Create A Stir

(Image courtesy of James Palinsad)

If you’re like us, you know it’s the little details that bring any great social gathering together. Of course it’s important to have a great menu but it’s the little details that let your guests know that you really took the time to prepare for them. Though they may not say it, all guests love to feel appreciated!

For that reason, it may be a fun project to craft your own stirrers for your next cocktail party. Adding a little unique flair will help a little fun - not to mention your guests may be able to tell their drinks apart! These ideas courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com are sure to give you the inspiration you need to get started. Keep reading to learn more:

The Crafted Cocktail Stirrer
While this may take some arts and crafts experience and a trip to the art store, it will also create a fun project for you to do over an afternoon before a get together or a party. First, you will need pieces of wood or plastic as your actual stirrers. They must be long enough to reach the bottom of the glass and still stick out of the top of the drink by a good few inches so that stirring can actually be done. Ideally, nothing should be added to the portion of the stirrer that will be immersed in the drink itself, as this could come off in the drink. But above the drink line, if you will, there’s nothing but creative freedom. Maybe attach rubber pencil holders to the end of each wooden stirrer, or small different colored puff balls of yarn for a fun addition to each drink. The creative crafting is only limited by imagination here.

Edible Cocktail Stirrers

Being able to eat your cocktail stirrer is a whole new level of drinking, if that makes sense. This has been done with specific drinks before and is always fun, as long as it adds to the flavor of the drink itself. For bloody mary’s, for example, consider using celery as your cocktail stirrer. For a sweeter drink, like a white Russian, consider using a stick of hard chocolate as the stirrer, though this might ultimately dissolve if left in for too long. A toothpick of olives works well as a stirrer for a martini, as does a strip of carrot, which will make a delicious bite or two after the drink is finished. This might take some experimentation to totally get right, but it’s very memorable when you do.

Found Cocktail Stirrers

There are items at your disposal that will work well as cocktail stirrers. Small plastic or wooden gardening dowels actually make excellent cocktail stirrers—just let your guests know they are totally sanitary. Long dull nails could also work, though they should be stainless steel and clearly cleaned to assuage any fears of unsanitary stirring conditions. These are more extreme ways to come up with your own cocktail stirrers, but if used with the right drink and the right crowd can be really cool.

7 Tips To Stay Lucky In Your New Place

(Image courtesy of Andrew Mager)

Unless a black cat has crossed your path recently you should have no cause for alarm now that you’ve moved in and gotten comfortable at La Cantera. Besides, bad luck can’t be real, can it?

Just in case you want to stay on the safe side, follow these simple tips courtesy of apartmentguide.com and you’ll be walking with lady luck in no time!

1. The number of steps in a staircase should never be a multiple of three.Even numbers are best, but multiples of three are bad luck.

2. Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. It symbolizes a cutting of your friendship – in other words, your friend will soon become an enemy, according to Italian folklore. If you must accept it, pay the giver a penny, which will reverse the curse.

3. The first time you leave your home, exit through the same door you entered. According to this old Irish tradition, after you’ve entered and exited once, you can leave through any door you like. But the first time, the entrance and exit have to be the same door, otherwise you’ll have bad luck.

4. Carry a full container of uncooked rice with you the first time you enter your new home. Just as throwing rice at a wedding symbolizes a wish for prosperity for the newly married couple, rice in a new home symbolizes the idea that no one under this roof will go hungry, according to a pagan superstition. Similar superstitions state that carrying a loaf of bread with you will accomplish the same goal.

5. Spread a pinch of salt on the floor of every room, including over the threshold of the front door. Some say salt wards off evil; others say it brings out the flavor in life.

6. Never move on a rainy day – it’s bad luck. Other superstitions say that Fridays and Saturdays are also unlucky days for moving.

7. Scatter coins in the living room on the first day in your new home so prosperity will reign.

Flawless Color Palettes For Your New Place

(Image courtesy of Katie Wardrobe)

Now that you’ve moved into your new place, there’s one thing left to do - decorate! Unless you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to do with your new apartment style-wise, it can be a little daunting to attack each room in your house at once. Even worse, how do you pick what colors to use?

Never fear. These color combinations courtesy of renters.apartments.com will help you have your apartment looking great in no time! Keep reading to discover 5 home run color combos for your new apartment.

Black & White: Make a statement with these two contrasting colors. In the living room, go for a black couch and coffee table with black & white patterned throw pillows and area rug. White furniture is also an option, but only if you trust yourself and your guests to keep it clean! Add a splash of color with a red accent chair or colorful piece of artwork.

Brown & Beige: This more muted color combo works great in a bathroom or office. Create a relaxing environment with these earth tones, which can be heightened with splashes of green or navy blue. Best of all, a brown rug never shows the dirt.

Shades of Blue: Using different shades of the same color is a sure bet. Navy and light blue are two popular options, especially for bathrooms and bedrooms. Try a dark blue comforter with light blue sheets and striped accent pillows. Use the same color palate for the curtains, rug, lampshades and artwork. Dark wood or white furniture both work well with this combo.

Red & Yellow: If you want to go bold, do it in the kitchen. Bright colors work great in this room that often doubles as a social gathering place. A French country kitchen or chicken theme naturally ties into these two colors, and both themes are easily found on kitchen towels, pot holders, and plates and bowls.

Pink & Purple: Not just for 5-year-old girls, pink and purple can be perfect for an adult woman’s studio apartment or bedroom. Just be careful not to go overboard – this color scheme works better on pillows and other accent pieces anchored by a more subdued color, like black. Don’t be afraid of pink!

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

(Image courtesy of zouny)

One of the best parts of moving into a new place is the ability to make friends with your new neighbors. If you were super tight with your old neighbors it can be a little lonely for the first couple of days in your new place until you make a connection with the new people living around you. Now worries with a smile and a few friendly gestures you and your neighbors will be chatting in no time!

Making friends with the neighbors doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. It’s amazing how far small acts of kindness will go when it comes to making a connection. Try these five tips courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com to create a lasting relationship with your neighbors that will be beneficial to you both. Keep reading to learn more:

1. Every now and then, when you're taking out your trash and recycling bin, take out the neighbors as well. If its too heavy for you to maneuver, wait until after the trash collectors have stopped by and take the empty bins to their holding spot.
2. On moving day, you're likely to see the majority of neighbors going and coming home from work. Take a second to say "hi" and introduce yourself.
3. Include your neighbors by inviting them to your housewarming party. By letting them know ahead of time about the shindig, you're allowing them to make other plans if they don't want to stop by (and don't want to be bothered by all the party noise).
4. If you and your neighbors have pets, extend an open offer to feed the cat when they go out of town.
5. You never know when you're going to find yourself needing to borrow a drill or some other home or food item. If you find yourself in this position, make a mental note to make extra cookies the next time you're baking and drop them off on your neighbor's doorstep.

Knowing and liking your neighbors has many benefits (as Laure learned quickly last week). In the past, we've depended on neighbors to borrow a cup of sugar or watch out for a package from UPS or even feed our cat (and we always do the same for them). And in most instances, we end up being close friends with our neighbors which makes our house that much more of a home.

The Perfect Moving Checklist

This weekend, we’re excited to welcome the first of our new residents to La Cantera! Though we’re sure you’re all ready to begin unpacking and settling in, we know as well as you do that, at first glance, the whole moving process can be a bit overwhelming. No matter how well prepared you are, there is always a little stress and hard work that comes with the territory of relocating. Thankfully, however, with a little extra preparation your moving process can be calm.

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide where to begin. These tips, courtesy of apartmentguide.com, will help you to remember all the important moving steps that are likely to slip through the cracks in the week leading up to packing tape and moving trucks. Keep reading to learn more:

The week of your move:

• Confirm your travel and pet/childcare plans.
• Confirm appointments with cable or Internet services.
• Order new checks with your new address.
• Clean your apartment and prepare it for the check-out process.
• Confirm moving day details with your moving company or truck rental company.
• Withdraw any cash you will need to pay movers and get through travel to your new apartment.
• Make a box of cleaning supplies to keep handy if your new apartment needs cleaning.
• Pack the essentials you will need shortly after you move in a Priority Box.
• Pack the clothes, toiletries and personal items you will need in the days following your move in suitcases.
• Arrange and conduct your apartment check-out walk-through. It’s important to be present at the check-out walk-through to discuss any issues and make arrangements regarding your security deposit.

Moving Day — Leaving your old place

• Finish any last minute packing, remembering to put any items you will need right away in your Priority Box.
• Perform any last minute cleaning, and take out the trash.
• Print out directions to your new home for you and anyone helping you move. Also, have a map in case you need to change routes.
• If you are using professional movers, confirm payment method. Some moving companies prefer to be paid in cash on the day of the move, while other companies accept checks or credit cards.
• Set out water or cold beverages for you and those helping you move.
• Have someone watch your children or pets during your move, or designate a special area of your residence where they can stay during the move.
• Set aside any boxes/items that require special care and might need to be moved separately in a car. It is also a good idea to move any personal bags, suitcases, and your Priority Box separately so you can get to any items you might need immediately.
• If you are moving out of an apartment, talk to your apartment manager to see if you can reserve a space for your moving truck.
• If you are moving yourself, pick up your moving truck and any moving accessories. Inspect the truck to make sure it is in good condition and that you have all the accessories you need. Make sure to pay attention to all the conditions you have to meet before you return the truck.
• If you are moving yourself, load your rental truck carefully. Load the items you will need right away last so they can be unloaded first.
• If you are using a moving company, give the movers any special moving/handling instructions. Review and sign any paperwork when your movers arrive. Make sure that you understand what you’re signing and ask questions if you need to.
• Trade contact information with the movers so you can get in touch should something happen during transit.
• Do a final check of your old residence making sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
• Turn off all lights, and turn off the thermostat.
• Make sure that all doors and windows are locked.
• If you are leaving an apartment, sign any final paperwork, perform any necessary final walkthroughs and turn over your key. Get a copy of any final paperwork for your records. Make sure to give your former management company your new address so they know where to send your security deposit.

Moving Day — Moving into your new apartment

• Make sure you arrive at your new apartment before your moving van.
• Check in with your apartment manager to perform an apartment walkthrough and get your apartment key, if you have not done so already. If you have made any special move-in arrangements, confirm those details with your apartment manager.
• Check to make sure the necessary utilities have been hooked up.
• If you are moving yourself, unload your belongings off your moving truck.
• If you are using a moving company, take note of items as they are unloaded to make sure nothing was damaged in transit. Once all of your belongings have been unloaded, read and sign any final paperwork (inventory, bill of lading, etc.) Keep a copy for your records.
• Pay and tip your movers.
• If you are moving yourself, perform any necessary tasks before returning your rental truck.
• Unpack your priority box and set up any furniture you will want to use that day, such as beds, chairs, etc.