How To Keep Your Fruit From Going Bad

With all of the money that you spend on fresh fruits and produce, it only makes sense that you’ll want your food to last as long as possible. And yet, far too often it seems like our freshest foods go bad the quickest.

To add some days of life to your favorite fruits, here are some tips for making them last longer.

Know What Fruits Belong Where

Different fruits require different types of storage. For example, some of your fruits may need to be left on the counter, while others need to be placed in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home from the store. Make sure that you know which fruits belong where and you can avoid short lifespans.

Fruit-BasketKnow When To Wash And Cut

Many people think that they should wash their fruits as soon as they get home from the grocery store. That’s not the case. Instead, washing your fruits in water could result in the growth of mold on the fruit while in the fridge. Instead, keep your fruits stored securely and wash them only as you are ready to eat them.

This is also the same with cutting, as well. Fruits will last longer if their outer skin is intact. But by cutting into them, you will lose a lot of that freshness very quickly.

Get Help From Herbs And Leafs

By putting your fruits in with certain herbs and leafs, you’ll be able to keep them lasting longer. This works the same as it does with flowers, as the herbs and leafs put off oxygen that helps keep the fruits lasting longer.

Avoid Leaving Other Items Close To Your Fruit

Other items close to your fruit can limit their lifespan. One quick way you’ll notice this is with apples. If you have one bad apple around a bunch of healthy ones, the latter will quickly deteriorate. That’s why it’s important to have your fruits surrounded by other healthy foods.

Keep Your Refrigerator Clean

When putting your fruits in the refrigerator, make sure it’s clean. A dirty fridge that has old food or residue built up will severely limit the lifespan of fresh fruit. By keeping things clean, you’ll notice your fruit lasts much longer.

Tip – Also avoid overstocking your fridge. By having too many things inside, it limits oxygen movement. You can avoid this with limiting the amount of items you have in your fridge.

Consistent Temperatures

Your fridge should also maintain consistent temperatures, as well. By keeping everything consistent, you will limit the chances of shocking your fruits with drastic temperature changes.

Other Helpful Products

Finally, consider any other items you may want to use to keep your fruits lasting longer. One item that you may want to consider is an Ethylene gas absorber. Ethylene gas is what causes your fruit to go off, and an absorbent will help to extend their life. There are other inventions that are specific to for avoiding your fruit from going off. Consider how investing in them can help you save money in the long run with more healthy and longer lasting fruits.

If you want to keep your fruits lasting longer, consider the tips on this list to keep them from going bad.

For The Ladies – Hottest Nail Polish Colors For The Summer

Nail-PolishLadies that are looking to spice up their summer wardrobe know how much of an impact nail polish can have. Pick the perfect color, and you’ll have the perfect compliment to that summer skirt that everyone will be raging over.

There are tons of colors that are right for summer and some that are so last year. To make sure you’re staying up with current times, here’s some of the hottest nail polish colors for the summer.

In Passione from Dolce & Gabbana
Pink and purple are going to be the in colors in 2015, so it only makes sense that Dolce & Gabbana would come up with the perfect color that mixes the two. Whether you are wearing your favorite pair of purple boy jeans or a flowery pink sundress, In Passione is the perfect addition to your fingernails.

Withstands Test Of Thyme from OPI  

 

Another color that we expect to be very popular this summer is winter or mint green. This Withstands Test of Thyme from OPI is a shade that we found to be accommodating for a variety of different outfits in our closet. While it’s not as bold as something you’d expect to see on St. Patrick’s Day, this thyme green is subtle and appealing all in the same.

Can we also say how much we love the To Infinity & Blue-Yond color from OPI, as well? If the minty green color of the Withstands Test of Thyme isn’t what you are feeling this summer, then this bluer tone is still worth trying.

China Glaze 

We added this China Glaze polish to the list because it’s a steal of a deal for a color that will bring out your wild side. While some of the other options on this list are perfect for a nice relaxing summer day, throw on a layer of China Glaze before you enjoy your summer evenings.

Nail-Polish-ColorsKip Nail Lacquer from Butter London
We found this hidden gem from Butter London, and we love what they call Kip Nail Lacquer. It’s a subtle blue that dries looking almost grey, and reflections from in the light will show other shades as well. Butter London is a cute little boutique, and this is just one of their great products for summer.

Red Hot Pink from Burberry
Go as bold as can be with this Hot Pink from Burberry. This bold color demands a personality to match, so it’s perfect for bringing out that side of you this summer.

Comfy in Cashmere from Essie
What’s considered to be really hot with this Comfy Cashmere look from Essie is the matte finish of the mauve and velvet color once it dries. We’ve suggest a lot of really exotic colors on this list that are sure to not be missed this summer. But Comfy in Cashmere is perfect for those looking for a less bold look.

Hot Mandarin from Lancome 
Finally, this Hot Mandarin from Lancome is a color that your girlfriends will be jealous over. It’s not orange, but it’ll look great with anything you have in that color. The hot shade of mandarin is almost like a blood orange, which will really stand out this summer.

Having the perfect summer outfit means nothing if you don’t have a beautiful set of nails to go with it. To make sure you have a color that is hot this season, as well as perfect for your outfit, consider the top options on this list.

 

Home Coffee Brewing Options

For those that need a cup of coffee before they can really get things going in the morning, it may not be reasonable to stop by the local coffee shop and spend $5 on a venti double shot nonfat latte everyday. However, many people think that making coffee at home is either too time consuming, or it doesn’t taste nearly as good as what you’ll get at the store.

But with as many options as there are for home coffee brewing, you can be your own personal barista. As you start to save money each day on coffee, just think about the other things you can allocate that money to in your life.

To help you save money, without sacrificing on the taste of your cup of Joe, here are some of the top home coffee brewing options.

Coffee-BrewerSingle Serve Machines
In a hurry and still want the perfect tasting cup of coffee for the road? If so, then you will love the Keurig single serve machines. These units come with a single serving of coffee in a K-Cup. You simply put the K-Cup into the coffee machine, press a button and just moments later your cup will be ready. It’s as easy as that, and Keurig machines have changed the way people go about personal in-home coffee consumption.

The price of a Keurig machine might be more than that of your regular coffee machine. However, it’s a worthy investment that will save you a lot of time and money each month.

Coffee Pot Brewers
For those that prefer to make a large pot of coffee, a Keurig machine may not be the best option. That’s because a Keurig K-Cups are perfect for single servings, but it can add up if you are someone who likes two cups, or more, of Joe each day – or if you are making coffee for the entire family.

A personal coffee pot from Cuisinart may be costly, but these are top of the line coffee machines that will last for years. For the coffee aficionado that spends hundreds on coffee each month, this is an investment that will be a highlight in the kitchen.

Hand Made Coffee

Looking for something really unique? Try using the slow drip process for coffee making. This process begins by you slowly grinding the coffee beans by hand in a grinder. After the beans have been ground up, put a coffee filter on top of your coffee cup and place the grounds inside. As you slowly begin to pour water over the grounds, avoid bubbles from developing.

The slow drip process of making coffee does take some time, so it’s not ideal for those in a hurry. However, after having a cup of slow drip coffee, you’ll have a new appreciation for the taste of your favorite cup of caffeinated Arabica.

Whether you have all morning or you are in a hurry to beat rush hour, consider the options on this list for home coffee brewing. It could save you thousands each year, which will taste almost as sweet as that morning cup that gets you going.

 

Best Grill For Your Outdoor Space

For those that own a single-family home, the backyard makes for the perfect space for barbecuing and hosting guests. If you live in an apartment, your options for cooking out are going to be much more limited. But while limited, that doesn’t mean impossible.

To help you make the most of your apartment balcony, here are some options for the best grill for your outdoor space – no matter the size.

Weber Q-1400 Electric Grill

The Weber Q-1400 Electric Grill is going to be the most efficient on this list when it comes to size, power, and portability. This grill is ideal for living in an apartment for a variety of different reasons. First, it’s size is compact enough that it won’t take up a lot of space, which is ideal for apartment tenants. Second, the 1560 watts makes it easy to cook your favorite meals on this powerful grill. Finally, clean off the rack and get ready to put the BBQ away for the winter, as the Weber Q-1400 is incredibly portable as well. This is one of our favorites, which is why it’s a top pick as the best grill for your outdoor space.

Outdoor-GrillingChar-Broil Patio Bistro

Looking for the perfect model for your first grill? The Char-Broil Patio Bistro is cute, quaint, and perfect for those with small spaces. This device has a lot of space, as it offers 320 square inches of cooking space. But it’s compact body and frame means that you’ll be able to tuck it away whenever it’s not in use, which will save you space on your balcony. The grill also offers 1750 watts for electric use, which be ready to light up whenever you are.

Saber Cast 330

The Saber Cast 330 is a bigger unit than the others listed here, but it’s still convenient enough for a larger apartment balcony. This grill offers superior performance on a 330 square inch cooking surface. You can use natural gas or propane, which heats things up very quickly. With the Saber Cast 330, you are making an investment into a grill that you’ll likely have for a long time to come. If that’s what you are in the market for, you can’t go wrong with this model.

Weber Spirit E-210 Gourmet BBQ System

Another full size grill like the Saber Cast 330 is the Weber Spirit E-210. This model ranks very highly as well, and we provide it simply as an alternative option to the full-size model above. Weber is a very reliable brand, as demonstrated through some of the other listings here, and the Spirit E-210 is a great full-size model.

Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared

Looking for an entirely different option altogether? The Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared may be the last grill you every purchase. This steel grade unit uses infrared technology to cook whatever it is that you have perfected with your grilling skills. This is a great alternative choice to some of the different options listed here, and the Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared might be the future of grilling.

Whether you have a ton of space or just a few feet, the options on this list will help to make sure that you throw some awesome BBQs in your apartment.

UGH! My Apartment’s A Mess!

Remember what it used to smell like when mom would make her famous chili while watching football on Sunday? Or maybe you have vivid recollections of the smell of freshly dried linens after a day out in the sun. Whatever it is that warms your senses, just imagine what it would be like to be around those scents now that you have a place all your own.

If your home doesn’t smell as nice as the one you grew up in, there here are some tips for making your apartment smell good.

Light Up Your Senses With Candles 

If you find yourself walking out of a candle store spending way more than you ever intended to, you aren’t alone. There is something incredibly warming about walking into a candle store that has countless scents that make you feel at warm inside. So while you may look at the total price you pay for premium candles and wonder if it’s worth it, you’ll have your answer the moment you get home and light one up. Or if your budget is a consideration, then instead go with incense. These are less expensive options that will still make your apartment smell great.

Scented-CandleAvoid Overpowering Bad Odors

Why is it that you may want to consider premium candles over those that you find on discount at the store? That’s because there is often a true reason for why premium candles cost more, that being because they smell much better. Avoid getting a discounted candle and thinking that it will make your apartment smell good, as instead overpowering bad odors will make you never want to spend your time at home.

Another bad scent that you’ll want to avoid is smoking. If you’ve been searching for a reason to quit smoking and your health isn’t enough, then think about how your habits are scaring other people away. Cigarette smoke is not only foul, but it’s also inconsiderate if you have guests.

Improve Your Cooking Skills

There is nothing like the smell of mom’s favorite recipes. But if your cooking isn’t up to par, then think about how your poor skills might be making the house smell. Getting the smell of smoke out of walls is difficult, so avoid overcooking or burning your food. In addition, properly cooked food will help you keep your home smelling great on those cold winter days.

Keep Your Apartment Clean

Finally, be sure that your apartment is clean. If you let trash pile up without taking it out regularly, then your apartment will quickly begin to smell. Also be sure to vacuum regularly, especially if you have pets that shed hair that gets caught in the carpet. A clean apartment is a good smelling apartment, which is why you should take the time to keep things as cleanly as possible.

You want your apartment to be a place that you enjoy being at. And if you are someone that loves hosting, then you’ll also want to ensure that your apartment is enjoyable for others as well. But if it smells, that’s not going to be the case. Therefore, consider the tips here for making your apartment smell good.

Tips For Moving In With Your Significant Other

There comes in a time in every relationship where the couple considers taking it to the next level. But before you go and put a ring on it, you may first want to consider living with your significant other first. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to see what it is like living with them, which might be very important if you plan on spending the rest of your life with them.

If you are considering a move, here are some tips for moving in with your significant other.

Approach It As You Would Any Other Roommate

You may be looking at this person as your significant other, which makes you put on the blinders when it comes to rational. However, keep in mind that your life isn’t going to be perfect just because you live with a significant other. You’ll still have arguments, disagreements, and more. Therefore, you can both do one another a favor by approaching the situation as you would any other roommate.

How can you do that? You can:

  • Make sure everyone is listed on the lease and accountable for their own rules.
  • Set some ground rules that everyone can abide by when living together.
  • Avoid decisions based on personal feelings, but instead make choices as you would with any other roommate.

It will be a challenge, but it won’t be impossible. And the better you prepare, which can be done by avoiding any sticky situations that come with living with a significant other, the happier you both are likely to be.

Happy-CoupleKeep Things Fun

When you live with your significant other, everything begins to look very routine and normal. Instead of just seeing this person on the weekends, you’ll now see them every second of the day. Therefore, be sure that you keep things fun in your relationship.

Consider planning a date night or other fun activity that you both will like. Just because you are living together, doesn’t mean that you are confined to your new apartment. Therefore, get out there and have some fun with the person you care for most.

Talk Finances Before It’s Too Late

Life happens and things come up all of the time. Therefore, be sure that you talk about some of these situations before they come up. For example, you may want to discuss what will happen if your SO can’t pay rent, or if you can’t, and how you will go about helping one another out. Your roommate agreement is as big of a partnership as any other part of your relationship, so be sure to consider every part of it.

Being Wrong Right Now Doesn’t Mean It’s Wrong Forever

Sometimes people are at different points in their life, which can make it a challenge to live together. However, keep in mind that just because things don’t work right now, doesn’t mean they won’t work forever. If you and your significant other move in together and things don’t work out, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of your relationship. Instead, you both might just need some more time to grow as individuals.

Moving in with your significant other can be a lot of fun. To ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, consider the tips here.

Rainy Day Activities For Kids

If it’s raining cats and dogs outside, then you might have a bunch of rugrats running around inside. And while having the kids at home can be enjoyable at times, all that pent up energy that comes with a rainy day can be difficult to handle.

Luckily, there is plenty that you can do inside on rainy days as well. Here is a look as some of the best rainy day activities for kids that you can do today.

Decorate Your Home

Everywhere that you look around your home, there is a chance to make something new. And when the rain is pouring outside, there’s no better time to start decorating your home. Bring out the crayons and glitter, and start decorating your apartment for a completely new look. Some cute and creative decorations you can make include:

  • Paper flowers to add a spring feel to a living space.
  • Refinish old furniture with creative new decorations.
  • Paint a room a new color.

There are so many creative different projects around your home that can be turned into rainy day activities. Start with the ideas suggested here, and you never know what more you might come up with while decorating your home.

Kid-Playing-GuitarLearn Something New

Even though your kids may not be eager to sit down and learn something while it’s raining outside, there are actually a lot of opportunities to turn this into a fun experience. With videos on YouTube, apps on your smartphone, and other fun learning opportunities, your children will be equally as entertained as they are educated.

Put On A Performance

If your kids have a lot of energy to blow off, then have them dress up and put on a performance. The great part about this rainy day activity is that it allows the kids to come up with something creative on their own. It also promotes fairness and creativity, as the kids have to divvy up the lines in the performance equally amongst each other. All-in-all, making a play is a great way for kids to spend a rainy day.

Make Your Own Play Dough

Making your own Play Dough can be messy, but it makes for a long activity that has rewarding future benefits. To make Play Dough, have the kids gather all of the items that they need and then let them start the creation process on their own as you overlook things. Once the Play Dough is finished, then you’ll have something that the kids can play with all of the time in the future.

Fort Fun

Finally, our favorite choice is to make Fort Fun in your home. Fort Fun might just be a blanket strung across some chairs and sofas, or it could be a bunch of paper towel rolls put together to make an entire structure. Whatever it may be, building a fort is a fun activity, and then you and your kids can do a ton of things inside as well. This is a classic activity that is still a lot of fun on rainy days.

The kids may love being outside during the spring, but the weather isn’t always guaranteed to be as accommodating. To ensure that your children don’t go stir crazy while inside, consider the list of rainy day activities mentioned here.

Fashion Trends For Spring 2015

As the weather gets warmer, the clothing options will get lighter. That’s why it’s time for you to pack up your winter wardrobe, and replace it with something much more accommodating to the spring season. But if you aren’t sure what styles you should be wearing, here are some spring fashion trends to keep in mind.

Womens-Spring-FashionFashion Trends Of Ladies

Denim Is Still In

If you had that favorite denim outfit last year that you were hoping to get a few more uses out of, you are in luck. Denim is still in this year, which is great for those that love wearing hide-rise jorts or jean jackets.

Full Trouser Suits

Trouser suits are a powerful choice for women, which is probably why they’ve increased in popularity in recent years. This spring, a full one-piece trouser suit is a must-have for your closet. Whether you are hoping to look stylish at work or you have a hot date you are wanting to make a good impression for, a trouser suit fits the part no matter the occasion.

Go BoHo

The Bohemian night style is back in this year, which is great for those that like to look stylish while dressing down. The BoHo style includes skirts with long tassels and thong sandals, as well as big glasses and other full-on accessories.

Be Bold

Your lighter colors are good for early in the year. But after you put on that pastel sundress for Easter, it’s time to replace it with bold looks for this spring. Bright colors and vibrant tones are going to be big this season, so use the opportunity to express yourself with whatever fashion statement you are trying to make.

Fashion Trends For Guys

Mens-Jean-ShortsBold Blazers

For the ladies, it’s trouser suits. For men, power can be gained in the form of bold blazers. Whether it’s a jacket that you put on top of your favorite suit, or a dressed down blazer that you wear with a pair of jeans on casual Friday, having this option in your wardrobe will be very helpful this spring. Not only will you look great, but you’ll also be able to accommodate to a variety of different spring weather conditions as well.

Jorts

Khakis look great on the golf course, but this spring is really all about jean shorts for men. And not just any jean jorts, either. Instead, bright jean jorts are going to be the most popular trend for men. Pair those jorts with a button down polo and some boat shoes, and you’ll be looking very stylish this spring.

Bring In Accessories

This year is going to be a big one for mens accessories. With the iWatch coming out from Apple, you can expect this to be one of the most popular accessories that men will be sporting. In addition, hats, bracelets, and colorful socks are all in this season for stylish men.

If it’s time to spruce up your wardrobe, the changing of the seasons is the perfect time to do so. Consider the tips for fashion here and you’ll be looking great this spring.

Desktop, Laptop, or Tablet?

Is it time for you to upgrade your current tech products? If it’s been a while, then you might notice that your old computer is running slower than when you first purchased it, so some new gear might be exactly what you need. However, over the time that it’s been since you last purchased a major piece of technology, there have been plenty of new releases that will make for a more challenging decision that you’ll have to make.

In fact, you’ll likely find yourself asking: “Do I need a desktop, a laptop, or a tablet?”

To better help you decide, here are some things to keep in mind during the purchase process.

Man-on-Laptop-and-TabletWhat Will You Be Using The Device For? 

The first thing that you’ll want to ask yourself is what you plan to be using the device for. If you are doing a lot of heavy-duty editing or typing, then a tablet may not be an ideal option. However, if you are going to be watching television or playing games, then a desktop that you can’t move around probably won’t be best. Therefore, consider what you’ll need and how you plan to use your new device, and it’ll help you at least narrow your choices to a choice that is best for you.

Who Will Be Using The Device?

If it’s just you using the device, then you won’t need to worry about considering others. However, if you have other family members to consider, then you’ll want to do that before you make a purchase. If, for example, you have a child who is a student, then getting a desktop that you keep in a bedroom probably won’t be a logical option because it will be difficult for everyone to use. Another example might be for those that have even younger children, as tablets often offer plenty of educational games that are ideal for toddlers. Computers, both desktops and laptops, are typically better for adults, while children may be better suited with a tablet.

How Mobile Do You Need To Be?

Finally, take the time to consider whether or not you need to be mobile with your device. For example, are you a student that will need to take a laptop to class, or do you plan to leave your computer plugged into a wall throughout the day? If you don’t need to consider mobility, then this won’t be as big of a deal. However, if you are consistently on the go, no matter what your lifestyle is, then you’ll want to ensure that you have the right technology that accommodates for that.

Buying your next piece of technology is going to be a fun purchase. No matter what you get, you’ll have a new device that will make you feel like a kid on Christmas again. But in order to ensure that the device holds its value in your life, consider the tips here when deciding between a computer, laptop and/or tablet.

Cleaning Tips For Your Bathroom

Cleaning your bathroom can be one of the most tedious parts of having your own apartment. Nonetheless, if you go too long without giving it at least a quick clean, it won’t be long before you find yourself feeling uncomfortable every time you take a shower.

The truth is that cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be something that you look at with such disdain. Instead, here are some cleaning tips for your bathroom that will make for a much easier job.

Get The Right Tools

If you are still using a raggedy old sponge to clean your toilet and sink, then it’s no wonder that you hate cleaning so much. And while you may not want to go out and spend a lot of money on the latest and greatest cleaning supplies, it is worth considering the value that your mental mindset will have while cleaning. If you feel better about cleaning, which might happen if you have better tools and equipment, then it’s very-well possible that you won’t be as disappointed whenever it comes time to do it.

By having a few cleaning products for your bathroom, you’ll have a much better start at keeping things clean. Here are some of the things you can use to start your cleaning kit:

  • Separate sponges for toilet, sink, and tub.
  • Cleaning powders and liquids for each surface.
  • Scrubbing handles for inside of the toilet.
  • Wipe-and-toss pads for easily cleanup.

These products won’t cost you a lot, but they will certainly provide for a good investment into a more clean bathroom.

Bathroom-CleaningOne And Done

Think about how much more productive you would be if you were to just take the time for one deep clean, and then kept a schedule for maintaining the bathroom’s cleanliness. Well, this might be exactly what is needed. Even if it isn’t time for your spring cleaning, it’s still worth taking the time to give your apartment a deep clean if it’s been a while. Having a fresh start will keep you motivated to keep things cleaner moving forward, and it’ll also make you feel better once it’s all over with.

Keep A Schedule

After you’ve done the deep clean, be sure to keep up with it with a routine schedule. By taking the time to quickly wipe the toilet or sink during the week, you won’t have to take as much time for a deep clean each weekend.

Make It A Team Effort

If you have family, friends, or roommates that also live with you, be sure that they also respect your bathroom and keep it as clean as possible. By letting others know your desire to keep things clean, you’ll stay personally motivated as well.

The bathroom in your apartment might be something that everyone uses, which is why it’s important that you keep it clean. If you need some motivation, or just some general ideas of where to start, be sure to keep in mind these tips for cleaning your bathroom.