Thursday, February 24, 2011

Green Cleaning For Your Apartment


Cleaning your apartment can be tedious enough without having to breathe in noxious chemicals, or feeling guilty that you’re harming the planet. Fortunately, there are plenty of more environmentally friendly alternatives. Here are some suggestions to help you keep clean while still keeping the environment a high priority.

Say no to petroleum
One of the easiest things you can do is stop using dishwashing liquids that contain petroleum-based products. You also want to avoid dishwashing detergents with phosphates, as the phosphates, which can be highly toxic, then get into the water supply. There are several petroleum- and phosphate-free dishwashing products now available, including Seventh Generation, Ecover, and Method. Such companies also sell environmentally friendly laundry detergents.

Use what you have
Green cleaning does not have to be expensive. You can take advantage of products you already have in your apartment.

  • Baking soda can be used to scrub kitchen sinks and stovetops.
  • White vinegar can clean a coffeepot (pour 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water into the reservoir and run the machine; follow with just water).
  • You can use toothpaste to clean silver.
  • Keep cutting boards free of bacteria by scrubbing them in soapy water as hot as you can stand it.
  • A combination of washing soda (which is stronger than baking soda) and water, poured down the drain regularly, will help keep the drain unclogged.

Some things can’t be replaced
Not everything can be done with green products. You can do a lot of cleaning without using chlorine bleach (The Good Human has a list of bleach alternatives). But if you want to disinfect bathroom sinks and kitchen countertops, few items will kill as many germs as chlorine bleach. Vinegar, often recommended, will clean but not disinfect. If you do stick with chlorine bleach, you only need about a teaspoon or so per quart of water.

And don’t forget: never, ever mix chlorine bleach with ammonia! The resulting gas can be toxic.

Do your research
When you do buy cleaning products, you may find some research is necessary first. Labels that say “environmentally safe” or “cruelty free” may not have much in the way of standards attached to them. Consumer Reports has an Eco-Labels Center that will tell you what each label implies. Two of the most reliable labels are “Certified Biodegradable,” issued by Scientific Certification Systems, and the Green Seal.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/settling-in/green-cleaning-for-your-apartment/

Spring is Near! Are You Ready For Spring Cleaning?


We know the last thing you want to do when the gentle breezes and bright sunlight of spring hit is spend all day inside cleaning your apartment! But don’t be afraid – with a few simple tips, your apartment can feel as fresh and clean as the weather outside.

Be prepared
Save your time and energy for the cleaning itself by assembling your arsenal ahead of time. Old ready-to-work clothes, rubber gloves, scrub brushes, cleaning cloths and various cleaners (the less toxic, the better) are a good basic beginning. Amazing things can be accomplished with vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.

Having all of your supplies with you in an easy-to-carry container saves you from making multiple trips to the cabinet under the sink. Also, grab two garbage bags to add to your carryall. Use one for garbage and use the other to store things you’re not certain you want to keep but are still useful and can be donated, passed on to friends or sold.

Remove clutter
Spring cleaning time is a great chance to get rid of some of the clutter in your apartment. Don’t be sentimental in your sorting process. If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s time for it to find a new home! Think about how much less you’ll have to dust with fewer knick knacks around.

If you use a small appliance less than once a week, put it in a cupboard. You’ll be amazed at how much counter or table space you can reclaim. Be sure to go through your apartment with an eye to removing unused items that will help keep your space cleaner and uncluttered.

Storing winter items away
Putting away winter clothes and bedding is another part of getting ready for spring. Be sure that all clothing is clean and mended and that anything that can be attacked by moths is put away in a protected bag or box. Also be sure that all bedding is washed. This is a good time to sort through the linen closet to repurpose worn-out sheets and blankets. It’s also the season to flip your mattress to give it even wear.

Get to work
Turn off the TV, unplug the phone and open up some windows to let in that spring air. The more focused you are on your work, the sooner you’ll be done. Playing some upbeat tunes while you clean can help lift your spirits and your energy level. You’ll also be glad to know that you can burn calories while you’re at it!

Unsure where exactly to start? The bathroom is usually the toughest, so that might be the first room to attack. There are some great resources on the Web with step-by-step guides of what to do first in each room, such as Flylady.net’s detailed cleaning lists.

Clean each room in your apartment thoroughly before moving on to the next one. If you compartmentalize your space, it will be less overwhelming. Progress through each room in a steady direction; you’ll save time and avoid cleaning the same spot twice by not crisscrossing the room multiple times.

Also be sure to clean the window treatments in every room of your apartment, dusting or removing and laundering, as per manufacturers’ recommendations. This is the time, too, for a professional carpet cleaning.

Spring cleaning isn’t always easy, but there are ways to minimize the chore. By reclaiming your apartment from winter dirt and doldrums, you’ll be ready to greet the warmth of the seasons to come!

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/settling-in/spring-cleaning/

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!




If you are scheduling a weekend day trip or you just have a day off and you don't know what to do: Check out Tybee Island this weekend! The weather has been beautiful and it's going to be even better and warmer this upcoming weekend! What more could you ask for than a day with your toes gripped to the beautiful Georgia Sand!


Whether you take your family out on a picnic or stroll along the coastline hand in hand with your special someone, make this weekend worth it!



If you can't get away this weekend from your job or family be sure to check out this upcoming event at tybee island!


The 3rd Annual Tybee Island Mardi Gras Festival is march 4th & 5th.



Or check out "The Last Song" Flip Flop Red Carpet Party on Tybee Island March 31st at 5pm.


Monday, February 21, 2011

10 Presidents Day Facts




President’s Day history


1. Washington’s Birthday
Most Americans celebrate the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and George Washington (Feb. 22) on the third Monday in February. But it hasn’t always been that way — and in some states, it still isn’t. Just as some states have different laws governing short term loans for bad credit, some follow their own rules about Presidents Day.

The official name of the federal holiday that falls on the third Monday in February is Washington’s Birthday. According to Wikipedia, “A draft of the Uniform Holidays Bill of 1968 would have renamed the holiday to Presidents’ Day to honor the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln, but this proposal failed in committee and the bill as voted on and signed into law on June 28, 1968 kept the name Washington’s Birthday.”

2. Showing Lincoln some love

Though the official federal name of the holiday is still Washington’s Birthday, 12 states have officially renamed the day Presidents Day. Newspapers nationwide also use this term, as do most schools, and thus Presidents Day is actually the more commonly used and accepted name.

3. Massachusetts mania

In Massachusetts, the holiday is still called Washington’s Birthday. However, each year the governor issues a proclamation honoring all of the presidents from Massachusetts: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy.

4. Oh what a state they’re in

Residents of New Jersey, Connecticut, Missouri and Illinois get an extra holiday. The federal holiday Washington’s Birthday is observed the third Monday of February, and they celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday on Feb. 12.

5. Thomas Jefferson was a Virginian

In Alabama, they celebrate Washington and Jefferson Day on the third Monday in February. Thomas Jefferson’s birthday is in April, and he wasn’t from Alabama.

6. Virginia is not impressed

Though Alabama went through the trouble of naming the holiday Washington and Jefferson Day, Jefferson’s home state of Virginia doesn’t share the sentiment. The holiday in Virginia is officially known as George Washington Day.

7. Now that’s a mouthful

Arkansas also has its own special name for the holiday: George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day. Daisy Gatson Bates was instrumental in ending segregation and establishing social programs in Arkansas in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.

8. They really love their presidents

In some areas, instead of closing for one day to celebrate Lincoln and Washington’s birthdays, they close for an entire week. One such place is the New York City School District.

9. Fair enough

In New Mexico, Presidents Day, as a state government paid holiday, is the day after Thanksgiving. I guess they just decided to move it to a more convenient time.

10. Washington and the Purple Heart

Washington conceived the Badge of Military Merit, for wounded soldiers, and won three during his term. The award wasn’t used again until it was revived and renamed the Purple Heart on his 200th birthday, in 1932.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tips for Living With or Near Smokers


It’s no surprise: smoking tobacco is bad for you. Countless studies and warnings issued by the United States government, the American Lung Association, and the Centers for Disease Control all show that inhaling cigarette smoke is detrimental to your health.

Despite the medical evidence, nearly 30 percent of Americans still smoke. And with millions of smokers out there, chances are you may have to live with or near one of them. Though you may not be able to avoid the smoker, there are a few things you can do to lessen your exposure to secondhand smoke.

How to avoid a roommate’s secondhand smoke
The best way to avoid breathing secondhand smoke is to avoid smoking yourself and try to convince those around you to quit. But those options obviously aren’t viable in all cases.

If your roommate or partner smokes, ask him if he’ll confine his smoking to an outdoor space like a balcony or porch. The farther he is from non-smokers (and from the open windows of non-smokers), the better for everyone’s health.

The interior of your apartment is one of the most important places to keep smoke-free, especially if you have children living in your home. Kids who inhale cigarette smoke regularly are at risk of developing respiratory infections or severe asthma in addition to many other health conditions. It’s best to maintain a smoke-free environment for them and for you.

Set up clear ground rules about where and when your roommate or partner can smoke around the apartment. Make arrangements you can both live with. Clear communication is the best way to solve problems with your roommate.

Keep the air clean in your apartment
If you are still bothered by cigarette smoke after you and your roommate have made a smoking agreement, you can try buying an air purifier for your apartment. Research shows that air purifiers can be effective at removing secondhand smoke from household air. An air purifier can not only make the air in your apartment smell fresher, but it can also reduce allergens from secondhand smoke that can make you sick.

What to do when a neighbor’s smoke bothers you
If a neighbor’s cigarette smoke regularly drifts past your balcony, windows, or front door, take a similar approach as with a roommate. Even though you may be upset, talk to your neighbor in a calm manner and explain the issue the next time you see him. Most smokers understand that non-smokers are bothered by cigarette smoke, and your neighbor will likely adjust his habits as a courtesy to you.

If a few conversations with your neighbor get you nowhere or turn combative, it may be time to turn to your apartment community manager. As long as your neighbor is allowed to smoke in his apartment, he’s not breaking any rules. But if he does smoke in an area that the apartment community has designated as smoke-free, your apartment manager can help enforce the rules in a professional way. Because smoking is not illegal, however, there is only so much your apartment manager can do about the situation.

When you’re trying to avoid a roommate’s or neighbor’s cigarette smoke, the important thing to remember is to stay calm and maintain a respectful demeanor with the smoker. Smoking may be harmful to your health, but choosing to smoke is still a lifestyle choice that everyone has the freedom to make. With patience and understanding, you’ll likely work out a reasonable solution that will both respect the smoker’s rights and help keep you healthy, as well.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/tips-for-living-with-or-near-smokers/?WT.mc_id=30290

Tips for Apartment Hunting with a Roommate


Apartment hunting with a roommate means paying attention to two sets of needs. Start the process of communicating effectively with these roommate tips, and you can find an apartment where both of you will live happily.

Things to consider when finding roommates
Living with a roommate has a lot of perks. For starters, there are the financial benefits. Having a roommate means sharing your living expenses, including the monthly rent and utilities like phone, water, and cable. With someone else to share the bills, you might be able to afford a bigger, nicer apartment. And if you’re a friendly, social person, having a roommate can also make it easier for you to find new friends.

But living with roommates can also be complicated. Personalities and lifestyles can clash, and there are many situations that could cause a rift between you and the roommate you thought you’d enjoy having. Before you go apartment hunting with a roommate, here are a few points to consider when you’re thinking about living with one or several people:

  • The more roommates you have, the more complicated it becomes to manage apartment responsibilities.
  • Each roommate comes with his own circle of friends. If you have two roommates, that’s three sets of friends who could be in your personal space.
  • In your past living arrangements, how much privacy have you needed? The more privacy you need, the fewer roommates you should have.

While this list is not exhaustive, it will get you started. (For more help choosing a roommate, refer to Living with Roommates.) Once you find a compatible roommate, you’re half way to finding a great apartment living situation.

Getting on the same page
After you find someone you’re sure will be a good roommate, you can start to search for an apartment to share. Apartment hunting with a roommate is the same as apartment hunting by yourself — only now you’ll have two sets of needs, wants, likes, and dislikes to consider in the process. Being respectful of your new roommate’s needs while still insisting on the things you want is the key to finding an apartment you can both live with.

It’s always a good idea to know what you want before you start an apartment search. So before you do any apartment hunting, sit down with your roommate and generate a list of deal-breakers. Ask your roommate to write down everything he can and cannot live without in an apartment. Consider items like price, space, features, amenities, and location.

Then write your own list of parameters for the apartment search. Look over your lists and discuss the similarities and differences. If you’ve got differing opinions on a major item like monthly rent, you’ll need to settle on a solution before you start looking for apartments. This list-writing exercise should help you and your roommate communicate your needs clearly before you start the apartment search.

Start your search
Once you’ve established the type of apartment you both want, you can find an apartment using ApartmentGuide.com. You can start by searching for apartments in a certain city and then narrow your search based on the apartment hunting criteria you and your roommate established with your lists. After you’ve got a list of potential apartments, you and your roommate can easily move from apartment hunting to apartment visiting and, ultimately, to moving in to a new apartment together.

The support and camaraderie of a roommate can be a great asset to apartment living. As long as you and your roommate keep the lines of communication open — including during your apartment search — your time together as roommates should go smoothly.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/roommatesneighbors/tips-for-apartment-hunting-with-a-roommate/?WT.mc_id=30290

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Helpful Valentines Ideas from Us Here at Courtney Station

love

The night before has always been the most exciting. Waiting, wondering... what does he or she have planned? If you've been waiting all year for this one night of romance... you don't have to wait any longer!! Make the night before a great foreshadow of what's to come. Remember be excited!!Won't you be mine?Ready to let your love know that you've got a big Valentine's Day surprise waiting for him? Here is a list of a few things you can do to let them know!! Give your love a taste of Valentine's Day with a small but quite elaborate gift. Make it something that gives a clue of what is in store for the next day - maybe a small indoor picnic if your valentine's date includes a meal. Mail or give them an invitation to whatever you have planned. Include the specifics, like how to dress, what time he or she should be there or be available, etc. Send a rose to your love with a note attached letting them know you haven't forgotten about the big day. About a week or so before Valentine's Day, write in a journal every day about the reasons why you love your mate and why this Valentine's Day is so special to you. The night before, give it to them. With each meal, try to incorporate hearts in as many ways as you can! Kidnap your partner the day before and take them to your romantic destination a day early! Create a scavenger hunt with clues on what you'll be doing! For ex. the first card could lead them to a new outfit for them to wear the next night. The second card could lead them to wine & cheese symbolizing dinner, the next card could lead them to a ticket to a movie or theater event. The fourth card could lead them to a piece of sexy lingerie, etc. Give them love coupons to be redeemed at anytime till midnight on Valentine's Day!Let the celebration begin...A little pre-celebration never hurt anyone!! It's kind of like opening that one gift on Christmas Eve... just enough to hold you over until the big day. Candlelit bath and massage - get your love ready and relaxed for the big date with a nice relaxing candlelit bath. Follow with a relaxing massage. Try a few of the massage tips located here. Plan a fun pre-valentine night together. Rent a movie, order pizza and just play with each other like you would have when you were younger. Stay the night at a hotel that offers a late morning check-out and has room service for breakfast. Prepare a night of romance... Set the mood with candles, music and wine, champagne, or sparkling cider. Order take out and shower each other with love! Before you go to bed, place a little chocolate cupid on his or her pillow with a little love note. Have fun and unwind - visit a local arcade or take in a game of pool. Play games - cards, chess, monopoly, video games - order take out. Play some romantic music or just cuddle up in a warm blanket and watch your favorite movie together. Go for a hike, build a snowman, fly a kite, have a snowball fight, go for a skate, etc. Go out to a coffee house or "theme" restaurant. Many bigger cities have restaurants that create an interactive experience, like being part of a murder mystery or medieval event. Check your local city guide!The most important thing to remember is to make it special. You and your love have found each other and are celebrating that perfect union of hearts. Never forget why you fell in love, and why you keep falling in love with them over and over again

How to Love Your Apartment



There’s nothing like moving into that new-to-you apartment. It’s a chance to decorate unadorned walls, cook in a new kitchen and see if the furniture looks better in a different setting.

If you’ve fallen out of love with your place, there are some things you can do to get that new-apartment feeling back. To revive the magic, follow these suggestions and watch yourself fall in love with your home all over again.

Work the walls
If it’s okay with your landlord, repainting the walls can make a dramatic difference to the light, atmosphere and even the perception of space in your apartment. Or maybe it’s time to cycle out the old posters and framed items hanging throughout your place. Choosing a new theme, era or style scheme for your decorations can make everything feel new.

Revamp the floors
Whether it’s a good steam cleaning for carpets or new area rugs, dealing with your floor coverings can make a big difference in bringing back the charm of your current pad. Flor.com offer some great options, for instance, from wall-to-wall carpeting to lightly-adhesive area rugs, all of which you could take with you someday if you were to move.

Makeover your bed
In most bedrooms, the bed is the most prominent part of the scenery. Make it work for you! Splurge on a new bedding set and create a sanctuary. Go with the fabric’s dominant colors or style and build around it, making a space you can’t wait to get to at the end of the day.

A few new pieces
Is it time to ditch the cinder-block and wood bookcase for something with more style and staying power? Your local thrift store, garage sales, IKEA, furniture outlet or scratch-and-dent store could offer plenty of reasonably-priced options for redecorating — or you could splurge on new furniture! Search for items that can be picked up locally and you can even save on shipping. And don’t forget eBay and Craigslist for even more options. (Read Finding Cheap Furniture, as well.)

A simple slip-cover and new pillows can completely transform your current sofa, as will a new finish or coat of paint on your bookcases and tables. Also ask friends and family if there are pieces they want to get rid of or may have in storage. You never know what treasures you might have passed on to you, even if only temporarily.

Details, details
Plants, candles, ceiling fans and lighting can also work wonders in creating a new atmosphere. Consider moving things around and swapping items between rooms. With a small table, chair and your laptop, a corner of the kitchen could become your new office, freeing up a spare room for guests, perhaps. A window view can lend a new perspective to all kinds of things.

If you’re bored with your apartment decor, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to breathe new life into the place and make you feel like you’ve just met your apartment for the first time.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/settling-in/how-to-love-the-apartment-youre-in/?WT.mc_id=30289

Valentine’s Day Ideas


If you’re fortunate enough to spend time with someone to love on Valentine’s Day, you’d like to make it special. But it’s the same dilemma every year: How can you bring a bang to Valentine’s Day without doing what everyone else is doing? Should you go low-key or all-out for the big romantic day?

Here are some tips on how to give your loved one a Valentine’s Day to remember.

Going out?
If you want to take your special someone out for Valentine’s Day, be prepared for a crowd. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants, movie theaters and florists, so advance planning is definitely in your favor.

Make reservations at the restaurant where would like to take your Valentine to dine. You might also buy movie tickets online at sites like Fandango or MovieFone, if that’s part of the festivities plan. (Call well in advance of the big day if you’re planning to send flowers).

Going out doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow the norm, however. You might think of slightly different and fun things to do. Try mini-golfing, or plan a picnic at a park. Do you both like adventure? Plan a trip to an amusement park and celebrate your relationship with roller coasters. Celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd.

Staying in?
The other option is to stay in, where there is far more privacy. Although your activity opportunities are more limited, you can be more creative for less money.

You could impress your significant other by whipping up a gourmet meal complete with chocolate-covered strawberries. Not a whiz in the kitchen? Don’t worry; you can get some help. Turn to well-known foodie sites like Epicurious.com or The Food Network for easy-to-follow recipes to get you started. Also, some companies, such as A Dinner A’Fare, will help you choose a meal to pick up at their storefront to serve at home. Or you can order in from a local favorite restaurant or from an online site, such as Gourmet Grocery Online.

Pop in any one of a number of romantic comedies that end with the guy getting the girl, or vice versa. Use Netflix or Blockbuster Online to beat the rush at the video store.

Think outside of the Tiffany’s box
It seems like Valentine’s Day gifts often run along the same lines: flowers, candy or jewelry. These are great choices if your loved one is perfectly content with roses, chocolates and a new bracelet. But after a few years, this can get repetitive.

If you want to be creative for your Valentine, think homemade. You can devise a memory book of your entire relationship, giving a special place for photos and mementos. It’s both sweet and sentimental. To really surprise him or her, instead of just handing over a card filled with sweet nothings, mail it. That way, when they open the mailbox, they get an unexpected surprise.

You might print up coupons for that person in your life, perhaps giving its bearer a free massage, dinner or night out. If you’re feeling amorous, you can be even more creative. On the morning of the big day, hide a steamy note in your spouse’s pocket or briefcase where they’re sure to find it sometime during the day.

Not every gift has to be predictable or uber-creative. A thoughtful gift is sure to be appreciated. Burn a CD full of songs you both enjoy (the 21st century mix tape). Does he like old television series? Give him a season or two on DVD. Does she want to learn how to dance or paint? Sign up as a couple for dance or painting lessons, which is not only thoughtful, but also something you can do together.

Whatever you do, keep it enjoyable, loving, and sweet. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be fun, after all!

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/valentines-day-ideas/?WT.mc_id=30289

Plan a Romantic Date in Your Apartment


How to Plan a Romantic Date in Your Apartment

You don’t have to spend top-dollar out at a quiet, candle-lit restaurant to have a romantic date. Why not create an intimate mood in your apartment? Read on for fun dating ideas to try inside your own four walls.

Bring on the creative courses
When we cook at home, we often have just enough time and energy to prepare one-dish meals, or perhaps a meat/protein and a side dish or two. Preparing a more lavish meal to share in courses is a special treat, and your date will appreciate the special effort. If he or she has a favorite dish (salmon? steak?), use that in the main course and get creative with your appetizer, soup or salad, and dessert. You might want to experiment with a new recipe for one of the courses, but choose dishes that you’re more experienced with making for the rest of the meal.

In the dark
There is an interesting trend in some eateries to host dining in total darkness. The experience is meant to heighten senses of taste and smell, so that food is enjoyed without the distraction of sight. Though it might prove a little messy, why not try the same concept for an apartment dinner? You and your date can each prepare dishes ahead of time and keep them covered. When the lights are out, you can unveil each one at the table and enjoy the surprise of what the other has made to share. Expect some interesting conversation as you marvel at how unexpected the flavors are when enjoyed in the dark.

Dinner and a movie, at home
Have fun creating an alternate universe for an evening. Themed dates bring together food and entertainment. How about BBQ and Westerns, Chinese food and kung fu, sushi and samurais, or Italian food and Fellini? You can even add decorations to go with your theme, such as Chinese lanterns, Italian travel posters, or cowboy hats.

Stargazing indoors
If you’re like many apartment dwellers, stargazing isn’t exactly easy to do, with city lights and surrounding buildings competing with starlight. Try this romantic date idea: buy glow-in-the-dark star stickers and create your own ceiling constellations. You can assemble the best-known ones or create your own heavenly palette. Along with star shapes, you might also use glowing hearts or images that represent your date’s hobbies. Try to get it as dark as possible in your apartment, then spread a blanket on the floor. Unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the night sky in your own living room!

Think beyond the white tablecloth and candle: you can create a romantic date in your apartment by listening to music or old radio shows, playing truth or dare, or sharing stories. Be creative and see if some of these dating ideas inspire ideas of your own. Most of all, have fun on your at-home date!


Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/how-to-plan-a-romantic-date-in-your-apartment/?WT.mc_id=30289

Friday, February 4, 2011

Include the Kids on Game Day


We’re all getting ready for Super Bowl Sunday, but what about the little ones? You can’t leave them out! Games are always a good way to keep them entertained! Here are a couple activities to make sure they feel included:

-Balloons-Get a brown balloon, so that it is the same color as a football and have the kids compete to keep it off the ground using their finger tips. If it falls, they fumbled!
-Sports Hunt-Hide small sports memorabilia (nothing fragile, of course) around the house and have them find it. Who ever finds the most wins!
-Get in Shape-All athletes need to be in tip top shape, so set up an obstacle course using things around the house (chairs, pillows, etc.). This will keep them busy and use up some of their energy!

The Super Bowl can be fun for everyone!

Source:http://blog.forrent.com/


5 Tips to Host a Super Bowl Party in your Apartment



Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend, so what better way to celebrate the Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers matchup than a party? Here are a few tips to help you throw a great party on this exciting day:

Tip 1: Prepare

You’re going to have rowdy activity take place in your home. So make sure you remove any fragile or breakable items out of the rooms where guests will be. Also start assembling a list of whom all you would like to invite and verbally invite them. A Super Bowl party isn’t something that’s formal so written invitations or RSVP’s wouldn’t be necessary.

Tip 2: Decorations

If you’re cheering for a specific team, make sure you incorporate their colors into the decorations for the party. You might also want to bring out all your memorabilia of that specific team. If you’re hosting the party and not for any specific team, then just incorporate football themed decorations like napkins, plates, banners, balloons, etc. I wouldn’t go too overboard with the decorations as the main purpose for this event is to watch the T.V. and not the area surrounding it! (p.s. make sure none of your decoration hinders the ability to watch the game for anyone!)

Tip 3: Entertainment

Yes, your guests are there to watch the football game! The T.V. is the most important piece of entertainment, but be sure to have activities for those not interested in watching the game. Have a separate room for those who would rather chat and make sure that room won’t interfere with those watching the game & vice versa. Also try and have fun activities for half time, like maybe a football shaped piñata!

Tip 4: Food/Drinks

This is a BIG tip, as most of your guests will be snacking on quite a bit of food. So buffet style is really your only option. You can have finger foods such as chips & dip, pizza rolls, veggies & dip, wings-‘easy food’. And make sure you have plenty of napkins in the areas where the food is and where the guests will be seated!! Usually the drink of choice for this manly custom is beer, but you don’t have to serve it if you would rather not. Just be sure whatever type of drink you are serving is enough for your guests to have more than a few glasses of since they will be there for several hours.

Tip 5: Clean Up

You’ve just had a successful party! YAY!! Hopefully your team won! But regardless, you’ve just hosted a party that you have to now clean up after! Don’t worry! If you bought plastic/paper plates, going through should be easy! Just take your trash can and dump everything! You need to vacuum up the little crumbs that are everywhere and wipe down any surfaces that are messy. If you have a few friends that’ll stay a little while after the game, enlist their help too!


Source: http://blog.forrent.com/

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Annual Backflow Inspection




Fire Extinguisher & Sprinkler Inspection
Thursday February 3rd & 4th



All Fire Extinguishers should be placed outside your front door for pick up and will be re-distributed once inspected. Your fire extinguishers are located under your kitchen sink.

We are unable to give you a time frame as to when the inspectors will enter your apartment and cannot accommodate any schedules. There will be excessive beeping during the inspection and will be temporary. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you understand this is mandated, therefore it must be done.

Please make sure pets & personal belongings are secured properly.

You can contact the leasing office at 912-748-9096 or email: Courtneystation@contavest.com (Jessica) or courtneystation2@contravest.com (Brittany)

You immediate cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance

Courtney Station Team

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

RENT IS DUE


Need to pay rent?

No worries. We have made rent paying as convenient as possible. You can pay online, via phone or on your iPhone/iPad/Droid! How awesome is that?

If you need to talk with a representative about rent, please contact Sarah Lee at 912-748-9096 or slee@contravest.com

Thank you!

Superbowl XLV Tickets are Still Available!


Who can't wait for Super bowl?


The Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers play at 6:30pm February 6, 2011

Now that the voters have chosen Troy Polamalu over Clay Matthews for The Associated Press 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, the two stars can prove their worth against each other on the field.
The show will be airing on FOX at 6:30pm E/T
The Black Eyed Peas will be performing at 8pm

If you would like to buy tickets click here------------>