Spring Cleaning season is almost upon us and while the annual practice is known to have plenty of health and psychological benefits , sometimes the motivation to throw open the windows and give the home a good scrub just isn’t there. Enter the cleaning inspiration channels on YouTube! There are thousands of YouTubers who dedicate their time and energy to creating fresh cleaning and organization content for viewers just like you. If you are struggling to find the motivation to clean your home, here are five of our favorite YouTubers who can help!
Love Meg
Megan is a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom from Savannah, Georgia who makes videos about motherhood, organization, decluttering, lifestyle and more. Megan posts videos to her channel – Love Meg - several days a week. For some serious motivation, check out her Ultimate Cleaning Motivation playlist , which has over 280 videos to inspire you to tackle every task on your cleaning to-do list.
Brianna K
Brianna is stay-at-home mom of three currently living in Hawaii. In addition to cleaning motivation, she also shares videos about pregnancy, homemaking, decorating, and more. Brianna posts to her channel – Brianna K – every Monday. If you’re unsure where to start with your spring cleaning, check out her 2021 Extreme Spring Cleaning Series playlist!
This Crazy Life
Amanda is a stay-at-home mom who shares videos about cleaning, affordable room makeovers, cooking and more on her channel This Crazy Life. If a major decluttering is on your spring cleaning, checklist, check out her Whole House Declutter With Me 2021 playlist.
Carissa Cleans It All
For some serious cleaning motivation, room makeover inspiration, expert organization tips and more, look no further than Carissa Cleans It All. Carissa is also expecting baby number three, so there is plenty of baby and pregnancy-related content if that is something that interests you!
Candis Halligan
Candis is a military spouse and mom of two boys who shares lifestyle, cleaning motivation, organization, and home decor tips on her channel. Check out her Cleaning and Organization playlist for more than 90 videos ranging from cleaning routines for working moms to speed cleaning routines.
Do you like to watch cleaning motivation content on YouTube? Who are your favorite YouTubers to watch? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know that January 8 th is National Vision Board Day? What is a vison board, you ask? A vision board is essentially a physical ( or digital ) manifestation of your goals. For example, a collage of images and words. It can include cut-out pictures from magazines, inspirational quotes, timelines etc.
Since 2015, the second Saturday in January has been designated as Vision Board Day and encourages us to set our goals in a visual way, so get out the sticky notes, markers, and inspiration and start plotting your goals for the new year!
What You’ll Need
Creating a vision board should be a personal and customizable activity, so there aren’t exactly any rules. That said, here are some basic supplies you might want to start with:
A board for your base
Scissors
Something to secure items to your base – be it push pins, tape, etc.
Images or objects that resonate with you and your goal
Stickers, markers, or any other “extras”
How to Create Your Board
Get clear on your intention. Start by asking yourself, what do I want the year 2022 to bring me? It can be a physical thing like a house or a personality trait like positivity, etc.
Beg arranging and rearranging your board with the images you gathered. Move things around until you feel inspired when you look at it.
Find a place for it. Once you're pleased with the final product, find a place to put your board where it can provide daily inspiration.
How to Use Your Vision Board
To get the full benefit from your vision board, it’s important for you to place it somewhere you can see it every day. Creating a sacred space that displays what you want does bring it to life. What we focus on expands. When you create a vision board and place it in a space where you see it often, you essentially end up doing short visualization exercises throughout the day!
What are you manifesting for yourself in 2022? Let us know if the comments!
Baltimore really turns on the charm during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to lace up your ice skates, take in a gorgeous light display, or do some holiday shopping, the city has a holiday event for you! We’ve rounded up 11 of the best holiday events Baltimore has to offer!
Due to COVID-19, events and attractions may not be operating as normal. Make sure to double check hours and operating procedures before you attend an event!
Light Up the Night - Chanukah Downtown
B’nai Israel is launching Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah lightings this year to help bring Chanukah to downtown Baltimore. Stops on the Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah trail are to include lightings December 1 st through 3 rd !
YJP Drinks & Dreidels
Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals group will host a Chanukah party at Bond Street Social December 2 nd from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. The event will include a menorah lighting, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet latkes and donuts, a premium open car, and a cash bar.
50 th Annual Monument Lighting
Photo: @DowntownBaltimore
2021 marks the 50 th anniversary of the Baltimore tradition of illuminating the historic Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place! This year’s lighting will take place December 2 nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The night will include caroling, food and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season.
Make sure to stop by WPM Real Estate Management’s table at the Holiday Makers Market to warm up and enter to win exciting prizes!
The 48th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade
Photo: Gerard Buckleman
The 48th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, 2021, at 1:00pm. The parade will feature giant balloons, marching bands, Santa, local media celebrities and elected officials, Miss Yuletide and more!
Miracle on 34 th Street
Photo: @Miracleon34thSt
No list of Baltimore holiday events would be complete without Hampden’s “ Miracle on 34th Street .” Every year starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day, residents of the 700 block of 24 th Street between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road put on a vibrant display of holiday lights and decorations for all to enjoy.
Visit between 6:00pm and 10:00pm for your best chance to see all the lights on at the same time. Check out these FAQs before you go!
Christmas Village
Photo: @bmorechristmas
Christmas Village in Baltimore is an indoor/outdoor holiday market at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor, modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Visit the market through Christmas Eve to enjoy traditional European refreshments while you shop for a large variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and more!
Plus, make sure to take a ride on the Christmas Village carousel and Ferris wheel while you’re there!
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Photo: @WaterfrontPartnership
Located at the top of the Amphitheater – 201 E Pratt Street - The Inner Harbor Ice Rink season runs until January 17, 2022. Enjoy some beautiful harbor views while you skate, then grab a seasonal treat from Harborplace !
The Polar Express ™ Train Ride
Photo: @BandORailroadMuseum
Don your pajamas and climb aboard The B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express select dates December 2 - 12! During this immersive live performance, the conductor will punch your golden tickets, the chefs will dance and sing, the hobo will offer his special brand of wisdom, and The Polar Express will be read aloud for all passengers. When the train arrives at the North Pole, you’ll enjoy Santa’s Winter Village with crafts for kids, an array of model railroad layouts, opportunities for photos with Santa, and more!
Zoo Lights
Photo: @MarylandZoo
Visit The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore through January 2 nd to enjoy this festival of lights shaped like wildlife! Visit the Zoo after hours to enjoy the lighting installation from the warmth & comfort of your own car . While on the lookout for your favorite animal shapes, you’ll be dazzled by over 100k LED lights that highlight some favorites from the Zoo. If you prefer to hoof it, you can also travel the course by foot and visit Zoo Central for snacks, hot chocolate, and free train & carousel rides.
Candy Lane
Photo: @DowntownBaltimore
Candy Lane is a larger-than-life candy-themed experience with installations, thousands of lights, and seasonal entertainment. Be awed by the 24-foot-tall ice cream cones and candy forests while strolling the paths of Center Plaza and experiencing Downtown in a sweet, new way. Plus, enjoy vendors such as Deddle’s Mini Donuts, Flash Crabcakes Co., Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes and more! Candy Lane is open each Wednesday through Sunday through December 23 rd .
In addition, a Not So Silent Night soirée will take place at Candy Lane on December 16 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. This 21+ holiday party will include an open bar, sugary treats, and a dance party in the middle of Candy Lane. Themed outfits are encouraged!
Winter Village by Four Seasons
Photo: @FourSeasonsHotelBaltimore
Four Season Hotel Baltimore's seasonal Winter Village has returned to the hotel's outdoor terrace! Visit the rooftop terrace Fridays through Sundays until January 30 th to enjoy a winter wonderland complete with an 1,800 sq. foot synthetic skating rink, all new cabanas with sleek fire pits for rent, festive food, and beverage, and so much more.
Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City.
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore
Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works .
The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food.
Westminster Hall & Burying Ground
Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown
The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House
Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun
The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.”
While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md.
Gertrude Stein’s House
Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.”
H.L. Mencken House
Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse
H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works.
Walters Art Museum
Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum
Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum.
Atomic Books
Photo Credit: @atomicbooks
While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary
The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area.
George Peabody Library
This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit!
Baltimore Book Festival
The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City.
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore
Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works .
The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food.
Westminster Hall & Burying Ground
Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown
The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House
Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun
The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.”
While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md.
Gertrude Stein’s House
Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.”
H.L. Mencken House
Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse
H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works.
Walters Art Museum
Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum
Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum.
Atomic Books
Photo Credit: @atomicbooks
While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary
The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area.
George Peabody Library
This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit!
Baltimore Book Festival
The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.
Finding a roommate can be stressful. Cohabitation is tricky and finding a compatible roommate can be the difference between a home that’s a peaceful sanctuary and one that’s a torturous nightmare.
However, living with roommates can also be an enriching experience… allowing you to live independently, but still have a community in your home when you want company. And of course, there’s the obvious benefit of having someone with which to share expenses.
So, if you’ve decided to get a roommate, use these questions to ask candidates about their lifestyle, personality, and expectations when it comes to sharing a space. The answers to these questions could be deal-breakers for either party. At the very least, the answers will reveal a lot about potential roommates and help you set good rules and expectations, so you’ll hopefully avoid any grief and confrontation down the line.
What are your views on COVID-19 precautions?
It’s an unavoidable question when two social bubbles are becoming one during a pandemic. If your views on vaccinations, social distancing, or masking differ, it’s best to know that now than to find out after you’re living together. We think this questions should come up first, because it might be the biggest deal breaker on the list.
Do you smoke?
Smell, personal history, religious beliefs, fire hazards, and health concerns are just a few reasons someone could opt for a smoke-free roomie.
How do you want to split the cost of rent and utilities?
While having a roommate means someone to share the cost of living with, it’s not always as simple as a 50-50 split. Is one of the bedrooms larger? Or does it include an attached bathroom or walk-in closet? Should the person occupying that room pay more? Perhaps one of you will be working from home and consequently using more electricity and water.
Talking about finances is usually a little awkward, but it’s an unavoidable part of adult life. If the idea makes you anxious, do some prep work ahead of time to learn how to breach the topic casually but directly .
Have you ever missed a rent payment?
As confrontational as this question may seem, this is a valid and relevant query to ask a potential roommate. Although you may have just decided to split the rent up a certain way, if your roommate can't hold up their end of the bargain, it could put both of your housing in jeopardy. Not to mention, it could result in added fees, hurt your credit score and negatively impact your future apartment hunts . Knowing how well your future roommate handled their financial responsibility in the past will likely give you an indication of future behavior.
Have you had a roommate before? What’s your current relationship with them like?
This artful question could be a sneak peek into your future. All roommates are bound to butt heads occasionally, but if this question is met with a string of nasty remarks about a nightmare ex-roomie, it could be a red flag. Are they the common denominator?
Best case scenario: this question is met with glowing accounts of past cohabitants, some of which you may be able to call as a reference.
Will you be bringing any pets?
While we love our four-legged Residents, we realize pets in the home might not be for everyone. Additionally, it’s important to know if your potential roommate can fully cover pet rent, a pet deposit, or potential damages. Who will watch the pet when your roommate is at work or on vacation? These are points you’ll want to hit.
Also, make sure you know your community’s pet policy and restricted breeds before making any decisions about pets in the home.
What are your cleaning habits?
Even though you’ll each have your own sleeping space, there are plenty of communal areas of the home that you’ll share. If you and your prospective roommate prioritize different aspects of the chore list, perhaps splitting up responsibilities and maintaining an adequate space will be simple and easy.
What’s your ideal indoor temperature?
Whatever you like to keep your space cool enough to snuggle up under a mountain of blankets or prefer it a little warmer, you’ll want to assess whether your potential roommate is in alignment. Constantly adjusting the thermostat or bringing it to an unusually high or low temperature will cost you and your roomie money. To keep electric bills low (and avoid the fight over the thermostat), it’s best to find a roommate with similar temperature preferences.
What are your preferred sleeping conditions?
Even if you’re not sharing a bedroom or studio space, odds are you’ll at least be sharing a wall with your roomie. Whether they need white noise, complete silence or even background noise from a television, this is something you’ll want to know before your first night together.
Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important to your health as regular exercise and a healthy diet , so know whether their answer to this question will disrupt your own sleep before you seal the deal.
Do you have any food restrictions/ allergies?
A lifelong vegan could find sharing food prep space with a steak enthusiast to be less than ideal. Moreover, if one of you has a severe food allergy, you’ll want to know so the kitchen remains a safe space for everyone.
Are you in any romantic relationships?
If your roommate has a romantic partner, it will likely mean you can look forward to having a frequent guest in your shared space. This could result in a higher water bill, less privacy, and potentially feeling left out in your own home. It also means one more person joining your bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll want to explore this topic thoroughly before making any steadfast decisions with your prospective roommate.
What’s your policy on overnight visitors?
Whether it’s the romantic partner, family visiting from out of town, or a friend, you want to have clear standards set in place for overnight guests. How often are you both comfortable with this scenario? Your routines, sanity, and sense of security might be on the line.
Do you work remotely or from an office?
For many, the increase in remote work during the pandemic has been full of perks – including lack of commutes, childcare costs and more. Unfortunately for renters, there’s a flip side to the work-from-home wonderland. If you and/or your potential roommate works virtually, your shared apartment could also become a shared office.
A work-from-home roomie could mean less privacy for you, a potentially stressful atmosphere, and a pricier utility bill. When asking your roommate about their career, be sure to assess how your work lives will mesh or become a source of tension.
Having a roommate is a great way to lower your monthly expenses, take on fewer household chores yourself and make a live-in friend, but it’s important to find the right person with whom to share your home. Don’t let a lack of preparation in your roommate interview jeopardize what could be a perfectly nice arrangement. Asking a future roommate, the right questions will increase your chances of a great experience.
Having an organized refrigerator not only makes you feel great every time you open the door, it saves time when you're trying to get a meal put together, can help you eliminate food waste, and ensures you’re storing your food safely. Follow these tips to have an organized fridge and make sure you’re storing your food properly.
Use Your Crisper Drawers Correctly
There's a reason your refrigerator has separate drawers! While many of us tend to just throw whatever we want in the different drawers, using them properly helps to keep your produce fresh for longer.
Designate one of your crisper drawers for the low-humidity setting. Store produce that tends to rot in this drawer. This includes fruits and veggies that emit an ethylene gas, like apples and pears, because the open window on a low-humidity drawer gives those gases a chance to escape !
The second drawer should be designated as the high-humidity drawer. Store your leafy greens, like arugula, spinach, and herbs in this drawer. By having the window closed, water vapor is held in the drawer and the moisture keeps the greens crisper and fresher longer.
Fill Your Fridge to the Right Capacity
Your fridge runs most efficiently and keeps food the freshest when it's between 60 percent and 70 percent full. If it's too full, not only will everything not receive proper airflow, but your refrigerator must also work extra hard to keep things cold. If a fridge is too empty, it has only air to keep cool, and air doesn't retain the cold as well as actual food and drink items.
If your refrigerator has too much inside, it's time for a purge ! If you need to fill it up, just add a few jugs of water to help retain the cool temperature until your next grocery store trip.
Put Non-Perishables in the Door
The door is the warmest part of your fridge and the spot in which the temperature can fluctuate the most, so it's best to keep non-perishables on the shelves in the door. Things like condiments won’t go bad quickly, so they're perfect for the door. Something that’s not meant for the fridge door? Eggs! Store them in the main body instead .
Place Perishables Near the Front
You know that saying, "Out of sight, out of mind"? It's way too easy to forget about perishables when they’re hidden in the back of your fridge. Instead, put the things you want to eat first front and center where everyone can see them. This will remind your family to use the perishables first and help prevent unnecessary food waste.
Store Meats and Seafoods on the Bottom
To reduce the risk of meats contaminating other foods in your fridge, store them at the bottom in case of leaks. Make sure to only store uncooked meat in the fridge for one or two days before cooking or freezing.
Know When to Dispose of Leftovers
Knowing when to dispose of certain foods is crucial to keeping your household safe from foodborne illnesses. Use this chart to help decide whether to keep or toss your leftovers.
Following these simple rules and tips will help ensure that your fridge stays neat and organized all year round and ensure food safety, and eliminate food waste!
