Give It a Colorful Makeover

Most metal cabinets are just dull. Fortunately, it's easy to give a cabinet a little personality by painting it a new color. 

1. Take your cabinet outdoors or to a well-ventilated spot. Use a drop cloth to protect the area.  
2. Clean and dry your cabinet. If necessary, sand down any rusted areas. 
3. Remove the drawers.
4. Cover the drawer pulls with painter's tape to protect them from the paint.
5. Spray metal primer on your cabinet and drawers and allow to dry. If you can't find spray paint, you can apply a metal primer instead. 
6. Spray paint your file cabinet and drawers with your favorite color of rust-resistant spray paint. 

A File Cabinet that Doubles as a Chalkboard

Would you like to be able to write inspirational notes or reminders to yourself on your cabinet? Then use chalkboard paint instead of regular spray paint on your file cabinet. Just follow the first seven steps above, but instead of spray painting your cabinet, apply three coats of chalkboard paint. Ideally, you should wait about five hours between coats. 

Add a Wooden Top

Find a piece of nice wood that is the same size or slightly bigger than the top of your file cabinet. Attach the board by drilling in 1-inch screw from the underside of the cabinet. Use washers to keep the screws from going all the way through your wood. 

Have you been searching for a new apartment home close to NAU where you can store all your files, trinkets, and keepsakes? Then, please come by and see our apartments in Flagstaff. We offer shared apartment homes that are individually keyed, a furnished common room, and more.

The post Give Your Boring Metal Filing Cabinet a Fun Makeover appeared first on Pine View Village Apartments Blog.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Your dog’s nails can become long enough to cause discomfort while going on summer walks. Longer nails can also snag on carpeting, furniture, or other surfaces and accidentally tear off. You should trim your dog’s nails when the tips become long enough to touch the floor. Whether you use guillotine-style clippers or scissor-style clippers, make sure you don’t trim nails too much. If your dog has white nails, stop trimming before you reach the pink-colored area called the “quick.” For dark nails, trim a small amount at a time, and stop when you see a pinkish area inside the nail.

Bathe Your Dog

Dogs don’t need frequent baths, but you should give your dog one if they've been playing outside in dirt or mud. Make sure you have all of your bath supplies ready, including dog shampoo, towels, and a brush. Brush your dog’s fur before bathing them to loosen mats and eliminate dead hair. Give your dog a bath in warm water, then dry their fur off as much as possible with towels. This helps prevent your dog from getting your carpets and furniture damp or wet.

Brush Your Dog

Regular brushing can help prevent your dog’s fur from getting matted or tangled. Brushing also helps keep your dog’s fur shiny and healthy. Use the right type of brush, such as a slicker brush for longer fur or a bristle brush for shorter fur.
 

Our community welcomes up to two pets per apartment. Please contact us to learn more about the pet policy for our apartments in Flagstaff.

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Build something spectacular from dollar store items. 

You can find some really neat things at just about any dollar store, or even already lying around your house, but most of these are not designer-decor worthy. The trick is to pull together certain items and make something that is design worthy. The Sorry Girls on YouTube do this a lot, and some of their creations look nothing short of fancy even though they cost just a few bucks. For example, you can pick up small mirrors and hang them together on a wall for a mosaic look or create a makeshift lantern out of glass picture frames with simple metal frames. 

Order secondhand items online. 

What do people do when they are tired of looking at things? They tend to pass them along at donation drop-off points across the country like thrift-stores or sell them online. Many thrift stores even sell directly online now as well. You can get some really good deals on pricier furniture and decor by shopping at these places. BlesserHouse blog covers some really cool way to use ordinary thrift-store finds for designer purposes as well. For instance, a stack of vintage suitcases can make an awesome accent in a corner of your living room if you have a travel theme, and brass wall sconces look amazing when brushed with some chalky white paint.

Decorating the living room in your Flagstaff apartment doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Reach out to us at Pine View Village to find out more about how our apartments are easy to look designer with just a few touches.

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Bake Something Delicious

Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that the best way to make a house feel like a home is by baking cookies in the oven. As the cookies bake, the delicious scent of the sweet dough overpowers all other smells, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can recreate that experience by committing to baking something delicious several times a week. In addition to having a great smelling apartment, you will also have delicious baked goods on hand almost all the time.

Start Simmering Away

If you do not have time to whip up some baked goods, you can take a shortcut by putting your favorite flavors on to simmer. As you simmer down herbs, spices, and more, their delicious scents will waft through your apartments, making everything smell much better.

Start by placing a cup of water in a small saucepan, and then add your ideal scent combinations. You can use one orange and one teaspoon vanilla, for example, to fill your living space with those sweet scents.

A handful of various herbs work great as well, such as:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Mint
• Sage
• Tarragon

Experiment with different scent combinations to find just what you would love your apartments to smell like all the time.

You only need to simmer the water on low for about 15 minutes, and then shut it off to have the biggest impact on the freshness of your home. Repeat daily or as needed to replace the stale air with something a little sweeter.

Of course, you can always use potpourri satchels and bowls along with other types of air fresheners in addition to these fun methods. Give our team a call at 844-807-1412 to talk about our available Flagstaff, AZ apartments to get started on making your space feel and smell like home.

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From Your Flagstaff Apartments to the Homes of Your Loved One: Gifts That Will Fit in Anywhere

There is nothing that says "great gift" like pampering items. While you can pay a fortune to buy things like bath salts from high end stores, you can make this type of gift yourself. Start with epsom salts and add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil, then blend well. Pour the bath salts in a glass mason jar and tie with a ribbon.

Tea or Coffee Basket

Start with a simple basket from the dollar store, and then have fun picking out single serve tea bags, coffees or hot cocoa mixes. Choose a charming mug that suits the personality of the recipient and nestle the mixes inside it. Scatter some extra treats like crackers or biscotti around the basket. 

Snacks They'll Love

There may be no gift more popular than snacks today. Cookies are always a big hit, so consider arranging 2 or 3 types of cookies on a decorative tray from the dollar store. Use plastic wrap to protect and put a decorative bow on top for a gift that will always be welcomed.

Looking for a comfortable and elegant apartment home in the Flagstaff area? Check out Pine View Village in La Plaza Vieja today. Call to learn more about the available apartment homes today. 

The post 3 Easy DIY Gifts for Your Loved Ones appeared first on Pine View Village Apartments Blog.

1. Tank You Very Much: Pair a tank with a pair of jeans, a jacket, under a semi-see-through shirt, etc. No closet is complete without at least one black, white, and gray tank!

2. You’re Beau-Tee-Ful: A simple t-shirt is probably the most versatile piece you can have in your wardrobe. Find your perfect neck—whether V-neck, scoop, or crew—and have a selection of a few solid or simply-designed (think stripes, polka dots, etc.) tees ready to go! We recommend at least one black, one white, and one blue t-shirt to get started.

3. Button Down the Hatches: Another versatile option, make sure you go with colors and patterns that blend well when layered or on their own. A button down shirt or blouse looks great with a suit, casual slacks, or paired with jeans!

4. Cardi, Yo: A nice solid cardigan (go for black, tan/cream, or white if you’re daring) pairs just as well as a button down shirt. It’s nice for layering for a winter day, autumn walk, spring outing, or summer night!

5. A Blaze(r) of Glory: A blazer instantly makes any outfit look put together. Again, go with simple colors (blue, black, tan) … but don’t forget the more fun colors to give your outfit some sizzle!

6. Be a Slack-er: Finding the perfect pair of dress or casual slacks isn’t always easy. You have to make sure you find the right length and fit to make sure your comfortable and stylish all day long. No wardrobe is complete without at least one black, one khaki/tan, and one blue pair of well-fitted slacks.

7. It’s All in the Jeans: For a night out of a slick smart casual look, you’ve got to have the perfect pair of jeans. Avoid too many colored jeans; stick with the tried and true blue. At least one good pair of boot-cut and one straight-legged pair should do you to start.

8. Sweater Weather: Aim for lightweight sweaters … These are perfect for layering over a shirt and under a coat in winter. They’re also great alternatives to jackets for a chilly summer night. Remember, find the neckline that works for you, and have a few options both plain and patterned that work with as many looks as possible!

9. If the Shoe Fits: You’ve got to wear ‘em, so make sure you wear ‘em well! Shoes can make or break your outfit. You’ll want at least one pair of sneakers, one pair of dress shoes, one pair of sandals, and probably one pair of boots. And don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to solid designs … a nice patterned pair of dress shoes can add a little flash to an otherwise plain outfit!

10. Eye on the Prize? Accessorize!: With what you’ll save on clothes with a capsule wardrobe, you can usually afford to go all out on accessories. Fellas, snag a nice selection of solid and patterned ties. Ladies, look at a nice selection of necklaces and jewelry. Scarves are a great way to dress up an otherwise simple outfit, as are purses, glasses, watches, hats, pins, etc.

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Glass cleaner

Use 1 part of water, mixed with equal parts vinegar. The solution makes for a pungeant smell, but once you keep the area ventilated, the smell goes away quickly. Always ensure that you use this solution with newspaper instead of cloth while wiping the glass surface. It gives you a better effect.

Disinfectant

In case you are injured with scratches, bruises or minor cuts, it is always good to ensure that the wound is thoroughly cleaned right after the injury. It is done to ensure that there aren’t any settlement of germs which could make it sceptic. Mix one part of alcohol with the same amount of water and gently clean the wound. You have to ensure that you need to undergo a few rounds of cleaning with the last round at at least 75 percent alcohol and 25 percent water.

General cleaning

For the general type of cleaning, mix one tablespoon of dish-washing liquid to a bottle of water and you can use it as general disinfectant.

Degreaser 

For fighting those tough grease stains you could mix the same quantity of dish washing liquid and water. This would make a great combination for grimy areas in kitchens and bathrooms.

Stain Remover

When it comes to really tough stains, mix two parts of hydrogen peroxide and one part of dish washing liquid. It is best to place this is a spray container so you could lightly apply to the stained area.

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DIY Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is easily one of the most costly cleaning products that one can purchase. By mixing a few simple ingredients, you can save on your laundry bill and keep your clothes clean and fresh. Simply grate a bar of soap (such as Ivory, Dr. Bronner's, Fels-Naptha or ZOTE) and mix the grated soap with 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir the mixture together and use just a tablespoon of soap with each load of laundry you wash. One batch will last a long time, and it costs around $5 to make.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Everybody needs an all-purpose cleaner that's inexpensive, good for the environment and effective. A good all-purpose cleaner is your go-to product for countertops, tables, the refrigerator and the bathroom. To quickly whip up a versatile cleaner that is capable of killing germs and making your house smell great all at the same time, simple pour the following ingredients into a dark glass spray bottle and shake well:

• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons of castile soap
• 20 drops of essential oil

Voila!

DIY Window Cleaner

When those mirrors and windows are ready for a good cleaning, simply fill the sink with hot water and a small shot of Dawn dish soap. Use a soft washcloth to clean the windows and a paper towel to dry for a streak-free shine!

DIY Shower Spray

To prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your shower, fill an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Spray daily, after using the shower, to keep your shower sparkling.

With these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your apartment clean, without breaking the bank or exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. To find the layout and amenities you're looking for in Flagstaff, visit us online today!

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Christmas Tree Wire Ornament Holder

For this project, you’ll need crafts wire, an old frame, plenty of ornaments, and a handful of other accessories and craft tools. We love that this untraditional “tree” gives you the chance to take something old and make it new! It also makes a wonderful tree alternative if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment for a full-sized tree. Hang your tree in a central spot in your home, or lay it wherever you’ll be doing your holiday gift exchange! For a full tutorial, pack up your crafty sleigh and head on over to Better Homes and Gardens!

DIY Pallet Christmas Tree

Looking for an easy decorative piece for your patio or balcony? Check out this easy guide to making a Christmas pallet tree. This is a project that you can size to meet your needs; if you want a bigger tree, just get bigger pallets, or go small for a corner tree for your living room. You’ll need several pallet slats, paint, tools, and maybe some holiday lights and ornaments to make your tree extra festive! Get all the supplies and instructions you’ll need to bring this project to life at Hometalk.

Paper Christmas Tree

We’ve seen this project done a few different ways, but one thing they all have in common is that they are super easy! For a homemade paper tree, all you’ll need is tape, several pages from old books or sheet music, twine, and something decorative to serve as your tree’s star. We’ve seen folks use empty frames, wooden cutout stars, favorite family photos, and more. Simply hang your pages in the general shape of a tree, securing them with tape (or adhesive putty) to the wall and each other. Decorate your “tree” with twine, lights, or any other décor you’d like (just keep in mind … your tree is made of paper, so avoid fire hazards). Hang your “star” at the top, and lay your gifts at the base. You can find a ton of tutorials for making a paper Christmas tree, but we used this one from My Sweet Savannah!

Upcycled Sparkly Christmas Tree

This tree DIY calls for the use of cemetery vases, but you can easily replace them with paper mache cones or doll cones, which can be picked up at almost any craft store. The project has you wrap the cemetery vase in craft paper, but with our craft cone alternative, you can easily skip this step! The main craft supplies you’ll need are hot glue and strands of gold beads! You can find the beads you’ll need at a craft store or a Dollar Store (just head to the party section). This is an easy tree to place on your table or bookshelf. Just set it down as it is, or place it on top of a pretty matching candlestick! For easy to follow instructions, visit Vintage News Junkie … and scroll all the way down for a ton of other fun DIY tree ideas!

“From Trash to Trees” Book Spine Tree

Unless you’re a diehard book junky who thinks dismantling a book is sacrilege, we think you’ll love this project as much as we do! All you’ll need is a pallet wood or other sturdy craft background and pretty spines from some vintage books (head to a second hand or consignment shop to find some if you don’t have any of your own), plus some craft glue. (If the idea of taking an old book apart is giving you heat palpitations just scroll down on the tutorial page for a tutorial for another tree project; it calls for vintage book pages, but you can easily replace them with craft paper or old newspaper!) Check out the full tutorial from Vintage with Laces.

In these final days until Christmas, we wish you happy crafting, and much joy!

The post Five Nontraditional Christmas Tree DIYs appeared first on Pine View Village Apartments Blog.

1. The Mini Tree Advent Calendar

Make a list … and don’t forget to check it twice! Your list might be made up of fun holiday-related activities, favorite memories from Christmases past, a to-do list of tasks to get your home ready for the holidays, or anything else that will make each day leading up to Christmas merry and bright. This DIY calendar has you then put each item from your list in a small box with a cute ornament on top. You’ll need small brown boxes (enough for each day leading up to Christmas or New Year’s), mini pine trees, glue, scissors, and this tutorial from Oh Happy Day!

2. Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Calendar

If you’re like us, you always wonder what you could use those empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls for rather than just throwing them away. Or maybe that’s just us … But if it’s not, this craft project is the answer for you! We love that this idea is both a neat way to recycle and a beautifully crafty way to countdown to one of our favorite holidays! Check out the tutorial from Morning Creativity here!

3. Easy Envelope Advent Calendar

Want to keep it simple? All you need for this calendar are envelopes, decorative paper, and a poster board! Cut out envelope liners from the pretty paper you pick out (try simple red and green craft paper, or some of the many holiday prints you can find at a craft store!). Fill the envelopes with tiny, quirky holiday treats, number each envelope’s lip with your countdown, and mount each envelope to a poster board! (Hint, hint: try a “reverse” advent by adding money to each envelope each day leading up to Christmas or New Year’s … it’s a great way to get a head start on your New Year’s Resolution to save!)

4. (Slightly More Complicated) Geometric Advent Calendar

Maybe “simple” isn’t a word in your vocabulary. If not, give this slightly more complicated calendar a try! The creator describes it as “simple, minimal, [and] with just enough festive sparkle,” so maybe it’s not as hard as we think, but we see the word “geometric” and get a little nervous. Unfortunately, the designer didn’t share how to make the geometric boxes, but fear not; we found you this video tutorial! Or try this awesome template maker that will automatically design the template for a box to your specific measurements. The rest of the tutorial on making this calendar can be found here.

5. DIY Punch Box Advent Calendar

So, we all know the holidays can be stressful … Here’s a calendar that will help you get a little frustration out, and you even get to enjoy a sweet treat as you do it! You can adapt the design to however many days you’re counting down, and the decorations of your box to whichever holiday you’re celebrating. The key, though, stays the same no matter what: Have fun makin’ it, and have fun breakin’ it! Get the tutorial from Studio DIY!

Enjoy your crafting! Enjoy your calendars! And enjoy your holidays! Ho-ho-ho!

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