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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Strategies for a Serene Bedroom</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/24/strategies-for-a-serene-bedroom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/24/strategies-for-a-serene-bedroom/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/24/strategies-for-a-serene-bedroom/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="left" vspace="4" alt="A relaxing bedroom can be your escape from technology. " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/05/younghouselovebedroom.jpg" />A group of scientists intent on studying the impacts of our technological crutches spent several days camping in Utah, utterly removed from the digital world. Their trip, chronicled in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/technology/16brain.html?src=me&amp;ref=homepage ">The New York Times</a>, revealed -- surprise! -- that behavior and thought processes change when we unplug from cell phones and e-mail, arguably for the better. <br />
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One finding, however, stood out, and could have far-reaching consequences. The scientists hinted that our decision-making abilities could be hindered by technology overuse, similar to the effects of drug or alcohol addiction. <br />
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While we can't all detox in the great outdoors, there are ways to bring some of nature's benefits inside. For urban dwellers, the bedroom is one of the most important havens from the technological deluge of daily life. Keeping the TV out of the bedroom is one of the easiest ways to improve your chances for a good night's rest. Here are some other ideas to help you create a serene sleeping place in your apartment.<br />
<style type="text/css"> #mini_module_blank { width: 269px; height:206px; border: none; float:left; margin:10px; font-size:12px;} #mini_module_blank img {border:none; width: 265px; height:131px; border: none; margin:0px; } #mini_module_blank .mini_main { margin: 0px; padding:0px; width:269px; height:206px; background: transparent url(http://www.aolcdn.com/travel/zing-background-no-photo)} #mini_module_blank .mini_item_header {padding:12px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; font-size:16px;} #mini_module_blank .mini_item {padding:8px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;} #mini_module_blank a { color: #49A3CA; text-decoration:none; } #mini_module_blank a:hover { color: #F98419; text-decoration:underline;} </style> <strong><br />
Keep It Simple</strong><br />
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New York-based blogger Joanna Goddard recently featured photos of her own <a target="_blank" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_abGRa1b0BJc/TFYGSV-GMAI/AAAAAAAAZ4M/z01Xj4w62zA/s1600/joanna-goddard-house-tour-nyc.jpg ">West Village apartment</a>, which got a makeover from interior designer Jenny of <a target="_blank" href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/">Little Green Notebook</a>. Goddard's cozy place offers a wealth of inspiration, but it's her <a target="_blank" href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-house-tour.html ">bedroom</a> that stands out most. Simple and clean, with a plain white comforter, endearing needlepoint pillow, nondescript Ikea lamps and black-and-white photography, the relaxed look is easy to re-create. <br />
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<strong>Buy the Best of Beds</strong><br />
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Design Sponge has a roundup of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/08/beds-bedding-guide.html ">bed ideas</a>, including four-posters, canopy beds, minimalist platform beds, sleigh beds and day beds. The focus here is on construction rather than bedding, which is a good thing--a well-designed bed requires only the simplest of bedspreads and bedroom decor. <br />
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<strong>Get Lazy With Lighting</strong><br />
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If you'd like something a bit more eye-catching, visit Casa Sugar, which points out what may be the perfect <a target="_blank" href="http://www.casasugar.com/Sleepy-Lamp-Studio-Klass-Busso-10162977 ">bedroom lamp</a>: the Sleepy Lamp by Italian company Busso. An elegant piece that leans like a ladder, it's the picture of modern minimalist perfection. With a shade built into the wall and a few rungs for hanging clothes or storing books, the lamp is also a space-saver. <br />
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<strong>Sing the Blues</strong><br />
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Color is also key to creating a subdued atmosphere in your bedroom. Gentle tones of blue are a good bet, according to Real Simple. The site has a slide show of beautiful blue furniture, paint and decor, and advises that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-blue-ideas-00000000023283/index.html ">warm blues</a> "help make a room feel cozier," while cool blues "can help make a small space look bigger" and can "encourage calmness (which is nice for a bedroom)."<br />
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The idea of a cool blue bedroom instantly conjures images of stormy beaches, where the water and sky sometime appear to collide. In a recent post, Remodelista focused on the dreamy <a target="_blank" href="http://remodelista.com/posts/steal-this-look-cape-cod-artists-house ">summer beach homes</a> of the 1930s European Modernists. Built mostly in Wellfleet on Outer Cape Cod, the homes are "humble in budget, materials, and environmental impact," which makes their design schemes applicable to apartments as well. The Modernists were also intent on living close to nature, a philosophy many scientists would likely recommend to the technology-prone insomniacs among us.<br />
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<div align="left" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.5px;" dir="ltr"><span><em>Looking for more advice about renting? Here are some </em><a style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);" target="_blank" href="http://realestate.aol.com/"><em>AOL Real Estate</em></a><em> guides to help you:<br />
</em>
<ul>
    <li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/08/renting-with-bad-credit/"><em>Renting With Bad Credit</em></a></li>
    <li style="margin-left: 15px;"><em><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/29/tips-for-finding-a-rental-apartment/">Tips for Finding a Rental Apartment</a></em></li>
</ul>
</span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.5px;"><font color="#0000ff"><span><font color="#000000"><em><br />
<em>More on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:<br />
Find out how to <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/mortgage-calculator?flv=1">calculate mortgage</a> payments.<br />
Find <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale">homes for sale</a> in your area.<br />
Find <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/foreclosures">foreclosures</a> in your area.<br />
Get <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/tax-advice/top-tax-deductions-by-room">property tax help</a> from our experts.</em></em></font></span></font></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/24/strategies-for-a-serene-bedroom/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19597018/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/24/strategies-for-a-serene-bedroom/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bedroom</category><category>beds</category><category>technology</category><category>technology addiction</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-08-24T16:10:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Fashion-Inspired Decor Dresses Up Drab Apartments</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/11/fashion-inspired-decor-dresses-up-drab-apartments/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/11/fashion-inspired-decor-dresses-up-drab-apartments/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/11/fashion-inspired-decor-dresses-up-drab-apartments/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="Many fashion designers have released interior lines that serve as inspiration for apartment dwellers. " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2009/07/livingetc.hallwaysm.jpg" />As prominent fashion designers release home decor lines, and clothing catalogs feature sets as thrilling as the outfits, the lines between what we wear and how we decorate our <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/">apartments</a> are increasingly blurred. <br />
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Use the stylish examples below as starting points for a new look in your own rented space:<style type="text/css"> #mini_module_blank { width: 269px; height:206px; border: none; float:left; margin:10px; font-size:12px;} #mini_module_blank img {border:none; width: 265px; height:131px; border: none; margin:0px; } #mini_module_blank .mini_main { margin: 0px; padding:0px; width:269px; height:206px; background: transparent url(http://www.aolcdn.com/travel/zing-background-no-photo)} #mini_module_blank .mini_item_header {padding:12px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; font-size:16px;} #mini_module_blank .mini_item {padding:8px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;} #mini_module_blank a { color: #49A3CA; text-decoration:none; } #mini_module_blank a:hover { color: #F98419; text-decoration:underline;} </style> <br />
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Casa Sugar points out the always-cool <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/europe/page/home">Anthropologie fall catalog</a>, which has a bohemian vibe that's sure to stir some Parisian wanderlust. The clothes, of course, are feminine and quirkily chic, but the background sets in each photograph are just as fetching. <br />
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Peruse <a href="http://www.casasugar.com/">Casa Sugar's</a> slide show of inspiration-worthy catalog photos for ideas: velvet cushions and kitchen chalkboards lend bistro flair, for example, while mismatched curtains and stacked suitcases achieve a certain gypsy feel. <br />
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American <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/roundup/runway-to-room-marc-jacobs-living-room-109265">designer Marc Jacobs</a> is the focal point of an Apartment Therapy Chicago post about "the link between fashion and interiors." Pointing out the crossover use of similar "colors, fabrics and textures," the post reveals how closely Jacobs' runway looks resemble his interior decor -- or is it vice versa? <br />
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Several other high fashion labels have branched out into <a target="_blank" href="http://furnish.co.uk/features/439-fashion-houses-and-interior-dcor%20">interior decorating</a>, explains Furnish.co writer Catherine Gregg. She writes, "if you like a particular brand's clothes it's interesting to see how the design philosophy is translated into an interiors range." Gregg details her favorites, including Missoni, Armani and Calvin Klein, as well as Zara Home's more affordable line of furniture and decor. <br />
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For the ultimate dose of <a target="_blank" href="http://materialgirlsblog.com/chicago/category/fashion/%20">high fashion interior design</a> inspiration, check out photos taken inside the namesake hotels of Armani, Versace and Missoni, provided by Material Girls Chicago blog. <br />
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Sure, most <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/rent">renters</a> lack the space and funds to fully recreate the opulent glowing look of the Palazzo Versace Dubai. But we can always add touches of yellow and warm lighting to spruce up our <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com">apartments</a> and achieve a similarly golden look. <br />
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Happy shopping.<br />
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<em><em><br />
Also on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>.<br />
</em><em>See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"<br />
</em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em><em><em><br />
<em><em><em><em>
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Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
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created by AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a> in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/11/fashion-inspired-decor-dresses-up-drab-apartments/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19587802/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/11/fashion-inspired-decor-dresses-up-drab-apartments/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>anthropologie</category><category>apartment design</category><category>interior design</category><category>missoni</category><category>versace</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-08-11T17:34:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Accessories Put Your Stamp on Your Apartment</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/10/accessories-put-your-stamp-on-your-apartment/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/10/accessories-put-your-stamp-on-your-apartment/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/10/accessories-put-your-stamp-on-your-apartment/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2009/07/naeem-khan4.jpg" />When you've run out of creative ideas, tired of DIY schemes and considered abandoning all hope of personalizing your apartment, it may be time to incorporate trendy accessories or furnishings. <br />
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Inspired by style maven Rachel Zoe's recent mention of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rachelzoe.com/avf-acrylic-coasters ">Alexandra Von Furstenberg's neon Acrylic Coasters</a>, here are a few cool and colorful accessories and furnishings to consider snatching up:<style type="text/css"> #mini_module_blank { width: 269px; height:206px; border: none; float:left; margin:10px; font-size:12px;} #mini_module_blank img {border:none; width: 265px; height:131px; border: none; margin:0px; } #mini_module_blank .mini_main { margin: 0px; padding:0px; width:269px; height:206px; background: transparent url(http://www.aolcdn.com/travel/zing-background-no-photo)} #mini_module_blank .mini_item_header {padding:12px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; font-size:16px;} #mini_module_blank .mini_item {padding:8px 0px; margin: 0px 20px; border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;} #mini_module_blank a { color: #49A3CA; text-decoration:none; } #mini_module_blank a:hover { color: #F98419; text-decoration:underline;} </style> <br />
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Von Furstenberg's coasters are stackable and come in eight different bright shades, such as hot pink and neon yellow. As Zoe writes, "they are the life of the party." Ever the insightful trendsetter, Zoe also explains her approach to home accessorizing. "In terms of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rachelzoe.com/avf-acrylic-coasters">interior design</a>, the slightest addition to a room can set the tone, so it is crucial to pay attention to a space like you would an outfit," she writes. <br />
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The coveted AVF coasters are available in sets of 4, 6 or 8, and are outfitted with rubber bumpers to protect your furniture. What's more, when they're stacked together, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.alexandravonfurstenberg.com/products/accessories-accents/avf-acryilc-coasters.html">AVF coasters</a> "make for an interesting sculpture object to add color to your table." Ordering information is found on the company website. <br />
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Taking Zoe's lead, here are other <a target="_blank" href="http://www.walyou.com/blog/2010/07/14/cool-coasters-geeks/ ">cool coasters</a> - for geeks, that is! Walyou.com published a slideshow of 15 of the kookiest, geekiest coasters, including recycled motherboard coasters, RSS-feed coasters, and coasters bearing mathematic and control-alt-delete symbols. There are also a few pop culture references in the bunch, namely Pac Man, Star Wars and Tetris-themed coasters, all of which are sure to add some whimsical style to your pad. <br />
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<br />
We were especially taken with the translucence of the AVF coasters. With that in mind, here are ways to incorporate a chic see-through look with glass and lucite, plus a few other intriguing materials and innovative accessories. <br />
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TrendHunter's slideshow of "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/clear-home-decor-ideas#2 ">Clear Home Decor Ideas</a>" is chock full of inspiration, featuring an eclectic assortment of accessories fit for any room in your apartment. While the candy-colored fiberglass bathtub may not be a feasible option for most renters, chairs made of clear plastic and wood are likely doable. <br />
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Another practical yet interesting option for apartment dwellers are Fiam Italia's glass furnishings, made specifically for small spaces. If you're really short on space, or have an eye for the avant-garde, consider the clear, head-shaped fish tank or "Fake Plastic Baggies" made of glass. You'll have to see them to believe them.<br />
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Lastly, we turn to <em>House Beautiful</em>, which asserts, "Every designer will tell you Just one piece of clear acrylic furniture will shake up any room in any style." Flick through the site's slideshow of stylish <a target="_blank" href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/looking-for-lucite ">Lucite furniture</a>, including eye-catching tables and chairs, benches that wouldn't be caught dead in a park, and even a completely clear console for your computer or TV. <br />
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Have fun with it-incorporating trendy pieces doesn't mean sacrificing your personal style.<br />
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<br />
<em><em>Also on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>.<br />
</em><em>See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"<br />
</em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em><em><em><br />
<em><em><em><em>
<div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8056px; "><br />
************************************************<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
our online discussion with industry experts,<br />
<strong>"What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home,"</strong><br />
created by AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a> in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/10/accessories-put-your-stamp-on-your-apartment/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19585918/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/10/accessories-put-your-stamp-on-your-apartment/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>accessories</category><category>coasters</category><category>home decor</category><category>Rachel Zoe</category><category>trends</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-08-10T16:30:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>How to Turn a Stinky Apartment Into a Fresh-Smelling Home</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/05/keep-your-stinky-apartment-smelling-fresh-all-summer-long/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/05/keep-your-stinky-apartment-smelling-fresh-all-summer-long/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/05/keep-your-stinky-apartment-smelling-fresh-all-summer-long/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="left" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/06/1276712837table.jpg" />The only thing worse than hot, sticky weather is a hot, stinky apartment. Instead of suffering through - or haphazardly covering up - the smells emanating from your kitchen garbage can, why not take the experts' advice? Below, we divulge everything you need to know to keep your apartment smelling fresh and clean as the dog days of this sweaty season approach.<br />
According to Yahoo Shine, "the only way to remove a smell is to remove the source." Obvious as this tip may seem, too many of us skip this step, instead choosing the supposedly quick fix: dousing the room in air freshener. It doesn't work, says Yahoo Shine. This post explains how to deal with seven specific unappealing scents that tend to surface in our <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com">apartments</a>, including rotten eggs and decaying animals. <br />
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Love to cook? If so, your apartment might be suffering the consequences in the form of unappetizing greasy odors. This Chowhound thread addresses the issue, and includes a few great suggestions for <a target="_blank" href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/275977%20">combating food odors</a>, including air purifiers, thoroughly cleaning the oven fan, and having curtains and other fabrics professionally cleaned. <br />
<br />
How to Clean Stuff has even more advice for ridding your apartment of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/house/general-housecleaning/how-to-remove-cooking-odors/">cooking smells</a>. Heating and simmering a simple formula of vinegar, water and citrus peels, can neutralize lingering odors from last night's dinner. <br />
<br />
In a similar vein, Life Hacker suggests concocting your own <a target="_blank" href="http://lifehacker.com/software/home-improvement/de+stinkify-your-home-246868.php">air freshener</a>: "clove oil, lemon extract, peppermint or vanilla extract" will do nicely. Allow a cotton ball to soak in the oil or extract, and then place it inside a plastic bag, which can be left in the offending room or space. Life Hacker also discusses using tea bags and citrus peels. <br />
<br />
Finally, heed our own <a href="http://m.rentedspaces.com/2010/04/13/apartment-guru-garbage-out-garbage-stench-in/">Apartment Guru's advice</a> on dealing with an oft-cited concern among urban dwellers: the wafting stench of the building's garbage. In addition to requesting airtight trash receptacles, you can ask your landlord to look into city compost collections. Additionally, if necessary, consider talking with your neighbors about "depositing their trash into rather than near the receptacles."<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><em>Also on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>.<br />
</em><em>See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"<br />
</em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em><em><br />
<em><em><em><em>
<div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11.8056px;"><br />
************************************************<br />
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Want to learn more about <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/buy">home buying</a> and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
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<strong>"What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home,"</strong><br />
created by AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a> in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/05/keep-your-stinky-apartment-smelling-fresh-all-summer-long/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19569095/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/05/keep-your-stinky-apartment-smelling-fresh-all-summer-long/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>air fresheners</category><category>cleaning</category><category>cleaning products</category><category>odors</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-08-05T14:56:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Stylish Ceiling Fans Bring Cool Design and Energy Savings to Apartments</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/04/stylish-ceiling-fans-bring-cool-design-and-energy-savings-to-apa/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/04/stylish-ceiling-fans-bring-cool-design-and-energy-savings-to-apa/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/04/stylish-ceiling-fans-bring-cool-design-and-energy-savings-to-apa/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elston/6372824/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="Ceiling fans are stylish additions that can lower your energy costs. " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/fan-1280427359.jpg" /></a>There's at least another month of steamy temperatures left to withstand. But even if you already own an air conditioner, a ceiling fan still could be a worthwhile investment. <br />
<br />
According to some experts, installing ceiling fans can cut energy costs. They also can make surprisingly stylish additions to rooms in your apartment. <br />
<br />
Read on to learn about different styles of ceiling fans, and what to know before you buy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>A/C and heat supplement</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Real Simple</em> blogger Kristin Appenbrink reveals why she's considering <a target="_blank" href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/simplystated/2010/07/ceiling-fans.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplystated%2Fhome+%28simply+stated%3A+home+%7C+By+RealSimple.com%29">investing in a ceiling fan</a>: "They help cool in the summer, warm in the winter ... and they help prevent stale air," a common complaint among apartment dwellers lacking central air or heating systems. Appenbrink is considering the "unobtrusive" Britton Ceiling Fan by Savoy House, which has an attached light fixture. <br />
<br />
When the weather cools, simply change the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise; this setting will push warm air down from the ceiling and force cool air up from the floor.<br />
<strong><br />
<br />
Ceiling fan style</strong><br />
<br />
For advice on which size ceiling fan to purchase, including information about the best brands, various noise levels and which direction your ceiling fan should turn, <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/heat-cold/ceiling-fans-pretty-is-as-pretty-does-114596">consider this Apartment Therapy post</a> your complete guide. Additionally, photos of some seriously chic ceiling fans are featured. <br />
<br />
Design Sponge also weighed in on the most sleek, sophisticated and innovative-looking <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/ceiling-fan-roundup.html%20">ceiling fans</a> -- fair warning, however, that the selection of metal, wood and mod-plastic ceiling fans is not cheap. For less expensive options, Design Sponge suggests perusing the offerings on eBay, Craigslist and Overstock.com, as well as scouring local flea markets and yard sales. <br />
<br />
Still not convinced that a ceiling fan can look anything other than boring? Check out design blog Maddie's Nest. In a recent post, blogger Susie Isaac points out the standout <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/chic-idea-for-the-fan-with-lights/%20">ceiling fans featured in <em>Glamour</em> magazine</a> editor Suze Yalof Schwartz's New York City apartment. The fans feature "drum shades," which come in various custom linens, and add something special to each room.<br />
<i><br />
</i><em>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12.1528px;"><strong><b><br />
</b></strong></div>
<em>Also on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>.<br />
</em><em>See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"<br />
<br />
</em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em><em><br />
<em><em><em><em>
<div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11.8056px;"><br />
************************************************<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/buy">home buying</a> and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
our online discussion with industry experts,<br />
<strong>"What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home,"</strong><br />
created by AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a> in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/04/stylish-ceiling-fans-bring-cool-design-and-energy-savings-to-apa/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19573845/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/04/stylish-ceiling-fans-bring-cool-design-and-energy-savings-to-apa/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>air conditioners</category><category>ceiling fans</category><category>energy costs</category><category>lower energy bills</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-08-04T15:36:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Organizing Small Kitchen Keeps Things Cooking</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/23/organizing-small-kitchen-keeps-things-cooking/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/23/organizing-small-kitchen-keeps-things-cooking/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/23/organizing-small-kitchen-keeps-things-cooking/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a></p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fooferkitten/3019087195/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="There are easy ways to organize your small kitchen to create more space. " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/kitchen-organization-1279648648.jpg" /></a>The clutter happens quickly inside many an apartment-dweller's <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/kitchen-remodeling">kitchen</a>. The buildup of stuff: pens, notepads, dishes, vases, sleek new appliances, cookbooks and Tupperware. <br />
<br />
Before you know it, clutter is stopping you from using your kitchen - however small - to the fullest. <br />
<br />
Before the mess cuts into your motivation to cook or unwind in what's supposed to be everyone's favorite room, take heed of the following kitchen-organization advice:<br />
<br />
<strong>Maximizing a Small Kitchen<br />
</strong><br />
The Smitten Kitchen typically churns out delectable recipes for home cooks, but a 2008 post reveals how the blogger makes the most out of every inch of her teeny tiny kitchen. By utilizing white paint and space-saving dispensers, racks and bowls, the blogger insists that anyone can <a target="_blank" href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/how-to-max-out-your-tiny-kitchen/%20">create an airy kitchen space</a>. Another key tip: Maintain one completely spare counter space for slicing, dicing and preparing meals. <br />
<br />
Continuing on with the idea of <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/tips-techniques/make-most-small-kitchen-10000001214727/index.html">maximizing a small space</a>, <em>Real Simple </em>suggests creating "a triangle of efficiency" between the refrigerator, sink and stove. This post also suggests a few specific products to ease your de-cluttering efforts, including an under-cabinet glass rack from Pier1, and a base cabinet from Ikea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Organizational Tricks and Tips<br />
</strong><br />
Got too many pots and pans, overflowing cabinets and messy counter tops? Before taking any further steps, "make a clean sweep" of your kitchen, ridding it of unnecessary items, advises Home Interiors Zone. Next, invest in hanging units for pots and pans, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.homeinteriorszone.com/home-improvement/4-tips-to-help-organize-a-small-kitchen/%20">space-saving appliances</a>. Additionally, don't skimp on storage aids inside cabinets: dividers, lazy Susans and shelving are three simple and inexpensive streamlining methods. <br />
<br />
For many urbanites, cooking at home is a must for money-saving and health reasons. To ensure an <a href="http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/small-space-ideas-building-racks-behind-cupboard-doors.html">efficient kitchen setup</a>, try taking the steps suggested by Oh My Apartment. Install storage racks on cabinet doors and above counters to create extra counter space, and consider devoting one full door-rack each to spices, cleaning products and food storage supplies. <br />
<br />
Next, we turn to the queen of domesticity herself, Martha Stewart, for her foolproof <a target="_blank" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/organizing-your-home#slide_2%20">kitchen-organization</a> tips. In an easy-to-browse photo slideshow, Martha explains how to stack various cupboard items "between tension curtain rods arranged vertically on a shelf," and suggests using simple bins and baskets to hold loose ends, like dishtowels. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Simplify Your Kitchen<br />
</strong><br />
Funny how the organizing process often results in confusion and chaos, yes? Look no further than HGTV's <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/five-ways-to-simplify-your-kitchen/index.html">"Five Ways to Simplify Your Kitchen"</a> for remedies. Perhaps most importantly, the post urges you to consider the visual impact of the materials you can see." In other words, think about how your kitchen appliances, chairs, cabinets and paint color work together; too many patterns, hues and materials can overwhelm your space and feel like, well, clutter. <br />
<br />
Also, keep in mind ease of use when planning where to put items in your kitchen. Placing "objects according to their 'point of main use,' " such as dishes near the oven, can help ward off future clutter attacks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><em>More on AOL <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:<br />
See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.<br />
Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy?</a>"<em><br />
<br />
</em>
<div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8056px; "><br />
************************************************<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
our online discussion with industry experts,<br />
<strong>"What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home,"</strong><br />
created by AOL Real Estate in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/23/organizing-small-kitchen-keeps-things-cooking/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19561674/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/23/organizing-small-kitchen-keeps-things-cooking/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>declutter</category><category>kitchen organization</category><category>organization</category><category>small kitchen</category><category>small space</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-23T18:30:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Staycation Decorating: Bring the Vacation Home With Travel Themes</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/21/staycation-decorating-bring-the-vacation-home-with-travel-theme/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/21/staycation-decorating-bring-the-vacation-home-with-travel-theme/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/21/staycation-decorating-bring-the-vacation-home-with-travel-theme/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb-photography/2256587128/"><img hspace="4" height="220" width="264" vspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="A souvenir stand filled with travel-themed decoration for your apartment. " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/traveltheme.jpg" /></a>While <a target="_blank" href="http://theperfectdesign.com/blog/travel-graphic-design-tip-59/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=travel-graphic-design-tip-59">The Perfect Design Blog</a> suggests <a class="inlinked" href="http://travel.aol.com/">travel</a> as a way for graphic designers to revive their creativity and broaden their perspectives, we think everyone, despite what you do for a living, can benefit from changes of pace and scenery. But if your summer vacation has passed, or you just can't get away, fear not, apartment dweller. There are simple ways to capture the restorative effects of travel at home.<br />
<br />
Below, we present ideas for ways to incorporate travel -- including your own travels -- into the design of your apartment.<br />
<br />
Addressing clutter and style at once, HGTV shows how the home office of a pair of newlyweds is transformed from messy and bland to put-together and unique, thanks to the couple's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/travel-themed-office/index.html">travel souvenirs</a>. Box seats with storage space are used to display various knickknacks from around the world, while vintage travel labels decorate the couple's cork board. HGTV also turned a blas&eacute; <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/update-your-family-room-with-an-eclectic-travel-theme/index.html">living room</a> into a worldly space, using eclectic fabrics and wall coverings, and chic wall-mounted picture frames filled with travel memories. <br />
<br />
That's not to say you should show off all of your souvenirs at once in the same room. But which items to choose? And how to find souvenirs that aren't too kitschy? Apartment Therapy covers both questions in a post on "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/travel/best-souvenirs-to-display-in-the-home-089311">Best Souvenirs to Display</a> in the Home." Your own photos, items from foreign thrift shops, framed postcards, nature jars, and fabrics are all affordable ways to preserve travel memories, and all can be displayed easily at home. <br />
<br />
Apartment Therapy also shows how to display <a target="_blank" href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/history/decorating-with-vintage-travel-posters-121182">vintage travel posters</a>. Colorful art deco advertisements with illustrations of the Eiffel Tower, European summer festivals and various 1930s products are some of the more charming posters you'll find. In addition to upping your apartment's worldly style, these posters may just inspire your next getaway. <br />
<br />
Decorating with vintage suitcases and globes are some of the more obvious suggestions given, but interior decorating examiner Zaday Sanchez also tells how a <a target="_blank" href="http://wwww.examiner.com/x-43820-Gainesville-Interior-Decorating-Examiner%7Ey2010m4d13-World-travels-the-latest-theme-in-home-decor">travel theme</a> can be used to spruce up your <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/photo-galleries/improve/before-and-after-kitchens">kitchen</a> space. If you can't sip a coffee and nosh on croissants in Paris, why not create that Parisian bistro vibe at home? Sanchez suggests "French-themed wall art" and wire wine racks for a subtly chic atmosphere. <br />
<br />
Finally, for some international inspiration, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tl-design-awards-2010/1">Travel and Leisure's annual Design Awards</a> for 2010, including travel products, hotels and motels, and museums and restaurants that are destinations unto themselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>More on AOL <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:<br />
See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.<br />
Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy?</a>"<em><br />
<br />
</em>
<div style="text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8056px; "><br />
************************************************<br />
<br />
Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss<br />
our online discussion with industry experts,<br />
<strong>"What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home,"</strong><br />
created by AOL Real Estate in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<br />
<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers">Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</div>
</em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/21/staycation-decorating-bring-the-vacation-home-with-travel-theme/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19553599/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/21/staycation-decorating-bring-the-vacation-home-with-travel-theme/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>design</category><category>staycation ideas</category><category>staycations</category><category>travel</category><category>vintage posters</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-21T15:15:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Rental Shares: How Collectivism Works for Apartment Dwellers</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/rental-shares-how-collectivism-works-for-apartment-dwellers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/rental-shares-how-collectivism-works-for-apartment-dwellers/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/rental-shares-how-collectivism-works-for-apartment-dwellers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupsoflove/4020625609/in/set-72157622607785012/" target="_blank"><img hspace="4" height="220" width="263" vspace="4" border="1" align="left" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/communal.jpg" alt="Shoppers enjoy a clothing swap, one of several ways for apartment dwellers to share resources. " /></a>Among young urbanites, the general consensus of late is that cooperation is a good thing. <a href="http://nymag.com/guides/everything/collectivism/" target="_blank"><em>New York </em>magazine</a> reports on the trend of collectivism, saying, "The sharing of everything from cabs to clothes to child care is suddenly modish, promoted by city officials, exploited by entrepreneurs, and pursued by legions of everyday citizens." <br />
<br />
While the article offers tips on where and how to share everything from pigs to <a href="http://autos.aol.com/motorcycles" class="inlinked">motorcycles</a> in New York, we're most intrigued by the concept of sharing design inspirations, furniture, craft supplies and the like. <br />
<br />
Here are some ways to tap into "the new collectivism" in your very own apartment, with social networking sites for crafters and design enthusiasts:<strong><br />
<br />
Crafty Communities<br />
</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> serves as a home base of sorts for nimble fingers: knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, dyers and other types of designers flock to the site to share ideas and sell their wares. Setting up an account is free, quick and easy, and grants access to a plethora of patterns and people to stimulate your creative juices. You can also use Ravelry's notebook feature to keep track of projects. Check out the "groups" tab to find like-minded designers and crafters from across the country. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftster.org/" target="_blank">Crafster</a> is an online community for obsessive DIY-ers, with listings of crafty meetups, fairs and stores around the world. Informative yet accessible articles show you how to recreate unique design projects, like this urban <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=348403.0" target="_blank">balcony makeover</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Swapping<br />
</strong><br />
We've already told you which <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/" target="_blank">used items</a> can spruce up your apartment; now, consider swapping. <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/" target="_blank">Swap Bot</a> is an online swap-enabler, making it easy for you to start a swap or find a great one already in existence. Swap Bot also features craft tutorials, offering know-how and instructions free of charge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Yard Sharing<br />
</strong><br />
The idea presented by <a href="http://hyperlocavore.ning.com/" target="_blank">Hyperlocavore</a> is simple: find or start a yard share where you live. The site describes yard sharing as "an arrangement between people to share skills and gardening resources; space, time, strength or skills, in order to grow food as locally as possible," and suggests the concept to apartment dwellers or anyone else looking to strengthen their community through gardening. <br />
<br />
Yard shares can be cheaper than community supported agriculture (CSAs), and are an alternative to community gardens, which are often crowded or completely full. Browse the site's listings and you'll discover yard-sharing agreements from New Jersey to Oregon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Communal Living<br />
</strong><br />
If you're ready to take a bigger leap to <a href="http://directory.ic.org/" target="_blank">communal living</a> -- whether in an eco-village, commune or co-op -- peruse the listings provided by the Fellowship for Intentional Community website. The site's database, maps and lists, organized by location and community type, are also helpful resources for would-be members of the new collectivism movement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>More on AOL <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:<br />
See <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/" class="inlinked">apartments for rent</a> in your area.<br />
Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy?</a>"<em><br />
<br />
</em>
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<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/rental-shares-how-collectivism-works-for-apartment-dwellers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19550716/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/rental-shares-how-collectivism-works-for-apartment-dwellers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>communal living</category><category>crafts</category><category>rental shares</category><category>shares</category><category>swapping</category><category>swaps</category><category>yard share</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-20T12:49:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Design Blogs Roundup: Bring the Beach Inside</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/09/design-blogs-roundup-bring-the-beach-inside/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/09/design-blogs-roundup-bring-the-beach-inside/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/09/design-blogs-roundup-bring-the-beach-inside/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="apartment design blogs" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/06/space2-1277316510.jpg" />It can be tough to move on from the Fourth of July; we're all experiencing a bit of a letdown after the fantastic fireworks and mouthwatering grilling sessions, gatherings with friends and family, and downtime away from work. But bloggers have come to the rescue, presenting ways to bring a beach vibe inside. From boardwalk photography, to lanterns and planters fit for a sandy bungalow, to variations on the waterside staple that is the lobster roll, these ideas have us feeling ready for another round of summer. <br />
<br />
Keep reading for beachy-keen inspirations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Devil May Care DIY </strong><br />
<br />
Design Sponge shows off two DIY projects with lighthearted, summery flair. First up, glowing <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/07/diy-project-karens-coffee-can-lanterns.html#more-54565">coffee can lanterns</a> that will transform your apartment from steamy and urban to romantic and tropical. You'll need a bit of wire and votive candles to complete the look. <br />
<br />
If you'd rather not pick up a hammer in this heat, try the second DIY project from Design Sponge: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/07/diy-project-angela-adams-bait-bag-planters.html">bait bag planters</a>. Made from the colorful lobster-fishing bags you've seen hanging in coastal places like Portland, Maine, these hippie-chic planters are easy to make, inexpensive and just right for July. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Boardwalk Nostalgia</strong><br />
<br />
"You can practically smell the hot dogs and cotton candy," writes the blogger at Moco Loco about a series of <a target="_blank" href="http://mocoloco.com/art/archives/017400.php?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mocoloco%2FKGTY+%28MoCo+Loco%29">summertime photographs</a> by Bucharest native Mina Georgescu. With their brightly hued merry-go-rounds, crowds of happy sun-seekers and waterside views, these images of Coney Island and Greece are enough to make you pack up and take a vacation ... or at least visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/depuis">Georgescu's Etsy shop</a> to snag a new decoration for your apartment. <br />
<strong><br />
<br />
Lobster Bliss</strong><br />
<br />
They're the quintessential summertime meal - one bite and you're at the beach, mopping up melted butter with a crust of bread. Yes, the lobster roll is a classic, but it also has potential for reinvention. At CNN's new food blog Eatocracy, Brooklyn-based foodie Jill Billante discovers the joy of a <a target="_blank" href="http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/07/06/got-buttah-the-lobster-roll-sans-mayo/">mayo-free lobster roll</a>. We can't wait to prepare this lighter, cleaner lobster roll on a hot, humid day. Buy precooked lobster meat to keep the kitchen work to a minimum. <br />
<strong><br />
<br />
Cool Camping</strong><br />
<br />
Missing those Fourth of July s'mores already? Here's a fun product, pointed out by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designcrushblog.com/2010/07/branch-skewers.html">Design Crush</a>: stylish branch skewers. Made from stainless steel, the individual prongs are suitable for vegetables and marshmallows alike. And really, these skewers are far too sleek to bring to the beach or campsite, but they're perfect for impromptu s'mores sessions over your apartment stove.<br />
<br />
<em><br />
More on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:
<div><em>See <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"<br />
</em></em></em></div>
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</em></span></em></span><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/09/design-blogs-roundup-bring-the-beach-inside/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19546237/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/09/design-blogs-roundup-bring-the-beach-inside/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>blogs</category><category>design blogs</category><category>DIY</category><category>fourth of july</category><category>lobster roll</category><category>summer</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-09T12:46:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Recipes for Beating the Heat in Your Apartment's Kitchen</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/07/beating-the-heat-in-your-apartments-kitchen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/07/beating-the-heat-in-your-apartments-kitchen/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/07/beating-the-heat-in-your-apartments-kitchen/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="left" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/93079.jpg.jpg"  alt="Beat the heat in your kitchen" />At 6:30 a.m. today, temperatures in New York City had already reached the mid 80s. While we wouldn't blame any of you for shunning the stove in favor of an ice cream cone today, the heat does not necessarily have to keep urban apartment dwellers from eating delicious, healthy meals. <br />
<br />
The following ideas should keep your kitchen (relatively) cool and your stomach satisfied all summer long.<br />
<strong><br />
Summertime Salads</strong><br />
<br />
New Yorkers may be wilting now, but in Mississippi, things got steamy back in June. Fittingly, The Natchez Democrat's Christina Hall discussed <a href="http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/jun/09/stay-cool-your-kitchen-these-cold-summer-salads/" target="_blank">simple summer recipes</a>, the most enticing of which is a "Greek Yogurt Dip," involving nothing more complicated than grating a cucumber. Pair the creamy, garlicky finished product with sliced vegetables or smear it on a sandwich.<br />
<br />
For something more substantial and protein-packed, try this <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/honey-balsamic-bean-salad-recipe.html " target="_blank">"Honey Balsamic Bean Salad" recipe</a>, cited on the 101 Cookbooks website. To make this salad a bit more weather-appropriate, skip the fresh beans in favor of canned options, and look for toasted almonds at the store instead of slaving over them yourself. <br />
<br />
New Yorker Cathy Erway, author of "The Art of Eating In," has quick, healthy and fresh eating down to a science. Her recent post is a winner: <a href="http://noteatingoutinny.com/2010/07/06/garlicky-marinated-zucchini-with-soy-and-sesame/#more-5539 " target="_blank">"Soy-Sesame Marinated Zucchini,"</a> which requires no cooking and has a pickled tang, without the dehydrating sugar and sodium. Ever cost-conscious, Erway suggests allowing the zucchini to sit in the fridge with just "a few dashes of vinegar and soy sauce," for a pungent kick. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Icy Treats</strong><br />
<br />
If you've got a vacuum sealer, we envy you right now. As The Kitchn explains, with some food coloring, fruit juice, plastic vacuum seal bags and straws, you've got the makings of the long, <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/how-to/how-to-make-popsicles-with-a-vacuum-sealer-119882" target="_blank">slender ice pops</a> we consumed as kids. Looking for something more sophisticated? Try these pretty <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dessert/grownup-popsicles-pomegranate-yogurt-pops-119600" target="_blank">"Greek Yogurt and Pomegranate Juice Pops"</a> or add your favorite liquor - The Kitchn website suggests a refreshing <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/recipe-boozy-campari-citrus-pops-119523" target="_blank">"Campari-Citrus"</a> combination.<br />
<br />
We're also drooling over these <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2010/07/01/weelicious/ " target="_blank">"Hawaiian Popsicles,"</a> featuring a summery blend of coconut milk, pineapple and banana. The recipe, sandwiched between a few others on Babble's The Family Kitchen site, is great for little ones -- but isn't feeling like a kid part of the thrill of summertime? If you're not convinced, try adding coconut rum for a grownup kick. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Easy </strong><em><strong>Labneh</strong></em><br />
<br />
Making <a href="http://shecraves.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/what-to-do-with-yogurt-labneh.html " target="_blank"><em>labneh</em>, a Lebanese yogurt cheese</a>, involves nothing more than a tub of Greek yogurt and your refrigerator. According to the blogger at She Craves - who uses <em>labneh</em> as a dip, a bread topping, an accompaniment for roasted red peppers and olives, or a basis for good olive oil and sea salt - a few hours of refrigeration "in a paper towel-lined sieve" results in a "creamy and thick incarnation." Yum.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Cool Cooking Tips</strong><br />
<br />
If you must <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/green-ideas/how-do-you-stay-cool-in-the-kitchen-090270" target="_blank">cook</a> in this sweltering heat, consider the tips provided by Apartment Therapy readers last summer, including using crockpots, toaster ovens and countertop grills instead of the stove and regular oven. One reader suggests preparing meatloaf in a muffin tin to cut cooking time in half, a technique that could also be used for casseroles.<br />
<br />
<br />
Stay cool, readers and remember when all else fails there's that pint of ice cream in the back of your freezer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Also at AOL <a href="http://realestate.aol.com" class="inlinked">Real Estate</a>.<br />
</em><em>See <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com" class="inlinked">apartments for rent</a> in your area.</em><em><em><a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rental-listings?svar_SEARCHEVENT=yes&amp;svar_ZIP=&amp;svar_CITY=Santa+Monica&amp;svar_STATEABBR=CA&amp;svar_STATE=California&amp;svar_H1TAG=&amp;loc=Santa+Monica%2C+CA"><br />
</a><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"</em></em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/07/beating-the-heat-in-your-apartments-kitchen/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19544713/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/07/beating-the-heat-in-your-apartments-kitchen/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>apartment</category><category>cooking</category><category>heat</category><category>kitchen gadgets</category><category>no bake</category><category>recipes</category><category>salads</category><category>summer</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-07T13:20:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Buy These Used Items to Spruce Up Your Space</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a target="_top" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/strahl/2749755023/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="what to buy used" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/07/flea2.jpg" /></a>Sometimes the best things for your apartment come free - or at least cheaply. <em>U.S. News and World Report</em> fills us in on the "<a target="_blank" href="http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2010/06/28/21-things-you-should-never-buy-new">21 Things You Should Never Buy New</a>," including several items that we think all penny-pinching renters must be aware of. <br />
<br />
Best of all, summertime is a great season for finding deals and steals on the goods we've picked out of their extensive (and pretty spot-on) list.<br />
<br />
Check to see what you can get for a bargain...<br />
<br />
<strong>Ikea Furniture:</strong> Why go through the struggle of trekking to Ikea and assembling a temporary piece of furniture when it's all been done for you? One college student's loss could easily be your gain, apartment dweller, as this is the season for moving out of dorm rooms. Curbside steals and Craigslist deals are aplenty right now, according to the<em> U.S. News </em>article, but you might also try perusing the classifieds section of your local college's newspaper - find newspaper websites on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.studyworld.com/college_newspapers_online.htm">Study World</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://newspapers.com/College.htm">Newspapers.com</a>. Another tactic: post fliers near the dorms offering to take old furniture off students' hands. <br />
<br />
<strong>Home Accents:</strong> An endearingly chipped picture frame or unusual piece of artwork can be yours, if you know where to look. <em>U.S. News</em> suggests hitting up garage sales for inexpensive hidden treasures, but city dwellers should also head to flea markets, like New York's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/">Brooklyn Flea</a> or peruse their neighbors' wares at weekend stoop sales. Estate sales (which are often listed in local newspapers), as well as consignment shops and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf">Salvation Army stores</a> are other sources of gently used home accents. <br />
<br />
<strong>Craft Supplies: </strong>Do-it-yourself projects are the bread and butter of many budget-conscious renters, but supplies can get expensive. <em>U.S. News</em> points out that craft swaps are great for trading leftover bits and pieces from previous projects. We also love <a target="_blank" href="http://www.craftster.org/">Craftster</a>, a website where creative types come together to share ideas. You'll find each state's listings of craft fairs and meetups, which are great opportunities to score marked-down supplies. <br />
<br />
<strong>Office Supplies:</strong> If you happen to work from your apartment, don't skimp on a comfortable desk, chair, filing cabinets and the like, advises <em>U.S. News </em>(and we couldn't agree more). Again, here's a case of one person's loss is your gain -- as more offices shut their doors, used office furniture is readily available. Don't miss online sources, including <a target="_blank" href="http://www.officeguild.com/">The Office Guild</a>, which has an extensive range of accessories like lamps and wastebaskets in addition to larger furniture. You might even find what you need at Habitat for Humanity's <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/02/17/renovating-reduce-reuse-restore/">ReStore</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pets: </strong>Adopting a furry friend is sometimes free and almost always less expensive than buying a brand new critter. You've just missed the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.humanesociety.org/">Humane Society's Adopt-a-Cat month</a> in June, but you can still take advantage of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/06/07/a-cat-for-every-rental-purr-sonality/">cat adoption tips</a> we doled out to mark the event. Learn how to locate your nearest animal shelter, and find online resources for pet adoption - cat-specific and otherwise. Also try the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aspca.org/adoption/">ASPCA website</a> for adorable, love-starved kittens and pups in need of good homes.<br />
<br />
<em><em>
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<p style="font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 11px; "><em>More on AOL <a class="inlinked" href="http://realestate.aol.com/">Real Estate</a>:<br />
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<div style="display: inline !important; "><em><em><em>Looking for a new home? See "Should You <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/rent-or-buy">Rent or Buy</a>?"</em></em></em></div>
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<em>Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss <br />
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"</em><strong>What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home</strong><em>," <br />
created by AOL Real Estate in participation with Bank of America Home Loans.<a target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); " href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers"><br />
</a><em><em><em>
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<div><em><a target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); " href="http://realestate.aol.com/home-buying-answers"><em>Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</em></a><em>.</em></em></div>
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</em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19538899/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/01/buy-these-used-items-to-spruce-up-your-space/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>crafts</category><category>garage sales</category><category>home office</category><category>pets</category><category>thrift</category><category>thrift stores</category><category>used furniture</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-07-01T16:32:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Apartment Design Blogs: July 4th Grilling Tips</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/30/apartment-design-blogs-july-4th-grilling-tips/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/30/apartment-design-blogs-july-4th-grilling-tips/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/30/apartment-design-blogs-july-4th-grilling-tips/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/how-to/" rel="tag">How To</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="apartment design blogs" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/06/space2-1277316510.jpg" />Backyards and barbecue are the stuff that Independence Day dreams are made of, but a lack of green space doesn't mean you should abandon all hope of fun on the Fourth. Grilled burgers and vegetables charred to perfection are not out of reach for apartment dwellers, thanks to the impressive array of grilling equipment, expert indoor-grilling tips and enticing recipes available. <br />
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We point you to the best below...<br />
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To whet your appetite for grilled goodness, check out a recent post on Apartment Therapy's "The Kitchn, " in which readers were asked "What's Your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/grilling/whats-your-favorite-thing-to-cook-on-the-grill-118860 ">Favorite Thing to Cook on the Grill</a>?" Among the tantalizing responses are simple salmon and balsamic-marinated veggies, cheap and tasty chicken thighs, and even grilled pizza. We love that there are plenty of ideas for beginner cooks and savvy gourmands alike. <br />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/dining/30mini.html?ref=dining">The Minimalist</a>, aka Mark Bittman, masterfully dumbs down grilling in his latest list of 101 recipes for <em>The New York Times</em>. Bittman's ideas -- including spice-rubbed carrots, grilled guacamole and grilled mango finished with a sprinkling of cilantro -- are refreshingly original yet easy to recreate. <br />
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Before you reach for the George Foreman, consider Single Minded Women's <a target="_blank" href="http://singlemindedwomen.com/food-and-wine/apartment-grilling-indoor-cooking-tips-for-city-dwellers/ ">indoor grilling</a> tips for urban dwellers. Up your grilling game with an indoor smoker, which utilizes liquid smoke available at most supermarkets, or stick to a simple cast iron Reversible Griddle/Grill. Product details and ordering information are included. As an added bonus, this post explains what to look for in a cut of steak or chicken for your kitchen 'cue. <br />
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Of course, being cooped up inside is not the only option for your holiday weekend, and there are many products that make <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/05/18/a-renters-guide-to-grills/ ">outdoor grilling</a> more accessible to renters. Lucky for you, Rented Spaces did the research already; our recent post offered a run-down of bucket grills fit for picnic tables, stand-up electric grills that go from park to apartment with ease, and wall-mounted and patio-friendly grills for balcony barbecues. <br />
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Before determining which grill is greatest, there are few important considerations for renters to address, according to renter-centric <a href="http://www.williampaid.com/">williampaid</a> blog. Some apartment buildings and cities restrict grilling, and we'd hate for you to shell out cash for the perfect grill only to find it's against the rules. Once you've checked in with the landlord, you'll be free to peruse the options, namely <a target="_blank" href="http://www.williampaid.com/blog/index.php/2010/04/apartment-grilling-options/ ">portable tabletop grills</a> that won't break the bank. <br />
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Finally, after a lengthy grill-fest and perhaps one too many adult beverages, we know the last thing you'll want to think about this weekend is <a target="_blank" href="http://gomestic.com/do-it-yourself/the-best-and-easy-way-for-cleaning-your-barbecue-grill/ ">cleanup</a>. When you're ready, take heed of the advice offered by <a href="http://gomestic.com/">Gomestic</a>. All you'll need to keep your grill up, running and gunk-free are a few simple tools: a wire grill brush, steel wool pads and a sponge, along with baking soda, cooking oil spray, mild dish soap and a bit of aluminum foil.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 12px; ">******************************<wbr></wbr>******************<br />
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</em></em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/30/apartment-design-blogs-july-4th-grilling-tips/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19536901/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/30/apartment-design-blogs-july-4th-grilling-tips/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>apartment</category><category>barbeque</category><category>bbq</category><category>BBQ grills</category><category>indoor grilling</category><category>indoor grills</category><category>July 4th</category><category>july 4th barbecue</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-06-30T11:45:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Simple Design Ideas to Recycle Your Dull Table</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/22/simple-design-ideas-to-recycle-your-dull-table/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/22/simple-design-ideas-to-recycle-your-dull-table/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/22/simple-design-ideas-to-recycle-your-dull-table/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/norwayneedles/3647192912/" target="_blank"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/06/table2.jpg" alt="revamp your table" /></a>The following idea -- recycling furniture with woven mats -- merges an affordable, do-it-yourself sensibility. In other words, it's every green-minded urbanite's dream. <br />
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Not sold? Neither was I. That is until I realized that recreating <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/diy-project-mark-montanos-mat-covered-table.html">this</a> quirky woven tabletop look, pointed out by Design Sponge, requires neither artistic dexterity nor an eye for chic needles in flea market haystacks. <br />
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A shabby table from your sidewalk sale of choice, or picked up at your favorite discount store, is the basis for this project. The next step is simple for most city dwellers: grab some of the woven mats found in many a Chinatown shop.Finally, snag some colored ribbon, a glue gun and polycrylic finish, and you're good to go. The end result is a cozy eye-catcher, a table reminiscent of summer picnics and grandma's house with a hipster bent.<br />
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Alas, lazy craftswoman that I am, I tried to think up ways to adjust this project, hoping to cut back on the time and energy required of it. Instead of attacking an entire table, you might top a dresser or simple chair with a woven mat coating. And hey, if you forgo the glue, ribbon and polycrylic finish, dressing up your Ikea kitchen table with a few colorful mats also does the trick quite nicely.<br />
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Designer and Style Network personality Mark Montano (who we've previously <a href="http://www.rentedspaces.com/2010/05/27/budget-apartment-design-with-the-big-ass-book-of-home-decor/">featured</a> on Rented Spaces) includes this project in his latest book, "The Big-Ass Book of Home Decor," a follow-up to his previous book, "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts." As you've likely gleaned from his tongue-in-cheek titles, Montano injects fun into his work and doesn't take himself too seriously. Check out his <a href="http://www.markmontano.typepad.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, which covers everything from his favorite tools - he's a self-confessed "scissor snob" - to his entertainment of choice: TV shows like "Will and Grance" and "Glee."<br />
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What does this all mean for you, harried apartment dweller? Well, hopefully it means you've got someone new in your corner, a designer who freely shares his (often easy to replicate) ideas and professional tips. The great thing about many of Montano's suggestions is that they tend to work well regardless of how much space you have; he loves to spruce up small items, like end tables, vases, pillows and drink trays. Occasionally, Montano reveals how to craft an item from scratch, rather than simply dressing up something you've already got in your apartment. For example, he put together this cool, <a href="http://markmontano.typepad.com/mark-montano/2010/05/light-me-up-baby.html" target="_blank">summery lantern</a> with wire plant baskets and paper last May. <br />
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<br />
But if Montano's table-enhancing idea is not your speed, here are a few other ideas to give your table new life:<br />
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New paint, stencils and fabric help you recycle even the most bare-bones pieces, like the tired picnic table showcased in a recent thread on <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=318316.0" target="_blank">Crafster</a>. After giving the benches a fresh coat of paint and covering them with graphic black-and-white fabric, the resourceful owner applied a similar bold stencil to the tabletop. <br />
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Achieve an artistic <a target="_blank" href="http://ecoki.com/diy-recycled-mosaic-art/">mosaic</a> look by layering (and reusing) colorful tiles and bits of glass and stone, suggests Ecoki. Break the glass yourself, or purchase a package of glass tiles that have already been smashed to pieces. Ecoki details the tools and techniques you'll need. <br />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/recycle-an-old-wooden-kitchen-table">Vivid paint</a> and oilcloth are perhaps the simplest ways to recycle a well-worn kitchen table. Suite 101 Green Living offers tips, and points to a few other quick fixes, like creating a garden potting table, or crafting a coffee table by cutting down wooden table legs. <br />
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/hilarys-diy-wallpaper-nightstand-project-101058" target="_blank">Wallpaper</a> or decorative paper can also be adhered to tabletops, as shown by Apartment Therapy. This easy DIY project lends creative, colorful energy to boring, cookie-cutter tables, and requires only clean hands, spray adhesive and your paper of choice.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/22/simple-design-ideas-to-recycle-your-dull-table/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19519167/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/22/simple-design-ideas-to-recycle-your-dull-table/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>design</category><category>DIY</category><category>interior design</category><category>kitchen</category><category>mosaic</category><category>paint</category><category>recycle</category><category>tables</category><category>upcycle</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-06-22T14:30:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Apartment Design Blogs: Letting Summer Sink In</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/21/apartment-design-blogs-letting-summer-sink-in/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/21/apartment-design-blogs-letting-summer-sink-in/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/21/apartment-design-blogs-letting-summer-sink-in/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="living in small space ace of space" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2010/04/space2.jpg" />Some of our favorite design blogs have been summer-obsessed this week, digging up chic mobile planters, finding the coolest campsite-inspired decor, and bringing beachside flair inside. Here's a roundup of ideas sure to transform your apartment into a private respite from the season's concert crowds and sticky humidity. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/before-after-melissas-dungeon-bedroom-makeover.html"><br />
<br />
Design Sponge</a> alerts us to an incredible room makeover, one that turned a cramped basement into a beachy hideaway. From the pillowed ceiling, to the white walls and elegant photo display, this room is proof that color and accessories can reinvent any space, no matter how small. <br />
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Here are more great design ideas....<br />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://aprilandmaystudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/reading-tables.html">April and May Studio</a> found cool, minimalist-chic reading tables that double as magazine racks. The space-savers are made by German designer <a target="_blank" href="http://ulibudde.com/">Uli Budde</a>, and are available in red or white, and in various sizes. <br />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2010/06/17/a-month-by-the-lake/">San Francisco Bay Girl</a>, who's prepping for a vacation herself, clearly had relaxation in mind when putting together her latest dreamy post. Titled "a month by the lake," it features vintage, campsite-inspired items -- yes, there is wicker -- that bring the outdoors in. Nothing says summertime laziness quite like a well-worn folding chair, after all. <a target="_blank" href="http://happymundane.com/2010/06/bacsac-mobile-garden-containers/"><br />
<br />
Happy Mundane</a> supports green thumbs and would-be urban gardeners with a post on mobile gardens from French company <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bacsac.fr/en/">Bacsac</a>. The planters are no-nonsense yet chic, and made of permeable geotextile that allows soil and roots to breathe. Most importantly, the pots have straps that tie easily to railings and balconies. <br />
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Finally, <a target="_blank" href="http://apartmentdiet.tumblr.com/#686914463 ">Apartment Diet</a> reveals how to use exposed brick to your advantage by leaving it unadorned. Simply allowing the brick to offset a pristine white wall and black and white photography makes a bold statement despite limited space.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><wbr></wbr><em><br />
Want to learn more about home buying and home finance? If so, you won't want to miss <br />
our online discussion with industry experts, <br />
"</em><strong>What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying a Home</strong><em>," <br />
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Watch it now on AOL Real Estate</a>.</em></div>
</div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/21/apartment-design-blogs-letting-summer-sink-in/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19521791/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/06/21/apartment-design-blogs-letting-summer-sink-in/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>apartment</category><category>blogs</category><category>brick</category><category>design</category><category>interior design</category><category>wicker</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2010-06-21T12:30:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>A Guide to Brooklyn's Flea Markets and Thrift Stores</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/23/a-guide-to-brooklyns-flea-markets-and-thrift-stores/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/23/a-guide-to-brooklyns-flea-markets-and-thrift-stores/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/23/a-guide-to-brooklyns-flea-markets-and-thrift-stores/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/design/" rel="tag">Design</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kthread/" target="_blank"><img hspace="4" border="1" align="left" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2009/12/flea.jpg" alt="" /></a>Living in Brooklyn means you don't have to spend a fortune to furnish your apartment. With the borough's seemingly endless array of thrift stores and flea markets, there's no excuse not to create a chic and sophisticated space with cozy personal touches. <br /> <br /> That attitude also applies to your closet, thanks to the myriad local artists and designers peddling everything from knitted hats and scarves, to hand-painted tees and unique baubles at markets in Williamsburg, Fort Greene and Park Slope. But before you scurry from market to thrift store and back again this season, look to your eclectically decked-out neighbors for inspiration. You may just see some of their castaway duds at consignment shops like <a href="http://www.beaconscloset.com/ " target="_blank">Beacon's Closet </a>and <a href="http://www.buffaloexchange.com/index.php?pg=25&amp;id=26" target="_blank">Buffalo Exchange</a>, where locals sell and trade their gently worn favorites. <br /> <br /> While some of Brooklyn's most enticing flea markets, such as Park Slope's, hibernate in the winter, several are open year round. Favorite fleas like the <a href="http://www.brooklynindiemarket.com/ " target="_blank">Brooklyn Indie Market</a> in Carroll Gardens and <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/ ">The Brooklyn Flea</a> in DUMBO are open weekends, presenting the perfect opportunity to try out a new brunch spot before you traipse giddily from vendor to vendor - just save some room for the mini cupcakes from <a href="http://www.kumquatcupcakery.com" target="_blank">Kumquat Cupcakery</a>, sold at the Brooklyn Flea.<br /> <iframe scrolling="no" height="400" frameborder="0" width="600" src="http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=106413655876144665848.00047b63b12ce9040b6e4&amp;ll=40.69782,-73.974724&amp;spn=0.104117,0.20565&amp;z=12&amp;output=embed" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Flea Markets </strong><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/ ">The Brooklyn Flea</a> <br /> <em>81 Front Street</em> (weekends) <br /> In April, the Flea moves to Fort Greene and Brooklyn Bridge locations. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.artistsandfleas.com/ ">Artists and Fleas Indoor Artist &amp; Designer Market</a> <br /> <em>129 N 6th St. in Williamsburg</em> (weekends, 12-8) <br /> Vintage Market (next door to above, same address, same days/times) <br /> Market in McCarren (closed for winter) <br /> <a href="http://www.brooklynindiemarket.com/"><br /> Brooklyn Indie Market </a><br /> <em>Smith and Union Streets in Carroll Gardens</em> (Sat. 11-7; Sun. 11-6) <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.parkslopefleamarket.com/">Park Slope Flea Market at PS 321 </a><br /> <em>PS 321 Schoolyard, 7th Ave. between 1st and 2nd Sts. Park Slope</em> (Weekends 9-5) <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/13/32_13_bm_ps_flea.html ">Park Slope Flea Market at Al-Noor School parking lot </a><br /> <em>194 20th St. in Park Slope</em> (Re-opens wknds in May) <br /> <strong><br /> Thrift Shops </strong><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.newyorkshitty.com/?p=14218">Junk </a><br /> <em>500 Driggs Ave. in Williamsburg</em> <br /> <em>216 Franklin St. in Greenpoint</em><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/locations/detail/brooklyn-thrift-shop/">Housing Works</a><br /> <em>122 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights<br /> </em><br /> <a href="http://www.beaconscloset.com/">Beacon's Closet</a><br /> <em>88 N.11th street in Williamsburg<br /> 92 5th Ave. in Park Slope <br /> </em><br /> <a href="http://www.buffaloexchange.com/index.php?pg=25&amp;id=26">Buffalo Exchange</a><br /> <em>504 Driggs Ave. in Williamsburg</em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/23/a-guide-to-brooklyns-flea-markets-and-thrift-stores/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19283544/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/23/a-guide-to-brooklyns-flea-markets-and-thrift-stores/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>brooklyn</category><category>flea markets</category><category>FleaMarkets</category><category>New York</category><category>new yorkspsnotreqdcity</category><category>NewYork</category><category>thrift stores</category><category>ThriftStores</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2009-12-23T12:00:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Where to Hear Live Music in Brooklyn</title><link>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/15/where-to-hear-live-music-in-brooklyn/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/15/where-to-hear-live-music-in-brooklyn/</guid><comments>http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/15/where-to-hear-live-music-in-brooklyn/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog//media/2009/12/concert.jpg" />There's perhaps no better cultural barometer than music, and no better way to get acclimated to your new neighborhood than to catch local live shows. While New York has remained a melting pot of talented up-and-coming bands for decades, it's Brooklyn that has risen to the top of the indie talent heap. The borough offers a slew of nightly shows to choose from, and with them, an enticing array of venues. <br />
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Williamsburg, a neighborhood both revered and reviled for its overwhelmingly hipster populace, has emerged as the best place in the whole of Gotham to see live music. Last summer, a makeshift waterfront stage hosted indie darlings like <a href="http://music.aol.com/artist/grizzly-bear">Grizzly Bear</a> <em>(left)</em>, <a href="http://music.aol.com/artist/the-dirty-projectors">The Dirty Projectors</a>, and <a href="http://www.spinner.com/tag/fieryfurnaces">Fiery Furnaces</a> for a series dubbed "The Pool Parties." Meanwhile, mainstays like the Music Hall of Williamsburg and Union Pool have given way to a new generation of venues that do double duty as bowling alleys and creative cocktail dens - think Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg and Littlefield in Gowanus.<br />
In fact, Brooklyn's draw is so strong that long-running Manhattan club The Knitting Factory moved across the bridge (to Williamsburg, of course). So let the indie skeptics stew while you traipse from hole-in-the-wall Pete's Candy Store to a DIY basement show in Bushwick, catching creative musicians in their element. <br />
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<a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/"><strong>The Bell House </strong></a><br />
<em>149 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/"><strong>Music Hall of Willaimsburg</strong></a><br />
<em>66 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.spsounds.com/"><strong>Southpaw </strong></a><br />
<em>125 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 7</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.littlefieldnyc.com/ "><strong>Littlefield </strong></a><br />
<em>622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.brooklynbowl.com/ "><strong>Brooklyn Bowl </strong></a><br />
<em>61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.bruarfalls.com/ "><strong>Bruar Falls </strong></a><br />
<em>245 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.knittingfactory.com/"><strong>Knitting Factory Brooklyn </strong></a><br />
<em>361 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.petescandystore.com/home"><strong>Pete's Candy Store </strong></a><br />
<em>709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/unionpool"><strong>Union Pool </strong></a><br />
<em>484 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 </em> <br />
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<a href="http://www.publicassemblynyc.com/ "><strong>Public Assembly </strong></a><br />
<em>70 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.glasslands.com"><strong>Glasslands </strong></a><br />
<em>289 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.polishnationalhome.com/warsaw.html"><strong>Warsaw </strong></a><br />
<em>261 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/deathbyaudioshows"><strong>Death by Audio </strong></a><br />
<em>49 South 2nd Street, Brooklyn NY 11211</em><br />
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<a href="http:// http://www.myspace.com/markethotelnyc "><strong>The Market Hotel </strong></a><br />
<em>1142 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130039803160"><strong>Fort Useless </strong></a><br />
<em>36 Ditmars Street, Brooklyn, NY <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">11221</span></span></em><span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"><br />
</span></span><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/15/where-to-hear-live-music-in-brooklyn/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/forward/19280868/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2009/12/15/where-to-hear-live-music-in-brooklyn/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>brooklyn</category><category>indie rock</category><category>live music</category><category>new york city</category><dc:creator>Sarah Amandolare</dc:creator><dc:date>2009-12-15T12:00:00 00:00</dc:date></item></channel></rss>