Keep you up to date
With a smart assistant, you not only can stop reading the news every morning, you can stop reading your own emails and texts! Once you have a smart assistant, especially if you’ve upgraded to have one in multiple rooms of your home, you can ask it to read the news, the weather, or anything else that you need to know for the rest of your day.
Set important reminders and alarms anywhere
If your smart assistant can hear you from where you are in the house, you can set a reminder or alarm whenever you need one. On the phone and making plans? Forget about awkwardly fumbling with speakerphone; just tell your smart assistant to make an appointment on your calendar. Forgot to set an alarm to wake up, but you can’t find your phone? Tell your smart assistant when to wake you up. Smart assistants make it easy to keep your life in checkboxes in the best way.
Control your entertainment life
For those who are willing to go an extra step and incorporate their smart assistant into their televisions and radios, your entire entertainment web is at your fingertips. Setting up smart assistants like Alexa and Google Home in different rooms of your house means you can stream radio and music playlists from anywhere, and even rent movies and stream shows directly onto your television. All it takes is a voice command; you don’t even have to use your remote!
Keep your house safe
One of the greatest things about smart assistants is that they let you keep an eye on things, no matter how far away they are. Lots of home security systems are extremely high-tech nowadays, with features such as facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence that make sure your place stays secure, even when you’re not in it. Most of the time, these security systems let you connect your smart assistant, so you can check in at any point, and they can send you an alert if there’s any suspicious activity. With the combination of smart power and your ability to look things over with a human eye, your security system can be nearly foolproof. It adds an extra layer to your home security, which is great if you frequently have to leave your home standing empty.
Connect you in any room
Of course, the main draw of having an apartment that’s completely connected to a smart assistant is your ability to stay connected, no matter where you are. Most smart assistants connect to your phone in one way or another, which may mean the ability to answer your phone even if it’s in the next room, have music playing through your whole home, or create important reminders while you’re making dinner that your phone can bring up at a later date.
Smart assistants are an amazing advancement in technology, and they’re a great way to improve your life a little bit. No matter what you’re trying to do, it’s likely that a smart assistant can walk you through it, from making your house a little safer to just enhancing your everyday living experience.
We’ve all read the typical rules posted along the pool fence (no running, no food or drink, no diving) but there are unspoken, common-curtesy rules that many people seem to vastly ignore. Whether you frequent our community pool or go to a public pool in town, take a look at these etiquette points to avoid being that person :
Noise level, language, and profanity
Nobody likes a loud mouth, and I can’t think of one parent who is okay with curse words bouncing around like a beach ball. Remember you’re in a public, shared community pool full of people who come from all walks of life and might find your language offensive. While you’re certainly entitled to private conversations with friends, family or neighbors, be mindful of your noise level, the language you use, and refrain from profanity if at all possible.
Rafts
In some public or community pools, rafts are banned, and for good reason. If this isn’t already a rule set in place, don’t lug in that giant donut floaty you found at Costco. Remember you are one of many who want to use and enjoy the watering hole, and there’s only so much space to do so. Not only will you take up precious pool real estate, you’ll find yourself extremely annoyed with getting splashed while you’re just trying to float in peace. Do everyone a favor and leave the raft at home.
Trash
This is usually an actual posted rule, but it’s one that needs to be driven home. It’s never a problem to snack on some munchies while poolside, but no one wants to clean up your cans, plastic, wrappers, or worse, broken glass bottles (this one in particular is not only a nuisance, but a danger—just don’t). Put your trash back in the bag or cooler in which you brought it, so you can throw it away when you get home.
Spills
When’s the last time you stepped in a puddle of sticky liquid at the pool, and loved it? You didn’t. Understand spills happen, but make the effort, take the time, and find a way to clean it up. Not only does it cause annoyance to the other pool-goers, it attracts pests like ants, bees and wasps. Simply washing the spill away with some water will take care of the problem pretty quick.
Behavior
Pushing, drowning, stealing toys. These behaviors have been seen by young and old alike, believe it or not. It’s important to treat others with respect, no matter the situation, even if you’re just playing. A game of Chicken is fun and innocent enough in the privacy of someone’s personal pool, but any kind of extreme rowdiness in a community pool will disturb others.
Attire
So you went to Europe and EVERYONE was donning itsy-bitsy, teeny-wheeny swimwear. Cool. But not everyone is a fan of flaunting flesh in a public or community pool. Know your surroundings, audience, and situation. While a speedo might be perfectly fine at a Las Vegas hotel pool party, it’s possible someone could find it to be a bit too much for an afternoon dip in a shared community pool.
Claiming multiple chairs
Don’t do this. It’s great you arrived the second the pool opened and want to save chairs for your friends, but it’s a little rude when you claim more than half the loungers for yourself. Be a good neighbor and only claim one extra chair, two at the most. Also, don’t do anything on the chairs other than sit or lay. Standing, flipping or using them in any fashion that will bend, break, warp or damage the chair is just plain disrespectful. The same goes for any umbrellas, tables, or equipment in or around the pool. Respect the community pool and all of the property in it.
We all know Baltimoreans love their food. And it’s likely you eat out at least 5 meals a week. Come on….admit it! With so many amazing restaurants in this city, it’s easy to say t’hell with your diet. But eating clean is important, and there are ways to keep the calorie count down while still enjoying all Baltimore has to offer. Take a look at these tips we put together for when dining out:
Plan ahead, and know the ingredients—check the restaurant’s website beforehand for their nutrition section, and shoot for a meal with as little processed ingredients as possible.
Look for buzzwords. “Organic,” “locally sourced,” “grass-fed,” “antibiotic- and hormone-free,” “sustainably raised” are, yes, a bit trendy, but they can also serve as indicators that the restaurant is concerned and conscientious about its sources.
When ordering a salad, pay attention to what they put in it and ask yourself, honestly, if it’s healthy. Many chain restaurants make an effort with “under 500 calories” or “fit” dishes, but still load it with flavor-enhancers. Be mindful of all components and remember its okay to substitute or take away certain ingredients. Avoid creamy dressings, and always ask for it on the side.
If you order a burger, check if they have wheat buns, and stick with veggie toppings instead of bacon, cheese or other fatty garnishes.
While a deli turkey sandwich is always better than a greasy burger, you should still be aware that most thinly-slice deli meats contain a lot of sodium and preservatives. If the restaurant offers freshly carved turkey or chicken, order that instead. Try to choose lean meat like chicken or turkey over red meat like ham or beef. And when considering the sandwich, also be aware of the toppings and dressings/condiments. Remember, creamy=fatty.
When eating Mexican, choose corn tortillas over flour tortillas. Flour tortillas (even the whole wheat varieties) are higher in calories, fat and sodium. Or nix the tortilla altogether and ask for a lettuce wrap. You’d be surprised how you don’t miss the taste of a tortilla. Choose a dish that is mostly veggies, and opt for avocado or guacamole instead of sour cream. Ask if they make their own salsa. Fresh salsa won’t have as many preservatives or sodium, but store-bought salsa is still better than sour cream.
At Chinese restaurants, very little of their food is clean. Ask for simple steamed vegetables and brown rice (not fried). A little bit of soy sauce is okay, but one tiny packet holds 520mg of sodium—one quarter of your DAILY intake—so tread lightly.
Remember that you’re human, and you can’t restrict yourself forever. For your mental health, splurge!….But only every once in a while. You can combat over-eating by drinking lots of water in between bites. It takes 15 minutes for your brain to recognize that you’re full, so chewing slower will reduce the chance of over-eating/ingesting unnecessary calories. Drinking all that water will also help you fill up faster. This can be applied to any meal, clean or not.
Side note: talking more means less food is going in your mouth; consider dining with a chatty Kathy!
And for those times you just have to splurge…
Dab your pizza with a napkin (or two) before eating. That grease you see on top is actually fat that melted away from the cheese when it was heated. Blotting your pie can save about 40 calories and 4 grams of fat per slice.
Steak is not the worst thing in the world, but your sides can be. Choose steamed vegetables or a side salad instead of fries or loaded baked potato. If you still want to carb it up, choose a simple baked potato and use a small amount of butter.
It’s best to stay away from soda. But if you must, ask for lots of ice, and order a water with it as well. The more ice in your cup, the less soda you’ll consume (while still satisfying the craving). And when you run out of soda, you’ll drink the water while waiting for the server to refill your soda.
Lattes are amazing, but they are also jam-packed with sugars and sweeteners. Decide what you absolutely must have in order for it to taste right, and stick with those few ingredients. Telling them what to put in it gives you control over your calorie and sugar intake.
We here at 101 Ellwood utilize these tips regularly, and encourage everyone to eat clean both at home and on the go. Exercise weekly, if not daily.
Remember to take your health seriously--be mindful of your food choices and practice fitness activities that you find fun!
You may have heard of the new online grocery store, Brandless. Their slogan “Better everything, for everyone” has people excited to replace their food and home products with a simple, unbiased brand. Brandless was brought to life on July 11, 2017 with the intention of making better stuff accessible and affordable for more people. Their mission is deeply rooted in quality, transparency, and community-driven values. It’s the idea that big-brand names are charging too much for their product, simply because of the brand name. Here, you can purchase the same product at a much lower cost.
After seeing this new hit store several times across social media, I decided to check it out. My instant reaction was to completely replace my weekly trip to the grocery store with this easier online shopping experience. But it got me thinking: does it really save me that much money? Is there really much of a difference in their stuff? I thought I’d embark on a comparison journey to get to the bottom of my skepticism.
Step 1: make a list
Before I even visited the Brandless site I made a list of groceries I typically pick up. Not realizing Brandless is void of any fresh produce, meat, or dairy, I was immediately deterred from using them as I slowly discovered these weren’t even options. (All things considered, it makes sense why they don’t do fresh food, but, I have to say I was disappointed I could only use them for select items.)
I decided to proceed with my ‘versus’ mission anyway. My grocery list consisted of 20 fresh food and snack items, and 10 household items. Of these 30 products, I found only half of them on the Brandless website. I then had to decide which grocery competitor would be best compared to Brandless, and ended up choose Walmart since their slogan is, in fact, “Always low prices.”
At Brandless, each item costs only $3 so you’d think you’re getting some bang for your buck, right? I thought the same, until I saw their $3 bag of almonds weighed in at a mere 5.5 oz. Not much compared to Walmart’s 14 oz. for only $2 more. For this reason I made sure to list the size, weight or count on the list to get a proper comparison.
Step 2: compare
As mentioned, Brandless boasts a low $3 price tag for all their products. I wanted to find the cheapest options available on Walmart’s website to get a good comparison, so I tried to use their Great Value brand whenever possible, but if I couldn’t get GV, I went with the cheapest option for that product.
The final price for my Brandless cart—note HALF the items weren’t in there—rounded out to an even $45. Walmart’s online shopping cart came to $76.92, and I was able to get every item on my list. Even if Brandless did have all the items on my list, the cart total would come to $90. Right off the bat, Walmart wins with a $16 savings.
Step 3: shipping
There is more to consider than price alone, however. What’s the delivery charge? How long does it take to get to you? Will you be happy with the taste of your food? Let’s take a look:
Brandless Walmart
Delivery price $5 for free over $40 $8 or free over $30
Delivery time 3-5 days 2-4 days
Walmart wins again. Not only is shipping cheaper, but your stuff arrives quicker.
Step 4: quality
It’s now, though, that we have to ask ourselves the most pivotal question—does price outweigh quality? Depends on your taste. For me, Great Value paper towels still absorb liquids, no matter the maker, and candy is just as sweet no matter the manufacturer. For some people, though, quality is everything. Brandless offers certified organic, gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty & tree-free products. Walmart also offers (some of) those things, but many people are skeptical of big-brand, corporate company’s so-called “clean” products. Brandless puts time and care into their products, as opposed to mass producing them. In addition, Brandless works with local communities and donates a lot of their products and time to fight hunger and help those in need. If that’s not worth your dollars, I don’t know what is.
Step 5: The verdict
If you’re hoping to make a full switch to Brandless for your grocery needs, I wouldn’t hold your breath. But, if you want to replace a few of your panty items with organic and healthy alternatives to Great Value then you’re in the right place. Just don’t expect to save that much money. Their marketing strategy with “everything only $3” is quite brilliant, because $3 sounds so cheap. But once you consider the amount you’re getting for $3, it balances out with your everyday shelf item, and actually costs a little more than what’s in your local grocery store. Is that totally worth receiving the best quality products? You be the judge.
You’ve likely seen the viral videos on Instagram or Facebook showing murphy beds converting to a couch, or end tables that stretch out to a full-size dining table. Impressive, right? These modular furniture pieces—like the ones you’ll find at Expand Furniture --aren’t just for high-tech enthusiasts or engineers; you can outfit your entire apartment with this furniture for a smarter, cleaner way to live. Here’s why we believe you should ditch the bulky vintage couch and opt for transforming alternatives:
Modular furniture is great for small spaces (duh). Your bed is tucked away, leaning against a wall when you’re not using it. Your desk converts back to a small shelving unit when not in use, and your coffee table can rise to a kitchen table. What saves space more than pieces that disappear when not in use?
They can also help you declutter and live a minimalist lifestyle. When you tuck your bed away each morning, you realize you don’t need those unnecessary throw pillows. You’ll also start to ask yourself if you really need a filing cabinet of papers…because it’s 2019 after all, and you now have a compact little desk for your essential electronics. And you’ll finally decide which of your gadgets are actually worth holding on to when assign a secret drawer (hidden in your coffee table) to them.
The look of them is very sleek and clean—not too busy, which is important if you’re working with smaller spaces. And you have to admit, these things are clever. Kudos to the folks who came up with these concepts and were able to make them functional, easy to use, and smooth.
Given the aforementioned reasons above, it’s not argument that modular furniture is well worth the investment. In addition, it’s not like they have to stay in the apartment when you move. You can take these pieces with you anywhere. Even if you *gasp* buy a home, and you have room for a regular dining table, the convertible side table can still be used…as a side table. The Murphy bed sets perfectly in an office/guest room combo, and that stylish coffee table can still house your belongings.
It’s basically a no-brainer.
What are you waiting for? Impress your friends with transforming furniture. You can have Optimus Prime as a couch!
You want a pet that fits not only your personality, but your living arrangements. When it comes to apartment pets, size does matter. Giant paws and long legs don’t always mix well with tiny living spaces. However, the size of your dog isn’t the only thing that matters. When choosing the perfect pooch for your apartment, you should also take into consideration the dog’s energy level, noisiness, and even friendliness (neighbors in close quarters means lots of socializing and meeting new people and other pooches as well).
With those general traits in mind, here are the 29 best apartment dogs that could be a great fit for folks with less space and tighter quarters!
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a great option when you have close neighbors and thin walls. This barkless dog rarely gets taller than 18 inches or over 25 pounds. But beware, when left unattended for long periods of time, the Basenji can be a mischievous companion.
2. Bichon Frise
Even at their largest, the Bichon Frise (BEE-shawn FREE-say) won’t get taller than a foot. These little furballs are energetic, which means they love to play, but also need daily exercise . Bichons also shed less than similar breeds, making them ideal to leave with in close quarters or for people with allergies.
3. Boston Terrier
Another breed ideal because of their size, the Boston Terrier rarely grows taller than a foot and a half. These dogs can be particularly hyper, so they need daily, brisk walks to stay happy. But if you can keep them well-exercised, you’ll find these American Gentlemen to be wonderful, gentle, affectionate pets.
4. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a lively, sturdy, small breed. They are highly affectionate and bond quickly with their owners. They love to snuggle, which might be a necessity, depending on just how small your apartment is!
5. Bulldog
The Bulldog is perhaps most well-known for his laziness, making them a perfect dog for apartments. A short walk is all these guys need to keep them happy. Otherwise, they’re content to just laze around and snooze. They’re an incredibly gentle dog breed and rarely get taller than a 18 inches high.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs love to cuddle. They will lay on your lap and beg for belly rubs any chance they get. They’re very attached to their owners, so small homes are even better for them. The biggest concern comes with housetraining, as they can be hard to train. But, if you give them plenty of time outdoors and positive reinforcement, they’ll quickly become trustworthy apartment pets.
7. Chihuahua
Known for its small size, the Chihuahua makes a great apartment dog. They require minimum exercise and love being close to their owners. Chihuahuas can be untrusting of strangers, so it’s best to carefully supervise them in any social situation.
8. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a remarkably laid back breed. These dogs make the perfect companion for a lower energy—even bedridden—owner. Their ability to lay in bed for hours, coupled with their small size, makes them the perfect low-maintenance apartment dweller.
9. Coton de Tulear
Cotons are happy-go-lucky dogs that are well-fit for living in small apartments. They are small in size, have easy to care for coats, exceedingly friendly with humans and other animals, and low exercise needs. The Coton loves to play fetch and go for walks, but won’t suffer from being inside for a day either.
10. Dachshund
Dachshunds are the smallest of the hound dogs. (You probably know them for their tiny legs!) These are cute, lively dogs that often bring joy from their appearance alone. Their short legs allow them to be exercised entirely indoors, if needed.
11. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs were originally bred in England to be miniature bulldogs. Their compact size and low activity needs made them good apartment dogs. Frenchies love to play and thrive on human contact. They also make great watchdogs, because they rarely bark without reason.
12. Havanese
Nicknamed the “Velcro dog,” the Havanese will choose being inside with her owner over staying outdoors any day. However, don’t mistake their clingy personality with a lack of energy. These bouncy pups love to play, as long as their owners are near. Averaging under a foot tall, this breed makes a great apartment pet for someone with plenty of energy.
13. Greyhound
Number thirteen on our list may surprise… Greyhounds, though traditionally known for their high energy and lanky legs, make surprisingly great small home pets. Their energy needs are well-satisfied with a daily brisk walk and their friendly, calm nature makes them a great choice even for smaller apartments.
14. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a highly agile breed that makes a great indoor companion. Known for their catlike propensity for scaling tall furniture, the Chin can adapt to any living situation. Despite their elegant coats, the Chin needs little more than a weekly brushing to maintain. Their size, friendliness, and low-exercise needs make them great for apartment dwellers with less active lifestyles.
15. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso thinks his a large dog, but lucky for your apartment they rarely grow taller than a foot. Early socialization and training are needed to bring out the best in this friendly, loyal breed. Unlike the Japanese Chin above, the Lhasa dogs have coats that require daily brushing and frequent bathing.
16. Lowchen
The Lowchen are a playful, gentle breed. They are a toy breed, making their overall stature compact. Lowchen make affectionate pets who love to play and roughhouse, but do not have high exercise needs. They get along well with other animals and, with proper socialization, are friendly towards all humans, too.
17. Maltese
The Maltese has been a highly-regarded companion dog for 2,000 years. Because they have no undercoat, the Maltese are not shedders, which may be ideal if you have to live in close quarters with them. They are an affectionate breed, but frequently suffer from separation anxiety , so they are best suited for homebody type owners.
18. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a very intelligent, responsive breed who is easily trained to apartment living. Their miniature size makes them ideal for even the tightest living quarters. This is another breed that does best with an owner who is home often; if left alone, they can become destructive and bark incessantly.
19. Miniature Pinscher
With an appearance like a tiny Doberman, the Miniature Pinscher is as confident as he is energetic. They make great watchdogs because they are suspicious of strangers. The Mini Pin’s small size makes him good for apartments, but this breed may not do well with small children, and must be socialized early with other pets.
20. Pekinese
The companion choice of the Chinese royal courts, the Pekinese require plenty of attention and affection. They will bark at strangers, so early training is a must. The Pekinese is best as the only dog in a household, though they can be socialized to accept other pets. They make great apartment pets due to their size and affectionate nature.
21. Pomeranian
This feisty breed is a ball full of furry energy. They are not an overly dependent breed, so they make a good pet for someone who spends time out of the house. They need daily walks to work of their energy and weekly brushings. They’re also barkers, so early training is necessary to teach them when it’s appropriate.
22. Poodle
Poodles are bred in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Toy and Miniature are a good size for a small apartment, while the Standard size can reach up to 70 pounds. Poodles are intelligent and exceedingly easy to train. Toy and Miniature Poodles have no trouble running of their energy in the aparment, though regular walks are recommended.
23. Pug
Recognizable for their squished faces, Pugs are playful and loyal pets. They need to be close to their owners as much as possible and do not do well alone. Pugs are not generally “yappy” dogs, which means that no special training is needed to keep your neighbors happy. Due to their inactivity, quietness, and size, Pugs make a good pet for apartments of any size.
24. Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small breed with a big personality. They are easy to train and do best when they always have a task. While not overly energetic, these dogs do need to be entertained. Their coats are easy to care for with regular brushing and they are not known to be a loud breed. All of that, along with their compact size, makes them a good option for small living spaces.
25. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a dog known for his independence. Averaging around 20 pounds, it is a medium-sized breed that will do well indoors. However, the Shiba needs rigorous, daily exercise, so they are best suited to owners who already live an active lifestyle. Shiba Inus are best for skilled dog owners who are ready for this unique, fantastic breed.
26. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was bred to be a friendly lapdog. They make great companions , as they are affectionate and calm. A Shih Tzu will fit in to any living environment. They are friendly to owners, strangers, other pets, and even children (as long as they are gentle). This dog was practically bred to be the perfect apartment companion.
27. Silky Terrier
Another small dog with a big personality, the Silky Terrier is a loyal dog who bonds quickly with his owners. He’ll fit nicely into any apartment with his small size, though his barking could be an issue ( basic training should take care of that, though). These dogs are full of energy, so they need daily walks to be happy in an apartment environment.
28. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and easy to train. They’re a toy breed, making them a good size for even the tiniest of apartments. A Toy Fox Terrier makes a great companion who would love to curl up and cuddle. Personality is important here, as some Toy Fox Terriers will require more exercise than others.
29. Yorkshire Terrier
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Commonly known as the Yorkie, these affectionate dogs can make great apartment pets. They’re small and can be exercised easily indoors. The biggest challenge will come from their inherent “ yappiness ” and distrust of strangers, though this can be avoided with good training and socialization early on.
As always, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. While every breed has a general personality and disposition, there will always be variations. Do your research carefully and be sure to pick a pet that will fit your home, lifestyle, and personality. To find out more about different dog breeds check out our DogTime Breed Center .
Which breed do you think makes the perfect apartment dog? Let us know in the comments below
