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If it always takes a little while for your party guests to begin talking and enjoying each other’s company, you may want to introduce conversation starters to jump-start your summer bash. With fun games that act as conversation starters, people tend to quickly start connecting with each other. So, build up the next bash at your apartments in Chicago with these interesting activities.
Famous
If you have a bunch of movie and music enthusiasts coming together, give them a chance to play Famous to get to know each other. Once all your guests arrive, have them come together in a circle to play. Start by saying the name of a famous person everyone will know. The next person should say the name of another famous person who is connected to the first in some way. Then, the next person will guess the connection, and then the game starts over.
Bingo
With Bingo, you can have all the guests at your Chicago apartments get to know each other a little bit better in a short amount of time. You will have to set up this game ahead of time, using your knowledge of your guests. Create the playing boards by putting personal characteristics of each guest into the squares. When your guests arrive, pass out the cards and have them try to fill them in by asking the other guests leading questions.
Teeth
You will have your guests howling in laughter within minutes by playing Teeth. To start this game, have everyone pick their favorite fruit or vegetable. Then start by saying the name of their choice fruit or vegetable twice, then the name of the next one in line. For example, your group may start by saying “blackberry blackberry, cauliflower cauliflower.” Then, the next starts with “cauliflower cauliflower.” The catch is that each player must say their phrase without once showing their teeth. If the person talking shows their teeth, then anyone in the group can alert the rest by yelling “teeth” and flapping their arms in protest.
After things simmer down, give our team at The Montrose a call at 866-659-3593 to learn about ways to upgrade your apartment before your next bash.
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When it comes time to clean your apartments in Chicago, you’ll want to use a few different tools, including a vacuum cleaner. If you’re purchasing a new vacuum cleaner, you should know that not all vacuums are alike. Some vacuums lose their suction power after only a few uses. Others simply don’t have enough built-in power to keep your beautiful apartment home as clean as you would like. Before you go shopping for your next vacuum cleaner, read through all the things you should look for in a quality vacuum.
Measure by Amps
The power of your vacuum cleaner has a lot to do with the number of amps in the motor. Vacuum cleaner amps typically range from seven to 12 amps. Try to find a vacuum cleaner with as many amps as possible. This information might be located on the box; otherwise, you’ll have to look it up online. Bear in mind that a poorly made vacuum cleaner with 12 amps may still not operate as well as another vacuum, so amperage should be just one consideration.
Sturdy Construction
The actual weight and sturdiness of the vacuum is a good indicator of the quality. Vacuum cleaners made primarily out of plastic indicate that the manufacturer is cutting corners wherever possible, including in the actual mechanism of the vacuum. Vacuum cleaners made of metal parts will be more pricey but could last you a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Seal of Approval
There is a Carpet and Rug Institute, which gives out seals of approval. Look for this seal on any vacuum you buy. The seal indicates that the vacuum has undergone rigorous testing and is superior in suction, dust containment, and carpet care.
Head Brushes
Examine the floor model and look at the head brushes. These are what lift carpet fibers so dirt and debris can be sucked up. If the head brushes look weak or sparse, choose a different vacuum. Once you find a quality vacuum, you’ll instantly see the difference in head brush styles.
Taking good care of your carpet in your apartment home is part of the joy of life in Chicago. If you’d like to see available apartment floor plans, please contact us today. We’ll be glad to help!
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Those looking for safe, effective cleaners for their Chicago apartment will appreciate these supply tips and recipes that will have the home sparkling without using potentially toxic chemicals in no time.
Staples and Supplies Needed to Get Started
Before moving onto the green cleaning recipes, here are a few supplies you should have on hand. Most of these are likely already in your pantry.
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Castile Soap
- Essential Oils if Desired
Beyond the pantry staples, a few key supplies will also come in handy, including:
Glass Spray Bottles and Jars—Mixing your green cleaners in glass is recommended by the pros, and this is particularly important if you decide to use essential oils in your cleaning solutions.
Scrubbing Tools—Get a few scrub brushes to tackle floors, sinks, showers and one specifically for the toilet. A few old toothbrushes are ideal for handling detail work like grout lines and corner spaces.
Shaker Container—When using the carpet-refreshing recipe below, you will want to have a glass cheese shaker. However, a reused plastic one will suffice if not using essential oils.
Microfiber Cloths—Ditch the paper towels and use these non-abrasive washable cloths that can clean a variety of surfaces effectively.
Quick and Easy Cleaning Solution Recipes
- Carpet Refresher Blend: Combine a cup of baking soda and 10‒12 drops of essential oil of your choosing in your cheese shaker bottle. Sprinkle atop soiled or smelly carpet, and let it sit a few hours before vacuuming.
- Green Floor Cleaner: Add ½ cup distilled white vinegar to about a gallon of warm or hot water in a bucket. Use an eco-friendly mop, and allow the floor to air dry.
- All-Purpose Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a glass spray bottle. Add essential oils if you like, such as lemon or lavender.
- Bathroom Scrubbing Paste: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a tablespoon of liquid Castile soap. Slowly add white vinegar until creamy paste forms.
- Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour about a cup of borax in the toilet before going to bed. Give it a quick scrub in the morning and enjoy a clean toilet without caustic chemicals.
Looking for Chicago Apartments?
If you are looking for upscale apartments in Chicago, contact our team here at The Montrose to learn more about our community and our available floor plans.
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A key part of any smart financial plan is setting aside money for emergencies. According to the Federal Reserve, close to half of Americans would have a difficult time paying for an emergency in excess of $400 without borrowing money or using credit cards. Starting an emergency fund will provide the money you need to cover expenses related to emergency medical visits, job loss or car repairs.
Start Small
For those on a tight budget, saving hundreds of dollars each month for an emergency may sound infeasible. However, if you automatically withdraw a modest amount from your paycheck, even as little as $25, the fund will grow over time. Place money in high-yield savings accounts to earn interest, but still, have access to funds if an emergency arises. Compare APY rates from online and brick-and-mortar banks to choose the best place to keep your cash. An emergency fund should always be separated from any other bank accounts to avoid dipping into your savings. Cutting back on certain expenses will help you increase the amount you can put into the fund. Examples of things to remove from your budget include coffee shop visits, eating out, smoking and subscription services.
Save Any Extras
To jump-start your emergency fund, you can add any “extra” money you receive into the fund. For instance, you could sell items you no longer need. Set up an online garage sale to clear out your Chicago apartment and transfer any earnings into your emergency fund. If you receive a tax refund, put the money into the account. Any side income you make could go toward an emergency fund too. For instance, if you have a second job or work as a sitter or driver from time to time, use the income for the emergency stash.
Set a Goal
Set a savings goal to reach for your emergency fund and make a pact to leave the money untouched. Ideally, you should have an emergency fund with enough money to cover three to six months of living expenses. For instance, if you become unemployed, you can rely on emergency money to pay any bills while you search for a new job.
Reach your budget goals while living your best life at The Montrose, located in Chicago’s historic Uptown neighborhood. Call today to learn more.
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Even within the most spacious Chicago, IL apartments, decluttering periodically is a great way to keep spaces looking tidy and organized. Here are some tips for getting more organized within the four primary rooms in your abode.
The Bedroom
While predominantly used for sleeping, we tend to accumulate quite a bit in the bedroom, making our furniture a catch-all for numerous items. Get rid of old clothes, books, paperwork, etc., within the room, and utilize under bed storage containers and bins in the closet to store typically scattered items.
The Kitchen
Decluttering in the kitchen is fairly simple — as long as you’re willing to prioritize what you really need and get rid of what you don’t. If you don’t use that bread maker, wok or rice cooker, it might be time to let it go. This tip goes for any kitchen accessories, plastic storage containers and even utensils that take up excessive space. Consider having a ‘catch-all’ basket in the kitchen to keep loose items organized until they can be sorted.
The Bathroom
It is a common habit to store items under the sink when not in use, and this space tends to fill up quickly. Rather than have to dig through everything to find the proper container, consider obtaining some baskets to organize those under-cabinet toiletries. To keep tubs and bath spaces looking tidy, invest in a shower caddy to keep bathing goodies handy. Another easy way to maximize space is by going up in the bath with an over-the-toilet shelf or cabinet assembly that doesn’t take up floor space.
The Living Room
As a gathering space for family and friends, decluttering the living room is essential. Take advantage of clever furniture storage solutions such as opening ottomans, coffee and end tables with shelves or drawers, or even a stylish hutch that can display beloved items or keepsakes safely. If you have a love of technical gadgets, consider going wireless to eliminate tangled and unsightly cords.
Check Out The Montrose Apartments in Chicago
If you are looking for conveniently located apartments in Chicago, contact The Montrose today to explore our community and impressive floor plans.
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If you struggle with falling asleep at night, you certainly aren’t alone. In today’s fast-paced world that's increasingly filled with distractions, winding down in the evening can be challenging. Here are a few easy ways to promote a better night’s slumber naturally.
Reduce Anxiety Before Bedtime
Regardless of age, most people feel anxiety creep up on them at some time during the day. A few tips for alleviating stress-related tension that can cause restlessness include:
- Resolve worries to some extent by jotting them down and setting them aside for the night.
- Get sufficient exercise during the day, but use caution to not exercise heavily two hours prior to bedtime.
- Try to spend ample time outdoors during the day to synchronize circadian rhythms to promote the body’s natural sleep patterns.
- Ease anxiety in the evening with a warm bath or shower, reading or with meditative practices.
Set a Sleep Schedule — And Stick To It
Experts advise those with sleep issues to get in bed at a certain time every night — even on weekends — when possible. This consistency encourages the body’s circadian rhythms that assist your sleep-wake cycle, which means that you have a better chance of getting those seven recommended hours of sleep nightly. If you take naps, limit these as well to minimize disrupting this natural cycle.
Use Caution at Bedtime With Food and Drinks
Big meals can wreak havoc on the stomach if eaten too close to bedtime, which can prevent a good night’s rest. Other culprits that tend to prevent sleep include spicy, acid-inducing foods and alcohol. While alcohol may induce sleep, it is a known sleep disrupter. Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can take hours to eradicate from the body and can cause sleeping issues.
Design a Restful Environment and Routine
An ideal routine for sleeping includes turning off electronics and other stimulating devices at least an hour before bedtime. Furthermore, create an ambiance designed for sleeping within the bedroom. Keep the space cool and dark while trying to sleep, and use earplugs or soft music if it seems to assist in successful sleep.
Explore The Montrose Apartments in Chicago
If you are looking for Chicago apartments where you can get a good night’s sleep, contact us at The Montrose today to schedule a tour of our community.
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When winter comes knocking, we know the residents of our Chicago, IL apartments will have an extra layer or two of clothes on hand to keep the biting temperatures at bay. Although every added layer is something that can take up space, we've found a few storage hacks to help you make the most of your place.
1. Colorful Coat Knobs
Winter hats, umbrellas, and coats have a habit of eating up essential storage space, but they don't have to! Don't think you have to have a drill in your hand to make colorful coat knobs come to life. A few peel-and-stick hooks can easily transform a blank wall into a beautiful utilitarian canvas.
2. Crocheted Hanging Baskets
If you want a homier feel without paying a ridiculous amount of money, check out Etsy. If you look hard enough, you'll find dozens of stunning baskets that are perfect for stowing away all your extra winter stuff out of plain sight. Hanging baskets are great because they enable you to utilize precious vertical space so stuff's not all over your floor.
3. Over-the-Door Shoe Racks
Speaking of optimizing vertical space, don't forget to use the backs of your doors to keep hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves within quick reach without causing a wintery cluster at the front door. Over-the-door shoe racks are awesome for tons of different organizational needs, and when winter comes around, you'll be hard pressed to find a more efficient way to store your cold-weather essentials.
4. Collapsible Hangers
You'll be amazed at the amount of space collapsible hangers can give you. Since winter coats and sweaters tend to be a lot bulkier than summer clothes, collapsible hangers are the perfect solution for ensuring everything has a place within your closet. They're great in hall closets and bedroom closets, alike.
5. Wine-Rack Scarf Storage
Nobody said winter storage should take away from your apartment's aesthetic appeal. Convert a wine rack into a stunning scarf storage station so you'll have easy access to your accessories while simultaneously creating an interesting conversation piece.
If you're ready to live in one of Chicago's most beautiful apartment complexes, we'd like to invite you to come and see what The Montrose has to offer!
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