Renting can be expensive, that’s no secret, and there comes a time in nearly everyone’s life where the concept of personal space and privacy must be compromised to maintain the concept of disposable income. Especially amongst young people, it’s very common to have two and sometimes even three people sharing a space that was designed for a single inhabitant. There are many simple tricks and alterations one can do to reduce the amount of tension and clutter in shared apartments.

Open Spaces

A very common dilemma is when a couple of friends are sharing one bachelor apartment. In theory, the physical size is big enough to accommodate two, but these types of apartments are often designed to act as a roomy space for one. These apartments often have one large “bedroom” area a small bathroom and a very open general space which functions as the kitchen, living room and dining room. There are as few doors as possible, so separating the living space can quickly become an issue.

So what can you do?  … Divide!

Curtains:

- At nearly every fabric store there are large pieces of cheap but great-looking fabric scraps. If you’re on a tight budget and looking to divide the space in a classy way, this is the solution.

-Pinning up these sheets and fabric pieces to act as curtains is an aesthetically pleasing, and yet effortless way to create a visual division of areas within the apartment. It also creates a better sense of privacy, and gives each roommate an area to call their own. (Just keep in mind that these barriers are NOT sound proof!)

- If you are looking to put up curtains with rods or hooks, etc. Just visit a nearby furniture or home decor store (Ikea is always a great starting point for curtains). The in-store reps will show you which curtains will suit your purpose and will teach you how to install them without using pushpins.  The only downfall of this method is the slight increase in price from the D.I.Y. alternative.

Folding Screens:

-  Most home decor stores sell these wooden, hinged screens. They function exactly like curtains, just offer a contrasting look to fabric. If you prefer the more modern, refined look of solid dividers, then opt for folding screens instead.

-  Folding Screens can be very expensive or very cheap, which make them a more tricky solution to sharing your space. If you can’t luck out at any local interior design franchises, try the internet. You’re always sure to find what you’re looking for by filtering through search engine results.

- There are a couple bonuses of folding screens. Firstly, they do not leave any installation (or pushpin) holes in the drywall. Secondly, they can be folded, stored and hidden from sight if you ever throw a party or have company over and want some extra open space. (Keep in mind, however, that folding screens are also NOT sound proof!)

The adored season of summer is nearly here, and as the warmth, freedom and fun approaches, so do the fruit flies, stifling heat and expensive air conditioning bills. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get through the downsides of this amazing season.

The weather is what most of us love about summer, but it’s a catch-22 in the sense that it also has a way of getting on our nerves. From physical discomfort to pricey utility bills, there are a handful of pet peeves linked with the heat of the summer. Here are a few different ways of eliminating the negatives, and delighting in the positives of the upcoming hot and sunny days.

1. Light Reduction

• The root of heat is the sun, and so to turn down the thermostat on your summer, all you need is some sun-savvy ideas.

• Using scraps of fabric (which are cheap in bulk bundles at most fabric stores) and push pins, loosely drape thin fabrics over top of your windows. Not only can this add a very bohemian and stylish touch to your apartment, but it allows you to keep the bright and cheery ambiance within your living space, whilst still diffusing the sun and heat, keeping your home as cool as possible during the day. When nighttime rolls around, just pin up the drapes and allow the cool breeze to drift in.

2. Air Circulation

• With the prevalence of air conditioning systems, it seems that we have forgotten about the effectiveness of a good fan. Stagnant air should never be underestimated, and it can often amplify the humidity and feelings of near suffocation which can occur during the summer.

• Get your hands on a good electrical fan! Even if you have the A/C on, when coupled with a good fan you can turn the air conditioning way down and reduce the price of your bills greatly.
• At nighttime, perch the fan at a propped open door or window if possible. This will help circulate the cooler nighttime air into your apartment and your space will be prepared for the heat of the following day.
• If your windows are closed (especially at night) because they do not have screens and you are trying to keep the bugs out, fix it! If you can’t afford proper screening, just run down to the nearest fabric or sewing store and buy several yards of thin mesh. Using scotch tape, you can tape the screen over your window discretely and keep those windows open all summer long. After all, would you rather have your guests poke fun at your homemade window screens or be gasping for air in your sauna of an apartment?
• Also, keep as many interior doors open as you can.

3. Careful Cooking

• The heat generated from stoves and ovens is more extensive than most people think, and is awful for keeping your place cool in the summer.

• When you feel like a meal cooked in the oven, try and plan to cook multiple dishes at once, then refrigerate or freeze them and warm them up by individual serving in the microwave, or on a low oven setting. By doing this you’re maximizing the cooking you get done with one hot oven session, and minimizing the amount of heat you’re generating in your space.
• Opt for cooler food alternatives: a raw mixed vegetable salad instead of veggie stir-fry, toasted flatbread and chopped tomatoes with cheese instead of pizza, etc. Improvise! You might be surprised by the yummy cold recipes you come up with.

Instead of just turning up the air conditioning and draining your pockets with bills this summer, try making use of the other resources you have. Summer doesn’t have to be as expensive or as sweaty as you think!

The adored season of summer is nearly here, and as the warmth, freedom and fun approaches, so do the fruit flies, stifling heat and expensive air conditioning bills. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cope with the downsides of this amazing season.

When these annoying little creatures called fruit flies start invading your living space and compromising your sanity, don’t get frustrated and buy expensive (and toxic) pesticide traps. All you need to do is turn to earth’s natural occurring kryptonite…liquor. Here are 3 natural ways to take care of these tiny pests.

1. What you’ll need: brandy and a glass

• Pour a shot or two of brandy into the glass, and just let it sit.
• The flies are attracted to the scent of the brandy, and sit on the edge of the glass.
• The flies grow intoxicated by the alcoholic fumes and eventually fall into the brandy, and experience a drunken death by drowning.

2. What you’ll need: wine, a deep glass and plastic wrap

• Put a fair amount of wine in the bottom of the glass.
• Cover the top with plastic wrap and using a pin or pen, poke small holes in the plastic.
• The flies are drawn to the smell of wine, and enter through the holes but are not able to exit again.

3. What you’ll need: wine, a tapered bottle, a piece of paper and tape

• Leave wine in the bottom of bottle.
• Curve piece of paper into a cone, with the end being a very small hole.
• Tape the cone over top of the opening of the bottle (with the small end of the cone entering the bottle).
• The flies enter through the cone and then when it comes time to exiting the bottle, they have trouble navigating out of the small opening.

Now, place any of these homemade traps upon your window sill, in your kitchen, any spot where these pests like to gather, and enjoy a fruit fly free summer.