Sesame Tuna with Spicy Slaw

This simple pepper and sesame seed combination is the perfect explosion of flavor for people who love variations of this ethnic sauces.  The fish is a healthy alternative to many other fattier meats and the Sriracha sauce give it the perfect kick!

Thai Pork Salad with Chilies and Mint

This fancy array of flavors can be achieved in a mere 25 minutes! The lime dressing is enriched with a savory umami flare, and along with the fresh mint leaves and crunchy roasted peanuts,  this crunchy and crispy salad is mouthwatering on a summer afternoon!

Gazpacho with Lime Chicken

This cool summer styled soup is refreshing and original because it is served cold.  To enhance the flavor of the chicken, you can substitute grilling with pan cooking to keep the meat tender. This brightly colored low-carb meal is topped off with a variety of veggies to make the crouton toppings just that little bit healthier!

Cayenne-Rubbed Chicken with Avacado Salsa

The buttery texture of avocado gives this spicy cayenne coated chicken a contrast of soft and lively flavors. If you aren’t keen on the potent spicy cayenne taste, cumin and chili can be a milder alternative.  The flavors complement each other in unexpected ways, and is a popular BBQ favorite on a sweltering afternoon!

Mango Chicken Salad with Couscous

This recipe is an example of how homemade dressings can make all the difference.  The mango and lime juice are really inspired by the summer heat and offer a variety of sweet and salty complementary flavors all in the same plate!

The post Five (Low Calorie!) Meals with Summer Flavors appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

7.The right style:

Everyone looks good in flapper clothing.  The basics are easy to master: a drop-waist dress and a stole for ladies; any kind of foppish finery for men.  However, we have a couple of finishing touches.

For guys: Tweed. This fabric came over from Britain and was the textile of the decade.

For ladies (or especially festive guys): The flapper headband.  The especially daring/creative/ambitious should try this DIY version.  It looks great!

6.The right food:

The book mentions lemon scones and carved ham; if you’re so inclined, you can have a honey-baked ham to play homage to the book itself.  If you want to keep your food lighter, a lot of today’s classic appetizers were served in the 1920’s, too. Try canapés, deviled eggs, and shrimp cocktail.

5. The right cocktails

Champagne goes without saying; it’s mentioned time and again in the book. During Prohibition (1920-1933), French champagne was probably some of the best-tasting alcohol that was smuggled in. It may have the same effect on you that it does on Nick Carrway: “I had taken two finger-bowls of champagne, and the scene had changed before my eyes into something significant, elemental, and profound.”

If you’d rather have a mixed drink to wow your guests, this list from the Food Republic includes 10 cocktails that were popular during the Jazz Age and still taste good today. Little known fact: good hard alcohol was really hard to find during Prohibition, so many drinks had strong flavors and sweeteners added just to cover the taste of homemade booze.

4. …and the right glassware

Trendy cocktail bars across the country have been adopting elegant, ‘20’s-style goblets for the revival in cocktail culture.  I love these William Sonoma glasses, because I think you could serve champagne or cocktails in them.  If you’re on a budget, try searching Etsy for the term “Vintage goblet.”

3.Pearl necklaces…for everyone

It’s not a party without party favors, and what better gift than the emblematic accessory of the Jazz Age? With pearl necklaces, you add a little bit of class—whether or not you choose to go flapper-style and tie a not.  Amazon has a lot of options for cheap multi-packs!

2. A good conversation

What could be more appropriate than a conversation about the real life behind the book.  This article covers the interesting life of F. Scott FitzGerald—and gives an idea of how the illustrious areas of East Egg and West Egg felt.  All of your guests will be wowed by your knowledge of the roaring 1920’s elites that the book describes.

1. Music and dancing!

Everyone is talking about the soundtrack, featuring such contemporary heavyweights as The xx. If you want a more traditional (or period) collection, check out the hottest songs from 1922, when the book takes place.

Another fun idea: Do The Charleston.  This video teaches you everything you need to know.  For added competition, have a contest.

Anymore ideas on how to create a fantastic 1920′s party? Any soiree stories of your own? Let us know on Facebook!

The post Seven Tips for a Great “Gatsby” Party appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

We’ll continue to look at new ways to enjoy home life and tackle apartment obstacles, but we’re eager to grow, too. We’re adding new faces, rich content, and big data insights. We wanted to have more space for conversation and interaction, so we improved the comment process and integrated more social capabilities. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!

We want to write about what you care about, so please let us know!  If you have any comments and questions, please reach out: use the comment space at the bottom of each page; connect with us on social media; or shoot us an email at kate.flynn@realpage.com .

See you soon!

The post Welcome to Our New Blog Home! appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

Grilling in a small space

Don’t give up hope of grilling just because you have a tiny apartment. There are lots of small grills—everything from a camping stove to a small patio grill to a portable BBQ. I’d tell you about it, but Apartment Therapy has already done a pretty good job of rounding up the good ones. The cheapest, from Brookstone, is only $40. There’s also a nice list of mini grills that you can take to your nearest park—or farther—for a picnic.

If you’ve already got a grill and need to adapt it to a smaller space—say, a really tiny balcony—that’s totally possible. It requires knowing your landlord’s fire code, some measuring, and a fireproof pad, but you end up with a balcony that offers sausages in addition to a view. Which, in case that wasn’t clear, is a much better scenario. Although I prefer a charcoal grill in general, gas grills may be a better option for small spaces, as they’re easier to contain and put off less smoke that could annoy your neighbors.

Picking a theme

I prefer to throw parties with the general theme “Come to My House, Bring Something, and We’ll Consume it Together.” Works every time. But if you want something a little more contrived, I won’t judge. There are the unoriginal themes—All-American, Wild West, Beach Party, Old Fashioned Picnic. There are the slightly ironic themes—Pigs in a Blanket, Eat My Meat, and the like. Or you could choose something completely unexpected— Masquerade BBQ, Prom BBQ, Oscars-in-the-middle-of-summer BBQ.

Whatever your poison, make sure people know whether or not to wear a costume, because it’s awkward if not everyone is on board.

If you’re veggie

Throwing a BBQ, or going to one, but don’t eat meat? Don’t sweat it! (Unless it’s an Eat My Meat theme, in which case, make other plans.)

There are soooo many other things you can grill besides dead animal. Eggplant rolls with chili, lime, and feta, anyone? There are entire menus of vegetarian BBQ ideas just waiting for your little googling fingers.

If you have any great BBQing ideas or funny stories of summer BBQs gone wrong, let us know on Facebook!

The post Summer BBQ … In Your Tiny Apartment appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

General Lighting

General, or ambient lighting illuminates an entire space to provide both visibility and safety. It should be soft enough to allow light bounces off walls and ceilings such that it covers most of the area of the room.

1. The Omlamp:

This hybrid idea mixes the traditional omelet, and lamp.  This culinary twist on the generic overhead kitchen lighting would be perfect to hang above counter tops.

2.The Insight Energy Efficient Bulb:

Instead of the generic spiraling swirl of energy efficient bulbs, a set of these brain shaped bulbs can be hung from the ceiling in an office or library to promote studying and focus.  Every time your mind wanders, look up at the ceiling full of brains and get back to work!

3. The Balloon Wall and Ceiling Lamps:

These floating dreamland balloons would be the perfect decor to coax kids to sleep.  The translucent polyethylene material mutes the light making 1 balloon the optimal nightlight to keep monsters away!

Task Lighting

Task, or work lighting illuminates smaller areas with greater intensity. Task light is often up to three times as bright as general lighting. Overly bright work lamps won’t make up for a dimly lit room (instead, you may develop eyestrain).

1. Light Blubs:

These globular irregular versions of the conventional light bulb will be the talking point of any room.  These unique, mutilated, dripping bulbs provide a healthy glow for reading or working at your laptop as you sit at a desk.  And you’ll want to poke it!

2. Giant Lamp:

This huge out of scale swinging arm desk lamp acts almost like a spotlight.  You can place it over any desk or sofa to provide intense amounts of lighting for any tasks you’re doing.  This brings the bouncing Pixar lamp to life!

3. Lumio Book Shaped Light: 

This versatile lamp is portable, and thus can be used as a task light in many different scenarios.  It can be set up as a cylinder or dome and is great on-the-go.

You do not need to be an expert interior designer or spend a ridiculous amount of money to make your rooms appear warm and lively.  All you need to know is it is necessary for lighting to vary in intensity to allow for the activities within a room-relaxation, entertainment, cooking, sleeping, etc.  This combination actively works together to create different moods and meanings.

Have any lighting design ideas or tips of your own?  We’d love to hear about them on Facebook!

The post Light Up Your Apartment! appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

I love Cinco de Mayo.  Here in San Francisco, it is a big deal. There’s an entire Cinco de Mayo festival in our Mexican-influenced Mission District, and bars throughout the city offer deals on Tecate, Corona, and margaritas. I decided to have a low-key party to celebrate this holiday…until I realized what Coronas cost in this city.  When I called my usual supermarket (which is a Safeway, nothing fancy), I found out that a twelve-pack would set me back $17.99. And that’s before tax and deposit. My outrage got me thinking: Has the price of beer gone up, or is my city even more expensive than I thought?  To figure it out, I asked friends in seven other cities what their typical supermarket was, and then called each one to compare prices.  Here’s the ranking for value.

7. New York City, NY: $16.99 ($14.99 on sale this week)

6. Denver, CO: $15.99 (the $11.99 sale price for the week would shoot it way up.  However, note that beer from Colorado supermarkets is only 3.2% alcohol, so I decided to penalize for that.)

5. Philadelphia, PA: $15.50

Note: Pennsylvania supermarkets cannot sell alcohol.  Instead, I had to check with a beer distributor, who charges $31.00 for a case of 24.

4. Atlanta, GA: $13.99

3. Los Angeles, CA: $12.99 (almost tied for second!)

2. Seattle, WA: $12.97

1. Alexandria, VA: $11.97

Conclusion: Next year, I will be in Virginia to celebrate the Fifth of May! How do these prices seem to you? Tell us here or on Facebook!

The post Drinko de Mayo: Corona Prices in Your City appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

Bermuda shorts

Yeah, apparently these are back in style. Not only for the 22 year old frat boy this time, folks! No matter that they are baggy and overall pretty shapeless. Some perks: they’re long enough that you could wear them to work, if you’re workplace is casual. They’re airy, so if you’re a thigh sweater, you’re in luck. Finally, if your brother still has pants from his teenage years—you know, the huge ones steeped in the irony of being the pants most in need of a belt but never worn in one—you can always swipe a pair and cut them off at the appropriate length.

Many things vaguely French

Something about springtime seems to make Americans wish they were in Paris, sipping espresso and out-dressing all the thin Parisian women. Unfortunately, that would never happen, at least not the out-dressing part. Fortunately, it does mean that your blue-and-white striped shirts, little cardigans, and vintage-cut sundresses are that much more chic.

Pastel

With the vaguely French comes the blatantly pastel clothing. I have mixed feelings about this. A pastel palette is much like chocolate molds. If your materials are high in taste, quality, and moderation, the result is unique and beautiful; if you overdo it, the result looks like Easter puked on it. Careful, there.

Modern floral

As with anything labeled “modern,” modern floral has an edge. Basically flowers that are shouting at you. Not for the faint of heart or the shy of wardrobe. So I personally quite like it.

Anything that looks like someone painted it

Got a Monet rip-off shirt? How about a dress that looks like someone flung paint at it and then washed it roughly? This is the time of year to bust out anything that looks like the designer had a painter in mind. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter if the clothing is hideous; people will just think you’re being ironic, daring, and a bit of a hipster. “Ugly sundress” is the new “ugly sweater.”

Non-black leggings

That’s right, people! It’s still okay for you to wear leggings as pants. I think. And if you’re worried, buying leggings in print is not only the new fashion wave in barely-clothing, it’s also safer: much harder to see through your dungarees when they’ve got a loud print on them.

Have any Spring Fashion tips? We’d love to hear about them! Connect with us on Facebook!

The post Fresh Spring Fashion appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

Steering generally refers to a situation in which a landlord or broker rents to you but doesn’t offer you the same choices as other applicants (of a different race, for example), or tries to guide or encourage you to look elsewhere (even if the landlord ultimately agrees to rent to you). The problem with steering is that people who experience it as part of their apartment search find their housing choices artificially and unfairly limited, which federal law aims to prevent.

Hopefully, you won’t experience steering when looking for an apartment. But it’s important to be aware of what constitutes steering so you can identify it and possibly take action. The federal government outlines four main types of steering that are in violation of fair housing law:

The post Can You Spot Illegal Steering? appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

Cedilla Batida

I’m intrigued by this drink for several reasons. One, it’s purple. It’s purple! And without the benefit of food coloring. Two, it has acai berries in it (hence the purple), which makes me think it’s one of those “I’m drinking but I’m still healthyyyy, right?” trick drinks. Third, it comes with an edible flower. And finally, I cannot pronounce or even understand nearly half of the ingredients. That’s a lot of mystery for one cocktail. Solve it and let me know.

Strawberry Basil Margarita

Right!? Two of the most delicious things you could grown in your garden. Plus tequila, which, depending on your college partying history, may have really good or really bad memories associated with it. Mostly, though, I can’t imagine a more refreshing mix of ingredients. You could probably make a virgin one that would be almost as good.

Cucumber Basil Gimlet

I really like gimlets. (I also, apparently, really like basil.) So I’m always excited by a new twist (hah) on a gimlet that gives me an excuse to try it. This recipe, beware, requires cucumber juice and basil simple syrup, rather than just the raw ingredients, so it’s not for the faint of cocktail-mixing heart. Attempt only when you have some time to dedicate to the project.

Southside Fizz

A great choice if you want something basic—not too fancy, but still classically delicious. The Southside Fizz features gin, lemon juice, mint, and soda, and is so thirst-quenching that you’ll probably end up drinking it all summer long.  Add some ice (not how it was traditionally served) to make the magic last that much longer.

Mojito

Just kidding. What do you think, this is the most boring blog ever? Okay, okay, mojitos are admittedly delicious, but Google the recipe yourself.

Fresh fruit beer

Say whaaaaat? Yep, basically a bunch of fruit, specifically berries, thrown into a light lager or wheat beer. Essentially, this is the sangria of beer drinks. Whether or not it’s good is another question entirely—I’ll do some long and arduous research and get back to you.

Mimosas

‘Nuff said. Rather than settling for sub-par orange juice, grab those fresh oranges, quick!—before they go out of season. Add some decent champagne and stir. Breakfast, anyone?

Do you have some killer recipes for refreshing cocktails?  Tell us here or on Facebook.

The post Cocktails for Spring! appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.

Figure out primary functions

Ask yourself what you need most from your home office. A place for your computer, and little else? Space for lots of extra files, and someplace to spread them? Or perhaps a drafting board or other artistic accouterments? Also determine how many people will be using the space—just you, or you and your partner? Will your kids use the office for homework? All these are critical components to designing an office that will truly serve you.

Where does it go?

Based both on your home layout and what kind of space you need, determine where your office would best fit. Think outside the box: You can make an office nearly anywhere; you needn’t have loads of extra space. A closet might suffice, as long as you take care in its transformation. A spare room can easily serve as both office and bedroom. If you keep your things organized, you can even use the corner of your living room. Knowing where your office will go is important not just so you can put it together, but also to keep in mind when choosing furniture—will it need to have double duty as part of a bigger room?

Choose furniture wisely

Make sure your desk and other workspace fit into the space you’ve allotted—and meet your work needs. You might have to shop around a fair amount, but remember that you can find and rehab lots of great stuff on Craigslist, Freecycle, and in thrift stores. This doesn’t have to be an uber-expensive endeavor. The one thing you don’t want to skimp on: your office chair. Sure, you can get it second hand, but don’t sacrifice yourself on the altar of carpal tunnel just for the sake of saving a few bucks now.

Start organized

When you do get your office put together, immediately put everything in its proper place. If it doesn’t have a proper place, make one. This will help you buy whatever extra storage and organizational items you didn’t think of to begin with. But if you start out with a messy, disordered office, you might never get it together.

Include a few things you love

However you can, make your office a place you like to be. That could include ensuring you get enough natural light, or always having fresh flowers. It might mean that you have a very solid, soundproof door that protects you from the rest of the house. Or you might decorate it with some heirlooms or other beloved items that really make the space feel yours. Do this, and you’ll be happier in your workspace.

Have any home office design tips? Share it with us by connecting on Facebook!

The post Designing Your Home Office appeared first on Apartment Blog | MyNewPlace.