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Spend More on these Things

Crossing the threshold into adulthood is signified by many telling things. Paying off a constant bombardment of bills, for instance, and reckoning with forces like quickly decelerating metabolisms and heartburn (after just two slices of pizza, at that). It's also marked by a slow-but-sure learning process where habits shift where you begin to optimize your routines, learn what to invest time and money on, and generally how to live better. Figuring out all that stuff takes time, though, and it's much easier to just ask other people who've been there, done that. So, from someone who's been adulting for a few whole years now (and with plenty of advice from much more experienced adults), here are some of the things that are always worth the money. Eating Well I've never really found the "Think about what you put in your body!" admonishment compelling, since I often think that my body just wants a greasy cheeseburger. Instead, it's more effective to remind myself that stateside healthcare is extremely costly, and maintaining long-term wellness will mitigate those expenses. MORE WHOLESOME FOODS Spend more on meat raised without antibiotics, and use this guide to find seafood that's raised or caught with minimal chemical use and damage to habitats. When it comes to produce, buying fresh, local, and in season will provide various benefits: Not only is it cost effective, but fruits and veggies are also at peak taste and vitamin content when they're picked while ripe and consumed quickly, rather than being trundled cross-country on a truck. BETTER-FOR-YOU SNACKS Vending machine confections have passed their heyday: 40% of the snacks consumers carry these days are classified as healthy, and better-for-you snacks are readily available on supermarket shelves. If you're craving something savory, reach for nutritious picks like seaweed snacks or dry-roasted edamame. For sweet treats, indulge in Nature Valley Granola Cups, which strike the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, decadent (chocolate and nut butter!) and wholesome (whole-grain oats and nuts). BASIC KITCHENWARES Cooking is a skill that's worth investing time in, since it's conducive both to saving money and eating healthier meals. Even if your cooking savvy is questionable, investing in a few good knives - or even just one chef's knife, which are extremely versatile - will make a significant difference in the kitchen. Here's a great guide to essential knives. A cast-iron skillet is another must-have; with proper care, the thing will last a lifetime, and it will only set you back about 20 bucks. Stuff You Spend Your Nights On Nights! They happens every 24 hours, and it's in our best interest to spend most of them sleeping. According to The Handbook of Clinical Neurology, we spend a third of our lives sleeping, or trying to do so - all the more reason to invest in things that'll make our beds more comfortable. Good mattresses will make a difference in your sleep quality, but they can be prohibitively expensive. Try retailers like Casper and Tuft & Needle, which offer 100-day trial periods before you decide whether or not to commit. Another alternative is buying a mattress topper, which can elevate a sad bed without breaking your bank. The same philosophy applies when buying pillows, comforters, and sheets - quality products will make the difference between the feel of a cheap motel and a snug, serene sleep sanctuary. (A friend of mine even "has a guy" for quality sheets.) Another thing to consider: If you're sharing a bed with a blanket-hogging partner, picking up an extra flat sheet and comforter might save your relationship. Tools That'll Make Your Home More Livable There's a reason that apartment maintenance, be it cleanliness or even interior decor, can cause so much strife between roommates and partners. Upkeep of a living space is important, and it's psychologically beneficial to retreat to a place of comfort and belonging. A VACUUM THAT WORKS My roommates and I went through a series of cheap vacuums, which all disintegrated in a matter of weeks and ended up on the curb. We've since invested in a $200 vacuum that not only works better, but has already lasted us several years with no loss in efficacy - extra important, since I'm the mother to a furry pet. HOME AUDIO A fancy surround-sound system isn't necessary unless you're a serious audiophile - but if you find yourself engaging in any type of passive listening (putting on podcasts or music while you perform chores, for instance), decent speakers are worth investing in. If you're not sure where to start looking, a good portable bluetooth speaker is a breeze to use and will serve all of your basic audio needs. BATHROOM BELLS 'N' WHISTLES Buy a heavy-duty toilet plunger before you need one. Have you ever lived with a serial toilet-and-drain-clogger? I have, and none of us were ready until it was too late. And while we're on the topic of lavatorial habits - if you haven't stocked your bathroom with strong, two-ply toilet paper, you're not living your best life

Dining in Baltimore for Valentine s Day

Restaurant reservations are filling up, but it's not too late to book a table for Valentine's Day dinner. Here are the restaurants in and around Baltimore that have Valentine's Day specials--some are offering specials that run before and even after the holiday. AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar in Columbia will will serve a six-course sparkling wine dinner and chef's demonstration for $85 per person from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, and a four-course prix-fixe menu Feb. 13 and 14 for $65 per person. (6741 Columbia Gateway Drive; 410-953-0500; aidabistro.com) Arturo's Trattoria in Glen Burnie will serve a four-course menu for $80 per person. (1660 Crain Highway South; 410-761-1500; arturostrattoria.com) B&O American Brasserie at the Hotel Monaco will offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $70 per person. The menu includes offerings such as lobster carrot bisque, wagyu carpaccio, rice-crusted tuna and chocolate hazelnut cake. (2 N. Charles St.; 443-692-6172; bandorestaurant.com) Chef's Expressions will host a Valentine's Day wine supper at Gramercy Mansion. Tickets are $99.95, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Children's Scholarship Fund Baltimore. (Gramercy Mansion, 1400 Greenspring Valley Road; 410-561-2433; chefsexpressions.com) Cinnamon Tree Restaurant at the Hunt Valley Inn will offer a three-course, prix-fixe menu with champagne from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The meal is $119 per couple, including tax and gratuity. (245 Shawan Road; 410-785-7000; huntvalleywyndhamgrand.com/dining) The Corner Pantry in Lake Falls Village will offer a six-course tasting menu for $96 per person. Courses will be shared by the table, and the dinner is BYOB. (6080 Falls Road; 667-308-2331; corner-pantry.com) at the Mill No. 1 complex in Hampden will offer a four-course dinner for $100. (3000 Falls Road; 443-708-7352; cosimamill1.com) Donna's at Cross Keys will offer a three-course menu for $55. Menu choices include crab arancini, Thai duck breast and crispy noodle salad, beef carpaccio, pink peppercorn crusted filet mignon and grilled tuna Nicoise. (5100 Falls Road, 410-532-7611, donnas.com/cross-keys) The Elephant in Mount Vernon will offer a four-course tasting menu with four choices per course for $85, or $115 with wine pairings. (924 N. Charles St.; 443-447-7878; theelephantbaltimore.com) On Feb. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Elkridge Furnace Inn in Elkridge will serve a Valentine's Prelude special with three courses for $65. On Feb. 14 the restaurant will serve two prix-fixe menu options - three courses for $75 or four courses for $85. (5745 Furnace Ave.; 410-379-9336; elkridgefurnaceinn.com) Explorer's Lounge at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel will serve a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $55 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Feb. 14. The restaurant will offer dishes such as shrimp and crab quinoa, chateaubriand steak for two and red velvet cake, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne. (550 Light St.; 410-234-0550; sonesta.com/us/maryland/baltimore/royal-sonesta-harbor-court-baltimore) Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Harbor East will offer a three-course menu starting at $79.95 per person Feb. 10-19. The menu includes a choice of salad, filet mignon, salmon or lobster tail and raspberry white chocolate bread pudding. (720 Aliceanna St.; 410-332-1666; flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/md/baltimore) The French Kitchen at the Lord Baltimore Hotel will offer a three-course menu for $75 per person. (20 W. Baltimore St.; 410-539-8400; lordbaltimorehotel.com/dining-en.html) Germano's Piattini in Little Italy will offer a five-course, prix-fixe dinner for $49, plus a cabaret performance by Steve Ross at 6 p.m. ($20). (300 S. High St.; 410-752-4515; germanospiattini.com) Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art will serve a three-course Valentine's Aphrodisiac menu for $54 Feb. 10-14. (10 Art Museum Drive; 410-889-3399; gertrudesbaltimore.com) Gunther & Co. in Canton will offer a four-course tasting menu ($75), with the option to add wine pairings ($25), an oyster course ($10 for four oysters) and/or a shellfish course ($22). (3650 Toone St.; 443-869-6874; eatatgunther.com) Joe Squared in Station North will offer a seven-course Valentine's Day dinner for $60, with optional beer and cocktail pairings for $30 extra. The prix-fixe menu, offered from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., includes cider pork belly, winter vegetables, golden tile fish, duck confit with mole sauce and ricotta cheesecake. (33 W. North Ave.; 410-454-0444; joesquared.com) La Cuchara in Woodberry will offer a four-course dinner for $79, with wine pairings available for an extra $29. The menu includes options such as tuna crudo, foie gras, lamb shoulder and coffee-caramel creme brulee. (3600 Clipper Mill Road; 443-708-3838; lacucharabaltimore.com) La Folie Wine Bar & Steak Frites in Canton will serve a $45 prix-fixe menu for two, plus complimentary champagne. (2903 O'Donnell St.; 667-212-2122; bistrolafolie.com) Le Garage in Hampden will serve a four-course menu for $59 per person featuring new dishes and house favorites. (911 W. 36th St.; 410-243-6300; legaragebaltimore.com) From Feb 10-14, Morton's the Steakhouse at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel will offer a steak and lobster tail for $56. (300 S. Charles St.; 410-547-8255; mortons.com/baltimore) The Rowhouse Grill in Federal Hill will offer a three-course menu for $45, or $60 with drink pairings, Feb. 10-14. (1400 Light St.; 443-438-7287; therowhousegrille.com) Sullivan's Steakhouse in the Inner Harbor will offer a three-course "Wine, Dine & Be Mine" dinner from Feb. 10-14. The menu, which includes a seafood tasting, filet mignon and chocolate mousse, is $69 before 5 p.m. and $79 per person after 5 p.m. (1 E. Pratt St.; 410-962-5503; sullivanssteakhouse.com/baltimore) Sweet Caroline's in Locust Point will serve a three-course meal for $35 per person from Feb. 11-14. (1401 Clement St.; 410-244-1401; sweetcarolineslocustpoint.com) The Turn House in Columbia will serve a six-course dinner for $95 per person, with selections including scallop crudo, celery root ravioli and New York strip steak. (11130 Willow Bottom Drive; 410-740-2096; theturnhouse.com) Wit & Wisdom at the Four Seasons Baltimore will offer a three-course tasting menu for $95 per person, with wine pairings for an extra $59. The menu includes Maine lobster bisque, heirloom beets, seared diver scallops, butter-poached prime beef filet, maple pastries and more. (200 International Drive; 410-576-5800; witandwisdombaltimore.com) Woodberry Kitchen in Woodberry will offer special touches at its tables Feb. 10-14 for guests with reservations, including boxes of chocolates, Linzer heart cookies, prosecco, cocktails for two and a photobooth. (2010 Clipper Park Road; 410-464-8000; woodberrykitchen.com)

An Organized Pantry is the Key to Eating Healthy

If eating healthy is one of your New Year's Resolutions, there are ways to make it easy on yourself. Eat more vegetables; cut out sugar; and cook at home. Simple, right? But then life happens. You are tired, the kids are hungry, and the pantry is empty. The reasons (excuses?) are endless. In this moment, it is so easy to give into the lure of fast food and pre-packaged meals. And your hopes of a healthy 2017 are out the window. One of the most important strategies to combat this pitfall and stay on track is to keep a well-stocked and organized pantry. If your shelves are stocked with healthy foods that are easily accessible, putting together a nutritious meal is much simpler and stress-free thank you think. Check out our 5 tips to organize and stock your pantry to make healthy eating easier on you. Tip #1: Assess Your Pantry Contents and Space First pull out everything and group like items together both in terms of type and size, and throw away out of date items and junk food (yes, the bag of cheese puffs have to go). Measure your space and determine the size of your largest and smallest pantry item then re-arrange shelves to accommodate these sizes. Tip #2: Create an Essentials List Think about the foods you use to cook with every day; the snacks you need to keep on hand and the healthy foods you want to incorporate into your diet. Make a master list of all the foods you want to store in your pantry at any given time. Download my pantry essentials list here. Finally, plan for storing all of these items within your space for a well-stocked and organized pantry. Tip #3: Use Shelf Organizers and Re-usable Containers To store all of these pantry essentials and make them accessible use gravity fed racks, lazy-susans, and shelf risers. Store small items, packets, or awkwardly shaped foods in baskets. Put essential pantry items like flour, sugar, and grains in air-tight canisters. Tip #4: Put a Label on It Put pretty labels on anything you cannot see in to or on canisters when the contents are not easily identifiable. Use large labels that include cooking instructions with measurements on them to make cooking healthy foods easier. Tip #5: Make Space for a Grocery List Designate a space to make notes about re-stocking. A chalkboard is a great idea if you have the wall space and want to incorporate a little farmhouse style into your apartment. You could also print off your master pantry essentials list. Place it on a clipboard attached to the back of a cupboard door, and then mark needed items. A well-stocked and organized pantry is key to keeping your healthy eating New Year's Resolution and to make it less of a hassle.

Gifts For People Who Have to Work the Holidays

While most of the country is snuggled away with their families for the Holidays, there are folks with certain jobs that require them to work, like Police Officers, Fire Fighters, hospital personnel, caregivers, transportation operators, and on-call maintenance technicians, to name a few. If you find yourself needing any one of these hard-working individuals (who have given up time with their own families to help those in need), show them a nice gesture of gratitude by giving them a small gift. We've put together some items that are unique, useful, and a thoughtful way to say "Thank you" and "Happy Holidays": Compact Planter ($5, ikea.com) Clay pots have nothing on this scalloped planter. They're so cheap, you could gift a few to kickstart that herb garden your mom has been talking about putting together. ($5, ikea.com) Clay pots have nothing on this scalloped planter. They're so cheap, you could gift a few to kickstart that herb garden your mom has been talking about putting together. Bath Bomb ($7, lush.com) Give the gift of some me time with this intergalactic bath "bomb" from Lush. When she drops the peppermint bomb in the bath, it dissolves and changes the color of the water to a bright neon - but won't wreck your tub. ($7, lush.com) Give the gift of some me time with this intergalactic bath "bomb" from Lush. When she drops the peppermint bomb in the bath, it dissolves and changes the color of the water to a bright neon - but won't wreck your tub. Icing Combs ($10, amazon.com) Even great bakers need a little extra assistance to achieve a perfectly frosted treat. Gift this set of six combs, and maybe they'll bake you a cake to say thank you. (A girl can dream.) ($10, amazon.com) Even great bakers need a little extra assistance to achieve a perfectly frosted treat. Gift this set of six combs, and maybe they'll bake you a cake to say thank you. (A girl can dream.) Cube Clock ($9, amazon.com) Minimalists will appreciate this wooden alarm clock. Clap your hands or tap the side to make the display the time appear. It'll peace out when you pass out. ($9, amazon.com) Minimalists will appreciate this wooden alarm clock. Clap your hands or tap the side to make the display the time appear. It'll peace out when you pass out. Pop Art ($9, amazon.com) This classic Roy Lichtenstein comic costs less than a daily latte, and can look fancy in the right frame. ($9, amazon.com) This classic Roy Lichtenstein comic costs less than a daily latte, and can look fancy in the right frame. Wine Mouth Fix ($9, amazon.com) Your Malbec-obsessed mommy friend will LOL when she sees these wipes - then she'll want to give them a try. They're supposed to help remove wine stains from your teeth after you drink a glass of red, and they come in a convenient compact with a mirror. ($9, amazon.com) Your Malbec-obsessed mommy friend will LOL when she sees these wipes - then she'll want to give them a try. They're supposed to help remove wine stains from your teeth after you drink a glass of red, and they come in a convenient compact with a mirror. Best Beanie ($8, amazon.com) Knit beanies are no longer just for the ski slope. This one comes in 11 different colors that'll match everything in your guy's closet - and hide his hair on those off days. ($8, amazon.com) Knit beanies are no longer just for the ski slope. This one comes in 11 different colors that'll match everything in your guy's closet - and hide his hair on those off days. Puppy Love ($8, amazon.com) Anyone who loves dogs will be able to relate to this touching novel about the relationship between one dog and his owners over his lifespan. If you wanna go for round two, the movie comes out in January. ($8, amazon.com) Anyone who loves dogs will be able to relate to this touching novel about the relationship between one dog and his owners over his lifespan. If you wanna go for round two, the movie comes out in January. R2-D2 USB ($7, amazon.com) The new Star Wars movie comes out right around the holidays, so show your nieces and nephews you know what's up with this USB drive shaped like R2-D2. ($7, amazon.com) The new Star Wars movie comes out right around the holidays, so show your nieces and nephews you know what's up with this USB drive shaped like R2-D2. Butterfly Art ($7, amazon.com) Let your teen decorate her room with these realistic, 3-D butterfly stickers. The set includes 19 different butterflies that look amazing together or spread out on the wall. ($7, amazon.com) Let your teen decorate her room with these realistic, 3-D butterfly stickers. The set includes 19 different butterflies that look amazing together or spread out on the wall. Cat Tails ($9, amazon.com) This ring stand won't stop your friend's cat from knocking things off your niece's dresser in the middle of the night, but it will give her an easy way to organize her small accessories. ($9, amazon.com) This ring stand won't stop your friend's cat from knocking things off your niece's dresser in the middle of the night, but it will give her an easy way to organize her small accessories. Hanging Candleholders ($4, cb2.com) For the friend whose backyard you're already jealous of, these hand-blown glass candleholders will make it even lovelier. They can be hung alone or grouped together for a shimmering chandelier effect. ($4, cb2.com) For the friend whose backyard you're already jealous of, these hand-blown glass candleholders will make it even lovelier. They can be hung alone or grouped together for a shimmering chandelier effect. Sweet Words ($10, maggielouiseconfections.com) You can customize these dark chocolate boxes with up to three letters. Spell out a loved one's nickname, or give them to a college kid with their university's letters. ($10, maggielouiseconfections.com) You can customize these dark chocolate boxes with up to three letters. Spell out a loved one's nickname, or give them to a college kid with their university's letters. Tree Cuddlers ($3, target.com) You'd have to be crazy not to fall for these adorable ornaments. Buy a whole herd to give someone's tree a cozy update. ($3, target.com) You'd have to be crazy not to fall for these adorable ornaments. Buy a whole herd to give someone's tree a cozy update. Bubbles with Benefits ($6, target.com) For each sudsy bar sold, Hand in Hand donates one, plus a month's worth of clean water, to a child in need. Comes in three different holiday scents, like Juniper Berry and Winter Woods. ($6, target.com) For each sudsy bar sold, Hand in Hand donates one, plus a month's worth of clean water, to a child in need. Comes in three different holiday scents, like Juniper Berry and Winter Woods. Eyeliner Kit ($5, elfcosmetics.com) You get five colored eyeliners plus a sharpener for less than your morning coffee in this kit. Perfect for mastering glittery holiday makeup looks, like this year's mega-popular candy cane eyeliner. ($5, elfcosmetics.com) You get five colored eyeliners plus a sharpener for less than your morning coffee in this kit. Perfect for mastering glittery holiday makeup looks, like this year's mega-popular candy cane eyeliner.

Ways to Increase Productivity in Your Home Office

It's quite common nowadays for a number of us to hold remote freelance jobs, be entrepreneurs, or digital nomads. If that applies to you, then it's important for your home to be designed to maximize productivity and efficiency. You should strive to balance competing feelings of "home" and "office", so you can stay productive yet comfortable in your residence. So what makes a home the perfect office? It's not simply visual aesthetics that make a difference in the surrounding environment. Psychology and science also explain how designing layouts, managing work space, and placement of objects can improve productivity in your environment. 1. Manage and Have Ownership of Your Work space Regardless of whether your rental is owned by your property manager or your apartment is shared with roommates, the act of bearing ownership and making decisions regarding your work space can be empowering. This is supported by research that demonstrates work space management increases productivity. This is due to the fact there is a sense of social identity associated with your space use. Psychologists have asserted that decorating office work space with personally meaningful items projects identity, which gives feelings of permanency, control, and privacy. If you're living with other housemates, you can take this ownership to the next level through enforcing "home office hours". Are you working from 10AM-4PM in your home office on Tuesdays? Mark it in an agreement with your cohabitors so they don't throw a ruckus in the living room while you are working on your project three meters away. It's important to dictate your needs to not only those who work with you, but live with you. 2. Pick Rounded Furniture For a Better Feel Purchasing new furniture can either be an overwhelming or exciting process. With so many decisions to make - the color, size, type, and material - it's one that requires careful consideration since these items make up your environment. According to a study, layout and furniture that is curved and rounded, as opposed to straight-edged, makes the furniture appear more pleasant and inviting. This is because the roundedness triggers more brain activity that is associated with appreciation and aesthetic recognition. So when you're selecting your office chair and desk, be sure to weigh in carefully on the types and sizes you have available. While it might be more feasible to have a rectangular desk as your main work space, you can also explore the option of buying a small round coffee table to place on the side as well. 3. Choose the Right Colors For Your Work Performance Color psychology examines how color has an impact on moods and emotions. With that in mind, it's pertinent to choose the right color scheme for your office as it can affect your performance and productivity. Different colors and lighting will have different psychological effects. For example, red is a color that is very strong and attractive. It can stimulate us and gives us the impression that time is passing quicker. Brighter light levels are also more suitable for analytical and critical thinking. A dimmer environment can also cultivate creativity and imagination, which can be beneficial for idea generation in the work environment. Don't let a poorly selected color distract you from what's important and hinder your ability to work. If you own your apartment or if your property manager permits, you can choose to paint your wall a color reflective of your working needs, which can have a huge overall effect on your environment. If not, you still have choice over your furniture color, which can also have an impact on your performance. 4. Bring Nature Indoors You may be working with tenacity over your work desk for hours continuously and not have the chance to step outside to perambulate around the neighborhood. Hence, bringing in plants inside your home office can be a great idea to brighten up your work space. In fact, research has proven that office plants can help workers deal with demanding tasks and decrease stress levels while enhancing productivity by 12%. Another way to make the most of your home office is to have a window with a view. A window facing natural landscape would be ideal as it balances out the tension you have from your work, and fosters tranquility and relaxation in your mind. On the other hand, if you reside in an urban area, plants are still a great alternative to revitalize your work setting regardless.

Welcome to 500 Park

500 Park is a brand new, luxury apartment community in the heart of Baltimore's Cultural District, Mount Vernon. Our management team begins with the professionals here to help you find your next home, and travels all the way up to Present of Multifamily Real Estate. WPM Real Estate Management company manages 500 Park and has a rich history of providing Performance that adds value, so rest assured you are in good hands. In late 2015, WPM was named the #1 Property Management Company of the Year by the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) and was just awarded 2nd Place Management Company of the Year for 2016. We have been voted as one of the Top Workplaces 4 years in a row by The Baltimore Sun and our associates. We are committed to delivering unparalleled property management services to all of our clients association, commercial and investment real estate and yes, that includes you! For more information about WPM Real Estate, visit www.wpmllc.com. Welcome home!