Upcoming Fall Fashion Trends

If you want to make your mark this fall, then your wardrobe is a great place to start. Your style says a lot about who you are, how you want to be perceived, and how you go about presenting yourself amongst others. Mix in the fact that your style should be accommodating to both your personal life and your professional career, and you can see why it’s such an important part of your life.

Each season comes with new trends to follow. Here is a look at the upcoming fall fashion trends that will keep you looking great this year.

Big Styles

It’s not unusual for the “in” style to consist of tight clothes for women. However, this year we are going to see a shift to bigger sizes. When the temperatures drop, the layers start to pile up. And for women to stay extra comfortable this fall, expect bigger and baggier to be the “in” choice.

Mature Modern

For both men and women, this fall is going to be all about showing your age and power. While last fall may have been about showing off how much swag you have with bulky accessories or skin-tight jeans, this year the focus has shifted to a more mature look. For men, a powerful suit will be the way to make a statement. For women, suit pants and power skirts will get you the attention you desire.

Fall-FashionDenim Down

Loved the way those high-rise boy shorts fit this summer and not ready to give up the look? Then you’ll be happy to know you’re in luck because denim is going to keep riding throughout the fall. High rise jeans and denim jackets will be in, although maybe not together. It’ll be great to keep your favorite summer fashions, while still looking great during the colder seasons.

So Chic

From your fabulous hair to your stylish shoes, this year is about being as chic as possible. Whether you are headed to work and have on your power suit, or are going to the gym for an afternoon workout, be ready to look your best. You never know when you’ll need to take a selfie for Instagram, so your style had better always be ready.

Your Favorite Gear

Since it’s football season, get ready to root for your favorite team in style. While you may have your favorite pair of pajamas that you lounge around the house in, make sure you have some more authentic gear if you are going out. After all, you don’t want your opponent’s fans to think that your team is lazy. So before you get ready to root your team on this fall, make sure you’ve loaded up with your favorite sports gear for game day.

Fall is here and it’s important that you look your best with the changing weather. To spruce up your wardrobe and get in with the great looks this season, consider the tips here as the upcoming fall fashion trends.

Raising Your Newborn in an Apartment

In recent years, more and more families are making the transition into apartment living. Along with less expensive monthly payments, an apartment has a variety of different benefits that accommodate for a minimalist lifestyle. An apartment also proves that you don’t need an oversized house to make a warming home.

One issue, however, with apartment living can be raising a child. After all, there are a ton of different factors that go into place when raising a newborn in an apartment that you may not have to consider if you lived in a single-family home. And yet, raising a newborn is one of the most magical moments in life, so you’ll want to ensure you can do so as effectively as possible while in an apartment.

Here are some tips for raising your newborn in an apartment, in order to ensure that your family, and neighbors, don’t go crazy during those first few months.

Have Dedicated Space

You don’t have a lot of space to play with in a small apartment, so you’ll want to make the most of what you do have. To make the most of the space you have, dedicate certain areas in your home for specific uses. For example, you may need to have a designated area for your children to play in, while the remainder of the home is used as common space for everyone. You may also need to plan accordingly for sleeping arrangements based off the space you have as well. By being diligent with dedicating space for apartment living with a newborn, you can make the most of the room you do have.

Newborn-BabyLet Others Know

Consider telling your neighbors that you have a newborn in your apartment. In addition, you may want to give them your contact information in case of emergencies. You can also request that your neighbors call you in the event that your newborn is crying too loud and it’s keeping others awake at night. Granted, you’ll have to hope for accommodating neighbors, but taking the initiative to show your concern for others will put you in good standing amongst your neighbors.

Safety First

When you live in an apartment, it’s imperative that you are aware of the best way out to safety. There are a variety of different things that could occur during your time living in an apartment. You can limit the impact of these emergencies by being prepared for safety with your newborn.

Utilize All Of Your Space

If you have a porch off your apartment, try and use it as much as you can with your child. Or if your complex provides a recreational area for families, consider utilizing it as much as possible as well. Even if the inside of your apartment isn’t very big, you may have a lot of other resources nearby.

Welcoming a newborn into your family is a tremendous occasion. To ensure that your family and neighbors are as excited as you are, consider the tips here for raising your newborn in an apartment.

Can’t Afford A Vacation? Try a Staycation

With all of that planned time off that you have coming up, you are going to want to make sure you get the most out of your vacation. However, when you think about a vacation, it can be a bit tricky when you consider the amount of money that will be spent during that time. Not only will you have to pay for a flight, hotel, and any other activities you do once you get to your destination, but you’ll also have fees in the form of a house sitter, dog watcher, and any other expenses required for maintaining your home. After what should be a relaxing vacation, spending all this money might have you wishing you never took time off work.

The alternative to an expensive vacation is a staycation, which includes making the most of your community and nearby areas. For example, maybe there is an amusement park in your city that you’ve been dying to visit, but you never have the time due to work. There are countless staycation activities that will not only help you save money, but also make the most of your time away from work. If you can’t afford a vacation, here are some ways to make for an awesome staycation.

StaycationDo Something You’ve Always Wanted

Unless they are a diehard enthusiast, not everyone who lives in Colorado spends their entire winter in the Rocky Mountains. The same can be said for those that live near a beach, amusement park, or any other sort of popular tourist destination. The truth is that when you live close to something, it’s easy to overlook it for the enjoyment it provides. However, a staycation is the perfect chance for you to focus on what makes your city special.

Whether it’s a day at the beach or on the slopes, you are sure to find something great nearby in your hometown.

Include Your Family And Friends

Imagine how much it would cost to take all of your family and friends on vacation with you – as well as the headache it would be. And yet, what fun are your vacations and the memories you make, if you can’t spend them with those you care most for? Luckily, you won’t have to sacrifice one for the other with a staycation. Instead, you can plan to meet people or even have them come stay with you, if that’s how you want to spend your time off from work.

Make The Most Of Your Time

The one thing to be wary of with a staycation is the feeling of procrastination. If you have a week off from work, you may decide to take the first few days to rest or relax. But before you know it, your vacation will almost be over and you won’t have had a chance to see your hometown like you’d hoped. Balancing the perfect amount of work and leisure time doesn’t have to be difficult, assuming you put in the due diligence to plan for it.

If you want to save money this year, consider a staycation when that PTO comes around for work. You can still have an awesome time, without having to pick up extra shifts to make up for it once you get back.

5 Ways To Use Fruit In Your Everyday Life

Fruit-WaterWe should all probably eat a bit more fruit every day. But whether it’s the price of bananas in the winter that turn you off, or the fact that there’s just too many other options on the menu, the truth is that most people likely don’t get their daily recommended dosage of fruits.

The average American doesn’t get enough fruits in their diet every day. Luckily, here are 5 ways to use fruit in your everyday life.

Add It To Water

Something else that you may want to add more of to your diet could be water. You can knock out two goals in one by combining fruit with water. The end result is a hydrating treat that will refuel you on a hot summer day. Some of our favorite fruits to add to water include watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. You can play around with a few other options and who knows what you’ll find that you end up liking.

Try Something New

If you are someone that steers away from the kitchen, that might be the reason that you don’t eat enough fruits. If that’s the case, then open up a new cookbook or download an app, and see what fruity options they have. Not only will you eat healthier options, but you’ll also learn something new in the process.

Tasty Tip! – Try freezing vegetables like grapes or blueberries. Eat them as they are frozen and you may end up with a new favorite snack.

Blend Up A Smoothie

Fruit-SmoothieLooking for the perfect way to hydrate after that tough summer workout? Blend up your fruit in a smoothie, add some protein, and you’ll be feeling like a champ for the rest of the day. You can even substitute milk for water for an even more fulfilling snack.

Another option, if you don’t enjoy smoothies, is to grind or grate your food. You can make homemade pudding, yogurt, carrot strips, or any other sort of fruity snack that you like. Having fruits ready to go in an alternative form other than just as they are may be the secret you need to getting more every day.

Always Go Healthy When Out

One reason that you may not be eating enough fruit is because you don’t have it lying around the home or because you prefer to eat out with friends. If that’s the case, then consider always going for healthier fruit options when you are out. Even though the healthier options on the menu may not be as good as what you usually get, sticking to a rule that ensures you will get your healthier options in your diet.

Just Do It

Adding fruit to your diet has to become a habit that you get used to doing very often. Instead of immediately going for the chip & cookie or microwave dinner isles at the grocery story, go straight for the fruit. Getting in the habit of healthier fruits will make it easier to keep them in your diet.

Golf Destinations in NJ

Grab your favorite 9-iron and get ready to experience a variety of great golf courses in New Jersey. While many people visit The Garden State for the miles of sandy beaches and boardwalk piers, avid golfers will quickly learn that Jersey offers plenty of courses that are worth planning your vacation around as well.

Here are some of our favorite golf destinations in New Jersey that are worth setting up a tee time for. And to make sure everyone gets a chance to play, we’ll even list only the courses that are open to the public.

Golf-ClubAtlantic City Country Club

Countless people visit New Jersey each year with the hopes of hitting in rich at a casino in Atlantic City. But if you aren’t interested in the slots or tables, then instead spend your days at the Atlantic City Country Club. This course is over 100 years old, and it was recently remodeled in 1999. The new additions to the clubhouse made for a first rate facility that golfers will enjoy the moment they step foot on the grounds.

What we also love about ACCC is the former golf pros who come by to spend their retirement helping others get better. If you are looking to improve your game, spend part of your time in New Jersey getting lessons from a golf pro at Atlantic City Country Club and you’ll be able to impress everyone on the course when you head home.

The Architects

One of the newest courses on the list, The Architects is a par 71 diamond in the rough found in Phillipsburg. Once you come to the Architects, you’ll find a course that has had every hole planned out in the most precise way possible. It’s hard to match the beauty of this course, but don’t understate the difficulty. Things start off with a 509-yard hole 1, and No. 3 is a 521-yard go as well. This course is going to be a challenge, but certainly a worthy one after you complete it.

Ballyowen

With a total course distance of 7,094 yards, Balloywen is one of the longest courses to make our list. The final result is a par-72 challenge that sprawls access a 250-acre lot in Hamburg. The course has a total of 71 bunkers and plenty of water hazards as well. Be sure to keep your calm, as this course can turn difficult in a hurry. But if you can keep your ball on the fairway, or at least out of the really rough stuff, then you’ll walk away from this course with an enjoyable memory.

It should come as no surprise that the courses on this list are some of the most beautiful options in all of New Jersey for golfers. But if you’re looking for more than just beauty, then consider these three unforgettable golf destinations in New Jersey. While they may have their moments that prove to be very challenging, you’ll be pleased that you took the time to get in a round, or two, of golf while on vacation in The Garden State.

Keeping Cool In Your Apartment During The Summer

You can’t help but love summer and the warm weather that comes with it. But while warmer weather might be ideal for days at the beach or hanging on the boardwalk, your apartment should be a place that you can escape to for cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, many apartment tenants fail to get the sort of relief that they’d like while hanging around home. That’s because they aren’t doing enough to keep their apartments as cool as they’d like on a warm day.

Luckily, we’re here to help. To do just that, here are some ideal tips for keeping cool in your apartment during the summer.

Let The Air Flow

Many apartment tenants immediately run to their air conditioning units the second that the weathers start to increase outside. And while turning on the AC may be unavoidable at some parts of the summer, it may not be what you need to do on a nice breezy day. Instead, consider how opening your windows and turning on a fan will make for a nice cool flow of air that goes through your apartment.

Woman-Opening-CurtainsMaximize AC Usage

If you are, however, unable to avoid turning on the AC, then at least make sure you are doing so properly. Many people don’t run their air conditioning properly, which results in a lot of wasted money and energy each month.

What constitutes as improper AC usage? For starters, many people run their AC until it reaches an appropriate temperature and then they turn it off completely until things start to heat up drastically again. However, this up-and-down usage is going to actually use more energy than it would take to just run your AC throughout the day. Therefore, leaving your AC unit on throughout the day may not only keep your apartment more cool and relaxing, but it’ll also help save money.

Also, make sure that your apartment is properly insulated in order to maximize AC usage. If you have open windows or cracks in doors, then all of the cool air will leave your apartment quickly. You can keep everything in by simply making sure everything is properly sealed at your windows and doors.

Cool Off

The final tip you may want to consider during the summer involves your wardrobe. When you are at home, wear light clothing that won’t insulate heat and you’ll notice you feel much more comfortable throughout the day. It’s always a good time to upgrade your wardrobe, and some cooler clothing options may be just what you need to stay cool in your apartment this summer.

What would you do each month if you could save a substantial amount on your energy bills? Whether it’s a new car, house, vacation, or whatever else you enjoy, keeping your energy costs down can start to stack your wallet after a while. But if you aren’t willing to sacrifice comfort for income, then you’ll need to make sure that you are doing all you can to keep your apartment cool. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to do just that this summer.

Memorial Day Party Games

If you are the one that is always throwing a BBQ for your friends and family for Memorial Day, then there is probably no questioning your skills as a grill master. However, having tasty food is only one part of throwing the perfect Memorial Day party. After all, you don’t want your guests to get bored and then look for a reason to leave the party early.

To make sure that your guests enjoy the entertainment as much as they do the food, here are some great Memorial Day party games that everyone will be sure to enjoy.

Blindfolded Potato Sack Race

A good, old-fashioned potato sack race will spice up any outdoor party. Throw a blindfold on the contestants, and there is no telling what insanity will ensue! Potato sack races are also great because people of all ages can take part, which is great for those having BBQs younger family members.

Cornhole-GameCornhole

You can’t get much more fun than cornhole, which is why it’s the perfect BBQ game. If you have a bit of extra time, consider making your own cornhole setup out of wood and paint. This will make for an even more enjoyable time playing this fun game. If no kids are around, consider adding a few adult beverages as wagering pieces for the winners of a game. Cornhole is a ton of fun and should certainly be at your Memorial Day BBQ.

Horseshoes

Throw down a stake on the ground and then start whirling some horseshoes at it. This classic BBQ game is so easy to set up and everyone knows how to play. Horseshoe games also go by pretty quickly, which means your guests won’t get bored while waiting for their turn to play.

Bocce

Another game that is probably better for BBQs with older attendees is bocce. This game requires you have a bocce set, but it’s certainly worth investing in if you host a lot of summer events. Bocce is a great game because it requires skill and technique, but it’s also classy and sophisticated.

Cards Against Humanity

The sun is setting and the fire pit is roaring at your Memorial Day BBQ. Once the kids head inside to watch their favorite Disney movie, pull out Cards Against Humanity for an adult game that everyone will love. This game includes combining cards to present hypothetical scenarios that are just hilarious. The scenes get pretty intense, so it’s not a game for the conservative. But if you have a Memorial Day party with fun friends, it’s certainly a great game to have.

Your Memorial Day BBQ is going to have amazing food, there’s no questioning that since you are a master griller. But if you are worried that the activities you have planned aren’t going to keep your guests entertained, switch the games to those mentioned here. Everyone will be sure to have a great time and your Memorial Day BBQ will be remembered for years to come.

Best Books To Read On The Beach 2015

There is nothing better than enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the beach with your favorite book in hand. Whether it’s a physical copy of the book or a digital one on your eReader, lazy summer afternoons are perfect for great reading.

If you are looking to add some great reading material to your summer list, here are some of the best books to read on the beach in 2015.

The Stranger

Harian Coben’s The Stranger is a New York Times Best Seller. The story follows what you consider to be a perfect life of the main protagonist, with an infusion of a secret that could destroy all of the characters in the book. This suspenseful thriller will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Book-on-the-BeachOn The Move: A Life

This story of Oliver Sacks is quickly gaining traction among book clubs and other readers. If you are familiar with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, then On The Move is a similar story of growth and perseverance. This one is sure to be on tons of reading lists this fall, so be sure to read yours this summer while on the beach.

50 Shades Of Grey

If you haven’t had a chance to read the international hit 50 Shades of Grey, then consider doing so while on the beach this summer. If you aren’t hip to reading stories like 50 Shades of Grey, then consider downloading it to your eReader. You’ll be able to read this best seller, without having to worry about others looking over your shoulder at what you are reading.

Seveneves: A Novel

For those that are into science fiction, then consider this story from Neal Stephenson. Known for previous stories Anathem, Reamde, and Cryptonomicon, Stephenson now releases Seveneves, the story of survivalism and annihilation. Science fiction lovers will enjoy this one and it’s expected to be a big hit this summer.

Kids Books

Your kids likely will want to spend their time on the beach soaking up the sun and catching the waves. But if they need a bit of downtime in the sand, then have a few books ready for them to enjoy. Some great books for your kids include:

  • Ages 3-5: Sesame Street Let’s Cook, Weird & Wild Animals, Sheep Go Sleep, How To Pee, and Maisy Goes by Plane.
  • Ages 5-7: Interstellar Cinderella, Little Kunoichi – The Ninja Girl, Changes: A Child’s First Poetry Book, and Here Comes The Tooth Fairy Cat!
  • Ages 7-12: Dear Hank Williams, The Winner’s Crime, The Walls Around Us, Nightbird, Dead Wake, and Shadow Scale.

Get outside this summer and soak up the sun on the beach. If you are looking for the perfect activity to enjoy while lounging around, then take your eReader along with you. You can surely find something on this list that matches a genre that you truly enjoy. And after you read that, who knows what other stories you’ll come across this summer while on the beach.

Moving-In Tips

If you are looking to find the best moving in tips, you’ve come to the right place.

Moving into your new apartment should be something that you look forward to. Unfortunately, far too often moving can be a pain in the you-know-what. That’s especially the case if you don’t have any help, or if you are unprepared. And even once you get settled in, it might not feel quite like home, just yet.

To make for an easier time, here are some moving-in tips that will help you easily transition into your new place.

You Can’t Plan Too Far Ahead

No matter how many times you tell yourself not to, chances are you might procrastinate more than you should before this move. The truth is that you’ll truly never have enough time, and you’ll always feel like there is more to do. That’s why you can’t start too early, and you are better off starting as early as possible when planning a move. The earlier you start, and the more you plan for, the smoother your move-in will go on the big day.

Couple-Moving-BoxesKeep Essentials Within Reach

You never know what might happen during a move. If you’ve hired a moving company, then there are countless scenarios that could go wrong. Therefore, just be cautious and be sure to keep your essentials within reach. This means that it might be worth putting together a small travel bag with any toiletries, medications, or spare clothes that you might need on that first night in your new place.

Clean Up A Bit

If you want to feel at home, you need to feel comfortable. Even if you are moving into a new apartment and the place has been cleaned before you, it still doesn’t hurt to run through things once more to ensure cleanliness. By going through each room and quickly cleaning surfaces, you’ll feel much more comfortable and at home on move-in day.

Organize Busy Rooms First

Some rooms can wait, and some rooms can’t. It’s best to start with the latter first, as these will be high traffic areas that get a lot of attention. Start by unpacking your bedroom first, as this will help you get a great night’s sleep. Then move into the kitchen and living room, so that you can have a comfortable place to relax. After these rooms are taken care of, then you can go on to your study or the other rooms in your apartment.

Get Help

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for, but also the part you shouldn’t wait for on moving day. It’s always nice to think that we’ll have a lot of help when moving, but the truth is that you can’t rely on others – unless you’ve paid them. The truth is that you’ll need to offer up some cash for a moving company, or tasty treats for friends and family, if you want to get a bit of help on moving day. The good news is that this help is certainly worth it if it means saving you the headache of having to deal with it on your own.

You’re going to have a great time once you settle into your new place. To help make the transition a bit easier, consider the tips here for making your apartment feel more like home.

Upcoming Summer Concerts In Philly

Get your dancing shoes ready and fill up the gas tank, because this summer is going to be rocking for those that love live music. Here is a look at some of our favorite upcoming summer concerts in Philly.

Buckcherry – May 30

The classic band Buckcherry is going back on tour this year, and they’ll be coming through Philly on May 30th. The band will be getting together at the Xfinity Live! Center, and it’s on a Saturday so it’s expected to be a huge event. Come and see Buckcherry play some of their classic hits like, “Sorry” and “Rescue Me.”

Lana Del Rey – June 6

If you are looking for a great concert for the entire family, you can’t go wrong with Lana Del Rey. The recording artist who is behind the monster hits, “Summertime Sadness” and “Young and Beautiful” will headline a tour that will be in town on June 6th at the Borgata Event Center. While this is just out of Philly, it’s only a short drive to Atlantic City, and it’ll be well worth it to see Lana Del Rey live.

Summer-ConcertJuicy J – June 13

Juicy J has been on a tear the last few years, and now he’s coming to Philly on June 13th. The 3-6 Mafia member has had a ton of success on his own in recent years, including his hit “Dark Horse” with Katy Perry, which was played at halftime of the Super Bowl. The Juice Man will be here on a Sunday, at the Theater of the Living in Philly. See a huge star at a intimate venue, for a concert you won’t soon forget.

Rise Against – June 22

Hard rock fans unit as they come together to see Rise Against at the Festival Pier on July 22. The band behind the hits “Prayer Of The Refugee” and “Savior” hasn’t been to Philly in a while, so their return is highly anticipated. Fans are already excited about Rise Against coming to town, so be sure to check for tickets now before they sell out.

Little Big Town – September 2

Don’t worry country music fans, we haven’t forgotten you. Little Big Town will be strolling through Philly at the end of summer, so have one last hoorah before you say hello to fall. Little Big Town has had a huge year, winning a variety of different country music awards for their song GIrl Crush. The concert is a few months away, but tickets are expected to go quick once we get closer to the event.

Local Talent

Finally, don’t forget the amount of local talent that will be hitting the streets in Philly this summer too. The Disco Biscuits, The Front Bottoms, Lotus, and Valencia will all be hitting the local circuit this summer to promote their own music. Come and see Philly’s next stars, before they go mainstream and all of your friends pretend to know about them before you did!

Pop the top off your favorite drink and get ready for a summer full of great concerts. No matter what sort of music you like, you’ll be sure to find something on this list that you’ll enjoy.