Blog Posts

Size Doesn't Matter

Size doesn’t matter. Apartment size that is. We live in a world where it’s increasingly “cool” to downsize and live free from a large mortgage. But many people still can’t get past the idea of needing large spaces. The truth is you don’t need that much space, you just have to get rid of stuff . Thanks to organization consultant, Marie Kondo, and shows like “Tiny House Hunters” and “Tiny House Nation”, America is finally waking up to the overwhelmingly unnecessary need for space and things . Even once you finally accept that 700 square feet is actually a good size, you’re still left with, “but where does all my stuff go?” There’s a way to live small, yet comfortable. Like many others things you hear about, it’s a lifestyle change. But it’s completely doable if you’re in the right headspace. All it takes is a little time and planning, and dedication, to execute it. Step 1: Purge. That. Stuff. Those sweat pants you only wear once a winter when you’re reminiscing about college? Gone. That ceramic frog you painted in 6 th grade that holds paperclips? It’s time. Heed Marie Kondo’s advice and really dig deep on the things that matter to you, and letting go of the things you’re holding on to for, really, no reason at all. Start with clothes. Select the basics you need every day. Keep only 6-7 of each item (six or seven yoga pants, six or seven work shirts, six or seven pairs of socks, etc.) because you are more than capable of doing laundry once a week. Once you’ve purged your wardrobe, move on to accessories like hats, scarves, belts, jewelry, and—this one’s hard for some people—shoes. One pair of sneakers. One pair of dress shoes, one pair of sandals, etc. Use your discretion on the other accessories, but remember to be particular and let go of the things you don’t absolutely need . The same goes for kitchen appliances/gadgets, books, office supplies, knick-knacks, and toiletries. Sell the things that might bring in a buck or two, like expensive jewelry. You’re likely aware of sites like LetGo, Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. To get rid of a lot of stuff at once, ask a family member if you can get in on their annual yard sale. A good rule of thumb: If you haven’t worn or used it in the last year, it’s time to let it go. Step 2: Map it out Measure and draw the dimensions of your new apartment on graph paper with a pen. Then take a pencil and draw in your furniture pieces. See how you can arrange them in the apartment. If not all of your furniture fits, consider getting rid of certain furniture items you no longer need (now that you’ve purged all the stuff inside it). Also consider different, more versatile furniture pieces from IKEA, or modular furniture that have dual functions ( like this desk that turns into a dining room table ). Selling your old furniture will give you the money to buy these new modern pieces. Another biggie is your bed. If you’re anything like me, you love your sleep. But if you live alone, ask yourself if you really need that king size bed (or even a full size bed). Step 3: Don’t stress about decor In smaller spaces, less is (obviously) more. The items you truly cherish will fill the space accordingly, and if you organize it well, your everyday items will double as décor; like this mini wall herb garden . And that’s another thing, try to think of ways to make function meet fashion. See below for inspiration, or simply Google small space living to find a wealth of information. Step 4: Learn how to be organized and tidy This is tricky for some folks. They will openly admit they are not tidy or organized, but it is a lifestyle change after all, isn’t it? Put things away right after you use them, from taking off your shoes to putting the hairspray back in the cabinet, make it a habit to put everything in its place or your apartment will quickly become a cluttered mess. Step 5: Stick with it! If you like to shop, by all means, shop. Just remember the limited space you have back at your place. And when you’re out and about (or worse, shopping online), ask yourself, honestly, if you absolutely need that item. If so, immediately rifle through your current things for the item you’ll be replacing it with. It doesn’t have to be an item of the same type (for instance, a shirt replaces a shirt) but get rid of however many items you brought into the apartment to avoid clutter. If you brought home a new kitchen gadget, get rid of a different kitchen gadget you never really used before. Step 6: enjoy the adventures! It’s no wonder people adopt this new lifestyle, when you don’t have a crippling mortgage you can go out and make memories instead of making your friends jealous of your giant house. Tiny living is revolutionary and we’re excited to get you started on your journey!

Clean Eating At Restaurants

We all know Baltimoreans love their food. And it’s likely you eat out at least 5 meals a week. Come on….admit it! With so many amazing restaurants in this city, it’s easy to say t’hell with your diet. But eating clean is important, and there are ways to keep the calorie count down while still enjoying all Baltimore has to offer. Take a look at these tips we put together for when dining out: Plan ahead, and know the ingredients—check the restaurant’s website beforehand for their nutrition section, and shoot for a meal with as little processed ingredients as possible. Look for buzzwords. “Organic,” “locally sourced,” “grass-fed,” “antibiotic- and hormone-free,” “sustainably raised” are, yes, a bit trendy, but they can also serve as indicators that the restaurant is concerned and conscientious about its sources. When ordering a salad, pay attention to what they put in it and ask yourself, honestly, if it’s healthy. Many chain restaurants make an effort with “under 500 calories” or “fit” dishes, but still load it with flavor-enhancers. Be mindful of all components and remember its okay to substitute or take away certain ingredients. Avoid creamy dressings, and always ask for it on the side. If you order a burger, check if they have wheat buns, and stick with veggie toppings instead of bacon, cheese or other fatty garnishes. While a deli turkey sandwich is always better than a greasy burger, you should still be aware that most thinly-slice deli meats contain a lot of sodium and preservatives. If the restaurant offers freshly carved turkey or chicken, order that instead. Try to choose lean meat like chicken or turkey over red meat like ham or beef. And when considering the sandwich, also be aware of the toppings and dressings/condiments. Remember, creamy=fatty. When eating Mexican, choose corn tortillas over flour tortillas. Flour tortillas (even the whole wheat varieties) are higher in calories, fat and sodium. Or nix the tortilla altogether and ask for a lettuce wrap. You’d be surprised how you don’t miss the taste of a tortilla. Choose a dish that is mostly veggies, and opt for avocado or guacamole instead of sour cream. Ask if they make their own salsa. Fresh salsa won’t have as many preservatives or sodium, but store-bought salsa is still better than sour cream. At Chinese restaurants, very little of their food is clean. Ask for simple steamed vegetables and brown rice (not fried). A little bit of soy sauce is okay, but one tiny packet holds 520mg of sodium—one quarter of your DAILY intake—so tread lightly. Remember that you’re human, and you can’t restrict yourself forever. For your mental health, splurge!….But only every once in a while. You can combat over-eating by drinking lots of water in between bites. It takes 15 minutes for your brain to recognize that you’re full, so chewing slower will reduce the chance of over-eating/ingesting unnecessary calories. Drinking all that water will also help you fill up faster. This can be applied to any meal, clean or not. Side note: talking more means less food is going in your mouth; consider dining with a chatty Kathy! And for those times you just have to splurge… Dab your pizza with a napkin (or two) before eating. That grease you see on top is actually fat that melted away from the cheese when it was heated. Blotting your pie can save about 40 calories and 4 grams of fat per slice. Steak is not the worst thing in the world, but your sides can be. Choose steamed vegetables or a side salad instead of fries or loaded baked potato. If you still want to carb it up, choose a simple baked potato and use a small amount of butter. It’s best to stay away from soda. But if you must, ask for lots of ice, and order a water with it as well. The more ice in your cup, the less soda you’ll consume (while still satisfying the craving). And when you run out of soda, you’ll drink the water while waiting for the server to refill your soda. Lattes are amazing, but they are also jam-packed with sugars and sweeteners. Decide what you absolutely must have in order for it to taste right, and stick with those few ingredients. Telling them what to put in it gives you control over your calorie and sugar intake. We here at 101 Ellwood utilize these tips regularly, and encourage everyone to eat clean both at home and on the go. Exercise weekly, if not daily. Remember to take your health seriously--be mindful of your food choices and practice fitness activities that you find fun!

Closet Hacks

Double the function of your closet, no matter its size. Maximize every square inch with these hacks and you’ll never have closet envy again: Buy organizers Take a good look at your closet, do some research, and map your hack attack. Then run on over IKEA, or Target, or wherever, and purchase some durable and sturdy closet organizers. Don’t forget the space above Depending on the height of your ceilings, there’s typically 1-2 feet of perfectly good air space from the top shelf to the ceiling. Utilize every square inch by storing out-of-season items, or rarely used items, in this space. Use space saving bags Ziplock was on to something when they came out with their space bags. If you’ve got a vacuum, you’ve got an easy way to put away unused clothes. Suck the air right out and slide it under the bed. Thank u. next. Invest in a really good jewelry organizer Our personal favorite is the Mirror Jewelry Armoire, but there are dozens of organizers for your jewelry—it all depends on where you need the space. For shoes, go vertical Don’t let your shoes pile up at the bottom of your closet. Do yourself a favor and buy those vertical shoe organizers. They fit more than you’d think and you can double-up on your flats, putting two pair in one pocket. For boots, line them up on the floor underneath your clothes so they’re still out of the way but visible. Contrary to Mommy Dearest, only use wire hangers Plastic hangers, while durable, take up more space than wire hangers. Have a few plastic hangers on hand for heavy items, but the bulk of your hangers should be wire to maximize the most about of bar space available. Fold and stack pants If you’ve purchased the recommended closet organizers, then you should follow the recommended pants theory: fold, don’t hang. Pants are easier to pick out when stacked, and it’s an item that is easier to iron should the creases form. â

Is Brandless Worth It?

You may have heard of the new online grocery store, Brandless. Their slogan “Better everything, for everyone” has people excited to replace their food and home products with a simple, unbiased brand. Brandless was brought to life on July 11, 2017 with the intention of making better stuff accessible and affordable for more people. Their mission is deeply rooted in quality, transparency, and community-driven values. It’s the idea that big-brand names are charging too much for their product, simply because of the brand name. Here, you can purchase the same product at a much lower cost. After seeing this new hit store several times across social media, I decided to check it out. My instant reaction was to completely replace my weekly trip to the grocery store with this easier online shopping experience. But it got me thinking: does it really save me that much money? Is there really much of a difference in their stuff? I thought I’d embark on a comparison journey to get to the bottom of my skepticism. Step 1: make a list Before I even visited the Brandless site I made a list of groceries I typically pick up. Not realizing Brandless is void of any fresh produce, meat, or dairy, I was immediately deterred from using them as I slowly discovered these weren’t even options. (All things considered, it makes sense why they don’t do fresh food, but, I have to say I was disappointed I could only use them for select items.) I decided to proceed with my ‘versus’ mission anyway. My grocery list consisted of 20 fresh food and snack items, and 10 household items. Of these 30 products, I found only half of them on the Brandless website. I then had to decide which grocery competitor would be best compared to Brandless, and ended up choose Walmart since their slogan is, in fact, “Always low prices.” At Brandless, each item costs only $3 so you’d think you’re getting some bang for your buck, right? I thought the same, until I saw their $3 bag of almonds weighed in at a mere 5.5 oz. Not much compared to Walmart’s 14 oz. for only $2 more. For this reason I made sure to list the size, weight or count on the list to get a proper comparison. Step 2: compare As mentioned, Brandless boasts a low $3 price tag for all their products. I wanted to find the cheapest options available on Walmart’s website to get a good comparison, so I tried to use their Great Value brand whenever possible, but if I couldn’t get GV, I went with the cheapest option for that product. The final price for my Brandless cart—note HALF the items weren’t in there—rounded out to an even $45. Walmart’s online shopping cart came to $76.92, and I was able to get every item on my list. Even if Brandless did have all the items on my list, the cart total would come to $90. Right off the bat, Walmart wins with a $16 savings. Step 3: shipping There is more to consider than price alone, however. What’s the delivery charge? How long does it take to get to you? Will you be happy with the taste of your food? Let’s take a look: Brandless Walmart Delivery price $5 for free over $40 $8 or free over $30 Delivery time 3-5 days 2-4 days Walmart wins again. Not only is shipping cheaper, but your stuff arrives quicker. Step 4: quality It’s now, though, that we have to ask ourselves the most pivotal question—does price outweigh quality? Depends on your taste. For me, Great Value paper towels still absorb liquids, no matter the maker, and candy is just as sweet no matter the manufacturer. For some people, though, quality is everything. Brandless offers certified organic, gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty & tree-free products. Walmart also offers (some of) those things, but many people are skeptical of big-brand, corporate company’s so-called “clean” products. Brandless puts time and care into their products, as opposed to mass producing them. In addition, Brandless works with local communities and donates a lot of their products and time to fight hunger and help those in need. If that’s not worth your dollars, I don’t know what is. Step 5: The verdict If you’re hoping to make a full switch to Brandless for your grocery needs, I wouldn’t hold your breath. But, if you want to replace a few of your panty items with organic and healthy alternatives to Great Value then you’re in the right place. Just don’t expect to save that much money. Their marketing strategy with “everything only $3” is quite brilliant, because $3 sounds so cheap. But once you consider the amount you’re getting for $3, it balances out with your everyday shelf item, and actually costs a little more than what’s in your local grocery store. Is that totally worth receiving the best quality products? You be the judge.

How to Rid Your Apartment of Pet Smells

You love your pets, but one of the biggest downsides of pet ownership is that pets can make your apartment smell. And that can mean you might not get your full deposit back when you move out if the odor is too strong and the pros have to be called in. Here are tips on how to clean up common pet messes and banish odors for good. We interviewed Jeremy Strickland, marketing director for Holland, Michigan-based Randy’s Carpet Care with the help of the company’s senior technician Mike Sheridan who gave us tips on how to get rid of common pet odors. But first, it’s advisable to clean up messes regularly and not wait. Keeping your apartment clean is key. Cat and Dog Pee If your dog or cat has peed on the carpet, it can be tough to clean. “Urine spots are like icebergs: what you see on the surface may be but one-fifth of the problem,” says Strickland. “The other four-fifths is underneath the carpet, onto and/or into the padding and perhaps even on the sub-floor.” To remedy this, sop up as much as you can with paper towels. You love your pets, but one of the biggest downsides of pet ownership is that pets can make your apartment smell. And that can mean you might not get your full deposit back when you move out if the odor is too strong and the pros have to be called in. Here are tips on how to clean up common pet messes and banish odors for good. We interviewed Jeremy Strickland, marketing director for Holland, Michigan-based Randy’s Carpet Care with the help of the company’s senior technician Mike Sheridan who gave us tips on how to get rid of common pet odors. But first, it’s advisable to clean up messes regularly and not wait. Keeping your apartment clean is key. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Google+ Cat and Dog Pee If your dog or cat has peed on the carpet, it can be tough to clean. “Urine spots are like icebergs: what you see on the surface may be but one-fifth of the problem,” says Strickland. “The other four-fifths is underneath the carpet, onto and/or into the padding and perhaps even on the sub-floor.” To remedy this, sop up as much as you can with paper towels. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Google+ Next, “mix a solution of equal parts hot water and vinegar. Wet a towel and scrub the spot with a circular motion. If it still smells when the spot’s dry, try it again. Once the spot feels dry, if the odor has improved, but the spot still looks ugly, mist hydrogen peroxide onto it and rake it in with your fingers. No need to soak the fibers, just make sure they are coated. NOTE: Don’t use peroxide on wool or other natural fibers,” says Strickland. If vinegar and peroxide aren’t effective, search an enzymatic pet spot cleaner at your local pet store. Follow the directions on the bottle. Please note that if a male cat won’t stop spraying, you might want to talk to your vet. Neutering your cat might help with this, says Strickland. Pet Smell Any pet owner can tell you that dogs or cats can make a home smell. “Your dog’s lingering odors are, in large part, body odors. Body odor is caused by bacteria, so not only do you need to deodorize, you need to kill the bacteria, which is tough to do without hiring a professional carpet cleaner or renting an ozone machine,” says Strickland. But all is not lost. To get rid of the pet smell, you can try sprinkling baking soda on the carpet and vacuum it up. You also can find products that can help eliminate this odor. If you have tile, mopping them with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water may help with the smell. Pet Hair To take care of pet hair: vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Strickland recommends vacuuming daily, if possible. Try to focus on well-traveled areas of the home like your entrance. Feces Step one: let it dry. Remove the solid parts. “Scrape any excess off the top, then dilute a small amount of dish soap in hot water, mixed with a cap full of ammonia. Clean the spot(s) with a disposable towel dipped in this solution. Scrub in a circular motion. Careful not to get things too wet,” says Strickland. ”White vinegar and water mixed 50/50 after the ammonia and dish soap solution should neutralize the pH so it doesn’t brown as it dries,” says Strickland. “Finally, when the mess is clean and you’ve dried it as best as possible, put a spray nozzle on your hydrogen peroxide bottle and give the area a good misting (don’t saturate). Peroxide is great for organic stain removal, and it also helps prevent browning. After you’ve misted, use your fingers to rake it in.” You now know how to best clean your apartment when you have pets.

Why You Should Switch to Modular Furniture

You’ve likely seen the viral videos on Instagram or Facebook showing murphy beds converting to a couch, or end tables that stretch out to a full-size dining table. Impressive, right? These modular furniture pieces—like the ones you’ll find at Expand Furniture --aren’t just for high-tech enthusiasts or engineers; you can outfit your entire apartment with this furniture for a smarter, cleaner way to live. Here’s why we believe you should ditch the bulky vintage couch and opt for transforming alternatives: Modular furniture is great for small spaces (duh). Your bed is tucked away, leaning against a wall when you’re not using it. Your desk converts back to a small shelving unit when not in use, and your coffee table can rise to a kitchen table. What saves space more than pieces that disappear when not in use? They can also help you declutter and live a minimalist lifestyle. When you tuck your bed away each morning, you realize you don’t need those unnecessary throw pillows. You’ll also start to ask yourself if you really need a filing cabinet of papers…because it’s 2019 after all, and you now have a compact little desk for your essential electronics. And you’ll finally decide which of your gadgets are actually worth holding on to when assign a secret drawer (hidden in your coffee table) to them. The look of them is very sleek and clean—not too busy, which is important if you’re working with smaller spaces. And you have to admit, these things are clever. Kudos to the folks who came up with these concepts and were able to make them functional, easy to use, and smooth. Given the aforementioned reasons above, it’s not argument that modular furniture is well worth the investment. In addition, it’s not like they have to stay in the apartment when you move. You can take these pieces with you anywhere. Even if you *gasp* buy a home, and you have room for a regular dining table, the convertible side table can still be used…as a side table. The Murphy bed sets perfectly in an office/guest room combo, and that stylish coffee table can still house your belongings. It’s basically a no-brainer. What are you waiting for? Impress your friends with transforming furniture. You can have Optimus Prime as a couch!