Posts about luxury apartments in baltimore

National Day of Unplugging 2021-image

Following a year where digital interactions eclipsed real-world connections in business, academic and social settings, the 2021 National Day of Unplugging has never been more necessary. At a time where we’re all dealing with Zoom fatigue and digital burnout, a 24-hour respite from technology is exactly what’s needed. While being so plugged in is an unavoidable fact of life these days, there is no denying too much screen time has numerable adverse side effects from interfering with our sleep, to hampering our creativity. Make a plan to unplug this March 5 th ! Here are some things you can do instead of using your devices: Have a Game Night Time to dust off those board games and roll the dice.Break out an old favorite like The Game of Life, Monopoly or Scrabble. Or give one of the best new board games and try and discover a new favorite!   Ride a Bike From fast and flat to rugged and rustic, Baltimore has plenty of bike trails worth exploring . If it’s been a while since you took your bike for a ride, make sure to spend some time getting it trail-worthy first.   Take a Hike   If biking isn’t your thing, but you still want to hit the trails, there are also a ton of great walking trails to explore in and around Baltimore. Some of our favorites include the Lake Roland Park Red Trail and the Patterson Park Trail .   Go on a Picnic Baltimore offers some beautiful views, so whether it’s the Inner Harbor, historic architecture or a peaceful park, pick a spot with an ideal view and go on a picnic! Charm City Picnics will help you with all the planning to make it a truly memorable day. Check out some of their recommended spots, then book your date, choose your package, and let them do the rest.   Read a Book Whether its that book that’s been on your to-be-read list for an eternity or a current bestseller , what’s better to help you unplug than a good book? Support one of Baltimore’s independent book shops like Greedy Reads or Atomic Books . Did you know John Waters regularly stops in at Atomic Books to pick up fan mail?   Do Nothing   Rebel against the attention economy and simply do nothing! Shut off all distractions , close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Who knows? Maybe it will lead to a daily meditation routine!   Take a Nap   Napping can improve your memory, lift your mood and ease stress . Just remember to keep it quick. A nap more than 30 minutes can result in sleep inertia and make you actually feel groggier. Yikes.   Volunteer   Give back to your community and volunteer your time with one of Baltimore’s many charitable organizations. Help the Baltimore Hunger Project pick up and deliver food, prepare a meal for The Baltimore Station , or help Cylburn Arboretum maintain its deer fences.   Visit a Museum   While some museums remained closed due to COVID-19, some of Baltimore’s best museums are still open with precautionary methods in place. Spend some time appreciating the 10-foot statue of late Baltimore actor Divine at the American Visionary Art Museum or admiring the B&O Railroad Museum ’s collection of 19th century steam locomotives.   Learn Your History Facebook/Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum / Poe Baltimore   Take a tour of some of Baltimore’s most historically significant spots. Pay your respects to the great American poet Edgar Allen Poe with a visit to the Westminster Burying Grounds . See the house where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived when he wrote Tender is the Night . Explore Maryland’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom . There’s no shortage of historically significant places to visit in Baltimore!   Take Max for a Walk   While you’re out getting your exercise and appreciating all that Baltimore has to offer, why not bring along your pup? Explore a new dog-friendly spot like Cromwell Valley Park or Lake Roland . Or, let your four-legged friend really cut loose at one of these off-lease dog parks .   Try a New Recipe   Put your new Instant Pot to good use and try one of these comfort food recipes , satisfy your wanderlust with one of these world cuisine recipes , or spoil yourself with one of these truly decadent dessert recipes . Will you be unplugging for National Day of Unplugging on March 5 th ? Let us know how you plan to spend your disconnected time in the comments!

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How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day This Year-image

Galentine’s Day – an annual day for celebrating female friendships , normally marked with fun events like mimosas at your favorite brunch spot, spa treatments, or karaoke – is this Saturday! But, like everything else these days, the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way you celebrate with your BFFs this year. Yet, just because we’re dealing with life during a pandemic, it doesn’t mean you and your gal pals can’t celebrate at all. In fact, keeping up with your friends and loved ones—even if that means virtually – has never been more important. So, for those wanting to connect with friends this weekend, we’ve come up with a few ways to celebrate Galantines Day 2021, all while social distancing!   Host a Virtual Game Night Get together virtually with the social networking app Houseparty ! With the app, you and up to seven of your girlfriends can play Houseparty Heads Up! , Trivia, Quick Draw, and Chips and Guac! If you’re already all Houseparty-ed out, check out the lesser known JackBox Games . With JackBox, you and your friends can challenge each other to games you’ve probably not already exhausted , like Drawful 2, Quiplash and You Don’t Know Jack. For even more ways to host a virtual game night, check out this list !   Throw a Virtual Spa Night Treat your BFF to this Best Friend Spa Gift Box , which includes all the essentials for a pampering night in like a moisturizing bath bomb and lavender body soap. Then, join together virtual via Zoom while you reach enjoy your spa nights from your homes while also catching up! Make sure to set the scene – pick a small room or space where you won’t be bothered, create a relaxing Spotlight playlist which you can then share with everyone , and dim the lights!   Host a Virtual Karaoke Night YouTube has a plethora of karaoke videos, many like what you’d find in a bar or private room ( Olivia Rodrigo’s Driver’s License , anyone?) Make a list of your group’s karaoke favs and then create a queue of the tracks on Watch2Gether . Get together via Zoom a voila! To really recreate the traditional karaoke scene, make sure to get dressed up as if you were going to a real karaoke bar and perhaps send your besties a bottle of wine ahead of time.   Bundle Up and Picnic If the weather holds up, consider getting together for a picnic (hear us out…) Let Charm City Picnics help you pull off a great picnic complete with spectacular Baltimore skyline views! After you pick your date, your location and choose a package, Charm City Picnics will handle everything else, so all you need to do is show up! Plus, Charm City Picnics is committed to using local products and supporting small businesses for the most authentic charm city experience! In addition to whichever package you choose, there are a ton of great add-ons, like gourmet cupcakes, polaroid camera and live music!   So, there you have it! Don’t let social distancing stop you from having a great Galantine’s Day celebration with your best buds. Just get creative and you’re sure to create lots of fun, happy memories, even if you can’t be together.

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The 5 Best Podcasts for Apartment Dwellers-image

There seems to be a podcast for just about anything you want to learn about or listen to, and that includes tips and inspiration for apartment dwellers! From finance tips to DIY tips, here are our picks for the best apartment podcasts! Apartment 26 Hosted by roommates Jordan and Donny, Apartment 26 is a podcast about the stuff in their New York City apartment—how they find it, where they put it, and why they’re into it. With episodes like Thanksgiving in a Tiny Kitchen , Reduce, Reuse and Home Office 2.0 , there’s so much great content for any apartment dweller, but especially those who live in smaller spaces and urban environments. Check out Apartment 26 if you’re looking to save money by thrifting, or you just want some tips for making apartment life easier! Millennial Money Millennial Money offers finance tips to help young people save, whether they are flat broke or have already made some profess towards financial freedom. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Shannah Compton Game, the podcast aims to help listeners uncover their money story to see past the numbers to unlock the lives they want to live. Each week, Game talks with special guests from around the world about money wellness, entrepreneurship, traveling like a boss, and what makes millennials tick. By sharing stories from different perspectives and walks of life, listeners discover what works for them. Burnt Toast Sharpen your kitchen skills and you brain with Burnt Toast . During each episode, host Michael Harlan Turkell explores a different aspect of food culture and community. For instance, the episode Spice is Nice, the appeal of some of the world's spiciest foods is explored. “Are we addicted to danger? Do we just love sweating while eating?” Style Matters Style Matters is all about the substance behind developing a personal style in your home and surrounding yourself with beauty in a way that’s meaningful. Each week, co-hosts and design enthusiasts Karen June Grant and Zandra Zuraw interview style experts about why style matters to them. With episodes like Foundational Design Lessons , Finding Freedom in Minimalism , and How Your Home Tells Your Story , Style Matters will help you create a home décor style that is an extension of you. The Slow Home Podcast The Slow Home Podcast is a show focused on “slowing down, simplifying, and focusing on the things that are truly important” With episodes on topics such as working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic , reducing waste , and buying new things for your home , The Slow Home Podcast is great for anyone who is interested in simple living and slow down in the fast-paced world.

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National Bagel Day | Best Bagels in Baltimore-image

January 15 th is National Bagel Day and who doesn’t love a good bagel? If you find yourself with a craving for carbs today, we’ve got you covered! Here are five of the best spots in Baltimore to get your bagel fix today. Ovenbird Bakery | Little Italy Instagram/baltimorefoodscene Called a “MUST VISIT ASAP” , Ovenbird Bakery has fare so good there is a line of hungry patrons down the street before the bakery even opens! As far as bagels go, Ovenbird offers varieties such as sesame, poppy seed, spicy fennel and more. There are also plenty of other must-try treats and artisanal breads on the menu including the blueberry and lemon scone which one Yelper calls “ lifechanging ”.   Bottoms Up Bagels | Better Waverly Instgram/bottomsupbagels A Best of Baltimore 2018 winner, Bottoms Up Bagels offers authentic handmade NJ style bagels (they’re boiled) with varieties that include black Russian, old bay, egg and kimmelweck. Pair one of these fresh-baked bagels with one of BUB’s savory spreads, which include sesame sriracha cream cheese, bacon horseradish cream cheese, house cured lox cream cheese and more ! “ Fresh! Fresh! Fresh!” says one Yelper!   THB Bagelry & Deli | Multiple Instagram/thb.bagelry.deli With locations in Towson, Timonium, Charles Village and Canton, no Baltimore bagel list would be complete without THB Bagels . Made from scratch daily with dough made in house, the bagels at THB include chocolate chip, marble, asiago and more ! Head to THB Bagels for what one Yelper calls, “Hands down, THE BEST BAGEL SANDWICH IN THE STATE !!!!”   Belvedere Bagels and Grill | Midtown Belvedere Instagram/theblogel Stop by Belvedere Bagels and Grill for one of their specialty bagels, such as their Brilliant Bagel (smoked salmon, cream cheese, onions, chopped olives & tomatoes). “OMG. This place is SO good. So so good,” Says one Yelper !   Harmony Bakery | Hampden Instgram/gfvegansamantha  For gluten-free and vegan options, head to Harmony Bakery , where everything is made from scratch with “no preservatives or artificial flavors – always fresh and flavorful, using organic ingredients and local produce when available.” “Hands down the best gluten free bakery of all time,” says one Yelper ! Did you favorite bagel spot make the list? Let us know in the comments!

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5 Of The Best Houseplants for Apartment Dwellers-image

Plants make people happy and are a great addition to any home , but savvy apartment dwellers know that not just any houseplant can thrive in their pad. Apartment plants must be hardy enough to survive low light yet need a bold look for a small space where every addition matters. Here are five of the best houseplants for brightening up your space, purifying your air, and inspiring your décor! Rex Begonia Instagram/plantsnpolyps Rex Begonias are admired for their fabulous foliage, which often features pink swirls mingle with moody purples and smoky greens and sometimes even metallic shades of silver! Rex Begonias like moderation in all things : light, water, and fertilizer. Easy on the eyes and easy to care for, these beauties are a great houseplant for your apartment. However, Rex Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested , so if you have a fur baby, maybe skip this one. Moth Orchid Instagram/mimi_benben Don’t be intimidated by their exotic appearance; moth orchids are great at thriving inside! You are more likely to kill an orchid by overwatering than underwatering, making them a great low-maintenance option. Moth orchids are also especially well-suited for cold days when you're spending a lot of time indoors. The biggest difference between caring for orchids and other houseplants is that orchids do not grow in soil, but instead require a chunky orchid mix that helps get air to the roots. A tray filled with gravel and water will help with humidity, and a south or east window will keep your moth orchid perky. What’s more, moth orchids are non-toxic to dogs and cats , so they’re a great option for pet-lovers. Philodendron Instagram/rifanaplantshop The philodendron is perfect for the busy apartment dwellers and inexperienced plant parents. The plants adapt readily to conditions inside the home and will tell you exactly what it needs! A weekly watering and  indirect light  is all you need for years of lush growth.  Large, heart-shaped green leaves tumble freely over the edge of a hanging basket, or, you may choose to train them up a totem pole for a vertical accent. Philodendrons, are toxic to both cats and dogs . Spider Plant Instagram/waterthatnode   The spider plant is considered one of the most adaptable of houseplants and the easiest to grow. These tough plants tolerate lots of abuse, making them excellent candidates for newbie gardeners or those without a green thumb. Spider plants do not need much water, and they adapt to a range of light conditions (including artificial light). Spider plants are non-toxic to dogs and cats ! Jade Plant Instagram/miss__vlad Caring for a jade plant is easy and simply . Many people enjoy growing jade plants in their homes and offices, and they are considered to be symbols of good luck . With a little practice, you can even propagate them for super cute gifts. Jade plants are toxic to both cats and dogs . Plants can help lower your stress, boost your productivity and purify the air your breath! There are many reasons to bring them into your home. Even in the tightest of corners and the dimly-lit spaces, you can find a houseplants that’s perfect for you and your apartment home . Are you a plant-lover who has learned how to help your plants thrive in an apartment? Let us know what tips and tricks you have in the comments!

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Tips for Preventing Holiday Stress-image

Even under normal circumstances, the holiday season and all its demands - cooking a grand homemade holiday dinner, shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, baking Pinterest-worthy cookies from scratch, etc. - brings a lot of stress. Add to that the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic and you’ve got one doozy of a 2020 holiday season. Not only are the holidays during the pandemic especially stressful, many the ways with which we would normally cope – meeting friends for a drink, spending time with family, traveling for a getaway – are not options this year. With some practical tips, you can minimize or even prevent the stress that accompanies the holidays and hopefully end up enjoying the season more than you might’ve thought you would. Tips to prevent holiday stress: 1. Acknowledge your feelings. We have this unrealistic expectation that the holiday season is supposed to be this magical time when everyone is holly and jolly and the world is a better place. If it’s hard to get in the holiday spirit this year, know that it’s ok to feel that way! You can't force yourself to be happy just because the holidays are here. Acknowledge that it’s ok to feel sad or anxious during the holiday season. 2. Create new traditions.   Traditions are important, and not being able to uphold some of those traditions this year can be incredibly difficult. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can't come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such meeting virtually on a video call . Host a game of online bingo, have a virtual scavenger hunt, or even take your ugly sweater party online this year. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger and more make it easy to connect groups, even when you can’t be together physically. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can still find ways to celebrate. 3. Take the Stress Out of Gift-Giving. ​ Let go of the idea that you need to give the perfect gift or that you need to go into debt to show people how much you care. Here are some tips to take the stress out of gift-giving this year: Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your budget! Use an app to help you keep track of everyone on your list, your budget for those people, and the gifts you purchase. Give homemade gifts in place of store-bought gifts. They’re more meaningful, anyway! Gift the chef in your family their very own handmade recipe box . Give the friend who could use some pampering a snowball bath bomb . Give someone whose nostalgic for the 90s a koosh ball pillow !  If you usually buy for everyone in your family or friends group, suggest implementing a Secret Santa gift exchange to make it easier for everyone. Donate to a charity in a friend or family member’s name. One with a cause that you know is important to them. 4. Plan ahead.   Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list, which will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. 5. Learn to say no.   Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time. Just make sure to make at least a little time for connecting with friends and your community. 6. Don't abandon healthy habits.   Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions: Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Get plenty of sleep . Include regular physical activity in your daily routine. Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. Avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress and adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit. 7.  Find Ways to Give Back . Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Give blood, participate in a food drive, or just drop off dinner to a friend or family member one night. 8.  Seek professional help if you need it.   Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are serious concerns. If you are seriously worried about your mental health, contact a health care professional immediately.  Take control of the holidays Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress they can bring. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or too many demands on your time, so you can combat them and can find peace and joy during the holidays.

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