If it’s on the Carpet

If the stain is new (i.e. still wet), soak up as much of the urine as possible. The best thing to use is a combination of newspaper and paper towels–anything that you’re willing to throw away. The more you are able to remove, the less the odor will linger. Next, pour enough vinegar over the affected area to soak the stain, followed by a sprinkling of baking soda. Your concoction will need to sit for a day or two, so cover the spot with a plate or bowl to prevent anyone from stepping on it. After enough time has gone by, sweep everything up and run a vacuum over the area. Voila! No more stain and no lingering odor.

If it’s in the Wood

This may be a bit trickier. If your pet has had an accident on your hardwood floors, the urine may sink into the wood, which can make it difficult to get rid of the resulting odor. To combat the smell, combine a mixture of three parts water and one part white vinegar into a bucket. Give the affected area a good scrub, and open your windows to let the fumes escape. You can also stir baking soda into your mixture and scrub the resulting paste onto the stain. Let it sit for several hours, then rinse with water.

If it’s on Your Furniture

If the pet stain on your upholstery resulted from a bathroom accident, begin blotting immediately. If you don’t take care of the situation quickly, you may end up with a nasty stain on your favorite couch. Scrape any solids off the affected area if need be. Then, spray the stain with water and blot with paper towel. Repeat this a few times before adding two parts vinegar to every one one part water in your spray bottle and repeating the process.

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Voice Your Concerns

There’s a good chance that your friends’ wallets are suffering too. It’s hard when friends suggest going out for a nice dinner and venturing to bars with $10 cocktails, but let them know your situation. Is there a game on that everyone is dying to watch? Suggest having a get-together at your apartment or another friend’s pad to order a pizza and have a few drinks.

Free Transportation

Whether you’re limited to public transportation or you roam around the city with four wheels, fees can quickly pile up, especially if you’re taking a cab around town. If you live in a bike-friendly city like Chicago, Boston or Austin, cycle to your destination. Not only will you shed some pounds–and more quickly than you think–you’ll be able to travel throughout the entire city for free. When you’re finding a place to go for the night, suggest a neighborhood bar that you and your friends can walk to.

Find the Specials

Chicagoans have access to the website Smalltabs.com, which lists food and drink specials by day and neighborhood. Check your city for similar websites or check out apps for saving money while socializing. When planning to go out, find a place nearby listed on the site and make a suggestion. Plus, it’s always fun to try new places!

Scour Free Events

Summer is on its way and this is the prime time for free outdoor events. Magazines like Time Out or local newspapers often list free or super cheap events and festivals taking place for each week. Check these religiously and ask friends to go. If your Saturday is already filled-to-the-brim with plans that don’t cost a thing, there’s no chance of accidentally spending too much dough.

Opt for a BYOB

Going out with friends is the easiest way to run up a tab. If you’re caught up in conversation and in the mood just to have a good time, it’s not hard to forget those beers are quickly piling up. If you’re going out with friends for the evening or even on a date with your beau, suggest going to a BYOB restaurant. You don’t even have to compromise on the food, because there are some top-rated establishments that allow you to bring your own booze. Helpful hint: Before going out, make a call to the restaurant and ask if they have a corkage fee.

Go Outside

Head over to a park or field to throw around a frisbee, have a picnic or just relax in the sun. Got an outdoor space? This is the perfect excuse to have friends over and save some money!

What are your favorite ways to be a social butterfly on a budget?

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1. Plan Ahead

Once you have your move-in date set in stone, start formulating your packing game plan. The more organized you are, the less stressful moving day will be. Make a list of everything you plan on transporting to your new apartment and try to keep those things in a central location. Now is the time to start stocking up on boxes that your friends and family no longer need–they’ll be lifesavers when it’s time to pack.

2. Start Early

The sooner you start to pack, the easier the process will be. Try to pack a box or two a day, starting with non-essential items and things you don’t use on a daily basis, so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Don’t wait until a day or two before you move! With so many other logistics to worry about, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor by getting an early start.

3. Gather Packing Supplies

In addition to stocking up on boxes in the weeks and months before your move, you should try to get a hold of other packing supplies you’ll need, such as bubble wrap, newspapers, foam and packing tape. Garbage bags are also useful for transporting clothing.

4. Label Everything

If there’s any packing advice you remember, let it be this: label everything! If you pack similar items together based upon what room they belong in (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) it will make the process of settling into your new apartment infinitely easier. You should also be sure to clearly label any boxes that contain fragile items to give your friends or movers a heads up.

5. Save the Best for Last

As you’re packing, set aside one box for everything that you’ll need to use the first night in your new apartment. Include items like your cell phone charger, toothbrush, medication, toiletries and a change of clothes so you don’t have to stress out about unpacking your apartment all in one night.

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The Ideal Container

One of the great things about terrariums is that you can use any kind of container. Whether you’d like to hang it from the wall or place it on your kitchen table, you can choose from a variety of styles and shapes to create your terrarium. You can even use a red wine glass or snifter! If you have furry friends that may poke their nose into your terrarium, you may want a container with a small hole that allows for airflow.

Fill it Up

After you’ve chosen your ideal container, it’s time to fill it up! You’ll want to start with some river rocks on the bottom layer, followed by gardening charcoal, which helps to keep the soil fresh in your terrarium. Quick tip: Wash the river rocks before adding them to your terrarium to get rid of any chemicals or harmful debris that could hinder the growth of your plants. Then, fill the jar up about one-third of the way with fresh, nutrient rich soil formulated for cacti.

You’ll want to carefully add a few succulents or cactus plants to the container, top off with a bit more soil, and add a small layer of river rocks. Voilá! You’ve got a beautiful desert right in the middle of your urban pad.

Herb Terrarium

You can make an herb terrarium with a closed container–an ideal solution for apartment dwellers who want fresh herbs but don’t have outdoor space. The confined space allows for moisture circulation from the plants. All you need to do is water it when it looks dry and place it in some sunlight. If you notice condensation along the container walls, take the top off for about 15 minutes.

The post Bring the Desert Indoors: How to Make a Terrarium appeared first on Rent.com Blog.

The Necessities

Pots and pans are crazy expensive, but a couple are really all you need for your new apartment. You’ll want both a small and larger style pot and pan, a couple cookie sheets and maybe a cupcake tin (these are much handier than you might think). Don’t forget about measuring cups, large spoons and spatulas, a knife set, oven mitt, kitchen towels and mixing bowls. If you’ve got some space, investing in a wok is well-worth it. These can be used for making eggs, mixing pastas, grilling veggies and much more.

Small Appliances

Beyond the normal list of kitchen items that you’ll need, small appliances are a must-have in a first kitchen. If you’re not a big cooker, a grill or griddle should make it to the top of your list. These little gadgets can cook pancakes, sandwiches, chicken, burgers and more. They can easily be stowed away when not in use, unlike other items like toaster ovens, which are great for novice bakers but you’ll need plenty of counter space.

Blenders are also super helpful because you can whip up a smoothie for breakfast, soups for dinner, dips and more. They are kind of a pain to clean, but to make the process easier, fill it up a quarter of the way with hot water and a drop of dish soap, put the top on and blend for a minute. Then do a cycle of just water.

Tupperware

Small plastic containers are ideal for so many things in your new apartment: leftovers, lunches and keeping baked goods fresh for longer. Plus, Tupperware is better to use than plastic bags that you’ll just throw out because it’s reusable. Tupperware is also great for storing veggies or splitting up ground turkey or beef into appropriate portions.

A Few Tidbits

Now that your first kitchen is equipped well enough for Martha Stewart, we’ve got some simple rules that will help you get through those first meals:

• Always remember that recipes are great, especially when you’re first learning how to cook, but you can easily make them your own by adding or subtracting an ingredient.

• The freezer is your best friend. When you put leftovers in the fridge, they get lost in the abyss of the refrigerator. Use those plastic storage containers you invested in and toss any leftovers in the freezer–that’s another day you don’t have to cook and you’ll save some money too.

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Hillcrest

Located just outside of the downtown district, this hip and trendy San Diego neighborhood is best known for being the epicenter of the city’s LGBT community. Hillcrest is packed with locally owned businesses, and boast a variety of thrift stores, restaurants and bars. For recent college grads, Hillcrest is the perfect place to rent a San Diego apartment because it’s one of the most young and vibrant areas of the city. Fans of independent film can even catch a movie at the Hillcrest Landmark Cinemas.

Mission Bay

As one of the most popular San Diego neighborhoods, Mission Bay is the ideal place for recent college graduates who love to surf, swim or sail. It’s situated just minutes from downtown–which makes for an easy commute to work–and is the location of the world-famous SeaWorld San Diego, for all those aquatic enthusiasts out there. The area also has plenty of nightlife near the beach–perfect for the young adult who needs to blow off some steam after a long week.

La Jolla

Known as San Diego’s “Jewel by the Sea,” La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California and offers spectacular views of the coastline. Because it is also surrounded by mountains, the area has a very Mediterranean feel and offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking. If you’re looking for the best neighborhood in San Diego to find a room with a view, this is it.

North Park

One of the more culturally diverse San Diego neighborhoods, North Park was named one of the best “hipster” neighborhoods in the nation by Forbes. Located in the uptown area of San Diego near Hillcrest, North Park is considered one of the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and is best known for its Craftsman cottages and sprinkling of hip coffee shops, microbreweries and diners.

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Buy the Print

If there’s an original piece of artwork that you absolutely love, buy a print instead of the original image. Then, instead of slapping the poster up on your wall with some tape (which may cause your apartment to start looking suspiciously similar to a dorm room), buy a frame to hang it in. If you’re feeling really crafty, purchase a canvas or foam board at your local art store and secure the print using Mod Podge.

Repurpose Postcards

Another way to decorate your apartment with inexpensive art is to buy postcards and put them in frames. If you like to travel or have friends who live in other cities, purchase postcards with photos that will trigger wonderful memories. You can also hang other unexpected items, such as wallpaper samples, in frames for instant art.

Rent Artwork

If you’re the type of person who’s dying to have original art in their apartment, renting is a great budget-friendly option. For just $25 to $65 dollars a month, you can rent original artwork from a website called Artsicle. To get started, you’ll take a simple quiz to identify your taste and Artsicle will pop out suggestions chosen by their curators. You can keep your rented piece as long as you like, and have the option of eventually purchasing it if you just can’t give it up!

The Working Proof

This online gallery and print shop is a great way to find inexpensive art and feel good about giving back. Each piece is paired with a charity chosen by the artist, and 15 percent of each sale is donated. Artists produce and sign each print themselves, and many are priced as low as $35. You can also browse the website to learn more about each artist and what they were trying to convey through their artwork.

DIY

If you really want to find artwork on the cheap, there’s no better way than doing it yourself! Your art can be as simple as hanging a scarf on the wall or as complicated as creating a magnetic Scrabble board. Check out our Pinterest page for some fantastic DIY ideas!

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Dogs and Cats: Rabies and Distemper

Immunizations against rabies are vitally important to pet health. The rabies vaccine is considered a “core vaccine” by the American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Task Force, meaning that it is one of the vaccinations that every dog should receive on a regular basis. Shots are available in doses that protect pups against rabies for more than three years–but if you’re interested in these long-term vaccines, you’ll have to shell out a bit of extra cash. Most immunizations only guard against rabies for about one year.

Rabies is also a concern for cat owners, as rabies occurrences in cats have increased dramatically within the past few years; the rate of infection in cats now outnumbers that of all other domesticated animals (yes–including dogs!).

Distemper is another disease for which a vaccine is considered mandatory by the AAHA. Canine Distemper will impact your pup’s nervous, digestive, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, so this disease isn’t something to mess around with. Distemper is contagious among canines, so the best way to prevent infection is to have your pup routinely immunized.

Feline distemper (also called feline panleukopenia) is similar to its canine-inhabiting counterpart, and used to be the leading killer of domesticated cats. Thanks to vaccination becoming a priority for cat parents, the disease is now relatively uncommon–but vaccination is still strongly urged due to the life-threatening nature of the illness.

Dogs: Parvo, Leptospirosis and Bordetella

Canine parvovirus is a viral disease that is highly contagious among dogs. It causes digestive upset and can be life-threatening for puppies and other dogs with weakened immune systems. In fact, even healthy adult dogs can face life-threatening complications if parvo isn’t treated right away. Parvo is also very common–it is one of the most prevalent diseases found in animal shelters.

Two other frequently touted vaccines are those for leptospirosis and bordetella. These two vaccines, however, are not considered “core” vaccines by the AAHA. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted not only between dogs, but also to humans and other animals. Leptospires (the bacteria associated with the disease) spread through the infected host’s body, reproducing in the organs, urine and kidneys.

Cats: Feline Calicivirus, Herpes and Leukemia Virus

The American Veterinary Medical Association considers feline calicivirus and the feline herpes virus to be responsible for more than 80 percent of respiratory infections in cats. In fact, almost all cats are exposed to these viruses at some point in their lives. Getting your cat vaccinated against these illnesses will likely lessen symptoms should the cat become infected.

The feline leukemia virus is currently the leading viral killer within the cat population. Because it is easily spread between felines, it’s best to have your furbaby protected against this malady–especially if your cat is exposed to the outdoors or other furry friends on a regular basis.

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Where you’ll walk your furry friend is only one extra consideration if you’re a dog owner. Not all neighborhoods are equal when it comes to accessing pet-friendly services such as groomers, supply shops, or off-leash areas. Boston is keen on canines, however, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble staying out of the doghouse.

In terms of excellent exercise areas, sticking close to one of Boston’s many large parks can make for a happy hound. Boston Public Garden and the Commonwealth Mall both get regularly decorated with paw prints. During certain hours, your dog can even run leash-free in Boston Common. Adjacent neighborhoods include the Back Bay, Midtown, and Beacon Hill—definitely hot spots for dog friendly Boston.

If you’re looking for a place between Kenmore Square and Brookline, the Emerald Necklace sets up a string of green stretching from the Charles River to Jamaica Plain. There are ponds, the Back Bay Fens, and other perfect places for a pet to play fetch. One highlight is the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain.

Not every dog needs to run full speed after sticks, though. Some pet owners will prefer living along streets all set for leisurely strolls. Certainly, having a nearby place for your pet to do his or her business will make life easier. If your apartment doesn’t have a yard, the South End is well apportioned with tree-lined streets and small parks perfect for Fido.

Dog friendly Boston isn’t just about where to get your dog some outside time. In terms of keeping your pet well cared for, it isn’t challenging to find pet supply shops or groomers in Boston. South Boston, for example, offers up a fine selection of dog-centric services, plus there’s the South Boston Bark Park and the beach (dogs not allowed in summer).

The South End probably has more pet supply shops, dog walkers, and dog friendly businesses than any other section of the city. You’ll also appreciate the patio-style dining if your pooch is calm enough to chill out by your feet while you eat. A little canine company can make summer evening meals that much sweeter!

Any discussion of Boston’s dog scene would be remiss to leave off the Charlestown Navy Yard. Sure, it’s across the river, but it’s convenient to Downtown and excellent for animals. The Esplanade is also lovely for a sunset stroll, but it’s on-leash only.

While it’s important to consider how and where your dog will find fulfillment, most Boston neighborhoods allow ample opportunity. Depending on your dog’s temperament and your schedule, you should be able to keep tails wagging from a wide selection of Boston apartments.

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So what’s a renter to do? Eating organic foods doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing kind of thing! If you don’t have the budget to buy strictly organic (and let’s face it, not many of us do), we’re here to help you prioritize when to splurge and when to save.

The Dirty Dozen

Twelve fruits and veggies tend to be the most contaminated by carcinogenic pesticides: Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, nectarines, strawberries, celery, pears, cherries, potatoes, lettuce, spinach and imported grapes. Spend your resources on buying these high-risk foods organically. If you can’t afford to do so, at least soak these items in a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water before eating them.

These twelve food items are the least likely to be contaminated by pesticides: onions, frozen sweet corn, avocado, pineapple, mango, asparagus, kiwi fruit, frozen sweet peas, banana, cabbage, broccoli and papaya. If you’re on a budget, you can feel good about buying these foods conventionally.

Organic vs Local

It’s also worth mentioning that buying organic strawberries from Whole Foods isn’t your only option for healthy eating. You can often find much more affordable produce at farmers’ markets and local food stores. Many small-town farmers can’t afford the pricey label that accompanies organic food, even if they practice farming in an organic way. Head to your local farmers’ market and chat with vendors about their practices! Again, just because their products aren’t USDA-certified organic doesn’t mean they don’t use ethical and healthy farming techniques–you just have to ask! Many sustainability advocates favor buying locally over purchasing organic items from a major food provider.

A Note About “All-Natural” Foods

If you’re at a conventional grocery store and are tempted to buy “all-natural” items, resist the urge. Major food companies can’t get away with labeling non-organic foods as “organic,” but they can label them as “all-natural.” Local farmers may be able to discuss their farming practices with you, but there’s no way to tell how nationwide food producers harvest and care for their crops. If you’re not shopping at a farmers’ market, your only choice is to trust USDA regulations–so “all-natural” means absolutely nothing. Don’t waste your money.

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