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Repurposing items around your home is one of the easiest ways to save some money while also reducing the environmental impact of your daily life. One of the easiest things to transform into practical and attractive home decor happens to be those bed sheets that you no longer use. Discount and thrift stores also sell very inexpensive sheets to brighten Charlotte apartments in creative ways. Here are three ideas to jumpstart your imagination.
Curtains
Let's face it: curtains can be expensive. That's why bed sheets are the perfect way to create new curtains without a major financial investment. Depending on the window size, you can use two twin sheets or a single flat sheet cut down the middle. Most curtains have a natural built-in panel on top that's perfect for sliding through a rod, but if you prefer tab-top curtains, simply sew looped ribbon pieces every few inches across the top. Use solid-white sheets with colored tiebacks for versatility, or add your own embellishments. Sew or glue on ribbons, ruffles, buttons or any kind of textiles that catch your eye.
Clothes Hangers
Every closet seems to have unattractive wire or plastic clothes hangers jangling around. Why not transform them into soft and pretty fabric hangers using well-worn bed sheets. Simply cut the sheets into thin strips and wrap them around the hangers multiple times. Use a hot-glue gun to keep the fabric tightly woven in place, gradually making your way across the entire hangar. Your clothes will stay in place more easily, and the soft cloth will protect them from snags.
Plastic Bag Holder
You've seen plastic-bag holders hanging in many kitchens these days, but there's no reason to purchase a pre-made one. Simply cut an old bed sheet into a small square and sew two sides together. Do a quick hem on the remaining two sides, leaving the ends open for inserting a piece of elastic. Pull the elastic to create a round hole on each end for inserting and removing plastic bags when needed.
It's easy to be creative when making your home in one of our Charlotte, North Carolina, apartments. Stop by today for a personal tour and to hear about move-in specials.
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The items you send down your garbage disposal can leave unpleasant scents behind. If you smell something icky emitting from your garbage disposal, you may try to run water and the garbage disposal to get rid of the scent. If that does not do the trick, you may find yourself wondering how to proceed. Here are three different techniques you can use to get rid of any unpleasant smells coming from your garbage disposal.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the ways that you can remove icky smells from your garbage disposal is to use baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda down your garbage disposal. It is best if the disposal is dry and has not been used in a couple of hours. Once the baking soda has settled, pour one to two cups of white vinegar down the drain. The mixture will begin to fizzle, which helps to clean the garbage disposal. Once the fizzing action dies out, rinse your sink with water and the smell should be gone.
Lemons, Oranges or Grapefruit
In some cases, the smell coming from the garbage disposal may be trapped on the disposal blades. One of the ways to remove this scent is to slice up any type of citrus, including lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruit, turn on cold water and turn on the garbage disposal. The chopped up citrus helps to remove any trapped food particles and the juice helps to remove icky scents and replace them with pleasant ones.
Bleach
If a smell still is lingering in your garbage disposal, you can pour 1/2 to one cup of bleach down the drain. This will not only help to remove any smells from the garbage disposal but helps to remove scents from the pipes below the garbage disposal. Bleach can be damaging to your garbage disposal and pipes, so it should only be used sparingly and as a last resort for removing unwanted scents.
If you have a smelly garbage disposal, you may not enjoy spending time in your kitchen. But, this is not the only reason you may not like to spend time in your kitchen. If your kitchen is too small or the layout does not work for you, the kitchen may not be the heart of your home. If you are in the market for apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina and are looking for a beautiful, open kitchen, check us out at Ashford Green. Stop by today to tour our complex.
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Make Your Apartment Life Easier and More Comfortable Than Ever
Even in a beautifully designed Charlotte apartment, how you arrange your items can have a major impact on your health and comfort. Let's look at some ways you can improve your apartment ergonomics — and thus your quality of life.
Use Your Breakfast Bar as a Standing Desk
Too much sitting can damage your health, playing a role in everything from diabetes and heart disease to cancer. You can probably think of several places in your apartment that can accommodate a slim, minimalist standing desk — or you can turn to your trusty breakfast bar. These nooks are designed to approximate a comfortable elbow height, making them ideal areas to place a laptop so that you can pursue your daily routine from a standing position.
Plan for Sensible Cabinet Storage
You may love having an apartment with lots of cabinets and built-in shelves — but do you love experiencing shoulder pain or neck pain from reaching up to some of those spaces? The most remote cabinets may compel you to stretch yourself beyond your body's comfortable capacity. Even worse, a heavy item stored on a high shelf invites head injuries or other painful incidents. Always place your heavier and more commonly used everyday items as close to your resting body position as possible. Rarely used items may not merit a position on any of your cabinets or shelves; consider hiding them under your bed, stuffing them away in a closet or even leaving them in the trunk of your car.
Remove Awkward Motions From Your Kitchen Routine
Every time to have to bend, twist or stoop to grab a seasoning or pull a pan off of a wall hook, you're placing your back muscles, tendons, spinal discs and nerves at risk for repetitive motion injuries. Again, ask yourself which items you reach for most frequently when cooking or cleaning up, and position those items so that you can get to them with as little motion as possible. Your back and hips will thank you for it!
Looking for the ideal apartment layout for your needs? Call Ashford Green to schedule a look at our Charlotte apartments!
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With winter weather driving everyone indoors, runners and walkers may be looking for a new way to get their heart rate up. Even gym-goers often want to stay closer to home in the chilly months. One of the biggest advantages of living in apartments in Charlotte, NC, is easy access to an onsite fitness center. But how do you make the most of the space to get the best workout? Here are a few tips and tricks for using your apartment's fitness center for an effective winter workout.
Keep Cardio Interesting
Bringing your running routine indoors to a treadmill or elliptical machine can be less exciting than your outdoor route. To keep your mind and body engaged, mix things up by alternating the pace and incline of your run. Before you head to the gym, create a playlist of songs with various beats per minute. Alternate fast and slow songs and move at the speed of the music. By continually making little adjustments, you will work different muscles and prevent your brain from slipping into a workout trance.
Bring a Workout Buddy
The best way to keep up your motivation during long workouts is to bring your cheering section. Invite your spouse, roommate or neighbor to exercise with you so that you can hold each other accountable for getting to the fitness center. Working out with neighbors is a great way to meet people and make friends within the community. Plus, exercising with a buddy means that you will both have a spotter when using weights.
Complete a Circuit
Fitness centers are perfect for circuit training, which combines cardio with strength training for a workout that burns fat and builds muscle. Best of all, circuit training is flexible, so you can design the workout that meets your fitness goals, keeps you engaged and works in the environment. Combine one upper-body move, a lower-body exercise, a compound exercise, and cardio activity. For a basic circuit routine, try the following combination:
- 10 dumbbell curl and presses
- 10 squats (add dumbbells to increase the intensity for a more advanced workout)
- 10 mountain climbers
- 1-minute treadmill sprint
- 1-minute rest
- Repeat three times
Are you looking for apartments in Charlotte, NC, with a well-equipped fitness center, excellent floor plans, and a resort-style pool? Give Ashford Green Luxury Apartments a call today to schedule a showing.
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There's nothing more relaxing than a day at the spa. Unfortunately, most of us can't book a pricey massage or facial as often as we would like. But, you can turn your bathroom into a spa retreat with a few easy touches.
Declutter
One of the most relaxing things about a high-end spa is the minimalist décor. To create a peaceful bathroom, clear the counters of clutter. Organize drawers and cabinets to neatly store makeup, hair tools, and daily essentials.
Upgrade storage containers
Even after clearing the clutter, a few items will need to be within easy reach. Place bath bombs and salts into apothecary jars and arrange them near the bathtub. Pour soap out of its eyesore packaging and into a pretty pump.
Decorate in cool colors
To maintain a peaceful vibe, avoid bold shades. Instead, rely on neutral white, gray and wood tones. Add accents in cool, calm colors such as soft blues or mint greens.
Add a bathtub caddy
A long soak gets even better when your favorite relaxation items are close at hand. A wooden caddy that sits across the bathtub is perfect for holding a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a flickering candle, and a good book.
Set the mood with music
Whether you prefer nature sounds or soothing music, the sound is an essential element in a Zen spa experience. Add a small wireless speaker to your bathroom and keep a spa playlist accessible on your phone.
Bring in a relaxing scent
Add a touch of aromatherapy to your bathroom retreat with candles, essential oils and bath products. Opt for a single signature scent that will evoke a sense of calm each time you walk into the room. Lavender, jasmine, and chamomile are all known to promote feelings of tranquility.
Invest in high-quality towels
Nothing ruins a spa day like scratchy terry cloth. Pick up a few fluffy, white towels and a soft robe to wrap yourself in after showers and baths. When doing laundry, keep towels soft by adding distilled white vinegar or baking soda to the wash.
Apartments in Charlotte, NC are just right for setting up a bathroom spa oasis. Give Ashford Green luxury apartments a call today to explore floor plans with bathrooms that are both peaceful and practical.
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The residents of our Charlotte, NC apartments are busy people, and that often means mornings are rushed and a little more chaotic than they'd like them to be. Fortunately, mornings don't have to begin with a mad dash to the door every day. With these tips, you can make your mornings more efficient so everything falls into place.
1. Lay Out Your Clothes
Your mom might've laid out your clothes before school to avoid a fight in the morning, but that doesn't mean you should stop this ritual now that you're an adult. Laying your clothes out the night before can save you an enormous amount of time in the morning. You don't have to mess around in your closet or look for the left shoe when the right one seems to be the only one available. You won't be surprised by stains or wrinkles you weren't expecting if you have everything ready for the next morning before you go to sleep.
2. Make To-Go Breakfast Food
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it's important to find ways to work it into your daily routine. These Muffin-Tin Quiches with Smoked Cheddar and Potato are easy to make ahead of time, so you can just pop them into the microwave in the morning and eat them when you're running out the door. Make a big batch on a Sunday when you have free time and freeze the excess so you have ready-made breakfast when your fridge starts running low.
Smoothies are another great grab-and-go option. To save time, cut the fruit or veggies the night before and have everything ready to dump in your blender so you can just hit the start button while you're brushing your teeth.
3. Commit to Avoiding the Snooze Button
Some people simply aren't morning people. If you're someone who lives by the snooze button, commit to only hitting it once. Move your phone or alarm clock across the room so you'll have to get up and walk to it when it goes off. You'll be amazed at the difference an extra seven or nine minutes can make in the morning!
If you're looking for an apartment where you'll wake up on the right side of the bed every day, you've come to the right place. Stop by our Ashford Green Luxury Apartments so we can show you around!
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If you’re planning a move to an apartment, you’ll want to make your new home as comfortable as possible. What are some steps you can take to create a luxurious, welcoming environment — on a budget?
Make Use of Colors, Textures and Natural Lighting
Many people who move to apartments in Charlotte don’t spend significant time choosing colors and textures that coordinate well. However, doing so can affect both your feelings about your new residence and your outlook in general.
Neutral color palettes can help you create a warm atmosphere. To enhance that cozy feeling, choose highly tactile decor pieces such as cashmere throws and velvet pillows.
The amount of natural light in your new residence also can play a key role in your daily mood. To enhance available light, consider incorporating shiny surfaces — whether with acrylic furnishings, mirrors or metallic accent pieces — that reflect light throughout your home.
The window treatments you choose also can make a big difference in the natural light available in your home. Instead of thick or dark curtains, consider sheer fabrics in light weights that allow in as much light as possible while preserving your privacy.
Incorporate Inviting Seating
When you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, having a plush, comfortable chair available can bring a feeling of true luxury to your home.
Along with a sofa or love seat in a color and fabric you love, consider an upholstered chair for maximum comfort.
Aesthetics also matter, and you’ll find a wide variety of styles to suit your preferences. Be sure to sit in several chairs before you buy to find the right shape and fit for you.
Once you’ve chosen your furnishings, consider how you can arrange them for the activities you love. Whether you prefer reading, watching TV, playing video games, engaging in hobbies, or simply chatting with a friend, keep those preferences top of mind as you place furnishings for maximum use and enjoyment. For assistance with finding the ideal apartment residence for your lifestyle, please contact us.
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If you are thinking about getting a kitten, or have recently selected one, you may find yourself wondering how to keep it active in an apartment. While kittens are quite energetic, they do not need much room to run, which makes them a great apartment pet. Here are a few ways to keep your kitten active and stimulated in your apartment.
Add an Elevated, Climbing Feature
Kittens love to climb and jump. Providing them with an elevated climbing feature, such as a cat tree, gives them a safe space to climb, jump and reach elevated heights. Make sure the elevated climbing feature is designed for cats and is wide enough to hold your kitten as he or she grows.
Give Them Something to Claw
Cats of all ages love to claw. It helps them to remove the dead outer layers of their claws. If you fail to provide them with something to claw, you may find that they go for your couch or carpet in your home. There are different types of cat clawing mechanisms, including scratching boxes and cat scratching posts. Experiment with different types until you find something your kitten will claw.
Be Sure to Play With Them
Kittens love to play. They love to chase items and explore. Purchase toys for them, such as cat balls, fishing pole toys or crinkle tubes. Then make sure to set aside time to play with them. This encourages them to play with the toys that are safe for them and helps them to burn off some of their energy. If you don't play with a kitten, they may find a way to keep their life exciting and play with items that are not safe for them.
Make Space for Them to Look Out a Window
Lastly, make space for your kitten to look out of a window. You may want to create a seating area for them, when possible. Kittens and cats love to look outside and soak in the sun. Setting up an area for them by a window provides them with the space they need to do this activity.
If you love pets, it is important to find a pet-friendly apartment complex. When you are looking for apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina, turn to Ashford Green Luxury Apartments. Not only are we a pet-friendly community, but we offer spacious, luxury apartments as well. Visit us today to tour our apartments and community.
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When renting an apartment, it is not uncommon to run into conflict with property management concerning the ways that you are permitted to decorate your apartment. When searching for an apartment in Charlotte, your likely to search for a floor plan and community with the type of amenities that will provide you with the most comforts for you and your family. However, the most comfortable apartment that you can find will still lack that special bit of personality that makes your home uniquely your own.
This is why finding ways to decorate your new home in ways that won’t leave any permanent damage is such a good idea. By taking a few simple precautions, you can create a home environment that is uniquely your own without facing the risk of losing your deposit or having to pay fees when you eventually move on.
Here are a few strategies to help you decorate without damage:
- Instead of putting holes in the wall, try putting a piece of painter's tape on the wall and hanging pictures and posters with glue. A little dab on top of the painter's tape will adhere to the wall, but when you are done, you can take the painter's tape down without any damage.
- Similar to decorating with glue, you can use paperclips and magnets to adhere to lightweight items to the wall. This is particularly great for posters because you won't need to use thumbtacks, which cause holes in the wall and can be unsightly over the poster.
- Decorate from the ground up instead of from the ceiling down. You can find a lot of different home accents that will bring personality into your home without adhering decorations to the wall. Large vases, artistic lamp posts, and creative furnishings are all great ways to decorate without damaging the walls of your apartment.
Renting is such a convenient option when searching for a home, but the temporary nature of renting leaves many apartment dwellers to put off home decorating in an effort to avoid permanently damaging their living space. By following these simple tricks, you can create the type of home environment that will keep you happy and comfortable without breaking any property management rules. Contact us to learn more about apartment availability in your area.
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If you’ve ever so much as visited a friend with kids at their home, then you know the impact that a child can have on a space of any size. Kids don’t understand the difference between their bedroom versus any other room in the house. They don’t look at the formal dining room as a place reserved for special occasions. They imagine, they play, and they spread their toys throughout the house like it is no one else’s business.
Attempting to bring kids into a cozy apartment in Charlotte can be incredibly trying for the adults in the household for this very reason. Many parents quickly give up the hope of having any reserved “adult space,” giving in to the need to let toys cover every open space throughout the home. However, there are better ways to manage a cozy space to find a bit more balance between playroom and showroom.
Here Are a Few Ideas to Help Manage Kids in Smaller Spaces:
Always think about storage. Every piece of furniture in your home has the potential to be a helpful piece of storage. TV stands, benches, coffee tables and shelving in closets are all essential tools for helping to house the many different types of toys and supplies that you’ll need for your children.
Create a healthy rotation. When you have different people in your home sharing a single space, simply creating a household schedule to help you manage who is using the space at certain times of the day can be very helpful. This is especially helpful in managing space with the television. Create boundaries and a strong schedule so that kids know where it is okay to play and when.
Take advantage of the library. Surrounding your child with plenty of books is important for their development, but this doesn’t mean that you need to have a bunch of books in your home all the time. Weekly trips to the library could mean having just a couple of books in the house at any given time while still exposing your child to a wide range of literature.
Limit toys to developmental needs. Kids love to play with toys, and as they grow, their developmental needs will lead you to buy new toys to support their developing intelligence, but many parents are hesitant to get rid of old toys due to their sentimental value. Rotating through toys can help to keep the clutter down in your home and therefore help you manage life with kids in your small space.
Above all, the most important thing to take into consideration when raising kids is consistency. Providing your kids with a comfortable home where they are surrounded by a loving family is essential. Contact our office to learn more about our apartment availability for your love ones.
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