Furnish Your Home at The Louis

Image courtesy Pixabay

Once you have signed the lease and start packing the moving boxes to move into The Louis, then comes the fun task of...shopping! How do you want to decorate your new space? What vibe do you want it to have? Luckily, in the 14th & U area, there are many home furnishing stores to find beautiful new pieces of furniture and other decor items for your new apartment home. If you are unsure where to begin, here are some of our favorites:

Home Rule | 1807 14th St. NW

If you share the philosophy that you can never own too many kitchen gadgets, then Home Rule is going to be your new best friend! USA ice cube tray? Check. Contoured ice cream scoops for the perfect scoop? Check. Do you need these things? Maybe not, but you'll buy them anyway. Home Rule is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Room & Board | 14th & T St.

It's pretty easy to spend hours upon hours inside Room & Board. Located in a restored Ford Motors showroom, there are 4 floors to explore. If you're in search of a new sofa, Room & Board offers an extensive selection of fabrics. Many of the pieces you'll find at Room & Board are made in America! Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salt & Sundry | 1401 S St.

If you have more of a boho decor affinity, you will find plenty of pieces to complete your rooms at Salt & Sundry. While the store offers tables, most of their decor consists of accent/complementary pieces of furniture, including bar carts and fixings to go on it, candles, throws and more. Visit the store Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Elm | 1728 14th St., NW

West Elm carries a wide variety bedding, furniture, home decor, lighting and kitchenware in fun and modern designs. Get lost in the store's two floors of home decor! The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If none of these stores have quite the pieces you're looking for, consider checking out the District Flea, which is held on Saturdays through October! With so many stores and shops in our area, it is difficult to list them all, but it's almost impossible to go a block without seeing a home furnishing/decor store! 

What do you think are our area's hidden home decor gems? Follow The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages and share yours!

Additional sources consulted:

Borderstan

DC Racked

Washingtonian

Beat the DC Heat

Picture courtesy The Louis Photo Gallery

If you have lived in Washington DC for a while, you know how serious the summer heat and humidity gets in the city, especially when you're underground waiting for the Metro. Since we are currently in the midst of a heat wave, there is no better or more necessary time for us to explore the options of how to say cool and beat the summer heat!

Smithsonian Museums
When was the last time you had the chance to explore DC as a tourist? Take advantage of the free air conditioning provided at the Smithsonian Museums, primarily along the National Mall, and see the newest exhibits! Most of the museums are open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with the exception of The American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery, which operates from 11:30 AM to 7 PM. Explore new exhibits like the "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze" at The National Portrait Gallery or "National Geographic Into Africa: The Photography of Frans Lanting" at The Natural History Museum.

Get Out on the Water
Pack the sunscreen and enjoy DC from on or alongside the Potomac River! Thompson Boat Center, located in Georgetown, offers boat rentals through October. Rentals include kayaks, canoes and rowing shells (to certified patrons) that range in price from hourly rates to daylong rates. If you're not feeling quite as sporty, rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. Please note, Tidal Basin rentals are not permitted on July 4 for security reasons.

Lounge at The Louis
There's no place like home, right? For those times when you desire a lazy weekend, head up to the rooftop and The Louis' gorgeous pool and lounge area! When you have had enough of the sun, continue to relax in the air conditioning of your apartment home or in our resident lounge. You could even have a little barbecue and crack open some ice cold drinks! You could also take a short walk to one of the U Street Corridor's nearby restaurants for a refreshing beverage!

As the temperatures rise, residents of The Louis can stay cool both at home or by visiting one of the city's attractions. What are your favorite ways to beat the summertime heat? Share your thoughts on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages! Stay cool!

Additional sources consulted:
Examiner

Protecting Your Pup in Winter

With recent wind chills well below zero, as humans we have been bundled and covered up to protect against frostbite, so what about our canine companions? In dangerous winter weather, it's equally important to keep our pets warm and safe when they have to be outside, from both the temperatures and from chemicals used to treat roads and sidewalks. The DC Ladies share tips on how to keep your dog safe for the duration of winter:

Salt and other ice melting products can be damaging to your pet’s paws.  Contact with these products can cause chemical burns to their paw pads if you take them on a long walk and they are exposed to the harsh chemicals. Ingesting these ice melting products can also be harmful to your pet.  If your pet ingests a small amount of ice melt it can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.  Larger amounts of ice melt ingestion can cause more serious side effects such as weakness and seizures.  In very severe cases, ingesting too much ice melt can be fatal.

There are pet friendly ice melt products on the market.  Safe Paw is a 100% salt free product that is not only safe for pets but for children as well.  It has been a vet and shelter recommended brand for years.  Safe Paw pellets are green so they are easily recognized when you are out with your pet.  Safe Paw can be found at Costco and other retailers.  Check their website for locations near you.   Morton, who you may know from your table salt, also has a pet friendly ice melt called Safe-T-Pet.  It is also 100% salt free to prevent irritation to your pets.  Safe-T-Pet can be found at Wal-Mart stores in the area.

Another chemical used frequently during the winter is antifreeze.  Antifreeze has a sweet flavor to pets and can be deadly if ingested.  Only a tablespoon of antifreeze can be deadly to an average-sized dog and fatality rates are around 88%.  Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze products can severely damage your pet’s liver, so make sure any antifreeze you use does not contain this chemical.  There is a less toxic chemical used in some antifreeze products that is propylene glycol-based.  Look for products containing this chemical when you are buying antifreeze for your car.

Since you cannot control what your neighbors use for winter chemicals, there are ways to help protect your pet.  If you are unsure of what a sidewalk is treated with, have your dog walk in the grass instead.  Wipe your pet’s paws with warm water and a clean cloth when they come in from the outside to remove any product that may be on their paws.  Also, be sure to wipe your shoes as well to prevent tracking anything inside.  If your pet is comfortable enough, there are booties available to protect your pet’s paws from snow and ice as well.  If your pet is not into boots, you can keep their paws protected by using pet balms on their pads to prevent cracking from cold exposure.

Hopefully these tips will not only help keep your pets safe, but help keep the pets in your neighborhood safe as well.

Living Without a Closet

"two-twenty-six/three-sixty-five" by Laura Bittner is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Apartment living does not always offer ideal storage space, especially if you’re a shopaholic. While most apartments include closet space, more often than not, the available closet isn’t big enough, leaving us to find other, more creative ways to store our clothing and accessories. What are some alternatives to a closet? Apartment Guide offers some solutions:

An Armoire or Dresser

One of the most obvious solutions is to buy a large armoire or dresser to store clothes in. What’s great about armoires over dressers is that they offer a place to hang any clothing that you’d rather not fold.

Dresses, blouses and easily wrinkled items won’t have to be shoved into a dresser drawer, which could potentially save you from having to pull out the iron every day before work.

Dressers, on the other hand, are great for people with a lot of foldable clothes. Either piece of furniture comes in various sizes, so those who live in a small space will be able to easily find something that fits their room.

A Clothing Rack

Stores like Target and Ikea sell clothing racks of all different shapes and sizes. You’ll easily be able to find smaller standing clothing racks that have a single bar on which to hang your clothes.

There are also full closet organizers that you can mount to a wall with multiple shelves and rods great for holding an entire wardrobe. Though not as affordable, these are a one-and-done solution to not having a closet, and they’re pretty easy to install on the wall.

Bookcases

The variety of bookshelves available in stores and online is truly amazing, so they’re a great organization option for bedrooms with nonexistent closets. The bookshelves with cube-shaped cubbies are particularly useful for organizing different types of clothing and accessories.

If you’re planning on using bookshelves in place of a closet, be sure to buy plenty of baskets and bins that will help you keep the shelves neat and uncluttered.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are another useful storage option, and they’re especially great because they can fit onto walls of any size. Hang floating shelves across the width of an entire wall, or stack them from floor to ceiling. You can even install dividers on your shelves to keep all of your clothing items separated.

Under the Bed

Installing drawers under the bed is both practical and unobtrusive, so it’s a perfect solution for people who live in a small space. You can also inexpensively lift your bed to create even more storage space under it, using store-bought bed risers.

Consider storing shoes, handbags and other less-often-used items under the bed so you don’t have to get down on the floor every time you change clothes.

A Trunk

For a storage solution that’s part decorative and part amazingly effective, find an antique or vintage trunk to keep at the foot of your bed.

Trunks are very spacious, so you’ll be able to store a lot of your wardrobe in just the one area. Use it for bulky items like sweaters, sweatshirts and sweatpants that don’t stack as easily on shelves.

Create Pretty Decor

Some of the prettiest and most colorful items in a person’s apartment can be found in their closet, like shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry. Instead of tucking those items away into storage, find creative ways to display them around the room and apartment.

Buy a small coat rack just for your scarves and hang them by the front door. Line pretty high heels and handbags along the bookshelves in your living room or entryway. Hang your statement necklaces from pretty hooks on the wall above your toilet, rather than using that space for a piece of art.

Use a Curtain

Many of the storage solutions in this survival guide will leave your clothing out in the open or on display, but simply hanging a curtain can help you tuck your wardrobe out of sight. Attach a curtain to your bookshelves or simply hang one from the ceiling in front of your shelves to hide your clothing.

Mix and Match
If you have one wall in particular that would work well for a “closet,” mix and match the ideas to create exactly what you need for storing your own personal belongings. Hang floating shelves across the entire wall, then attach a closet rod to the wall beneath them. Or, find two small armoires and put them on either side of a short bookshelf.

Finishing Touches for Any Room

"dinning room" by Corina Sanchez is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Once all of your furniture is moved in and the boxes are unpacked, have you ever looked around and thought, “it just needs something else?” You’re certainly not alone. Decorating is a tricky process that you have to get just right in order to truly feel at home. So when a room feels like it’s missing something, try adding one of these five things, courtesy of Apartment Therapy:

1. Art.

A room without art is like an outfit without accessories — just a little bit boring. Take your time and collect art that you love and that is meaningful to you. It'll give your space that extra dose of style and personality that makes the difference between a good room and a great one.

2. The right lighting.

Lighting is something we tend to think of as an afterthought, but it can make a huge difference in the way you perceive a room. If your space only has one source of light, you're definitely missing something.

3. Window treatments.

Window treatments are essential for controlling light and protecting your privacy, and in addition to practical considerations, they also soften the look of a room and keep your windows from looking naked. Depending on your window situation and the look you're going for, you may have curtains and a valance or something simple as a roman shade — but don't make the mistake of neglecting window treatments entirely.

4. A little bit of texture.

A whole room full of smooth, shiny things can come across a bit cold. Adding something with a little bit of texture — a fluffy throw, a worn old wood table, even a plant — will give any room a little extra warmth and depth.

5. Something you really love.

A room that only looks great will never truly feel like home. In order to feel like a space is truly yours, you need a little extra personal touch. Whether it's a special find from the flea market in Paris or a souvenir from an amazing vacation or a painting of your dog (or even an actual dog), don't get so hung up on getting your look just right that you forget to include at least one thing you really love.

Illuminate Your Space

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A new year signals a new, fresh perspective on things - like your apartment style! If you’re not in the mood to complete big projects like moving around furniture or painting, there’s something simple you can do that will make all the difference in your apartment’s atmosphere - let the light in! Your apartment will feel bigger and happier by brightening it up with these tips from Apartment Guide:

Keep Shades Light

Since you probably want to avoid drilling into the ceiling of your rental, much of your lighting is bound to be in the form of floor lamps or end table lamps. The good news is that lamp shades offer an opportunity to really show off your style, so you can handle the whole daylight savings time issue with grandeur.

To keep your apartment as bright as possible, stick to light-colored lamps shades. Think white, cream, light gray, or similar hues when selecting a lamp shade. Darker lamp shades will filter out a considerable amount of light and may leave you sitting in the dark.

String Additional Lighting

If you still need more light once you have lamps set up, consider buying string lights, also known as fairy lights. While you may associate this type of lighting with the twinkle lights around a Christmas tree, there are other options available.

Designers now offer string lights with large bulbs, black or silver string, and a sleek modern look. Buy a decorative wooden ladder and string lights around it; set up your pyramid shelves in the corner and adorn the piece with string lights; or simply string them around a window.

Accessorize with Wireless Lights

Some rentals have a limited number of electrical outlets, and rewiring your home is not an option as a renter. Turn to wireless lighting that operates on battery power and is extremely mobile. Wireless LED candles, for instance, offer ambiance and go on with the flip of a switch.

Best of all, faux candles don’t pose the same fire hazard as an actual candle. Tap lights are also wireless and a good way to illuminate shelves or other small spaces. These lights are typically small and round, activated when you apply a small amount of pressure to the top of the light.

Use Mirrors to Maximize Lighting

Add a few mirrors to your rental space if you don’t have a lot of room or money for new lighting. Mirrors propped up against your walls won’t damage the drywall, and can reflect light from your lamps and other home lighting.

Mirrors create the illusion of more lighting sources, and doubles the amount of light that bounces around your apartment. Place larger mirrors next to a floor lamp and small wall mirrors adjacent to end tables with a lighting fixture.

Space Out Your Lighting

Now that your space is outfitted with several floor lamps, a few strands of string lights, and a handful of large mirrors–take a moment to consider the placement of each piece. Don’t put all the lighting in your living room, for instance, while neglecting to consider your dining nook.

Instead, space out your lighting fixtures. Put at least one light source near each corner of larger rooms. Place your mirrors within a few feet of a lighting fixture; this allows them to better reflect the light out into the rest of your space.

Lighting your new apartment should be at the top of your daylight savings to-do list. If you neglect to properly light your apartment, you will soon realize that it’s not possible to enjoy all of your lovely decor in the dark.

Eliminate Your To-Do List

"Dawa's Designed To-do list" by Juhan Sonin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It’s a new year and a time to get organized. You probably have a lot of catching up to do after the hectic holiday season, so how do you keep up with it all? The to-do list, of course! Whether yours is digital or handwritten, there are ways to cut down on your time and increase your productivity. Follow these tips from Apartment Therapy and get those tasks crossed off today!

Include sub-tasks in your lists.

Getting things out of our heads and onto paper (or digital "paper") quiets the nagging anxiety that can creep up, that feeling of I have so much to doooo that can make us twitchy with stress and downright irritable. Channel the energy required to remember what you have to do into actually getting it done by freeing your head space through a list. Make your list detailed, including sub-tasks. For instance, instead of just Make key lime pie for office party also write everything you have to do to be able to make that happen: buy limes and whipping cream, make crust, etc. Your detailed lists give you the info you need to combine tasks and save time.

Combine tasks to save time.

The last thing we need to do is waste time. If you know what you have to get at the store for projects by having created a complete list, you can get them all at once rather than stopping by multiple times. If you're making more than one of something, combine these tasks as well. Sewing new curtains for two rooms, for instance? Buy all your fabric ahead of time, and parcel out the tasks across both projects into groups (for instance, all the measuring and cutting for both projects at once, before even getting out the sewing machine).

Multitask, multitask, multitask.

One excellent way to check a few items off your list — once you have a clear picture of what these items involve — is to work on a task while doing something else. Calling your great-great-aunt to wish her a happy birthday? Fold the laundry you need for your road trip while you're on the phone. Been meaning to have a get-together with some close friends? Turn it into a post-closet-clean-out clothes-swap party. You'll enjoy the company of loved ones and get the pleasure of finishing a task that's probably been hanging over all of you.

Use down times to update your lists and continue planning ahead.

Your list should be a constantly evolving road map of what you have to do. Crossing things off, updating notes (ask Sue to pick up the bread), and adding to it should be happening regularly so your list is always a snapshot of where you are and what you have to do to get where you're going. Use the time while you're on hold with Amazon, or while you're waiting for your bakery order to be filled to check your list again and again.

Grocery Planning 101

"Thanksgiving Supplies" by Phil! Gold is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

We’ve all heard the saying “never go grocery shopping hungry,” but that isn’t the only rule we should keep in mind when we’re at the store. Like many things, the prices of food keeps increasing, so how do we stick to a budget? Heck, how do we even set one in the first place? We’ll demystify grocery shopping in ten steps, with these tips from The Kitchn.

1. Track what you actually spend for a month.

Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.

Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.

2. Budget per month, but plan per week.

I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.

3. Name your priorities.

I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.

4. Don’t eat out.

Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.

5. Prize (and plan) variety.

...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.

6. Keep a fridge list.

Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.

7. Learn to love your leftovers.

They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.

8. Don’t be duped by coupons.

Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.

9. Stock when there’s a sale, but don’t overstock.

Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.

But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.

10. Take the time to comparison shop.

The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.

However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.

What other grocery shopping tips to you have? Are there any apps you have found useful?

Be an Ideal Party Guest

"Happy 2009!" by Ginny is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

From Christmas to New Year’s Eve, you’ll surely be making the rounds at parties throughout the next couple of weeks. Whether it’s a boss or colleague you’re trying to impress or your friends and family, keep these tips (courtesy of Apartment Therapy) in mind and you will be at the top of the invite list next year!

DON'T:

1. Show up right on time.

For most people it's second nature to show up at least 15 minutes late to a big gathering, but the perpetually punctual may have trouble with this. If you find yourself arriving at party within 15 minutes of the stated start time, nip around the corner for a coffee, or hang out at a bookstore for a bit, or just sit in your car. This will give your host a little breathing room and ensure that you don't walk in on them doing frantic last minute preparations.

A few exceptions to the rule: dinner parties, where it's rude to show up more than 15 minutes late. And any party where you know the hostess very well and feel comfortable offering to help out — in that case your punctuality (or even earliness) will probably be welcomed.

2. Bring something that requires a lot of prep.

If you're bringing something to the party, good on you. But don't bring something that will require a ton of prep space or kitchen time on the party end. Chances are your host has been cooking all day and counter space in the kitchen is at a premium. If you're in there chopping things and looking for bowls and knives and whatnot, things can get chaotic.

3. ''Ghost' without saying goodbye to your host.

You don't have to make a big deal of announcing your exit to every guest at the party, but you should at least find your host and let them know that you had a lovely time but unfortunately you have to leave. This will keep them from fielding questions about what happened to so-and-so all night long.

DO:

1. RSVP.

The art of the RSVP is dead, y'all. The number one gripe I hear from friends who host parties is that people don't RSVP, or they do and then don't show up, so it's almost impossible to tell who is coming to your party and how much food you need. So if you get an invite to a party, and you think you'd like to go, click 'yes'. Really, it's not that hard.

2. Offer to bring something.

Chances are good that your host will say you don't need to bring anything at all, just yourself, but offering anyway is standard party etiquette. It's also a way to help your hostess defray the cost of the party, which sometimes can run pretty high. And if you are asked to bring something, for gosh sakes, don't take it home with you at the end of the night (unless your host specifically asks you to).

3. Talk to people you don't know.

Sure, all your friends are at the party. But these are all people you'll see again — how are you gonna meet new people if you just stick with your group all the time? Go by yourself to get food or drink — this is a pretty natural time to chat up people you don't know. Talking to new people is also a HUGE favor to your hostess, who will have to worry less about guests who don't know a lot of people at the party.

4. Say thanks.

Throwing parties is lots of fun, but it's also hard work. And when you work hard at something, it's nice to have somebody else say: hey, thanks. Good job. Traditional etiquette dictates that you send a mailed thank-you note to your host: in modern times, this might seem a little over the top, but thanking your hostess when you leave (and maybe even in an email or text message the next day) will always be appreciated.

Pet Safety During the Holidays

"Bailey Puggins" by DaPuglet is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

For many people, pets are a member of the family, rather than a household companion. As there are hazards for children around the holidays, the same is true for pets. What household hazards should you be aware of this time of year? Keep these guidelines, courtesy of Apartment Therapy, in mind as you decorate your apartment for the holidays!

1. Avoid mistletoe and holly: While these decorations are fun and festive, they are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Go fake if you must have them around.

2. Opt for a fake tree if you have cats: While the toxicity levels in most fir trees isn't high enough to harm a dog, it can be high enough to cause stomach irritation and vomiting in a cat. Also, most cats can't digest pine needles, which isn't pleasant for pet or owner.

3. If you go real, cover that water: The most hazardous part of a real tree for dogs is the water bowl. There are countless pesticides and fertilizers in that water, which can be deadly to dogs.

4. Tape down cords: If you've trained your cats and dogs to avoid electronics, this isn't as much of an issue, but new things like twinkling bulbs can always cause crazy behavior in animals. Training tips can be found here, but if you find your little creatures are getting curious around those holiday twinkle lights, cover them with electrical tape and adhere to the floor to avoid electrocution.

5. Hire a smart and attentive sitter: When hiring a sitter over the holidays, let them know to look for signs of danger like broken bulbs or chewed cords and give them your vet's information just in case. If they know what to look for, they can step in and help in an emergency.

Of course, if your pet does a banner job of staying out of trouble, be sure to get them a stocking full of treats.

5 Things to Take Care of Before Your Holiday Travels

"Stuttgart Airport at dusk" by Andrei Dimofte is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The time is almost here for those long-awaited days off and heading out of town for the holidays! Of course you’ll remember to pack and wrap all of the presents, but there are some things to take care of before you leave that are probably at the bottom of your list, if they’re even on there at all. Don’t forget to take care of these quick tasks, courtesy of Apartment Therapy, before you leave town!

1. Clean out stinky spots

The trash cans (not just the kitchen one — think about cans in your bathrooms, office or bedrooms), dishwasher, fridge and coffee maker can all be nightmares to come home to if they've been left full of stuff to rot and get stinky while you're away. Empty them all out before you go, but also give them a quick swipe to clean them.

2. Security check

Doors, windows, garage door — are they all closed and locked? Are blinds and curtains closed? Are you leaving a car at your place? Make sure you don't have any valuables in sight. Leave a light on or check your light timer. Can you go a step farther and lock gates to your home and other entrances, too? Make a quick sketch of your floor plan and all the things that need locking, and make check marks as you walk around the house. You can keep that sheet with you as you get on the road in case you get any of those "did I lock that?" feelings.

3. Save energy and protect from damage

Unplug all your electronics. Check the heating system and your water heater — are they turned down low to save energy? Even consider shutting off the water lines to your washing machines to avoid leaks or accidents while you're away. Make sure all your appliances are turned off like the stove, oven, coffee maker and others.

4. Water plants

Give all your green lovelies a nice long drink before you go, and move them to the optimal spot in your home — where the best light is and a spot where they won't get cold drafts (if that's something they wouldn't like).

5. Make sure your neighbors have the info they need

If your neighbors are watching your home for you while you're away, make sure they have keys to everything, phone numbers (and alternative numbers) to reach you if there's ever a problem. If they're watering plants, make sure they know how much and when to do it. Let them know if you'll need the garbage cans brought in or to the curb. Typing up a quick FAQ sheet to leave for them is often helpful.

Allow Your Space to Breathe

"_MG_2804" by CharlotWest is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

It’s getting cold outside, so there’s no doubt you’ll be spending more time indoors than you did over the spring and summer. So how can you spend more time indoors without feeling smothered by your apartment? By decorating in a way that gives your space room to breathe. You may be pressed for space as it is, so don’t overcrowd your apartment  (yes, there is such a thing as over-decorating). Use these tips, courtesy of Apartment Therapy, to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and spacious!

1. Declutter and use furniture that pulls double-duty

In a small space, sometimes sacrifices have to be made to make a space feel more airy. If you've got a piece of furniture you're no longer using, get rid of it. And then make the furniture you do have in there work extra hard, like in the image above, where an upholstered ottoman doubles as a coffee table or extra seating.

2. Rearrange and move big furniture to the back

Consider moving your bulkier furniture away from the room's entrance. Place your heaviest, most important pieces on the wall the farthest away from the door, and then arrange the rest of the furniture based on trying to visually balance out the space. You won't feel like a room's furniture is ganging up on you when you first walk into the space.

3. Use paint to unify and disguise

Camouflage a piece of furniture — take away its visual weight — by painting it the same color as your wall. It's drastic, but it works (find images in this post as proof). By camouflaging a piece of furniture in this way, it doesn't grab your attention as easily, and it doesn't feel heavy or imposing. But also use paint to disguise and hide bulky, unwanted things that stick out in the way like radiators, fans, anything else that gives visual clutter to a room.

4. Keep surfaces clear and free of unnecessary clutter

Getting to create vignettes and display your favorite items on surfaces is always fun. But keeping them clear and clutter-free can have a huge impact on making a room feel more airy. You don't have live in an empty space, but try clearing off surfaces and see which ones make a room feel better when they're empty.

5. Don't choose oversize art or go crazy with wall collages

Though oversize art can certainly play an important role in interiors (as can wall collages), oversized pieces of art, even if they make for a dynamic look, can feel imposing in a small room. Wall collages, if they're too large or randomly sized, can feel busy. It can literally feel like the walls are squeezing in slowly. So stick to a moderately sized piece of art that complements your space (and as you can also see illustrating our point about not choosing all these tips at once, this room sports a not-clear coffee table).

6. Keep window coverings simple (or don't use any)

I love a set of curtains that pool on the ground dramatically, and they can really up the feeling of coziness and softness in a room. But, pool on the ground a little too much, especially too close to furniture, and it might feel like they're inching toward you. While you're consider curtains, think about your rugs, too. Too many small ones in one space can add to the feeling of clutter in a room. Keep the textiles simple in your space for a more wide open feel.

7. Use mirrors to your advantage

It's a common suggestion around here, but it's because it works. Not only will it make a small space feel bigger, it'll help cut down on that claustrophobic feeling by not letting those walls feel too imposing or solid. And spreading more light around a space can't hurt.