Archive of the Category 'Apartment Living Tips'

6 Benefits of Renting over Buying

If you are debating renting a home vs buying one, there are many things to consider. Here are some of the most significant benefits of renting your apartment or house instead of buying one. 

Responsibility 

When you purchase a home, you inevitably become responsible for all its quirks, issues, and malfunctions. If a tire bursts in your bathroom, it’s up to you to make an appointment with the plumber. If your refrigerator breaks down, the replacement appliance comes from your wallet. 

These repairs don’t hinder your bank account. If you’re strapped for cash or have an extremely busy schedule, adding more responsibilities from a newly purchased home could multiply your stress. 

No Need to Settle

If you’re still working on your career, honing your skills, taking classes, or looking to travel, owning a stagnant piece of property may be the opposite of what you want. 

Many leases in the United States only last for a year, allowing people to move to a new apartment, neighborhood, or city if needed. For incredibly nomadic people, there are apartment buildings with month-to-month leases, letting individuals pick up their items and move on short notice. If you’re a transient person, renting is an easy way to maintain that lifestyle. 

Amenity Access 

Some apartment buildings have incredible amenities for their renters. Especially in major cities, larger complexes can have access to fitness centers, recreational areas, indoor pools, and extensive storage for all to use. 

Buying a gym membership or installing luxury amenities can cost a pretty penny when you own a home. But for renters, these affluent benefits are attainable at a far lower price point. If you want to continue a life of comfort and luxury, renting an apartment is an intelligent move. 

Lower Taxes

The government expects you to pay property taxes when you own a home or condo. These taxes are priced by a few factors, including property value in the area, the value of the land itself, and any needed water, road, and sewer upkeep.  

For renters, there’s no added tax for the property you live on. The only person or people who need to pay extra taxes are the physical owners of the building, which leaves renters with less burdensome payments. 

Utility Costs

For renters, the utility costs are usually expected throughout each month. You typically know how much you’ll pay in the winter and summer without severe spikes; for those who own property, especially full houses, heating multiple floors gets tremendously expensive. 

Electric bills are higher for those who own larger property, which may be more difficult to complete on top of a lofty mortgage. Renters have the luxury of remaining unconcerned with growing heating and electric costs, which allows them to live less encumbered lives financially. 

No Down Payment 

Down payments are often the trickiest part of securing a home. These upfront payments are typically 20% of a property’s value, which significantly adds up when a home is worth six figures or more. 

For many people today, accruing the finances to take care of a down payment is difficult. Though this upfront payment helps to have and increase equity in your property, some people may have a less stressful experience paying monthly rent instead. 

Owning a home may provide more burdens to unsuspecting individuals. If you are discontent with staying in one place or don’t have the means to pay increasing taxes and utility bills, renting a living space is the most beneficial and sustainable option. 

Apartment Organization Ideas & Tips: Start 2023 Out Right

Though 2023 has already begun, many of us are still planning ways to improve ourselves in the new year. While eating healthy or exercising more are typical resolutions, focusing on our living spaces sometimes goes unnoticed. If organizing isn’t your best skill, there are some simple ways to prioritize decluttering in 2023. Here are some of the most straightforward and helpful tips to organize your living space for the rest of the year. 

Pantry Organizers

Kitchens are a great place to start one’s organizing aspirations. After purging your pantry of all old products that have been taking up space, implementing new storage containers is the following step to keep your flour, rice, and other grains arranged neatly. 

Clear storage containers or mason jars will help eliminate unnecessary cardboard and plastics while clearly showcasing your pantry goods. It’s also a money saver in the long run since sealed containers will stop bugs and other pests from getting in. Sturdy lids and jars will also improve freshness while maintaining dry goods’ shelf life. 

Though it might take getting used to, this organizing tactic will effortlessly transform your pantry from a convoluted mess to organized success. 

Shelving Units

It’s evident that proper storage is the only answer when your apartment is cluttered. Buying an inexpensive shelving unit from Ikea or Target is an incredible way to display your books, records, and magazines in a sophisticated, organized manner. 

A six-box shelving unit from Target only costs you $30, an affordable investment for most renters. Not only can they be used to divide large living spaces, but they’ll be your next best cleaning tactic for the new year. You can fill the cubbies with your personal items as an open display or purchase individual drawers to conceal miscellaneous documents. However you decide to utilize these shelves, they’ll certainly come in handy to keep your space nice and tidy. 

Tupperware Dividers 

Tupperware can be an organizational nightmare, even for the most dedicated neat freaks. One of the most complex parts of owning rubber or Pyrex containers is finding the matching lid. Tupperware lid organizers are the perfect solution to this pesky problem. 

Lid dividers come in different lengths and colors, depending on how you want the product to fit your kitchen. With a divider, you’ll be able to sort your lids by brand and size, ensuring that you’ll always find the correct top efficiently. 

Lid organizers cost under $20 on Amazon, an economical purchase to keep your tidying goals on track for 2023. 

Implement Tidying Habits

Maybe you’ve bought all the containers and dividers you’ll need for the upcoming year, and there’s no reason for additional discretionary purchases. For some, organizing needs a mental change rather than a physical one. If this is you, starting to employ tidying habits early in 2023 could help you achieve your resolutions while developing lifelong practices. 

Maintaining a clean apartment starts with the place you start and end your day with: the bed. Beginning the day by making your bed is a crucial way to establish good habits early and keep your mind focused on cleaning up after yourself throughout the day. Though it might be a tricky habit to initiate, providing a proper mindset to begin your workday can help structure your organizational practices long term. 

Today Not Tomorrow 

A phenomenon many of us wrestle with is procrastination. If putting off decluttering or organizing is stopping you from accomplishing your goals, then the phrase “today, not tomorrow” may be the perfect one to start utilizing. 

As an avid procrastinator, I know that this phrase is way easier said than done. But looking at tasks that are relatively simple or doable in under two minutes may help you assess what can be accomplished immediately. If throwing out meaningless papers on your dining room table or putting away your shoes will take only a couple of minutes to perform, then choosing to do them promptly could be a game changer for your home. 

For those struggling with focusing, attempting to complete quick tasks rather than putting them off could be your most successful organizational tactic. 

Organizing one’s apartment takes both mental intentions and purchasing suitable materials for better storage. Luckily for us, there are impeccable tips and tricks to keep an apartment tidy in 2023, hopefully aiding you on your path to cleanliness this year.   

6 Apartment Spring Cleaning Ideas and Tips

Now that spring is right around the corner; people are preparing for warm, blissful days in the sun. But before the upcoming summer months, many of us need to engage in some apartment cleaning. Here are some crucial spring cleaning ideas and tips to help you sort out your winter clutter. 

Clean Your Microwave with Lemon  

Especially in cold climates, cleaning is the last thing you want to do amid a chilly spring. But as the months usher in better weather, we often receive a boost of energy to fulfill the necessary home-tidying tasks. Cleaning appliances is one of those chores that often fall to the waste side, but removing food build-up is a breeze with this easy trick. 

We all know the acidic properties of lemons. But did you know lemons can be a valuable tool for de-greasing your kitchen? By squeezing out the juice of this fruit, you can use it as a DIY build-up remover. 

Just cut open a lemon, squeeze out the juices, and leave the rinds in the juice bowl. Microwave the bowl for three minutes, then leave it in the heated microwave for five extra minutes. The acidic fumes will loosen the build-up in your microwave, allowing for a quick clean-up with some paper towel. 

Organize Your Fridge  

Spring is the perfect time to empty all your rotten and expired foods from the refrigerator. The fridge is a great place to start your new-year organization goals by installing affordable Lazy Susans and extra storage bins. 

Though Lazy Susans are usually used as a spice rack or in a cupboard, utilizing this trick for a refrigerator makes a world of difference. Stack one with your favorite condiments or beverages, and you’ll instantly have more fridge space. Purchasing plastic produce bins is also a great trick to maximize space for organizing. 

Cream of Tartar for Stainless Steel 

Over time, a well-used kitchen appliance often loses its original shine. This helpful trick will get toasters and kettles back to their sleek, clean exteriors.  

Cream of tartar, a powdery substance often used in meringue deserts, can be an excellent cleaner. Combine a teaspoon of this powder with equal parts water and mix until it dissolves. Then, gently rub the mixture against any stainless steel appliance until the grime comes off. Suddenly, your over-used toaster is back to having its shiny surface. 

Deodorize Carpets 

No matter their size, Carpets are undeniable collectors of dust, hair, and odors. Giving them some attention will often rid your apartment of that infuriating musk you’ve been attempting to remove. 

Start your carpet cleaning journey by using a portable vacuum, ensuring you’re sucking up every speck of dust. After the dirt is gone, sprinkle some baking soda onto the carpet’s surface. Taking a soft brush, gently work the product into the carpet until it has mostly soaked into the fabric. Let the baking soda sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum it up with a clean bag.  

Clean and Unplug Your Sink Drain 

Sinks can be a pesky appliance in the kitchen. Over the winter months, the accumulated oil and food can constrict the pipes and limit the disposal’s efficiency. Cleaning out the sink is a necessary task for any spring cleaning schedule. 

Buying a plastic snake for your drain is a great investment and extremely cost-efficient. Stick the snake into the drain and start wiggling it around, collecting grime, hair, and coagulated foods that might’ve gone unnoticed.

To remove unpleasant odors from your sink, put lemon rinds down your garbage disposal and let it run. Then, wash down the rinds with cold water until all the excess food has been removed. 

Dust Ceiling Fans and Vents

Dust is an imperative issue to tickle for spring cleaning. It’s a frustrating allergen that seems never to disappear. Though it’s easy to spot on the floor, sometimes we forget the dusty areas in unreachable places. This May is the perfect time to pay attention to those out-of-reach apartment spots. 

Ceiling fans and vents are the most prominent collectors of dust particles. Take an extendable duster and lightly graze it atop the ceiling blades, scraping off the dust onto the floor. Then, you can vacuum or broom up the fallen dust until there’s no more. You can use a duster or a butter knife to get in between the blades for vents. Make sure to dust bookshelves, hanging art, or any high-up ledges to ensure all your apartment’s dust is gone.  

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a pricey venture. Utilizing everyday home products, you can ensure your home gets the deep cleaning it deserves. Take some of these tips and tricks to spruce up your apartment for a relaxing, clean summer. 

7 Tips to Organizing a Small Apartment For Maximum Space

For many of us, saving up for our dream home is still years away. Primarily if you reside in a big city, smaller apartments are the unequivocal norm. Roommates, strange floor plans, and closet-sized bedrooms make for numerous storage difficulties. If you’ve got too many items, and live in a quaint apartment, here are some great ways to maximize your space. 

Wall Hooks

One of the easiest ways to consolidate space is to put up wall hooks. Hooks aligning your entryway, hallway, or bedroom can be implemented as storage space or for your daily outerwear. Hooks are excellent for storing cumbersome accessories like jewelry or hats as well. 

There are several hook styles to choose from when decorating. You can find a range of wooden ones, to more elegant exteriors like gold or chrome. Matching your apartment’s interior won’t be difficult; it’ll just take a little online searching to find that perfect wall mount. 

Installing Shelves 

This move is probably the first a renter or homeowner thinks about maximizing space. Installing shelves yourself takes a minimal amount of work and ensures all of your knick-knacks are correctly displayed. 

Executing your own shelves is also a cost-efficient way to decorate. You can purchase brackets for shelves from $15 to $30. You’ll have many choices for the wooden part that goes on top of the brackets. Cheap wooden options at Home Depot or Lowes are available, and you can ask an employee to cut a plank to the exact size needed. 

If your small apartment becomes cluttered with books and tchotchkes, investing in shelves is your next best move. 

Roll-out Drawers 

Miniscule apartments are notorious for including minimal space in the kitchen. Buying extra drawer dividers is an excellent way to maximize the few cupboard options you might have. 

Adding a small cart under your sink or counters helps organize all your kitchen supplies. They’re great for organizing pans, spices, Tupperware, or any miscellaneous cleaning items. Roll-out drawers come in many different sizes, so make sure to measure your cupboard before purchasing. 

Second Medicine Cabinet  

Bathrooms are another tricky area for tiny apartments. Many have trouble fitting all of their products adequately in the bathroom due to its already claustrophobic nature. If you live in New York or Chicago, these rooms can feel no bigger than a janitor’s closet. Adding a second cabinet is a low-cost solution to this situation. 

Ikea sells mountable medicine cabinets cheaply for those looking to increase space in their bathrooms. Ikea’s Godmorgen cabinet can be installed yourself and has robust and tempered glass shelves for your sturdiest products. They can be mounted anywhere on the bathroom walls and have a clean, white exterior. 

If your bathroom is becoming an uncontrollable mess, additional cabinets could be the perfect fix.    

Bedroom Storage Drawers 

Bedrooms are also infamously small in city apartments. Some people live in rooms without any leg room in general, making storage an inconceivable feat. Luckily, storage drawers are available to hide all your unnecessary clutter. 

Storage drawers can be bought just about anywhere. From plastic bins at Target or Walmart to more modern, wooden ones at Wayfair, drawers are ubiquitous on the home goods market. The perfect storage system is more than attainable as long as you measure the space under your bed. 

Hangers 

If you are one of the lucky bedroom-closet owners, this is the best piece of advice anyone can give you: don’t skimp out on hangers. Additional hangers will change a messy bedroom into an organized revelation. 

Much like under-bed storage drawers, hangers can be found just about anywhere and in a variety of unique colors and materials. If you want to steer clear from plastic hangers, velvet, suede, and wooden hangers are all stylish options for any wardrobe. Amazon has a set of 30 relatively cheap velvet hangers, making them an economical and opulent way to tidy up your bedroom mess.  

Push Furniture Against the Wall

Especially for studio apartments, making the room feel larger is one of the best ways to maximize space. The best way to do this is to place your furniture intentionally. 

In a living room setting, pushing your couch and chairs up against the walls opens up the room immediately. Keeping the furniture to a minimum but aligning the perimeter with said furnishings can alter a claustrophobic space into a breathable one. Even shifting your bed from the middle of the room to the side does absolute wonders. You’ll have a more moveable bedroom and more enjoyable room accessories opportunities. 

Smaller apartments do not have to mean the death of style and organization. Applying a few of these organizing tips can transform a minuscule living quarter into a breathable, relaxing home.

6 Inexpensive Ways to Give Your Apartment a Fresh Look for 2023

Home renovation: a word combination that brings us a mixed bag of emotions. Redecorating and adding something to elevate your apartment is crucial, but spending money is less than appealing.  

The anxieties often come once the price of your online shopping cart starts multiplying. New drapes, rugs, shelving, etc., can get expensive fast and dissuades our hopeful renovations. But, needing to spruce up the apartment doesn’t have to come with substantial financial burdens. These six inexpensive tricks will give you the new home feel you’ve been craving without breaking the bank.  

Wall Decorating 

Purchasing a fancy photograph or renowned artwork is most undoubtedly costly. Accentuating your space with art doesn’t have to be absurdly expensive. There are a few ways to fill a wall with beautiful pieces and maintain your budget. 

Take a trip to a local thrift store or antique store for some art searching. Block off time to do this since some stores will have many paintings and prints to sift through. You’ll be surprised at how many beautiful pieces are accessible and cheap at these stores. You’ll impress your guests and yourself by collecting local, cost-efficient artwork. 

Drapes & Coverings 

We move into our apartments and often accept the blinds as proper window fixings. There’s nothing wrong with blinds per se, but we can freshen up windows even more. 

Drapes, shades, and curtains are a great way to add color and dimension to regular windows. Try out a store like IKEA, Wayfair, or Target for less expensive options. You won’t need silk coverings to ensure new, vibrant looks to your apartment. Providing a bright or accentuating color to your window is an easy way to liven up the room. After installing the coverings, it’ll be unfathomable you ever lived without them.

Kitchen Island

Everybody wants these two things in the kitchen: storage and counter space. These are essential for an accessible, cooperative kitchen. Often in cities, though, our kitchens are tiny and leave much to be desired. Obtaining an island is an excellent option for ample counter space with a refreshing design.  

Buy a stand-alone table to place in the center of your kitchen. These wooden tables get more expensive with added cupboards, but it all depends on your budget.   

Choose Fun Lighting 

The easiest way I would spruce up my drab college dorm was by hanging lights. It felt almost instantly that new lighting gave my ordinary room a livelier feel. Even with dollar store string lights, it’s easy to achieve a sensational look.  

Choosing the right string lights is probably the hardest thing you’ll encounter with this hack. There’s a good range to choose from for a lower price, from festive bulb lights or remote-controlled LED lights. You don’t have to break the bank searching for a one-of-a-kind lamp or lighting fixture. Do some online searching or go to your local convenience store for your new favorite room accessory.  

Add Some Greenery 

Candles are wonderful, yes, but how can you beat the scent of fresh flowers? Adding flowers puts more color and style into an under-decorated room. Take a mason jar or decorative vessel you have in your house to create a centerpiece that’s striking and cost-efficient.  

Buying bouquets already arranged is a little more pricey, so try arranging your own with flowers from your local grocery store. It’ll take less than an hour to get an incredible arrangement together, and you can impress your guests with your newly-discovered florist skills. 

DIY Shelves

Floating shelves are a big must in the 2021 home. Plenty of fancy furniture stores have the materials, but for an inflated price. Try picking up some already-cut wood to try out some good, old-fashioned carpentry.

Stores like Home Depot already have a selection of pre-cut wood you can use. Hanging those shelves with an old belt or some rope is all you’ll need to create something spectacular. Just nail in the top of the extension, and you’re good to go!

Building custom, unique shelves don’t have to be laborious or expensive. Try this hack for an easy DIY project for optimal storage and refinement. 

We’re all attempting to refresh our apartments after spending so much time indoors. Adding freshness, color, or something new to your space shouldn’t break the bank. By spending a little extra time DIYing your projects, you’ll be saving a good amount of cash for when you need it.      

6 of Our Favorite Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Spots Near Lakeview Chicago

The weather is finally transitioning to sunnier, warmer days in Chicago, which means more time for outdoor activities.  As spring forms in the city, bikers and joggers start to appear all over the parks and sidewalks.  Though we’ve been longing for this since November, we’re not the only ones ready to take the outdoors by storm.  The dogs we treasure need ample time outside to work out all of their reserved energy. 

In Chicago, there is never a shortage of green spaces.  Though this is not a problem for humans, sometimes it’s hard to remember the ideal places for dog-friendly fun.  Here are some of our favorite dog parks near Lakeview to get your pooch running around this spring. 

Montrose Dog Beach

Just a few blocks up from Lakeview lies one of the most popular dog parks in the city.  Adjacent to the widely-attended Montrose Beach, a large fenced-off shoreline area for dogs and their owners. 

Follow Wilson Ave up to the lake, and you’ll see a decorated ramp leading down to the beach.  The ramp will take you right to the shore, where you can release your dog and let them run wild.  As the only legal, leash-off beach for dogs in the city, it succeeds with a ton of space for even the most rambunctious canines.  The park is open during the normal Chicago Park District hours (6 A.M. to 11 P.M.), so swing by with your furry friend whenever the weather is warm and welcoming.  

Find more details about Montrose Dog beach here: https://www.mondog.org/

Wiggly Field Dog Park

What is more representative of Chicago’s Northside than a dog park named after the Chicago Cubs?  Wiggly Field, established in 1997, is a Lakeview staple for all of our four-legged residents.

Also known as Noethling Grace Park, this play area covers a whole block of Wrightwood between Sheffield and Seminary.  It stands out from other dog parks because of its hilly topography and spacious design.  There’s enough room for dogs to zoom around together without feeling restricted.  A great space for any animal with pent-up energy, Chicago’s Wiggly Field is one of Lakeview’s dog-safe staples. 

Check out more about Wiggly Field here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/noethling-grace-park

Challenger Park

If you’re looking for an expansive, lush area to relax in, then you’ll most likely end up in Challenger Park.  Existing along Irving Park Road, the enormous park consists of winding paths, large ponds, and the Graceland cemetery.  Tucked away on the east side of the greenery, you’ll find the perfect spot for dogs and their companions. 

A stone’s throw away from the Red Line, Challenger Park is easily accessible for most Chicagoans.  The cool concrete is perfect for doggy play, with a lovely patch of grass encasing the park.  Though it’s not very large, there’s plenty of space around the dog park for exploration.  Challenger Park is a great spot for exercising your dog and getting a scenic view of this Northside spectacle. 

Find out more about Challenger Park’s dog-friendly area here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/challenger-dog-friendly-area

Wicker Park Dog-Friendly Area

If you’ve been itching to get out of Lakeview, take a short trip to Wicker Park for a change of scenery.  Wicker Park’s bustling atmosphere and artistic aesthetic make for a unique afternoon and a premier spot for dog walking.

The neighborhood of Wicker Park is not only remarkable for its trendy shops but its beautiful park on Damen as well.  Located east of the street, the park expands into a baseball diamond, various playground equipment, and, of course, the dog park. 

The park hangs off the corner of Wicker Park Ave and Schiller, creating a triangular playground.  Though the park is on the smaller side, it’s a good place for socializing, both for dogs and their owners.  It’s cute and quaint, with a great view of the neighborhood’s architecture.  Take a day trip to this unique district with enough spots for you and your furry friend to enjoy. 

Find out more about the location here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/wicker-dog-friendly-area

Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center for Dogs

What is better for unmanageable energy than going for a swim?  Though Chicago may be freezing at times, there is a special place for your pup to swim year-round.  This aquatic center for dogs has indoor pools and a variety of services for exhilarating doggy play. 

This center specializes in helping dogs of all sizes enjoy this wholesome activity.  There are swim classes for dogs who’ve never been in a pool before, alongside fitness classes for more energized pups.  If your dog needs more than one hour of play, Doggy Paddle also doubles as a daycare center with park visits.  Getting your dogs swimming for the afternoon is easy and practical with this Lincoln Park center.

Find out more about classes and daycare hours here:  https://doggypaddle.com/

Hamlin Dog-Friendly Area

A little west of Lakeview, we move into Roscoe Village: a sweet, residential neighborhood that’s brimming with calmness and charm.  Take your dog on a lovely trip down Belmont to find this secluded area for dog walking and exercise. 

Located on Hoyne, the Hamlin Dog-Friendly Area exists inside the picturesque Hannibal Park.  You can find the dog park in its southeast corner, a spacious enclosure for even the rowdiest dogs.  Trees shade the park from the center of the concrete, creating a cooler atmosphere for you and your canine.  The Hamlin Dog-Friendly Area is the ideal spot in Roscoe Village for any pet, and you’ll also benefit from the pleasant walk to the neighborhood.

Check out the details about this park here: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/hamlin-dog-friendly-area

Dogs help us get outside and get our bodies moving.  We have to return the favor by supplying them with the best spots for their enjoyment.  If you live in Lakeview or are just visiting the area, take a trip to these dog-friendly areas for a wonderful spring escapade. Check out our new Lakeview Pet Guide for even more places to take your furry friends!

7 Tips for Setting Up a Productive Home Work Environment

Working from home has never been more common. With the virus still looming, many of us have transitioned comfortably to a remote office. When the bathroom and fridge aren’t far away, most stresses have been taken care of by proximity to our needs. The cooler months, though, provide a different issue for confronting procrastination tendencies.

When the cold starts settling in, our usual outdoor walks and exercises might be harder to engage in. We need to adapt to new ways of achieving focus indoors. Optimizing your room, office, or working area for better concentration is one of the best things you can do to keep us productive. Here is a list of tips and tricks you can use to improve your work environment and ensure your space is practical for the winter months.

Clean Your Desk

This seems like an obvious suggestion, but cleaning your desk is great for increasing productivity. There are times where there are so many tchotchkes and bottles on my desk, I have to fight to make space for my laptop. As I’m rearranging the various dirty dishes, it often dawns on me that reconfiguring my space might ease my mind and advance my focus.

When working on a desk at home, we often assemble everything on it in mountainous, distracting piles. This could be doable, but “a crowded desk can make it harder to focus”. Take some extra minutes to put away books, magazines, and loose papers in their proper spots. Even removing all the dishes and trash can open up your work surface and allow your necessary materials to fit. It’s hard to complete tasks efficiently when you’re looking at mismanaged clutter. Give yourself some time to clean your workspace and you’ll definitely see the improvements in your concentration.

Don’t Eat and Work

When we’re out in the normal world, we often have break time scheduled outside of our office spaces. Whether you’re working a service industry job or at a tech company, eating lunch or snacking away from your workstation is common practice for decompressing. Especially when it comes to nourishing our bodies, eating meals throughout the day is ideal for completing our daily assignments.

Walking away from the desk and allotting time for meals is imperative for a productive home environment. Trying to eat while continuously typing is not good for one’s brain or endurance. Sitting somewhere else and giving yourself the time to relax and eat can improve the day and your assignment completion. No one can work continuous hours straight without a break; give yourself designated meal times to ensure that your self-nourishment doesn’t dissipate.

Don’t Stay In Your Pajamas All Day

There are some days when you’re heading to work on a chilly morning and all you want to do is change into some sweatpants and go home. With so many days in quarantine, though, never changing out of your comfy clothes might come as an eventual mental block.

When it comes to working in a conducive manner, getting out of your pajamas and into work apparel can ignite your focus. Going about a daily morning routine, as if you’re heading out of the house, can help prepare your mind for a functional day. Putting on an outfit can aid in creating a sense of mental preparedness. Though it might feel like only clothes, getting dressed can indicate the “differentiation of being in work mode and having leisure time”. Fulfilling this normal routine, like old times, is a perfect way to get your mind ready and productive.

Structure Your Day

Days in quarantine can often feel endless. With so many distractions and seemingly infinite free time, sometimes organizing your time is the only tool that can ensure productivity.

The Pomodoro Technique is one method for structured working that can come in handy for those craving interruptions. For me, sitting still is consistently my most arduous duty. The technique implements short breaks in half-hour increments to give wandering minds rewards for undisturbed focus. Every twenty five minutes of work comes with a five minute break and then repeats. This can create a “sense of urgency” to motivate the mind and keep you engaged in your assignment.

If you’re better at concentrating than I am, structuring longer morning and afternoon chunks for work can also keep you attentive. “Working for long stretches without breaks leads to stress and exhaustion”, so scheduling your productive time, in any capacity, is always important. Without a structure, you might feel like working can last all day uninterrupted. But with even the loosest designations, you can guarantee breaks within your day.

Bedtime and Waking Up

This might be the hardest thing to implement in quarantine. With movie nights and unlimited streaming, it’s hard to fight the urge to stay up binging a current docuseries. But there’s nothing that will throw your day off like getting little sleep and waking up at odd hours. As an avid sleeper and napper, this has been my key implementation for starting off my day right.

Experts agree that waking up and going to bed at the same time improves concentration and productivity. “When we don’t follow a regular sleep schedule, our melatonin production gets delayed”, which means struggling to fall asleep adequately and promptly.

Along the lines of my other suggestions, a routine is great to keep your mind and body connected. Give yourself the same bedtime every night to ensure you get the right amount of sleep for a normal work day. It’s one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves and a definite way to initiate an energetic start.

Remove Personal Items from Workspace

Gadgets, gizmos, phones, games, etc. can divert our focus when they adorn our work area. This definitely becomes a problem with the ever-distracting smartphone.

Being productive during the day means putting away the phone or moving physical disturbances. Our phones have such a potential for distraction, which makes it a necessary item to remove from your area. Decorating your workspace can be a positive thing, but allowing too many tangible distractions can deter you from focusing on finishing your assignments.

Put an End to Your Work Day

Clocking out, or leaving the office, is a physical release that lets us know our day has finished. The boundaries of work and relaxation get murky when your home becomes your only space for productivity. Frequently, we can stretch our hours in quarantine by the constant availability of our at-home workspace. But refusing to implement a rigid close to your day can be detrimental.

Setting an end time is a normal boundary for any occupation and should be introduced in your home. When there is the possibility of working at all hours, you might believe that productivity can be constantly occurring. With set rules, you’ll be able to “end at a reasonable time” and carry on with other necessary duties or relaxation.

No one deserves a laborious, unending work cycle and it definitely shouldn’t be appearing in our home life. With so much stress and anxiety around the pandemic, leaving assignments by a certain time is rewarding for our mental health and personal lives.

Working from home has its lengthy list of pros and cons. But with little adjustments, your remote environment can become a blossoming space for productivity.

Plant Pop Up Shop Coming to 422-424 Melrose!

Residents of 422-424 Melrose, 3240 N Lake Shore, 3260 & 3270 N Lake Shore and Cornelia & Stratford, join us for a plant pop up shop Thursday, July 30th from 4-6:30 pm at 422-424 Melrose. Social distancing and masks will be required.

Thanks to Kehoe Designs and Green Market Garden for hosting the pop up shop!

Our Favorite Biking Locations on the North Side of Chicago

Chicago is full of biking trails and networks. It’s the perfect city for biking since it’s so flat with very few hills. Traveling the city via bike is a great way to get some exercise, experience nature, and take advantage of a great city and lake vistas.

While the current pandemic has meant some parks, trails, and nature preserves have closed down temporarily, there are still many great places to bike on Chicago’s north side. Here are a few options to check out now, and a couple that are currently closed.

North Branch Trail System

The North Branch Trail system runs 33.5 miles. You can travel through the north side of Chicago and into Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, and Winnetka. The trail follows along the beautiful North Branch of the Chicago River for about 20 miles and includes both paved and unpaved trails to bike on.

North Shore Channel Trail

Another great biking trail on the north side of the city is the North Shore Channel Trail, running for 13 miles and offering lots of scenery and solitude since there’s usually only light traffic. You can easily connect from Chicago to Evanston, and it’s just a short distance to Wilmette, where the beautiful Bahai temple resides. The temple’s lawn is the perfect place to set up a picnic and take a break from biking.

Riverview Bike Bridge

A new addition to Chicago’s bike network is the Riverview Bike Bridge, also located alongside the North Branch of the Chicago River. The bridge borders the Avondale, Irving Park, and North Center neighborhoods and is over 1,000 feet long. The southern tip ends at Clark Park between Belmont and Addison. From the north, the bridge can be accessed just south of California Park on California Avenue.

Ravenswood Avenue

One street that’s great for biking on Chicago’s north side is Ravenswood Avenue, which starts at Addison Street and runs to the Roger’s Park neighborhood. This street, which runs alongside the Metra tracks, doesn’t get too much traffic and offers a wide space to get around the city. Ravenswood Avenue is an excellent option since a few of Chicago’s biking trails are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milwaukee Avenue

Another bikable street in Chicago is Milwaukee Avenue, which stretches from downtown up into the northwest suburbs. The great thing about Milwaukee is that it has protected bike lanes in a few places, so you don’t have to worry about car traffic. And even where it’s not protected, the bike lane is wide. Take Milwaukee through Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Avondale to get a great workout and see a few of the city’s bustling north side neighborhoods.

Trails closed but likely opening soon:

Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail was closed by Chicago’s mayor when the pandemic was building in the city. This trail runs from Ardmore Avenue on the city’s north side down to 71st Street on the south side. It’s one of the most popular city attractions and is the perfect way for bikers to get some great lake and city views.

The 606

The 606 is an elevated walking and biking trail that first opened in 2015. The trail took over the abandoned Bloomingdale Trail, formerly the Bloomingdale Line railroad tracks. The 606 runs for almost three miles, connecting four different north side neighborhoods. It includes art installations, landscaping, and excellent city views for bikers, runners, and pedestrians.

These are a few of our favorite places to bike on the north side of Chicago. When you need to get out in the sun to exercise or interact with nature, these trails and streets provide plenty of options. Always check new restrictions and regulations to make sure that the trails are open to bike traffic. And don’t forget your water bottle.

Things to Do in Chicago’s Lakeview & Lincoln Park Neighborhoods on a Cold, Winter Day

This post was updated on January 10, 2020, with new ideas for 2020.

We haven’t seen the bitter winter cold days we’ve seen in recent years in Chicago yet, but they are likely coming soon. Fortunately for those who live in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods, there are some great options for winter day activities. You don’t have to stay inside all day just because it’s cold out (though no one would blame you if you did). Below are some of our favorite things to do on a cold, winter day in Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

Hit up the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Located just north of the Lincoln Park Zoo, The Peggy Noebaert Nature Museum is a great place to spend a winter day. Since it’s difficult to enjoy nature when it’s freezing outside, this may be the second best option. Explore the butterfly haven, check out the many exhibits and learn more about nature in Chicago and throughout the world.

Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois Residents, so you can save a few bucks while enjoying some great indoor nature! Learn more about The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at www.naturemuseum.org.

Enjoy a Hot Coffee, Tea or Chocolate at Hero Coffee

One of Lakeview’s newest coffee shops is located on the first floor of Wirtz Residential’s 2950 N Sheridan. Hero offers a variety of coffee options, as well as tea and hot chocolate. Breakfast and lunch food is also available.

Hero’s location on the corner of Sheridan Road and Oakdale provides a great view on a snowy day.

Learn more about Hero Coffee at www.herocoffeebars.com.

Catch a Movie

There are some great movie theater options for those living in Lakeview and Lincoln Park. If you’re looking for a new Hollywood release, Landmark Century Theatre is a good choice at 2828 North Clark Street. If you’re in the mood for an indie film, there’s always some great picks at the Music Box Theatre (3733 North Southport Avenue).

Snuggle Up in a Bookstore

Unabridged Bookstore, 3251 North Broadway, has been one of Chicago’s favorite bookstores for over 35 years. You can easily spend a couple of hours browsing their large selection of books. You can pick up a couple to read at home so you don’t have to go out in the cold again!

Learn more about Unabridged at www.unabridgedbookstore.com.

Go Record Shopping

Just down the street from Unabridged Bookstore is Reckless Records. Reckless has three locations in Chicago. Their Lakeview location is at 3126 North Broadway and features an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs and more. You’ll find new releases, albums from local artists and many used records ready for you to browse.

Learn more about Reckless Records at reckless.com.

Hit the Batting Cages while Enjoying Adult Beverages

Sluggers in Wrigleyville is well known for its combination of bar and game center. The second floor of the bar features batting cages, pop-a-shot basketball, air hockey, virtual driving games and more. If you really need to get out of your apartment and let loose on a cold day, Sluggers may be the right choice for you.

Sluggers is located at 3540 North Clark Street. Learn more about them at www.sluggersbar.com.

Go Bowling

Southport Lanes is a great way to spend a winter afternoon in the neighborhood. The vintage vibe of this 4 lane bowling alley is the perfect setting for a fun day with friends. Southport Lanes also features a number of billiard tables and an extensive beer menu. If you get hungry, they serve burgers, wings, and other food items.

Southport Lanes is located at 3325 N. Southport Ave in Lakeview. Learn more about them and view their full menu at southportlanes.com

Play Indoors

If you have young children, Present Place indoor playground is a great option on a cold, winter day. Voted the “best indoor playground” in Chicago by Chicago Magazine, Present Place is a creative play place for children 0-4 years old. Kids enjoy an oversized play set and play kitchen and imaginative, all-natural toys. Parents can enjoy free coffee, tea and wifi. Other refreshments are available for purchase as well.

Present Place is located at 3701 N. Ravenswood Ave, #247, Chicago. Learn more about them at presentplacechicago.com/lakeview.