Winter Tip: Set your fan to spin clockwise on a low setting to gently push warm air down and keep your space cozy.

Summer Tip: Switch it to spin counterclockwise to create a breeze that keeps you cool.

It’s a simple trick to make the most of your ceiling fan and love where you live—no matter the season!

The post How To Use Your Ceiling Fan All Year appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Baby, it’s cold outside. But that doesn’t mean you should be cold inside! After once residing in a drafty 1890’s apartment, I had to learn fast how to keep warm. Hope my lessons learned keep you cozy this winter.

Light

How we dream of a bright, warm sun all cold, dark winter long. Although daylight hours are short, and the winter sun is not strong, it can help to warm your home. Keep your blinds open on sunny days. Sun streaming in your windows will help to warm your place and the sunlight will make the season seem less dreary. Once the sun sets, close your blinds to add a layer of insulation against the cold.

Layer

When I was a kid, my dad would turn the thermostat down to 60 degrees every night. When my brother, sister, and I complained that we were cold, he’d say, “Go put on a sweater.” So layering on a sweater or sweatshirt, snuggling up with a cozy throw, and wearing warm slippers or thick socks has been a life-long tradition. Thanks, Dad!

Drafts

Take a moment to see if there is any cold air coming in around doors and windows. Draft stoppers at your door or window can really cut down on the drafts. Even a rolled up towel can help! If you have curtains on your windows, you can add a plastic shower curtain liner on hooks. You can also try wide painter’s tape to cut drafts around doors and windows without worrying about damaging the walls or trim. You can also buy foam liners for your outlets and switch plates to block cold air drafts – especially helpful on outside walls.

Bedtime

Bring on the flannel sheets and flannel jammies! Flannel is just so cozy – and inexpensive! You can also layer up your bed with extra blankets and/or a throw. Years ago, I visited some friends in Denver. I cannot even describe how cold it was in their home at night. I put newspapers under my fitted sheet and wore my coat to be the first night. The next day I discovered that they kept a basement window open all winter. Whaaat?? But guess what? After a few nights, I realized I was getting great night’s sleep and no longer needed newspapers or coat. To this day, I like to sleep in a cool room – but with layers of flannel, blankets, and covers.

Use Your Oven and Stove

Leave your oven door open after each use. Whether backing, roasting, or broiling, this will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to the room. However, be cautious about doing this if you have children or pets; make sure they can't reach the hot oven door or inside the oven. And never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas. Burning natural gas for long periods can increase carbon monoxide levels in your home. Think about baking something long and slow, like a delicious, easy, loaf of bread. Make a sheet pan supper! One pan, easy clean up, warms up the kitchen.

Warm drinks

Besides warming up your space, you also can warm yourself from the inside. Opt for hot meals, such as a cup of soup, on cold days. And consider making your own soup from scratch, like chicken soup or chili. Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate heat in the kitchen.

Use a Humidifier

Humid air generally feels quite a bit warmer than dry air. And running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity. To balance this, consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

It might seem counterintuitive to use a ceiling fan when you're feeling cold, but it actually can help to warm you up. Let your ceiling fan turn at a low speed in a clockwise direction during the colder months. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward floor level.

Use Microwaveable Heating Pads

A microwavable heating pad fairly inexpensive, and  can make a huge difference when you're cold. As an added plus, you don’t need to be near an outlet to use it. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you're sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100 percent cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments until it's at your desired temperature.

Cuddle

Snuggles really can keep you warm. We all produce heat through our metabolic processes and lose our heat to the environment as we maintain body temperature. Increasing skin contact decreases opportunities for the heat to be lost to the environment around us. If two people are under a blanket both of their heat losses combined can increase the temperature under the blanket more quickly than either could do independently. Plus, it’s fun.

Clear Heat Vents, Registers, and Radiators

Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they're blocked, the heat won't be able to circulate.

Do Something Active

Movement generates body heat. And there are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, dance, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn't become so cold and stiff that you don't feel like being active.

While I like to dream of being someplace warm and sunny on a cold winter’s day, the idea of cozying up in a comfy sweatshirt and fluffy slippers while sipping hot chocolate under a fuzzy throw and binge-watching Netflix doesn’t sound too bad. Although I am counting the days until the pool opens. Just sayin’.

The post Stay Warm and Cozy in Your Apartment This Winter appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Out, Damned Spot; Out I Say!

• Lady Macbeth

Racked with guilt over her complicity in the murder, Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth famously exclaims, “Out, damned spot; out I say!” while wringing her hands to remove a hallucinated bloodstain. You may be tempted to say something similar – or much worse – when suddenly faced with a horrifying spill of red wine on your carpet.

It’s always a sad moment when that delicious glass of red winds up on the floor instead of in your belly. My good friend Stacy never fails to drip, dribble, spill, or splash whenever we get together. I have honestly never met anyone as clumsy with food and drink as she. Fortunately for us both, she is also a wizard at removing stains from everything – including carpet – with products you already have in your home.  Her advice?

• Blot Up ASAP. Gently blot with paper towels from the outside edge of the spill to the center. Act quickly before the wine’s natural dyes and acids work their way into the carpet fibers.
• Select a Solution. See four options below:
  • Straight club soda.
  • One tablespoon each of white vinegar and liquid dish soap mixed in two cups of warm water.
  • Table salt – enough to cover the spill.
  • Wine removal product such as Wine Away (under $10 from Amazon).
• Test Solution. Test the solution on a small inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
• Dab and Blot. Dab your solution of choice in small amounts on the spill with a soft, clean white cloth (an old T-shirt will do nicely!), again working your way from the outside of the spot to the center. Don’t be tempted to dump the mixture all over the stain as it will cause it to spread and may damage the carpet’s backing.
  • NOTE: If using salt, cover the stain, let sit until dry, then vacuum.
• Rinse. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading or reintroducing the wine to the area.
• Rest. Let everything sit for five to 10 minutes.
• Rinse. Rinse the area with cold water.
• Blot and Repeat. Blot with a white towel. Repeat until no more color transfers to the towel.

Theoretically, you can use white wine to remove a red wine stain by following the above steps.. If wasting any wine on a spill shocks you to your core, consider having vinegar, salt, or Wine Away at the ready before you pop the cork.

Cheers!

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A few years back, my boyfriend introduced me to his tiny, lodge-y, weekend getaway at a rural community on a lake. During my first visit, we attended a spur-of-the-moment get-together with some of his neighbors. It was a surprising night for me in two ways. First of all, everyone treated me like they’d known me forever. As a gal with definite introvert tendencies, this was most welcome and a great “note-to-self” for my own future hosting. Secondly, everyone brought their own drinks and a snack to share. Brilliant! Essentially, all the host had to provide was ice and toilet paper. Talk about stress-free entertaining! Piggybacking off this experience, here’s our complete guide on how to host a potluck.

Why Host a Potluck?
Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a veteran resident, a successful potluck party can help create and solidify friendships and make you feel right at home in your apartment community. It’s a fun way to make memories and create long-lasting friendships. It’s a great way to host without breaking the bank, and it’s a no-brainer because people like to eat. And hosting a potluck will create a foundation to build upon to eventually host gatherings where you provide everything…and do all the work.

Getting Started
Invite some people: your besties, relatives, coworkers, apartment neighbors – mix and match! Decide how many people your home/dining table can comfortably accommodate and plan your guest list accordingly. Consider how many place settings you have – plates and silverware. Do you have serving spoons? If not, be sure your guests know to bring one for their dish. How much guest parking is available near your apartment? Don’t forget to let your guest know where they should park. If your apartment community is gated, let your visitors know how to get in so there’s no awkwardness upon arrival.

Planning any kind of get-together can be daunting. How much food should there be? What drinks should be served, and how many will be needed? A potluck solves these problems. If everyone brings food to share there will be plenty. When they also bring their own drinks, you have no decisions to make about quantities or types of refreshments to have on hand. Do make sure you have plenty of ice and glassware.

Hosting a potluck that satisfies all appetites is easier if you create a theme. This will help make your meal complete and cohesive. Just make sure your guests advise you what they plan to bring so you can make sure there aren’t duplicates and that all portions of the meal are covered. Here are some creative potluck theme ideas to choose from for your next apartment gathering.

Apartment Potluck Themes

RESTAURANT COPYCAT

Have your guests pick a dish from their favorite restaurant in town to recreate. Who knows what you’ll end up with? Pasta, empanadas, cupcakes, tacos. So many possibilities. It’s a great theme if your guests are foodies as their contributions will assure a variety of interesting dishes that will spark conversation about the best restaurants and best foods in your area.

TEX-MEX

Who doesn’t like Tex-Mex? With simple recipes and affordable ingredients, you can’t go wrong with a Tex-Mex potluck theme. Mexican-American dishes are delicious, filling, and difficult to botch – even for the novice chef. Opt for a Tex-Mex Night and make sure that everyone brings a different dish so you don’t end up with six jars of salsa and bags of chips.

COMFORT FOODS

Everyone has a dish that reminds them of home. My mom used to make a dish she called Surprise Packages. She’d make foil pouches filled with sliced potatoes, a hamburger patty, a slice of onion, sliced carrots and peas. They were awful, but my siblings and I never tire of teasing her about them, and my father loved them. Maybe your friends have better offerings like their mom’s chili, dad’s Sunday gravy, Thanksgiving’s sweet potato casserole, or a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Ask your potluck guests to bring a family favorite and prepare to enjoy a wide range of heartwarming foods along with a night of nostalgic memories!

SOMETHING YELLOW

Theme your potluck with this cheery color and be prepared for a night of mac and cheese, coconut curry with mango, buffalo chicken dip, and cornbread. Once you open your mind to seemingly random themes, the possibilities are endless. Colors, letters, and numbers are all great places to start. Be relatively lax about the “rules” and see what creativity your guests bring to the table. What might seem odd in the beginning could end up being your favorite potluck theme in the end.

FARMERS MARKET FAVES

If you’re looking for a way to make your potluck dishes more cohesive but don’t want to limit your guests to a specific cuisine, consider a theme involving where they shop for their ingredients. A farmer’s market theme is also an excellent way to support local businesses like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Yankee Street Market in South Dayton, or Dallas Farmer’s Market. With dishes centered around in-season ingredients you’ll end up with similarities throughout your dinner spread — and high-quality ingredients, too!

THE VEGGIE

Have your meat-loving friends step outside of their comfort zones. Challenge everyone to add some type of vegetable to their dish — including the desert! A veggie tray would be a no-brainer, but there are many veggie dishes that are so hearty, no one will miss the meat. Like Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew which went viral >> #thestew. And who doesn’t like carrot cake or banana bread? The options are endless and delicious for a plant-based potluck theme.

HOME STATE ORIGINALS

A classic potluck theme, friends bring an iconic home state dish. In Kentucky, that could be a Kentucky Derby favorite, burgoo. How about a recreation of Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili? Dayton-style square-cut pizza is a fun option, or how about one of these seven classic dishes famous in Dallas? Not only does this potluck theme have the potential to be delicious, but it can also spark some great conversation between guests about their home states.

SALAD BAR

A wonderful theme for spring and summer months, a salad bar is easy, fresh, and tasty. There’s always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available in season, but don’t forget about other warm-weather staples like pasta or potato salad! A salad bar theme is perfect for a light, refreshing dinner that will require no reheating.

CASSEROLE CREATIONS

Casseroles are great for cooler months. Hot, comforting casseroles are what everyone craves during the fall and winter. And they tend to be easy to make. How about a gooey mac and cheese or a tater-tot casserole? For dessert, think apple crisp and/or blueberry cobbler.

COOKOFF

Another fun idea is to have everyone bring the same dish and see who makes it best. Think: a chili cookoff, taco night, or a chocolate chip cookie bakeoff.

So, make a guest list, send out invitations, dust and vacuum, stock up on toilet paper, set the table, and let the potluck party begin! If you and your guests have as much fun as I think you will have, consider a monthly rotation from one person’s home to another. Eat and drink your way to closer friends and better neighbors.

The post How To Host A Potluck appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Winter Energy Savings Tips

Old Man Winter has come knocking on our doors a bit early this year with a cold reminder to keep ourselves warm and cozy without breaking the bank and paying for utilities. It’s especially important now, as inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything.

Start by taking a walk around your apartment. I know, I know, you know your apartment like the back of your hand, but this time look closely at things that can affect your ability to keep your place comfortable even on the coldest days.

Furniture

Look at the placement of your furniture. Make sure all furnishings at least eight inches from heat registers and vents to allow for proper circulation. Check the areas behind your sofa, bed, dresser, and other large pieces to be sure they are not blocking precious warm airflow. A rule of thumb is to allow at least eight inches of space around your registers to ensure good air circulation.

Windows

Double-check to make sure all windows are shut tightly. Locking your windows can provide an extra bit of snug fit. Even double-paned windows can feel cold when it’s frigid outside. It is normal for windows and the surrounding area to feel cold to the touch, since glass is not a good insulator.

A rolled towel on the windowsill can help the window feel less chilly, especially if the window frame is metal.  Keep your blinds open on sunny days to let as much warmth in as possible, but do close them tightly once the sun goes down. Adding an extra layer such as a plastic barrier or a draft-blocking curtain can really help. Insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on the apartment's temperature.

If there are still heavy drafts around windows, please call your leasing office to have the maintenance crew check them.

Doors

Check for drafts around any exit doors. If you feel a draft, you may need new weather stripping or a new door sweep. Your maintenance team can help you with that. Even with a good door sweep, you may still feel a chill coming in.  A door snake can really make a difference.

Outlets

Cold air can also find its way into your home through the outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Really! Fortunately, there’s a product for that (of course). You can also check with your utility company as some of them will provide these at no charge.

Wall Air Conditioner Unit

If you have a wall AC unit, make sure the vent(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is no air sweeping in around the units.

Baseboard Registers

If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.

Thermostat

If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’. You can be like my Dad and turn the heat down to 60 degrees at night. Sounds awful at first, but sleeping in a cool room in flannel jammies and under a warm comforter or cozy blanket can provide you with a surprisingly great night’s sleep!

Attire

You’ve heard the saying Dress For Success. In the winter, it becomes Dress For Warmth. Get cozy at home by wearing seasonal attire like wool sweaters, heavy shirts (flannel!), sweatshirts, warm pants, wooly socks and/or fluffy slippers. Maybe a Snuggie?? Top this with a furry throw and you’ll be all set. Make my Dad proud.

.

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Stink bugs are very active right now, and those pesky critters will be around to annoy us and gross us out as they try and escape cooler weather. I don’t know about you, but I am seriously weirded out by stink bugs. They look so…prehistoric, are so…ugly, and they can be so…stinky. Removal of these unwanted visitors is assigned to another person in my household who does not have the same aversion as me. But what to do if you live alone or everyone at your place is equally reluctant to deal with these creatures? We’ve done a bit of homework to help you sort it all out. You’re welcome.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

Indoors, stink bugs tend to congregate on upper floors and in tight spaces. That’s why they often tuck into drapery folds and walk along the tops of walls. Typically, they will gather on warm, west-facing walls and enter buildings via cracks and crevices. Once they find an ideal spot, they release pheromones, chemical signals that beckon more stink bugs to join the party.

So what do you do when you’re just trying to have a nice evening binge-watching Netflix when you spot a stink bug (besides, if you’re like me, scream??)? Sadly, pesticides and chemical insecticides are not the answer. Horrifyingly, few actually work to kill these bugs, and they often rise from the dead a few days later. And if you do manage to kill them, their bodies may attract other insects to feed on them. So put down your phone, Virginia. Your landlord is not going to be the best solution. Especially since most apartment communities offer visits from pest control companies periodically, and you’ll want to get rid of these bugs now.

Instead, try one of these techniques for fast and easy results. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to stink bugs, I’m all about fast removal.

Natural Pesticide

Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 concentration of white vinegar and water. Then, add a small squirt of dishwashing liquid and get to work! This mixture is highly effective and safe, though it takes more time to kill the bugs than typical insecticides (requiring 30–45 minutes.)

Essential Oils

Here’s a great method that allows you to kill two birds with one stone. Make your home smell great and banish stink bugs at the same time. Simply mix 10 drops of mint essential oils with 16 ounces of water and spray at interior entry zones like windows and doors.

Garlic Spray

How about another way to kill two birds with one stone? Get rid of vampires (LOL) and stink bugs in one swell foop! [Good grief, it’s fell swoop. My father used to say swell foop (along with a myriad of other malapropisms we referred to lovingly as “Scoopisms”.] Combine two cups of water and four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves and spray on indoor windowsills where stink bugs are likely to enter your home.

Paper Towel

Grab a paper towel along with your designated stink bug killer (DSBK). If you don’t have a DSBK, you’ll have to brave this on your own thus becoming my personal hero. Ever so gently pluck the bug (do not squish) from wherever it has landed and flush the bug down the toilet. Do not flush the paper towel, or you will have a toilet backup to deal with as well as stink bugs and a human can only take so much. See the below section on the importance of not squishing.

Vacuum

You can also use your vacuum if you have a wand attachment, but proceed with caution. This method only works for vacuum cleaners with bags. And you’ll need to throw the bag away immediately to prevent a stink bomb from developing. Maybe use this one only in a dire emergency. (But isn’t any visible stink bug a dire emergency?!?)

Soapy Water

A stink bug’s natural reaction to any perceived threat is to drop straight down. Clearly, they are not too bright. Fill a wide-mouth jar with soapy water (add some vinegar for extra killing power), place it underneath a stink bug, and most often it will drop right into the suds and drown.

Lint Remover Sheets

Cover a dry sweep mop head with a lint remover sheet. Use it as a long-handled stink bug catcher. It’s perfect for grabbing any high-climbing bugs. But be careful not to squish. See below.

Should I Squish A Stink Bug?

Squishing them is not an ideal solution. In fact, it’s the worst. Whether threatened or not, stepping on or swatting a stink bug is likely to release their stinky spray, resulting in a pungent odor that will fill the area where they were killed.

What Happens if a Stink Bug Releases Its Scent?

While seemingly innocuous, killing a stink bug can have lingering effects. Not only does the chemical produced by stink bugs smell, but it also releases pheromones that attract other stink bugs. With numerous stink bugs roaming through your home, it’s only a matter of time until you’re stuck with a smelly infestation!

Prevention

Soapy Water

Combine equal parts hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle and spray on windowsill entry points. Not advisable, however, if your windowsills and window frames are wood.

Dryer Sheets

Stink bugs dislike dryer sheet odor, so rub dryer sheets on window screens and windowsills as a preventative measure. If you see holes in your screens, and you are a renter, alert your management office for assistance patching or replacing the screen.

Drowning By Night

Before bed, fill a wide pan with soapy water and place it in the room with the most stink bugs. Place a small light so it hangs over the dish. Obviously, you do not want the light/lamp to touch the water. Overnight, the stink bugs will flock to the light, fall into the suds and drown.

Block Points of Entry

If you see cracked seals around utility entry points, doors, and windows, joints where two different materials meet, like wood and concrete block or wood siding and brick, caulk the cracks as needed. Check weather stripping and sweeps on doors and look for gaps. If you are a renter, alert your management office and request assistance.

Wishing you days and months of stink-free and bug-free enjoyment of your home – unless of course, you wish to train them so you can make a million dollars on American’s Got Talent, or keep them as pets (pet fees may apply LOL).

RESOURCES: The Pest Rangers, Terminix, Orkin

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Puppy-Proof Your Apartment

You took the plunge and got yourself a puppy after deciding what breed would work best. After making sure your pup has all the appropriate vaccinations to be around other dogs, you’ve considered where to take your pup to have fun, frolic, and make friends in Dayton, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, or Dallas. And, if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to puppy-proof your apartment.

When I got my little guy 10 years ago, he was 2.5 pounds of fluff resembling a Beanie Baby (remember those?). He was 12 weeks old and (supposedly) a purebred Maltese. Turns out he’s part Maltese, part Bichon Frisé, and part rascal. His previous owner trained him on puppy pads, so housebreaking was a nightmare since he thought it was okay to pee inside on the floor. Fortunately, he was not one to chew on anything. There was just one time – the first time I dressed him in a red raincoat with a yellow ducky on the back – that he took a good chew on my most expensive pair of shoes as revenge for the humiliation. Anyway, I digress.

When you introduce a new pup to your home, it’s important to prepare your apartment. Puppy proofing serves two important purposes: one, it ensures your puppy stays safe, and two, that the puppy doesn’t damage your furniture, your stuff, or the apartment itself. Here are our suggestions for successfully puppy-proofing your apartment.

Protect Your Apartment From Your Puppy

• Tidy up. Before your puppy enters your home, put away anything you don’t want to wind up in Fido’s mouth. Ollie has a penchant for earbuds. My previous dog liked to eat undies. So think about “chewables” like shoes, remotes, chargers, baskets, decorative items — anything, really!

• Protect. Buy a lint roller and keep it handy for your clothes and furniture. Here are eight of the best.  If you plan on snuggles with Rover on the couch, consider covering it with a washable blanket or a throw. If your pup is a breed that will shed – and most dogs do – think about a partial slipcover for the sofa and chair.

• Create a puppy space. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as “Teddy’s House”, but a cozy spot for Fluffy’s bed or crate (if you are crate training), bed, and toys would be ideal. Preferably the puppy space is located in a low-traffic, out-of-the-way area that has easy-to-clean floors in case of accidents. You can also purchase a large heavy-duty plastic sheet or tray to place under the bed or crate.

• Consider crate training. Whether simple or luxe – Poppy won’t care – a crate gives your pup a safe place to retreat to when she is scared or anxious. Plus, it can help with housebreaking and future travel. It will also make visits to the vet or groomers a lot easier. Of course, you’ll use a carrier for quick trips and/or traveling on public transportation.

• Easy does it. Bringing Marshmallow into her new space and around new people is going to be exciting and overwhelming for your pup. Taking it slow will help you avoid accidents and anxiety with your new fur baby. Let the puppy get used to your place one room at a time, and use a dog (or baby) gate to block areas you don’t want the puppy in just yet.

• Get your puppy plenty of exercise. Take your puppy for lots of long walks and spend plenty of time outside to tire them out. This will ensure that they’ll just want to cuddle during your downtime instead of searching for mischief to get into.

• Spoil your puppy. A bored pet is a destructive pet. Provide lots of toys, especially rubber toys they can chew and squeaky toys they can pounce on. Brush them every day and keep their nails clipped. If you start good daily grooming habits while they’re in the puppy stage, you’ll get them used to the attention and build trust.

Protect Your Puppy From Your Apartment

We’ve looked at ways to puppy-proof your apartment to keep your stuff, your furniture, and your place safe from adorable but curious and mischievous pups, but it’s also important to make sure you keep your pup safe from potentially dangerous things in your home.

• Toxics. All medicines and supplements, cleaning products, detergents, and even certain plants are dangerous for puppies to ingest. Store these items behind locked doors or out of reach to avoid a visit to the emergency vet. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control has a list of people foods your dogs should not eat and a list of poisonous plants and flowers to help you protect your pet.

• Trash. The smell of garbage can be irresistible to curious puppies. So much to root through, especially when they’re left alone. Yet trash cans are full of objects that could harm your puppy, including bones, leftover onion or garlic skins from your latest cooking adventure, empty cleaning product containers – even the trash bag represents a suffocation danger. To keep your pup safe, get a good, sturdy trash can with a lid. And consider putting childproof locks on lower cabinets, doors, and drawers.

• Cords. Use cord protectors to cover household electric cords, cables, and wires. Teething puppies have a hankering to chew and they might see your power cable and charger cords as a chew toy. Protect your puppy from an electrical shock, burn to the mouth, and a visit to the vet by covering and securing those cords.

• Batteries. Remote controls, electronic toys, key fobs, and any other devices that contain batteries should be picked up and kept well out of reach. Not only can small parts be chewed and swallowed, but a swallowed battery is even more dangerous because it can cause burns to the soft tissue inside your pet’s esophagus on the way down. Disc batteries are especially dangerous!

• Heights. Puppies are clumsy and have fragile bones, so a seat on the couch or in a standing child’s arms puts them at risk of injury if they fall or try to jump. It’s best to keep your puppy off tall furniture and have young children sit when holding them until your puppy is less fragile and more coordinated.

• Toilet. Keep toilet lids closed, so the puppy won’t drink out of the commode or fall in.

• Doors & windows. Keep doors and windows closed at all times, so Spot can’t escape or fall out, and secure the cords that raise the blinds, so they won’t get caught around the puppy’s neck.

• Your bag. It’s very likely that your purse, backpack, gym bag, or diaper bag contains one, if not many, items that pose a threat to your new pup. Xylitol poisoning is becoming more and more common as it creeps into more products, like sugar-free gum, hand creams, etc. Preventative Vet has a list of 700+ products containing xylitol. Unintentional poisoning is one of the most common pet emergencies, so be sure to store bags in a closed closet or on a sturdy hook that is high and out of reach.

Now that you and Peanut are in a safe environment, snuggle up and enjoy your new bestie. And tell your dog we said hi.

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This summer has been so hot. Are you getting tired of getting into a ridiculously hot car? Us, too.

Did you realize that a car parked in the sun on a sweltering hot car becomes oppressive inside in mere minutes? That’s why, in our Summer Safety For Furry Friends blog post, we remind everyone that car temps can become lethally hot before you know it! That’s why experts advise us to never leave humans or animals unattended in a car.

HeatKills.org is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of leaving kids and pets in hot vehicles. Their graphic below illustrates how quickly a vehicle’s interior can heat up. YIKES.

To help you keep your cool, we’ve assembled some tips, tricks, and products to make it a little easier to get in your car on a sweltering day.

Park Smart

On an unbearably hot, cloudless day, find relief from the heat by finding some shade. Choosing a space in a parking garage, beneath trees, or in the shadow of a building can help keep your car cooler, making any extra steps worth the effort.

Be mindful, however, of the neighborhood, and avoid parking too far away from your destination if the area isn’t the safest, especially if you’re returning to your vehicle after dark.

Also, be aware that shaded areas may become sunny if your car remains in the same spot for a few hours during the day.

Windows – To Crack or Not to Crack

Many folks swear by the old practice of leaving a car’s side windows or sunroof open a crack to keep their vehicle’s interior temperature down. While this practice does let built-up heat escape and helps to facilitate some airflow through the car’s cabin, it’s only a modest amount.

Is a car interior that’s just a few degrees cooler worth the risk of leaving your car more vulnerable to theft or vandalism? A skillful car thief could get inside your car with the windows or sunroof open even just an inch. ABC News reports that for one thief “a car with a window cracked open was an unlocked car”.

If you opt to crack your windows, once again be mindful of the surrounding area. Park in visible areas close to other vehicles, ideally where there’s a decent amount of vehicle and foot traffic. Parking in view of a surveillance camera also doesn’t hurt.

Another thought on the “nay” side: a sudden rainstorm could make a mess of your car’s interior.

Shade Your ‘Shield

A windshield sunshade is an effective way to keep the temperature inside your car under control, even if you’re parked in the sun. Find the best sun shield here. While sunshade keeps a car’s temperature down by blocking the primary entry point for the sun, some drivers simply hate the look of them. But seriously? In a standoff between unattractive vs. unbearable, I’m team ugly. If you’re on team attractive, note that there are companies who offer hundreds of custom models that allow for a perfect fit and vehicle color match.

Go Under Cover

Car covers are an effective way to keep your vehicle out of the sun as they block the sunlight, much like a layer of clothing prevents you from getting sunburned. Interior temperature reduction is based on the thickness of the cover. A thin cover will reduce the sun's effect slightly, but a thicker (or reflective) cover will be very effective. The cover will protect the vehicle from bird droppings, tree sap, and other chemical fallout in both cases. As an added benefit, a car cover keeps your vehicle from the eyes of thieves. Make sure to choose an 'outdoor' cover engineered against UV rays and offers some water resistance ('indoor' covers will deteriorate quickly and soak up moisture).

Go Under Cover Inside

If a windshield sunshade is out of the question to cool your ride, you can cover the parts of your car’s interior that get the hottest. Options here include a dashboard cover, steering wheel cover, and covers for your seats.

There are plenty of car dashboard covers from which to choose. Like the windshield sun shades, look for a higher quality product that provides a good fit and effectively complements your car’s interior décor.

Your steering wheel and leather seats (especially darker-colored seats) are the other interior parts that absorb heat. Your hands will appreciate a cool wheel and bare legs will thank you — especially if you’re wearing a dress or shorts – if those seats are covered.

Use a light-colored fabric seat cover during the hottest months of the year, or simply place a towel on the seat. Covering the steering wheel with a towel is a practical, inexpensive way to keep it cool to the touch.

Get Shady

Sunshades for your car’s passenger windows can keep the interior of the car cool when you’re parked and help protect your passengers from sun rays while you’re on the road. 

Get Breezy

The last of our car cooling tips is to try a battery-powered or solar-powered ventilation fan.

A small electric fan can quickly cool down the interior of a hot car by encouraging airflow. The portable Amacool fan has three twisty arms that make it easy to secure to a headrest, and the fan’s head can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally to send a breeze in any direction. With three speed options and a rechargeable battery, this affordable, tiny fan is a versatile summertime essential that can make a hot day a little more bearable.

The solar-powered ventilation fan is fairly new on the market. They clip onto a cracked window and keep the air moving inside a parked car, relying on solar power. If the sun is already shining, make it work for you!

Using two fans set up on the side windows (front or rear) should increase the cross-ventilation airflow and decrease the temperature even more. Higher-powered, more effective models can be purchased that have a larger solar panel that sits on your dashboard and powers the fans.

The quality and reliability of this product seem to vary widely. Some online reviews dismiss cheaper models as too gimmicky and not very effective. Consumers who left reviews for other fan models praise them as ingenious and highly effective.

Lastly – and most importantly – make sure that you aren't leaving anything in your car that can't handle the rising heat – check your backseat for pets and kids!

Oh, and P.S.: Did you know that leaving a water bottle in the heat can be hazardous to your health? When exposed to heat, the chemical bonds in plastic can break and cause BPA and other chemicals to migrate into the water. Beyond that, hot cars provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, potentially contaminating the water in opened bottles and causing illness if consumed.

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10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

You did it! You signed your lease, packed your stuff, had it delivered, and moved into your new place – hopefully our Moving Checklist came in handy! Now how do you take this plain, empty space and make it feel like a warm, inviting, comfortable home? A well thought out plan will take your apartment and your feelings about it from, “I live here” to “I Love The Place I Live”; a place you can’t wait to return to every day after work and even after a fun vacation.

If this is your first apartment and you’re starting fresh, this process can feel overwhelming. So. Many. Things. To. Get. It can feel equally challenging if you’ve got a collection of haphazardly acquired, dated, second-hand, or mismatched furnishings and decorative pieces. Or perhaps, you’ve outgrown your former style and want your new place to reflect your new preferences. At Fath Properties, we want you to Love The Place You Live, so we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help minimize the stress and maximize the fun that comes with decorating this new space to make it your own.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR PLACE

Effective and affordable apartment interior design requires careful planning. An apartment is typically a smaller space than a single-family or townhome, and there may be restrictions on the types of changes you are allowed to make (always be sure to check with your property management office before  painting or affixing items to the walls). However, there are plenty of apartment decorating tips to spark creativity in every room, despite any limitations.

Budgeting For Apartment Décor

Making your new home feel finished can be a challenge if you’re working with limited funds. There honestly might not be much money left over after paying for your security deposit, moving expenses, and renters insurance.

While saving for your first apartment, be sure to set aside funds for furniture and décor too. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything adds up, and the cost may be more than you expected.

Although many items on your first apartment checklist will be nonessentials, they still play an important role in making you feel satisfied and settled in your new home. Before making a move, audit what furniture and décor you already have to figure out what you still need.

 Our Best 10 Apartment Decorating Tips

1. Select your style. Deciding what style best reflects you can help determine where to shop and what the general feel of your place will be. Do you prefer retro, modernistic, edgy, bohemian, earthy or minimalist? Sometimes your color preferences can help determine your style. Do you like rustic, natural wood, and neutral colors? What about bold patterns, funky accent pieces, and pops of color? Do some research on line to help determine your home décor goals. If you struggle with what to even include in a room, visit a store like IKEA that has completely decorated rooms on display. It can be much easier than going into some stores that just have a section of sofas, a section of beds, and a section of dining rooms.
2. Set your budget style. Just because your preferred style may look expensive, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are many affordable places to buy furniture like IKEA, Home Goods, Wayfair, and Target. You can certainly buy relatively inexpensive furniture and make it look polished with art and accessories.
3. Invest in multifunctional pieces. Buying your own furniture isn’t cheap. To save some money, opt for versatile apartment essentials that meet multiple needs. Storage ottomans, modular sofas, drop leaf dining tables, and other functional furniture can serve numerous purposes such as allowing for more guests or adding storage space.
4. Maximize light exposure. Not only does natural light make a room brighter, but it also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness we all crave. Even if your apartment includes mini and vertical blinds, adding curtains will help create a finished look to your space. Like the frosting on a cake. While sheer, translucent materials will maximize the amount of light in living areas, you may prefer something room darkening in your bedroom. Don’t forget table and floor lamps! They can really help to set the mood in your home, creating bright spaces if you work at home, and romantic or restful spaces.
5. Make a focal point. Pick a large, eye-catching piece and build your room around it. Anything from couch with beautiful pillows, to a bohemian tapestry, an antique bookcase, a gorgeous mirror, or a sculptural piece can all act as focal point. Splurging slightly on one stunning piece to build off of can change the entire atmosphere of your apartment home.
6. Hang art. Apartment decor requires creativity, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Art usually is on the pricier side, so visit local art exhibits, garage sales, or ask your artistic friends for their latest creation to make your place feel sophisticated without breaking the bank. Target and Home Goods are two great resources for affordable art pieces. Here’s a guide on placing art and one for how to hang
7. Optimize your space. An important aspect of decorating your apartment is placing your furniture in a way that is practical and conducive to your lifestyle. Decide what function you’ll want each area of your new apartment to serve, and then plan accordingly. You might work from home and need a desk, or you might want a large dining room table to host dinner parties. The most important thing is to make the space work for your needs. If you live in a studio, make your living and sleeping areas feel distinctive with pieces that separate the room like a screen or tall bookcase. If you love to cook but your kitchen is on the smaller side, here are ways to make the most out of the storage you do have.
8. Add an entryway. Many apartments don’t have a foyer, and some do not have a coat closet near the front door. You can create the illusion of an entryway with a bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the interior of the bookcase as a space to hang coats, hats, leashes, or umbrellas. Add a few baskets or bins on the bottom shelves to store shoes out of sight. Or you can add a small bench and place hooks above the bench to better define the area.
9. Use mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light. Cluster a few smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall – this is a great way to brighten up a hallway. Lean a large mirror against a wall to instantly open up any space. Mirrors don’t need to break your decorating bank. Find inexpensive mirrors at dollar stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Don’t forget to check your local consignment store!
10. Add a rug. An area rug can instantly transform a room by grounding it and adding color, texture and design to the space. The key to choosing the right rug is making sure it is the appropriate size for your space. Most interior designers suggest leaving at least six inches between the edges of the rug and the walls, and – in the living room – placing the front legs of your sofa on the rug. Here’s a guide to selecting the right size rug for any room in your apartment.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn the blank canvas of your apartment into a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space you can’t wait to come home to. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home in a Fath Properties community where you will Love The Place You Live.

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Ways To Be Earth Friendly Every Day

Earth Day, always celebrated on April 22 each year, is meant to increase awareness of environmental problems, but it is also becoming a popular time for many communities to gather together to clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. But protecting the earth is more important than just a day’s activities. Perhaps you think that, as an apartment resident, there’s not a lot you can do since you don’t have a yard or garden of your own. You can make an impact in many other ways! Here’s some inspiration for things you can do to improve your local environment, be Earth friendly every day, and do your bit to save Planet Earth.

10 Earth Friendly Contributions

1. Support Pollinators

Did you realize you can bring native bees and other pollinating creatures to your patio or balcony? Even when you are container gardening, you can select pollinator-friendly plants and flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating bees.

• A Bee House is a bundle of bamboo tubes that provides a place for bees to reproduce and gather pollen and nectar for their young. After laying eggs, the adults die, leaving a new generation to take over. Place the Bee House against a flat surface in an area protected from high winds. The front of the house should have a south or southwest exposure where it will get the most sun in winter to keep bees warm.
• Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to long tubular flowers that are red, but are frequently seen visiting other flowers with bright colors that are orange, yellow, purple, or even blue, giving you plenty to choose from. Keep in mind that many double-flowered forms aren't accessible to pollinators. Fuchsias and nasturtiums are a great choice for hanging baskets.
• Butterflies are attracted to pink, orange, purple, red, and yellow flowers. Here are a few good choices for your container garden: aster, bee balm, cosmos, lantana, black-eyed Susan, zinnias, red salvia, pentas, verbena, and snapdragon.
• Annual flowers provide color and interest in a landscape and are some of the easiest plants to grow. Pollinators are attracted to these flowers because of their bright colors and ease of finding nectar and pollen. Torch lily, bee balm, lavender, spider flower, salvia, cat mint, fuchsia, and thyme are some good choices.

2. Clean Up Plastic in Your Neighborhood

Connect with the Earth and your neighborhood through cleanups. Go on a walk with a trash bag and pick up any plastic that you find.  So easy when you’re taking your pup for a walk or going for a stroll after dinner. You may want to bring along a pair of rubber glove. Just sayin’. Pay special attention to intersections, drainage ditch or wooded area that seems to collect plastic trash and litter. Recycle what plastic you can.

3. Visit a Park

Find a green space and walk through it. Really look at the plants and trees, and listen for birdcalls. There are great physical and psychological benefits to spending time outdoors; getting outside is good for your body and your mind.

This summer, try getting places on foot, a scooter, or on a bike, not only for visiting a local park, but also for running errands, visiting family and friends, or even commuting to work. It’s good for your body and your mind. Plus you’ll set a great example for others.

4. Plant a Tree | Save a Tree

Trees capture carbon, cool overheated places, benefit agriculture, support pollinators, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and boost local economies. One oak tree brings in more insect and bird species than an entire yard of plants. Talk to your local government about planting more trees and native garden beds in public spaces. Be proactive about getting your name off mailing lists for printed catalogues. Register at the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) consumer website or sign up for Catalog Choice, and choose what catalogs, magazine offers, and other mail you want to get. These organizations will stop most, but not all, promotional mail.

5. Plant Natives

Use native flowers in your container garden. They are not only beautiful but also attract native and beneficial insects that improve both pest control and pollination—meaning bigger flowers and better harvests. You can reach out to your local county extension office to learn more.

6. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

• Turn off or unplug lights during the day. Doing so will save energy and help your lights last longer. And use energy saving LED bulbs where ever possible. Learn more here.
• Storms can cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries for your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, reduce hazardous waste by buying ones with low mercury content.
• For cleaning chores, buy reusable mops, rags and sponges. Find the best products here. When using cleaning products, use only the amount you need and follow the bottle’s directions for use and disposal.
• Instead of printing hard copies of your documents, save them to your hard drive or email them to yourself to save paper.
• Make your printer environmentally friendly. Change your printer settings to make double-sided pages. Use small point fonts when possible and use the “fast draft" setting when possible to save ink.
• Pay your bills via e-billing programs when possible to save paper.
• Use paperclips instead of staples when possible.
• Reuse envelopes with metal clasps and reuse file folders by sticking a new label over the previous one.

7. Conserve Water

Humans waste a lot of water! Here are ways you can conserve water at home and maybe even reduce your water bill:

• Report toilet, faucet and shower issues to your property management office as soon as you see or hear a leak.
• Take shorter showers. Alternatively, shower with a friend. LOL.
• Take a bath instead of a shower.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• Turn off the water while shaving.
• Use the dishwasher for full loads only.
• Don’t let the faucet run while cleaning fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t leave water running for rinsing while washing dishes.

8. Eat For the Planet

About one-third of the food that we produce every year goes to waste! Usually, this happens after we buy the food. UGH. How do we avoid waste in our lives (and save money)? Also, how can we improve our diet to be healthier for ourselves (and the planet)?

• Buy local and seasonal produce.
• Eat more plants and less meat. Try meatless Mondays or cut your serving size of meat in half and double your vegetable portion. You’ll find ways to make your veggies taste great here.
• Drink more water from a re-washable water bottle. Find the best ones here.
• Avoid single-use containers, bags and Styrofoam, and excess packaging. Did you know there are some states that no longer allow single-use bags be provided in stores? Just ask me. Just went to Home Depot in New Jersey for my mom and walked out with all my purchases in my arms.

9. Instill a Love of Nature and Plants to Kids

There are lots of opportunities for hands-on learning experiences indoors and outside for children, whether they are your own kids, nieces, nephews, or grandkids. Find some great places in the Cincinnati area here.

• Take them on an exploratory walk in a park with bird or plant books or apps and binoculars. Help them to look closely at the work around them and appreciate its beauty and diversity.
• Go to a natural history museum.
• Take a kid along while you police the neighborhood for plastic litter.
• Bring your child to the farmer’s market.
• Plant a container garden with a child.

10. Never Litter

Never ever. Clean up after yourself, you animal.

If we all do our part, we can make the world a better place for us and for future generations not just on Earth Day but every day. And give ourselves the warm fuzzies while we’re at it. Win, win.

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