Is saving money one of your New Year's resolutions?
Look no further, because we have money-saving apartment tips!
Rent should not exceed 30 percent of your monthly earnings. However, especially if you live in a high-rent metropolis, this is easier said than done. So, how can renters spend a significant portion of their income on rent while remaining financially sound?
The solution is to adopt a frugal way of life.
Contrary to popular belief, modest living does not imply a life of deprivation. It's simply a matter of figuring out how to make the most of what you already have while keeping costs to a minimum. You'll learn how to spend less money on what you do.

1. Look for additional ways to supplement your income.
   If you're on a tight budget, the best way to increase your savings is to increase your income while decreasing your spending, allowing you to save more. Having a few extra dollars on hand will act as a safety net in difficult times. Fortunately, there are a plethora of simple strategies available to help you grow your business these days.
   You can increase your pay at your current job by obtaining additional qualifications or certifications. Find a part-time job that you can do on weekends or after you finish your regular 9-to-5. There are virtually no limits to the number of side hustles you can do to supplement your income. All that remains is for you to select one that corresponds to your interests and abilities.

2. Cable and internet subscriptions should be negotiated.
   Cable and internet can eat up a sizable portion of your earnings. One way to save money is to contact your service providers directly and request a price reduction. Many of them will be eager to listen to you because they want to keep your business. Especially if you appear to be a dissatisfied customer.
   There are also rental houses that offer free Wi-Fi to their residents. In your building's common areas, you can also browse the internet or watch TV. That is unless you are a heavy internet or television user.

3. Prepare Your Own Meals
   Eating out all of the time can be costly. Renting an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen encourages you to cook your own meals. You will not only save money by preparing meals for yourself, but you will also eat healthier.
   You can make your own coffee and other beverages in the same manner. If you drink alcohol, purchasing it from a store and consuming it at home can add weight to your wallet.

4. Invest in Pre-Owned Furniture
   Rent an unfurnished apartment and furnish it with used furniture. Setting up a new apartment with all new furnishings will simply astound your friends while draining your bank account. Yard sales, thrift stores, Craigslist, and other internet options offer great deals on used items.

5. Create Your Own Space
   You can improve your living environment while staying within your budget. With a little imagination and muscle, you can do your own interior decorating. Some of the used furniture may need to be refurbished, or you may decide to improve its appearance for a fresh look.
   There are a plethora of do-it-yourself (DIY) materials available online that you can use to remodel your home on a budget. Converting your apartment into a home on the cheap will also give you a sense of accomplishment.
   Frugal living can help you achieve your financial goals, whether they are debt-free living, significant rent savings, or retiring early. What other tips do you have for living on a budget?

The post How to Save Money While Living in an Apartment appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Go Outdoors

Places to Roam
In Oswego, the Fox Valley and up and down the river are connected by more than 40 miles of trails that are maintained by the Oswegoland Park District. Mountain bikers should check out Saw Wee Kee Park, where they can outfit themselves at the independent Oswego Cyclery. Ride more leisurely by following the Fox River Trail, which hugs the Fox River for more than 40 miles from Oswego north to Algonquin.

The greatest time to see bald eagles and other native birds breeding along the river is in the months of January through March when the trees are bare. Or you may go fishing with the eagles in the Fox, which has a wide variety of sport fish like bass, walleye, and muskie.

With parking and convenient put-ins at Violet Patch and Saw Wee Kee Parks, bring your boat and kayak or canoe down the Fox River. Start further upstream and arrange to exit at Hudson Crossing Park in Downtown Oswego, where you may cool off with a beverage from the Tap House Grill or Oswego Brewing Company, which offers Detox/Retox yoga every Sunday in the taproom.

Go as a Group.

Run, cycle, or kayak on the paths. then go get a meal.
Playgrounds and open areas to run around in can be found at more than 40 parks. Stay near to the city center and explore the river banks at Hudson Crossing Park, or get wet at the splash pad at Prairie Point where the older kids may also skateboard.

Gloomy days? At Bounce Town or Altitude Trampoline Park, let them bounce off the walls. The Potter's Place team will bring Mexican cuisine and live music to Main Street in the early 2020s, which older children and teenagers will enjoy.

Visit Keller's Farmstand in the late summer or early fall for fresh food, a cornstalk maze, apple picking, and a pumpkin patch. Additionally, mark your calendars for a number of family-friendly occasions occurring in downtown Oswego over the summer, such as Main Street celebrations and Movies in the Park. Most are no cost.

Go with your Friends.

Imaginative excursions for your upcoming girls' night out.
Start the day with a discussion at The Village Grind in the quaint downtown Oswego neighborhood while enjoying hand-crafted coffee, tasty food, and treats.
Shop at the beautiful and trendy Hudson Design House, Stonehouse Market, Aroma Roots, and Velvet Grace for one-of-a-kind discoveries. Or, if you're feeling handy, join one of the make-and-take furniture lessons at A Lady and Her Tools, the pottery and painting programs at Studio 60, or the wood sign workshops at Board & Brush to build it yourself. Or spend the summer browsing a variety of fresh-air farmer's, handcrafted, and vintage markets.

Enjoy a lunchtime Flower Pot Salad at the Emerson Creek Shop & Tea Room, which is open from May to October. Or visit Sarabella for a spa pedicure and a glass of champagne.

Learn more or check out other outdoor activities

The post How to Enjoy the Summer Without Overheating: Fun Things to Do In Oswego appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

We all have our hobbies, interests, work habits, and more. Finding an apartment that uniquely matches your individual needs is not always easy in today’s market.

We have put together some tips on how to find the right apartment for your lifestyle, making your search that much easier.

Do Some Soul Searching

Before you even start looking for an apartment, know what you want from it.

If you are ecstatic about rooftops, put that on your list. Do you need the gym or are you planning on having a gym membership? Will you actually sit by the pool? Or would you rather have a place closer to work without one? Business centers can help if you work from home or print things often. 

These things and more can all cost you money, so make sure they fit your lifestyle before you pay for them. 

Don’t Get Caught with Problematic Roommates

If you are going to live with other people, make sure their lifestyle fits yours as well. Even the best apartment can be burdened by roommates who do not respect your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to meet with them multiple times and ask for references before you move in with them. Talk to them about their schedules, their daily habits, cleanliness, and their ability to pay rent. If you’re signing a lease together, make sure you can count on them. 

Location and Workplace

Are you always at the office, or do you work from home? Is your job demanding enough that you need a business center? Do you want amenities that help you destress after work? 

Research suggests living closer to work reduces stress and leads to a happier life. Or maybe you are a social butterfly and you want to live close to nightlife. If you love nature, find out where the parks and recreational areas are. If you don’t have a car, is there a bus or train nearby?

Maybe you are an artist and need a huge space to create your work.

These little aspects of location and workspace can make a huge difference in your quality of life. 

A Home for Your Pet

If you have a dog or cat, see if your apartment offers a pet-friendly environment. Maybe they allow pets, but the space is too crowded for your eager Labrador. A pet deposit can be costly, and some pet-friendly apartments are more expensive than those that aren’t. Find the most welcoming place for your pet without breaking the bank. 

With so many apartment homes to choose from in such a competitive market, it can be tough to choose one that fits your budget and lifestyle. Our team at Farmington Lakes is here to help, so feel free to contact us with any questions! 

The post How to Find an Apartment that Matches Your Lifestyle appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Whether she’s your mama, mum, or mommy, most names for mother sound similar no matter which language you’re speaking. This isn’t by chance! One of the easiest sounds to make when we’re born is “ma,” which means the first thing we all want to do is say hello to our moms.

The physical, mental, and emotional connection we share with our mothers before we’re even born is one of the most beautiful bonds we could ever form in life. If you want to remind your mom how much you love and appreciate her, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity.

Want to know some creative ways to make your mom feel special? Keep reading to learn about 20 unique Mother’s Day ideas for activities and gifts that she’s sure to love.

Mother’s Day Ideas for Activities

Moms appreciate anything you give them, but if you have the ability to spend time with yours, then you’ll be her best gift. Do you live nearby or plan on visiting your mom for Mother’s Day? If so, treat her to loads of fun with any one of these 10 activities.

1. Treat Her to Breakfast in Bed or Brunch

Lots of kids try to make their moms a nice breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day. If you didn’t get help from an older sibling or parent, you probably wound up serving her burned toast, soggy cereal, or raw pancakes. Even if the food wasn’t good, breakfast in bed was an event she looked forward to each year because the gesture was sweet.

If your cooking skills have improved, you could treat her to a gourmet breakfast in bed. However, if you want to relax and enjoy your time with your mom, a more practical activity would be taking her out for brunch. After you’ve filled your bellies, you can keep the fun going by taking her for a walk in a nearby park or go window shopping.

2. Do Some Scrapbooking

Did your mom always have the camera out when you were a kid? Take your mom on a walk down memory lane by revisiting all of your childhood photos and try scrapbooking together. If she enjoys shopping, you can even take her out to an arts and crafts store to stock up on supplies you like best.

Not only is this a wonderful way to remember all of the special moments you’ve had with your mom, but you can give the finished product to her as a gift. Don’t forget to write sweet captions under each photo to express how much your mom means to you.

3. Pack a Picnic and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Was your mom a fan of planning family picnics when you were growing up? Is she the type of person who enjoys going outside for some fresh air and exercise? If so, you can make her special day more memorable by planning a delicious picnic in a scenic spot outdoors.

If your mom likes being active, then you should scout around for some local hiking, biking, or walking trails that are suitable for her fitness levels. If you think she’d rather relax and soak up some sunshine, a local park or meadow works great, too. Once you find the perfect spot, your picnic will feel magical.

The good news is you don’t have to worry about preparing an extravagant meal. If you’re not much of a cook, head over to the grocery store and stop by the deli to pick up some sandwiches. Don’t forget to grab some drinks and snacks while you’re there.

4. Explore Your City Like Tourists

Some people can live in the same city for years without ever getting to know their surroundings. When you fall into a comfortable routine, you can forget that your city has lots of fun things to do. One silly activity to do with your mom is to pretend you’re tourists and explore your city as you’ve never been there before.

Be sure to check out travel guides like TripAdvisor or Yelp to learn about the top attractions that draw in other visitors. Map out an itinerary that’ll keep you busy all day. Don’t forget to try a new restaurant during lunchtime, too!

5. Buy Tickets to Her Favorite Event

Moms do everything they can for their children so that usually means they don’t have a lot of time to go out and have fun. Thank your mom for all that she gave you by giving her tickets to her favorite event. This could be a concert, a sporting event, or any other form of entertainment.

Be sure to make a whole day of it! You can grab drinks or have a sit-down meal before or after the event. Since it’s her special day, make sure she feels spoiled. The event is sure to be a treat, but spending quality time with you is the best gift of all.

6. Plan a Wellness Day

Did you know that by the time you turned one, your mom gave up 44 days of sleep to take care of you? Although the first year can be the most challenging, motherhood at any age requires lots of self-sacrifices. To give thanks, you can spend Mother’s Day taking care of your mom with some wellness activities.

In the morning, you could go to a fitness class together like yoga or kickboxing. After you build up an appetite, refuel with some nutritious smoothies and other healthy eats.

Then, you can spend the rest of the day doing anything else that will help recharge your mom. This could mean getting a pedicure, relaxing at the beach, or getting a massage. Ask your mom what will make her feel her best and do it.

7. Host a Cozy Movie Night at Home

Who doesn’t love to curl up on the couch with some good snacks and watch their favorite show or movie? If your mom is laid-back, a movie night could be the perfect Mother’s Day treat. You’ll need to have a nice selection of films she enjoys, good snacks, and cozy blankets for the perfect evening.

Popcorn is an obvious must-have movie snack. Other fun ideas could include setting up all of the fixings to build ice cream sundaes or buying a bunch of classic movie theater candies so you can have an at-home concession stand. Don’t forget to stock up on soda, wine, or any other beverage she drinks while she enjoys herself.

8. Go Shopping at the Farmers’ Market (Then Cook Together!)

Does your mom enjoy the simple things in life? Spend some quality time with her on Mother’s Day by taking her to the farmers’ market. With so many fresh ingredients and other unique products there, you’ll have a blast exploring everything together.

After you’re done, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Head back to the kitchen and try to create a new recipe that combines all of the ingredients you bought. Whether the food turns out good or bad, you’ll share lots of laughs while you get creative and work as a team.

9. Go Bar-Hopping, Bakery-Hopping, or Any Other Fun Hopping

If your mom is free-spirited, then she’ll love going out on the town and sampling the best food or drinks around. You can keep things classic by going bar-hopping or you can use that method and apply it to any other type of attraction. The goal is to spend the day visiting different places that offer some of her favorite things.

Does she have a sweet tooth? Take her on an adventure by stopping at every bakery in town and picking out the most exciting treat there. Once you’ve collected all of your goodies, you can sit down somewhere scenic and enjoy your treasures.

If she’s a coffee lover, you could also hop around local cafés to sample unique creations at each 

location. Just be sure to throw some decaf into the mix so you don’t get too jumpy!

10. Try Something New

Is your mom the adventurous type? If so, she’ll have a blast trying a new activity with you. 

Whether it’s taking a painting class, going kayaking, or skydiving, you only have one rule to follow. The activity that you choose has to be something both of you have never done before.

If you need some help deciding what to do, Groupon is the perfect site to find local activities at a discounted price. You can scroll through the offers together and pick something that sounds exciting to both of you.

The post 10 Fun Ways to Show Mom You Care this Mother’s Day appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.

Whether you’ve been counting down the days to pumpkin-spice everything or the Holiday season takes you by surprise, you can decorate for Thanksgiving in no time with our expert decorating ideas from interior design pros. Come minimalist, traditionalist, or eclectics, here are some swoon-worthy ideas for every type of host.

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas and Inspiration

Before jumping into creating a festive yet tasteful interior, be inspired by Thanksgiving decorating ideas that take only a few tweaks to pull off.

1. A Hint of Holidays 

Creating a cozy and festive mood for Thanksgiving is easier than you think. In fact, you only need one or two pieces to get it right. Here hawthorn, low light, and roses make the living and dining rooms radiate a sophisticated holiday air.

DESIGN TIP: Decorate for Thanksgiving with flowers or fruit in bright seasonal colors like orange, red and yellow.

2. Neutral Minimalism

Thanksgiving decorating ideas are trendier than ever, blending in with interiors and complementing the overall style. Here a large but delicate bouquet of daffodils, daisies, and sprigs sit atop a mantelpiece, and the result is impactful. It’s celebratory yet subtle. On the other hand, darling white pumpkins add fun but are chic enough to stay the entire year.

DESIGN TIP: Tone down your Thanksgiving home decorations with beautiful pieces that match your home’s color scheme. Not only will it look sophisticated, but finding festive gems are also sure to bring a smile to your guests.

3. Fall into Entryway Cheer

An entryway is a great place for Thanksgiving home decor because it’s the first thing your guests will see. Both example entryways, pictured above, have the same autumnal color palette, but they have distinctly different styles. One has a traditional farm style, perfect for making a home cozy, whereas the other has a contemporary design, perfect for a style punch.

DESIGN TIP: Since an entryway is typically small, be practical, work with what you have, and don’t add too much décor. A colorful amber coat on the coatrack and a festive decoration or two are all you need.

4. Cozied Bedrooms

Guests often stay over after a Thanksgiving feast, and a bedroom dressed for the occasion can make the warm and fuzzy feelings linger a little longer. We love these bedrooms because they radiate the snugness of the season, albeit in modern and transitional styles.

DESIGN TIP: Keep the primary color scheme of a guest bedroom neutral – this makes it easy to change the look with accessories like scatter cushions, throws, and flowers.

5. Dried Wild Berries and Crabapples  

If you love natural décor, then subtle Thanksgiving decorating ideas with crabapple or berry sprigs are for you. The combination sets the tone for relaxed entertaining perfect for a day of appreciating the little things.

DESIGN TIP: Pair dried berry twigs with dried ingredients, such as mini corn cobs or cinnamon sticks to represent a Thanksgiving harvest. One twig per place setting is enough, or, as a casual centerpiece, a few twigs with a few eucalyptus leaves will do the trick.

The post How to Decorate Like a Pro This Thanksgiving appeared first on Farmington Lakes Apartments Blog.