirty fridge is like a Petri dish for the bacteria that cause food-borne illness. Read on for a few ideas about how to keep your refrigerator food-friendly.

Do you have a science experiment growing inside your fridge? A dirty fridge is like a Petri dish for the bacteria that cause food-borne illness.

It’s important to know how to keep your refrigerator food-friendly.

Read on for a few ideas.

What lurks in the refrigerator
Food-borne illness caused by kitchen contamination happens more often than you might think. What we often think is just a stomach bug may actually be a mild case of food poisoning.

According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, food-borne illness makes 76 million people sick every year and causes 5,000 deaths. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food prepared at home is three times more likely to make you sick than food eaten out at a restaurant.

Refrigerator cleaning tips
Refrigerators are designed to help keep your food fresh and safe, but they require regular maintenance to stay in top condition.

Consider these tips:

Clean the refrigerator with a mild bleach and water solution every one to two weeks to keep bacteria in check. Research shows that vegetable bins, meat drawers and the bottom shelf are usually the most bacteria-ridden spaces in a fridge.
Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid cross-contamination.
Use all food by the expiration date, and check your fridge for old food every time you clean it, tossing out expired items.
Place thermometers in your fridge and freezer, and check them to make sure the temperature is safe. A refrigerator should always remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a safe freezer should be zero degrees.

Safety starts at the store
Be mindful that safe food storage really begins at the grocery store. No matter how often you clean your refrigerator, you can still get sick if the food you’re storing in it is already spoiled when it comes home from the store.

Experts recommend starting your shopping trips in the middle aisles, grabbing room temperature goods first. Grab your frozen and refrigerated items last so that they don’t sit out and start to spoil during your shopping trip and the ride home. Put items in the refrigerator immediately when you get home. Don’t overstuff the fridge, as this can raise the temperature inside the unit, allowing bacteria to grow.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / AlikeYou

U.S. Cities with the Best Air Quality

Posted on August 29, 2012 by ag-admin

Each year the American Lung Association publishes a report called the “State of the Air” detailing the best (and worst) U.S. cities for air quality.

How is the air quality where you live? You may not even think about it, but the air you breathe affects your health in important ways.

Find out about the implications of air quality with this guide to understanding pollution and the air quality index.

The state of the air
Each year the American Lung Association publishes a report called the “State of the Air” detailing the best and worst U.S. cities for air quality. To determine what constitutes good or bad air quality in a city, the report looks at levels of two types of pollution in cities across the United States: particle pollution and ozone.

If you’ve ever looked at the dirty, smoky air that’s released from a factory smokestack or a truck exhaust pipe, then you’ve seen particle pollution. Exposure to particle pollution diminishes lung function and contributes to various health problems, including heart issues, coughing and wheezing.

Ozone, the other type of pollution measured in the State of the Air report, is a gas molecule. When fossil fuels like gasoline, coal or oil are burned, the chemicals produced undergo a reaction and turn into harmful ozone. Ozone exposure contributes to the effects of asthma, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Best cities for air quality
Some of the major cities rated as “cleanest” by the American Lung Association include beautiful locales like:

For a full list, click here to view the State of the Air report.

You might feel better knowing that the overall air quality of the U.S. is improving. 17 of the American Lung Association’s top 25 most polluted cities saw their lowest-ever levels of pollution in 2012. Knowing that might help you breathe a bit easier!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / xfdly

Let the Olympics Fuel Your Fitness Goals

Posted on August 22, 2012 by ag-admin

Even if you are more of a couch potato than a personal fitness guru, you can find fitness inspiration in the Olympics!

Like many, you may have enjoyed watching the world’s finest athletes compete in the Olympic Games — while you lounged on your sofa eating junk food!

Even if you are more of a couch potato than a personal fitness guru, you can find fitness inspiration from watching the Olympics on TV.

Here are some ways to turn your interest in Olympic fitness into a workout routine for the average Joe or Jill.

Take a class
When you are ready to dismount the couch for more active pursuits, consider starting your healthy adventure with a class in the fitness pursuit of your choice.

If watching Michael Phelps swim for gold medals makes you wish to master more than the dog paddle, then it may be the perfect time for you to jump into a swimming class. After all, most every world class athlete initially learned their sport from an expert in a class setting!

If archery hits the spot, search for classes in your town. If rhythmic gymnastics moves you, look for an adult dance class where you can learn similar moves. Armchair athletes who dream of sprinting and racing should check out their local running club.

It’s never too late to learn a new activity and take up an invigorating sport.

Join a team
If you are more into team spirit than individual events, take a cue from the Olympic Games and join a local sports team. Most cities offer some sort of club sports program that is focused more on fun than competition. Meetup is a great site for finding groups in your area with particular sports interests.

Try some favorite Olympic activities like these:

Volleyball
Soccer
Tennis
Basketball
Rowing

Then when the Olympics roll around again, you can watch the games together with your team!

The Olympic Games… for average folks
Okay, okay. Not everyone is destined to be a world-class athlete. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some exciting competition, maybe even against yourself!

Even if you never become a star athlete, you can find fitness inspiration watching the Olympics. Let the thrill of achievement you reveled in viewing move you toward your own fitness goals!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Luis Louro

Best Outdoor Gear Stores in Seattle

Posted on July 16, 2012 by mprice

You can find great sleeping bags, as well as other survival items, at local Seattle outdoor gear stores.

If you’re a Seattle resident, you know how important it is to cherish the summer months, since sunny, cloudless days with perfect temperatures don’t come around all that often (usually just three months a year, to be exact.) So take advantage of the great summer weather (and Seattle’s picturesque landscape) by getting outdoors and going hiking or camping. No matter which Seattle neighborhood you live in, chances are there’s a store right around the corner where you can find the best camping and outdoor gear for any trip up Mount Rainier or in the surrounding Cascades. Here are our picks for the best places to find top- notch equipment in Seattle.

Federal Army & Navy Surplus Inc.
This military surplus store first opened its doors in 1917, which makes it one of the oldest and most authentic stores of its kind in the United States. There’s a great selection of basic camping and hiking equipment here, like tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and boots, as well as must-have “survival” accessories such as canteens, flashlights, knives and medical kits.
Where: Belltown, 2112 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98121

Second Ascent
If you’re looking for a boutique outdoor store with a friendly, knowledgeable staff, head to Second Ascent for all your camping and hiking needs. You’ll find a ton of high quality equipment for decent prices, and they also have a selection of gently used items so you can experiment with different brands without breaking the bank.
Where: Ballard, 5209 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Capitol Hill Camping & Surplus
As its name suggests, this small outdoor store is located in Seattle’s trendy and vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. At Capitol Hill Camping & Surplus, outdoor lovers can find anything they need for the perfect camping or hiking trip, and the store is often runningoften runs great sales.
Where: Capitol Hill, 910 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122

Feathered Friends
Although the name sounds more like a pet boutique than an outdoor gear store, Feathered Friends specializes in high- quality down feather sleeping bags. The staff here sews each sleeping bag by hand and has the utmost attention to detail, resulting in a product that will last for years and years. Other down products include jackets, vests and other apparel.
Where: Cascade, 119 Yale Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109

Mountain Hardware
If you’re looking for outdoor sportswear or clothes for camping, Mountain Hardware is the place for you. While it’s smaller than the Columbia Sportswear store located next door, you’ll find a wider selection of different brands, and the store also sells tents, backpacks and various outdoor gadgets like flashlights, compasses and utility belts.
Where: Downtown, 250 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101

REI
As the flagship store, this REI (which is the largest in the world) is basically the Mecca of outdoor equipment. In addition to a staggering selection of gear, you’ll also find a giant rock wall for climbing enthusiasts, soaring ceilings, an outdoor waterfall and micro-rainforest, indoor children’s play area, and a fireplace.
Where: Cascade, 222 Yale Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109

Photo credit: iStockphoto/lucentius

Ways to Cheer Up the Lonely

Posted on July 10, 2012 by mprice

In honor of Cheer Up The Lonely Day, which always occurs July 11, take some time to put a smile on someone’s face and let them know you care.

Have you ever felt lonely, unhappy or out of place? Even the happiest and most well adjusted of people can experience loneliness from time to time due to a variety of factors, so you are not alone. In honor of Cheer Up The Lonely Day, which always occurs July 11, take some time to put a smile on someone’s face and let them know you care. Whether it’s you feeling a bit down or someone else who needs cheering up, follow these tips and brighten someone’s day.

For You

Smile
It may seem simple, but merely putting a smile on your face can drastically change your mood. It’s something we can easily forget in our everyday life, but having a positive outlook on things (and showing it physically) is an important step to combating loneliness and unhappiness. So when you start to feel those negative feelings, take a moment, think of something that makes you happy and simply smile. They say smiling is contagious, so it might just catch on.

Pick Up a Pet
It’s a proven fact: it’s extremely hard to feel lonely when cute pets abound. So ask a friend who has a dog if you can borrow their pup for a few hours, or the day, and take it for a walk or a run. Or, see if you can spend some time cuddling with their kitty. If you don’t know anyone with pets, head to your local Humane Society and play with the pets up for adoption. You never know, you may walk away with a new best friend.

Clean Up
It may not seem like it at first, but cleaning and organizing your apartment is a great way to pass the time and take your mind off your mood. It’s no secret that your surroundings can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself and your life, so put a little time and energy into improving your living space. While you are decluttering, you might find some things you can donate to local homeless shelters or animal rescue organizations, which may also improve your mood.

For Someone Else

Pay a Visit
The key here is to focus your energies on someone else to take yourself out of your loneliness and unhappiness, even for a moment. So if you know of someone in the hospital or a nursing home who might benefit from seeing a familiar face, take some time out of your busy day and plan a visit. Come armed with flowers or other small gifts as a nice gesture.

Send a Note
We’re not just talking about sending an email here. We’re talking about sending a bonafide, handwritten letter, on fancy stationary and everything. Remember those? Sometimes all it takes is a few sentences to let someone who might be going through a difficult time know that you’re thinking about them, and the message is even more effective when accompanied by a personalized note. Add a joke or an inspirational quote to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Do Something
If you have friends, family or community members that you know are going through loneliness or having a hard time, offer your services or help out where needed. Offer to baby-sit for the single mother so she can enjoy a night of pampering and relaxation. Cook a meal or mow the lawn for your friend who isn’t feeling up to the task. And the added benefit? Spending your time helping out others will improve your mood, too.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/asiseeit

Celebrate Go Skate Day at These Triangle Area Skateparks

Posted on June 19, 2012 by mprice

Celebrate Go Skate Day at one of these Triangle area skateparks.

Once considered a pastime for rebels and derelicts, sports like skateboarding, BMX biking and inline skating are becoming more popular among teens and young adults, as well as some adults. So in honor of Go Skate Day, which occurs on June 21, throw on a helmet and some knee pads and check out these local skateparks in the Triangle area where you can learn to ollie or practice your kick flips.

Sk8-Cary

Managed by the town of Cary, Sk8-Cary is located in Robert V. Godbold Park and can accommodate skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers. This expansive park features a 12,000-square-foot street course, ramps, a pro shop, concession area and a covered viewing area. For safety reasons, bikers and skaters can’t use the facilities at the same time, so make sure to check Sk8-Cary’s website to view the complete schedule. Fees to use the park vary and generally depend on whether or not the user is a resident of Cary or a member of the park, but expect to pay around $10.00 per session if you’re not a member.

Where: 2040 Northwest Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27513

Wheels Family Fun Park

A veritable all-in-one park, the 8.5-acre Wheels Family Fun Park has a skatepark that welcomes bikers, rollerbladers and skateboarders. Here, you’ll find a mini half-pipe and a street course with rails, spines and other obstacles. Patrons can also enjoy go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, video games, a snack bar and Internet. Admission is $5.75 for a two hour session or $7.00 for an all-day pass.

Where: 715 North Hoover Road, Durham, NC 27703

The Factory Skateboard Park

Owned and operated by Delicious Skateboard Shop, the Factory Skateboard Park offers 25,000 square feet of skateable space and includes an outdoor concrete park that includes a variety of challenging obstacles like manual pads, ledges, a snake run and bowl. The indoor skate area features two separate areas, one downstairs for advanced skaters, which features a bank, pyramid, six-foot and nine-foot ramps and a seven set stair with a handrail, as well as one for beginners, which includes three-foot banks and quarters, a three set stair, manual pad and ledges. Admission is $8.00 for non-members.

Where: 1839 S. Main St., Building 500, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Chapel Hill Skatepark by Vertical Urge

Located in Chapel Hill’s Homestead Park, the Chapel Hill Skatepark is also the home of the Vertical Urge pro skateboarding shop, where you can pick up the latest gear. Admission to the park is $7.00 for Orange County residents and $8.00 for non-residents.

Where: 100 Northern Park Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Project 58

If you want to skateboard but can’t stand the summer heat, head to Project 58, an indoor skatepark with 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. Once you’ve burned off some calories, cool off in the arcade, concession stand or at the espresso bar. You’ll also find a 7,000-square-foot Vertical Urge skate shop at this location.

Where: 7409 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Dizzo

Break a Sweat with These Gardening Exercises

Posted on June 4, 2012 by mprice

Celebrate National Gardening Exercise Day by burning some calories in your garden.

With the first official day of summer fast approaching, you might be longing to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures. One of the best ways to do so is by gardening, an activity that can be good for the mind, body and soul. Dan Hickey, the former editor of National Gardening magazine, claims that 45 minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Even if you don’t have a garden in your apartment complex, there are many ways to get involved in a local community garden. In honor of National Gardening Exercise Day, which occurs on June 6^th, get out in your garden and burn off some calories. Here, we’ve created a guide to help you get started, as well as broken down the various activities and tasks of gardening, and what kind of health benefits you’ll gain from doing them.

Before you get started, make sure to warm up your muscles for at least five minutes by jogging in place or doing jumping jacks. Then, stretch for up to 10 minutes to help relieve back strain and muscle soreness and avoid injury. Keep a towel and some water nearby to stay hydrated and dry.

To really up the ante, garden mindfully, exaggerating your movements to achieve a full range of motion and switch up your gardening stances to work different sets of muscles. For example, if you are raking with your left foot forward and your left hand on the lower handle, put your right foot forward and change your hand positions to work the other half of your body. The following garden activities are some of the biggest calorie burners:

If you’ve never created a compost pile, now is the time to do so. Turning compost is essentially like lifting weights, burning up to 250 to 300 calories per half hour.
Trade out your riding mower for a push mower. You’ll work out your arms and core, as well as get an aerobic benefit that is similar to walking on a treadmill or on a track.
Digging and shoveling can burn up to 250 to 350 calories per half-hour, as this activity engages nearly every muscle in your body, particularly the legs, stomach, arms, shoulders, neck and back.
Weeding on your hands in knees can give you a great core workout as well as strengthening your back, arms and shoulders. Weeding while squatting works the glutes.
Raking is very similar to using a rowing machine. Make sure to alternate hand positions and fully extend when raking to maximize the amount of muscles used.

If you’re intimidated about doing this much physical activity in one sitting, you can still derive health benefits from breaking up the exercise sessions into short bursts of at least 10 minutes of moderate activity throughout the day. Make sure to vary your activities so you don’t get bored, and alternate strenuous gardening duties with more moderate and enjoyable chores. Once you’re finished, make sure to stretch again for up to 10 minutes to make the most of your garden workout.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/cjp

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