How to Save $ on your Des Moines Apartment

As a regular commodity in a Des Moines IA household, your electricity cost can at times be one of your highest bills. As temperatures and electricity continue to rise together, energy bills are becoming less and less affordable. The energy cost at certain points of the year gets so high that you can run up an excess of hundreds of dollars in cost if you are not careful.  However, there are a wide variety of practices that you can help you save money on your electric bill, many of which are just very easy to do and follow.

1. First of all, check the lighting in your home or apartment. There might be bulbs that use excess wattage which aren’t practical to use in your bedroom or kitchen, which can be replaced with more efficient bulbs. Also, get into the habit of turning lights off so they use energy when it’s not needed.

2. Keep your fridge in check!  Staying on top of your refrigerator maintenance is key.  This includes making sure the cooling coils in both the refrigerator and the freezer are clear. Also go to the bottom and back of the unit so that you can clean out the vent, which will help it run better. Do a regular defrosting to get rid of thick ice surrounding the freezer container.

3. For the other appliances, the simple practice would be to turn them off when not in use. When you leave your house, be sure all the appliances are turned off and unplugged, as most electronics uses electricity even when turned off.

4. Procure a wattage meter that can measure how much electricity the devices around your home are using. They normally are pretty cheap, usually less than $20, and provide a quick do-it-yourself method for effectively monitoring your energy consumption.

5. Try doing everyday tasks with minimal electricity. Examples include drying your clothes outside, working outdoors (like on the balcony instead of inside the room), and using regular cold water rather than heating it up.

While some of these points may be harder to accomplish than others (cold shower? brrrrr!!), make sure you sure to keep the long-term benefits and savings in mind. The savings can truly pile up for your Des Moines apartment monthly fees if you can start thinking green!

8 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

Do you struggle to get sleep at night because your bed is uncomfortable? If so, you’re not alone. Many Americans sleep on mattresses that are more than 15 years old – even though they should be retired after 8-10 years.

Below, we’ve put together some of the best ways to create a peaceful sleeping environment so you’ll get a great night’s sleep every night:

Splurge for a good mattress: Don’t waste your money on a cheap mattress. Even though it may seem like the most affordable option, you’ll regret it in the long run. A good mattress will be a bit more expensive, but will last you up to 10 years. Here are the three most common types of mattresses:

• Air-filled: These are made from air chambers surrounded by foam and let you choose the firmness of the mattress.
• Innerspring: This construction is the most common and consists of steel coils topped with padding. Most experts recommend a minimum of 350 coils for a full-size, 480 for a queen, and 580 for a king.
• Foam mattress: This type of mattress is made from polyurethane, viscoelastic, and latex, and helps mold to your body while you’re sleeping. Today, Memory Foam mattresses are becoming a top choice among those looking for a comfortable sleeping environment.

Choose your bedding wisely: Same with a mattress, high-quality bedding can make the difference between a great night’s sleep and a terrible one. And, make sure the blanket on top is of high quality as well. The most common blanket materials are fleece, down, wool, and cotton. Be sure to choose a cover that’s suitable for your climate. For example, in a hot climate like Texas or Arizona, a down or wool blanket may not be a good option.

Buy pillows based on your sleeping style: Choosing the pillow that’s right for you depends on how you sleep.

• If you sleep on your stomach, choose a down pillow because it compresses easily and won’t restrict your air passages when you turn your neck.
• If you sleep on your side or back, a dense foam pillow may be right for you, as it keeps your neck in a neutral position. If you sleep on your side, a contoured version of a foam pillow is a great choice.

Keep in mind the above tips when choosing bedding for your Des Moines apartment. It’ll help you get a good night’s rest every time!

Top 4 Things To Know About Modern Home Styles

Many Des Moines apartments and homes are now being built with a contemporary or modern flair. Why? Because many are interested in the simple, uncluttered, and functional style that’s shown in magazines on newsstands across the United States.

With this style comes a sense of relaxation and peace, which is another thing today’s society is seeking. Below, you’ll find some of the major trends in modern home styles:

Stainless steel – Stainless steel is being used in kitchens, bathrooms, and even railings throughout homes because it has the ability to give any room a clean, fresh look. The material is great because it can fit well into a remodeled room and giving a space a brand-new look can be as easy as adding stainless steel cabinet handles, a faucet, or perhaps even a sink.

Fire glass – Many modern homes aim to have one focal point in a large room. Fireplaces are often the best way to do this, as they add warmth to the room while keeping it simplistic. Many fireplaces use fire glass to cover natural gas burners, which creates soot-free flames. The gas gets hot and radiates warmth throughout the room, so it’s not only beautiful, but very functional.

Bamboo – Bamboo is another material that’s commonly used in modern homes – whether on the floors, as a room divider, or something else entirely. The high-quality material provides a warm, open feel and is strong so will last for years down the road.

Small elements – You’ll also find modern home styles put a focus on small elements – so, instead of having a room filled with furniture, a space is normally sparse, with high-quality, smaller furniture like chairs or glass tables.

Restyling your home or apartment is a great way to give your space a brand-new look. Before deciding upon a plan, make sure to set your budget and determine exactly what you’re looking for. Planning ahead can make the transition much less stressful – and fun!

SWINE Festival coming in June

On June 4, head out to Ankeny for their SWINE Festival. The well-known event will be held at the DMACC campus located on 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event – and will get you pork dishes from top chefs, wine from Iowa wineries, and an evening filled with entertainment. You’ll also get a complimentary bottle of wine and commemorative wine glass.

For more information about the event, check out their website or the recent Des Moines Examiner article.

 

 

 

Des Moines summer activities

It’s a beautiful time of year in Iowa – and what better time to get out of your Des Moines apartment and into the outdoors. The city is filled with endless opportunity for recreation, whether you’re a young adult, parent with small children, or a long-time Des Moines resident who is looking for something new. When the summer gets hot, be sure to check out these popular spots in the metro area:

Cascade Falls Aquatic Center – Cascade Falls is located at 2350 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway and is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily. The park is ideal for people of all ages, with a heated pool, a lazy river, spring board and platform diving, floor geysers and water cannons, a Swirl Bowl slide, and much more. For those who enjoy lap swimming, be sure to stop by from 9 to 11:45 a.m. on the weekdays for just $2 each.

Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center – Located at 1220 NW Prairie Ridge Drive in Ankeny, the second of the city’s aquatic centers boasts a heated pool, kiddie slide, two large waterslides, floor geysers, lap swimming, a splash park, and much more. For those who wish to relax, there’s a grass area for sunbathing and chaise loungers. The center is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily until June 5, noon to 7 p.m. (June 6 – August 5) and noon to 8 p.m. (August 6 – 14).

Both of the Ankeny aquatic centers charge $7 per person (general public), $5 per person (60 and older), and $1 per person (children two and under).

Adventureland Park – Located just east of Des Moines in Altoona, Adventureland Park can be a great activity for friends and family. The park opens at 10 a.m. daily and has varying closing hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the summer. It’s filled with roller coasters, water rides, a large arcade area, and tons of live entertainment. Among the most popular are the Raging River, Tornado roller coaster, The Himalaya, Gang Plank & Pirate’s Plummet, and much more. For a full calendar and entertainment list, or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park – One of the most sought-after summertime spots in Des Moines, Sleepy Hollow is filled with activities for the whole family including go carts, mini golf, canoeing, bumper boats, sand volleyball courts and more. For more information about the park, visit their website.

Tags: des moines events, Des Moines IA events, summer

Easy Tips for Furnishing Your Apartment

Perhaps you’ve just moved into your apartment – or maybe you’re just seeking a brand-new look. Whatever the reason, the time has come to furnish your apartment. And the good news is, it doesn’t always have to be terribly expensive. There are many ways to furnish your Des Moines apartment without breaking the bank:

• Check out thrift stores – There are many thrift stores throughout Des Moines that may have just the furniture you’re looking for. And best of all, you can guarantee you’ll get unique pieces that don’t look the same as everyone elses.
• Sign up for mailing lists – Many stores (like World Market) will give you a certain percentage off your first purchase when you sign up for their email list. All you have to do is put in your phone number when you make the purchase and you’ll get a discount.
• Shop online – There are also many places online like Amazon.com who offer a variety of furniture and home decor for a discounted rate. And, when you purchase over $25 in qualified products, you’ll get free shipping.
• Check out garage sales – Especially during the spring and summer months, Des Moines is filled with plenty of garage sales that may have just what you’re looking for. Who knows – you may just find the perfect couch or rug while shopping at someone’s yard sale.
• Utilize friends and family – Perhaps your friends and family have furnishings they’re no longer using? Check with them to see – with it, you’ll get a brand-new look for your space.

Get your apartment ready for guests

If you’re anything like me, cleaning up your apartment for guests is something that usually gets put off until the last minute. Instead of planning ahead, I’m usually rushing around from room to room, picking up clothes and throwing them in the laundry, taking out the trash, and lighting candles to make the house smell good.

A recent article from iVillage explains how to get ready for your guests – even when you put it off until the last minute. For some great tips, check out Emergency Cleanup: Get Ready for Guests in 30 Minutes or Less.

Does your apartment need a new look?

Do you need a new look for your apartment? The bedroom may be one of the best places to start. Check out this great article and slideshow by iVillage called Frugal Finds: 30 Beautiful Bedding Picks Under $100.

How to compost in an apartment

Even if you’re living in an apartment, composting can be a great way to go green and do your part in saving the environment.

Do you have an outdoor patio or balcony? If so, you’re set to go. The following article will describe how to make a compost bin for your Des Moines apartment.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 or 10-gallon plastic tote (with lid)
• 1 small bag of sand
• 1 small bag of dirt
• Drill
• 1/4-inch drill bit

From here, making a compost bin is easy:

• First, find a place on the patio to put the bin.
• Now, use the 1/4-inch drill bit to drill two holes at the bottom of the bin.
• Put six inches of sand in the bottom of the bin, followed by six inches of dirt. Then, put some shredded newspaper and dry leaves on top.

That’s it! You’re ready. Composting can be great for a variety of things including cardboard rolls, coffee grounds, egg shells, fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, tea bags, and more.

As you add scraps to the bin, remember to keep the vegetable scraps small because they’ll break down faster. Always cover the scraps with shredded newspaper, grass clippings and leaves.

Once a week, turn the compost and keep it covered with the bin’s lid.

 

 

Why you should consider getting renters’ insurance

Renters’ insurance can be a great benefit for those renting apartments or condos in the Des Moines, area. It’s an excellent way to make sure your property and belongings are covered should a disastrous event occur. This includes things like a fire, wind storm, vandalism, theft, accidental overflow of water, and much more.

Let’s take a look at some of the greater benefits of renters’ insurance:

Your physical property is protected
Renters’ insurance will reimburse you for the value of the physical contents in your home, should a disastrous event occur. This includes everything from furniture to electronics.

You get  personal liability protection
If one of your friends or family members are injured while in your home and decide to sue you, renters’ insurance will help protect you up to a certain amount. The amount is a pre-determined figure that was set when you purchased your policy.

It’s inexpensive – and worth the monthly investment
Most renters’ insurance can be purchased for less than $1 per day, or $20-$30 per month. And, you can choose the level of protection you want, so you’re sure to be able to find something that fits in your budget.

As soon as you decide upon an insurance policy, take photos of all your belongings and store them in a safety deposit box or fire-proof safe. This will help show their original state and give photo evidence to the insurance company should a disaster occur.

Consider renters’ insurance for your Des Moines apartment - after all, a small monthly investment right now could save you a lot of money in the long run.