Photo By: Smiteme

Ok, so maybe all of those devices won’t make your kitchen life faster, easier, or cooler. But, without a doubt, there are some wonderful kitchen gadgets out there that will.

8 Kitchen Gadget Gifts For This Holiday Season

Whether you’re looking for a great tool to help you with the cooking this holiday season, need a few gift ideas, or are simply a gadget junkie, we’ve listed 8 kitchen accessories for this holiday season that are guaranteed to improve your kitchen life.

1. Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener
Put down your corkscrew and say goodbye to embarrassing floating corks! The sleek, portable, modern-looking Oster Wine Opener will flawlessly open that bottle with a touch of a button. You’ll also get a foil cutter and base charger.

2. Back to Basics Home-Canning Kit
Okay, so this gadget isn’t exactly cutting edge, but it’s one that just gets it right. If you’re thinking of doing some canning this winter or in the future, look no further. This five-piece kit comes with everything you need: kitchen tongs, a magnetic lid lifter, a canning funnel, a jar-lid wrench, and a jar lifter.

3. Nesco American Harvest FD-1010 Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator
Homemade fruit roll-ups, beef jerky, cinnamon apples– hungry yet? This 1000-watt dehydrator will dry fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, or flowers in 3 hours or less. The unit also includes a recipe book and instruction book to help you along the way.

4. RSVP Herb Scissors
Youch! Another cut? Protect your poor fingers with these ingenious scissors. These five, 3-inch stainless steel blades allow you to cut or mince herbs quickly and safely. It’s also dishwasher safe.

5. SmartShopper Automated Grocery List Assistant
Writing a grocery list is so passé. The SmartShopper is the way of the future. Press the ‘record’ button and tell this handy gadget what groceries you need. Not that you can fit 2500 grocery items in your Fayetteville apartment kitchen, but it will record your items (up to 2500) and store them in its memory. When it’s time to go shopping, press ‘print’ and out comes your grocery list. It’s as simple as that. Now that’s cool!

6. Presto SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder
If you’ve ever suffered bouts of exhaustion after chopping fruits or vegetables, the SaladShooter will be a godsend. This incredibly useful device is the quickest way to slice or shred fruits, veggies, cheese, nuts and more. Use it for salads, pizzas, soups, desserts, whateva!

7. Presto Pro EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
There are few things more frustrating than when, after inviting guests to your house for a night of easy entertaining and great steaks, you realize that no one can cut into their meat. If you own an Eversharp Knife Sharpener it’s not a problem. Simply insert your alloy, carbon, or stainless steel knife into its 2 stage precision grid and within seconds your blade will be restored to its razor-sharp former glory.

8. FoodSaver
Along with the great meals we tend to eat during the holidays come leftovers– lots of them. What do you do with them? Sure, you can store them in your Tupperware, but you still need to eat it all within a couple days or it will go bad. Enter the FoodSaver. This great device vacuum-seals your food in a baggy just like the vacuum-sealed packages you see at the supermarket. This way you can store your holiday leftovers in the freezer for next year and no one will know the difference.

Photo by: Drew Allen

1. Avoiding Theft in the Parking Lot

The holiday season can be a hectic time sprinting around purchasing gifts for everyone you love. You’ve spent a lot of time and money on those presents. You don’t want all of your hard work to go to waste with one car break-in. When shopping, place all bags in the trunk. Never leave anything on the seats in plain view. Be sure to keep your car doors locked and don’t leave anything of value in the car when it’s parked in your apartment complex parking lot.

2. Preventing Home Break-Ins

Your Christmas tree with all of the glittering presents beneath it looks better than a postcard. However, it’s also an invite for break-ins. Keep your tree and presents away from direct view of the window. Some people passing by may be tempted to break-in if they have full view of your holiday bounty. Just remember to keep your curtains drawn while you’re not at home and be on the lookout for strangers in your apartment complex.

3. Package Drop Offs

It’s common to receive a lot of packages in the mail this time of year. Instead of having all of them dropped off at your apartment door, check to see if your apartment’s leasing office will accept your packages for you so you know they won’t be left alone on your door step for any passersby to pick up.

Photo by: Taku

4. Avoiding Fire Hazards

While it’s time to deck the halls, be careful about your decorations. Read all packages carefully, keep your christmas tree and gifts away from heaters or the fireplace, and don’t overload wall sockets with tons of power strips. While you’re not at home, turn all of your decorative lights off to keep your apartment and your neighbors safe from a fire hazard. And, if you have a real tree, make sure you water it often to keep it from drying out to prevent fires.

5. While You’re Away

If you plan on leaving your apartment for a long period of time for a holiday excursion, make sure you have your mail held at the post office instead of it piling up in the mailbox. Also, have a neighbor keep an eye out for suspicious activity around your apartment. Making it seem as though you are at home and having someone watch your back will prevent mail fraud and break-ins while you’re away.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and your belongings to ensure a joyful holiday season. If you have any other handy holiday tips, share them with us in the comments!

As the temperatures start to drop across the nation, it’s time to switch out your wardrobe. For those of us living in Fayetteville, this definitely means there’s a real winter. So, instead of those flip flops and shorts we love, we now need gloves and hats and scarves. Scarves like the Magic Scarf, of course!

#1. It’s Versatile! …and there are countless ways to wear it.

• Hoodie
• Cowl neck
• Shawl
• Throw it around your neck
• Anyway you can imagine

Just be careful because the magic scarf might eat your head!

What’s a Magic Scarf exactly?
It’s a cleverly designed long tube of fluffy, fuzzy material. The long tube allows it to be worn a variety of ways. You can wear it like a conventional scarf by wrapping it around your neck. Or, if you use your arm to open up the tube and widen it into a circle, you can wear it as a shawl, a hoodie, and anything else you can think of! It’s versatility lies in it’s ability to stretch five times it original width.

#2. It’s Inexpensive!
If you’re searching online, there are a number of retailers that carry this Magic Scarf or a similar product for as little as $7.

#3. You Can Even Make Your Own!
How to Knit a Magic Scarf? Here are a few patterns for the crafty and artistically inclined to try…

• From the Knitlist
• From Bagatell

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For those looking at Fayetteville apartments, a little preparation and investigation during the search process can save major headaches in the long run and help to keep you on budget and sans surprise.

Moving beyond the first month’s rent, which is obviously a given, here are some of the other moving costs than can spring up when you decide to relocate.

5 More Things you’ll Need To Pay For

1. Pre-move in Apartment Fees: The cost of renting an apartment can begin even before you actually start moving in. Application fees are common for apartment complexes and they tend to weed out those who are not serious about taking the apartment. Fees range from around $50 and go up from there. Also, watch out for the credit check fee. Sometimes the application fee will also include a credit check fee and sometimes a credit check will cost an additional amount.

2. Security Deposit/Last Month’s Rent: The security deposit (also sometimes referred to as last month’s rent) is the amount that you hand over to the apartment owners just in case you physically damage the apartment. Ideally, the full amount of the deposit will be returned when you move out, unless your wear and tear on the apartment exceeds the normal. Security deposits are often equal to one month’s rent although they can vary from apartment to apartment.

3. Pet Deposits: Having a pet can often increase the chances of damage to an apartment with claw marks and carpet stains. To reduce the likelihood of incurring additional maintenance costs upon move out, some apartments require an additional pet deposit when a pet is introduced into the apartment. Again, this deposit is ideally returned to the lessee upon move out.

4. Poor Credit Deposit/Upfront Payments: For those with poor credit, some apartment buildings are going to want some extra assurance that all of the financial requirements will continue to be met. This can take the form of an additional deposit or an upfront payment for more than just the first month’s rent.

5. Utilities/Cable/Internet: All of these luxuries that are often taken for granted have to be hooked up at some point. Ask which of these you will need to connect yourself and which ones are already hooked up and/or included in the cost of the rent.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list of the potential fees involved in moving to a new apartment so when in doubt ask. In addition, always make sure to review your rental agreement closely as all hidden fees assessed by the apartment owners will be revealed in its language.

Nutrisystem® – Their slogan is “You’ll eat great, feel full, AND lose weight!” Nutrisystem® allows you to choose from over 120 prepackaged meals and desserts. This company promotes great-tasting food. You select the foods you want and Nutrisystem® brings them right to your door. All that’s left is adding some fresh fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. Another perk to Nutrisystem® is that the plan allows you to eat 5 times a day to stave off cravings.

Jenny Craig® – This company teaches participants to make healthy lifestyle changes to keep the weight off. The company focuses on three key areas: food, body and mind.

Jenny Craig® addresses the three key areas critical to effective weight loss: Food, Body and Mind. You’ll learn portion control and healthy eating, as well as getting active and staying motivated. You can work with a consultant in a local center or try the at-home Jenny Direct® program where the food and program materials are shipped to your doorstep. Jenny Direct® is convenient if you have a busy schedule or don’t want to travel to a local center.

Photo by: Sarah Naut

Weight Watchers® – This is one of the most successful weight loss programs of all time, for people of all ages. Weight Watchers® slogan is “Stop Dieting. Start Living”. The company will teach you how to eat right and live healthy so you can lose weight and keep it off. It is not a diet plan, but a lifestyle change.

Participants attend Weight Watchers® meetings to hear relevant speakers and get weighed-in. You can eat anything you want on Weight Watchers® as long as you don’t exceed your alloted Points for the day. You can track the Points in a journal.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic® – This company’s slogan is ‘Your Goal is Our Goal’ and they’ll help you lose weight through one-on-one counseling, and teaching you new ways of thinking and behaving. They will design a customized plan for you where you can eat regular grocery foods and supplement those foods with special nutrients sold through the program. Mild exercise will be prescribed to help you meet your goal.

To get started without leaving your Fayetteville apartment, check out Weight Loss on the Web – For under a dollar a day you can visit this fully functional interactive diet clinic that offers encouragement and support, while allowing you to maintain your anonymity.

Photo by: Steve & Michelle Gerdes

Curves® is the largest fitness franchise in the world with 10,000 locations worldwide. Their goal is to offer affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women. Curves® believes in a healthy lifestyle with three components: effective exercise, good nutrition and a supportive environment to keep you on track. Participants work out at Curves, in addition to getting a personalized fitness and nutrition plan.

Curves® has launched an online program called Curves Complete®, offering 24-7 access to personalized meal plans, recipes, expert advice and support.

Make Your Choice and Go For It

Choose from the above weight loss plans and get started. Don’t rush losing weight though, most experts agree that slower weight loss is best. One and a half to two pounds a week is considered ideal.

Photo by: Tim Caynes

Text Abbreviations

If you want to be able to text your friends without feeling clueless, you should check out some of the common text message abbreviations below:

LOL – Laugh out loud or lots of love
Tom or 2morro – tomorrow
BTW – By the Way
ILY – I love you
IRL – In real life
NP – No problem
L8R – Later
PLS – Please
THX – Thanks
IDK – I don’t know
ROTFL – Rolling on the floor laughing
STBY – Sucks to be you
WTH – What the heck

Single Letters and Numbers

Sometimes you’ll find a single letter or number that stands for a whole word like the following:

2 – Two, to, or too
R – Are
4 – Four or for
U – You
y – why
? – why or question
C – see
B – be

Photo by: Michael Negus

For Parents

A lot of parents are clueless about the whole instant messaging phenomena. Most kids spend a good deal of time texting and instant messaging on the internet or their phones. And, they’re using abbreviations in their texts that you aren’t familiar with. Check out the top text abbreviations that parents should know when reviewing their child’s texts or instant messages.

And, if you’re really worried about it, you can disable texts on their phones. Just check with your service provider to block text usage for their numbers and they won’t be able to receive or send texts. Also, keep your family computer in a common space in your Fayetteville home so you can monitor their online chating.

How to Text Faster

If you can’t text fast enough to keep up with your friend’s messages, try the following things to increase your texting speed

• Use the predictive text function on your phone.
• Learn how to use abbreviations so you don’t have to tap so many keys.
• Your phone will allow you to store common phrases you use as templates for fast responses.
• If you can’t handle the 9 keypad texting, get a phone with a full keypad.

To learn more about texting and common text abbreviations and phrases, check out the Webopedia page on text messaging.

The SCAMPER technique was invented as a way to help us improve our processes or problems. It works by encouraging you to ask yourself questions and come up with new business ideas. It’s a great method to start brainstorming, lateral thinking and problem solving rolling.

Would you Like to SCAMPER?

S – Substitute

Think about your product or process. Is there something you can substitute or simplify to make an improvement? What would happen if you swapped out the place, time, materials or people?

C – Combine

Would you come up with a different product or process if you combined two or more parts of your problem? Where can you build synergy by combining materials, people, processes or components?

A- Adapt

Could you adapt part of the product or process to solve the problem or change the nature of the product/process? What could be changed?

M – Modify

Consider changing or distorting the current situation in an unusual way. What would happen if you exaggerated a feature or process?

P – Put to Other Purposes

Could you use your current process or product for other purposes? Could you reuse something you already have to solve another problem or break into another market?

E – Eliminate

Is there a different way to tackle the problem by eliminating part of the process or product? What would happen if you removed part of it? Are there other ways to achieve your solution?

R – Reverse

In order to see your problem from different angles, try reversing or rearranging the problem or process. How would it work if you did it the other way around?

More Brainstorming Information

You can find out more about the SCAMPER method and other brainstorming methods by reading Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques by Michael Michalko

Everyone knows the basics of apartment safety… like keeping your doors locked when you’re home or having someone look after the apartment when you’re gone for a long time. On the other hand, not as many people know about all of the safety devices that can really help with keeping you and your apartment safe when you’re there or not.

Photo By: Foggydave

Gadget #1: The Door Stop Alarm

This home security device is a great thing to have in your apartment for when you’re away during the day and when you travel. It has the same shape as a regular doorstop but it also contains a 125-decibel alarm inside. You’d use it to block the door and if it’s opened or rattled, the alarm will sound.

Gadget #2: Dummy Security Camera

It seems like a simple idea but dummy security cameras do fake potentials criminals out all the time. Nobody wants to be caught on camera after all. The trick is to put it in a position where it would make sense for a camera to be. In apartments this can be a bit trickier because apartment living rooms are rarely places where safety devices like cameras are positioned. If you have an outside patio, they make great places to position the dummy camera.

Photo By: Matildalavender

Gadget #3: Thermometer Key Hider

It’s not exactly safe, but some people need to keep an extra key hidden somewhere around their front door. The problem is, there just aren’t that many good places to hide a key near a front door. Avoid putting one under the mat by picking up a thermometer key hider. This gadget hides your key on the backside of the fully functioning thermometer. Much Less conspicuous than hiding under a paver or doormat.

Photo By: Jasoneppink

Gadget #4: ‘Secret Compartment’ Water Bottle

Although the goal is obviously to never have a break in, if there ever is one it can be a good idea to have your most valuable possessions hidden. One great solution for this is the Secret Compartment Water Bottle. Hide your valuables in what looks to be an ordinary water bottle to everyone else. To you, it’s an easily accessible security space. You’ll just have to make sure this small safe with your valuables isn’t mistaken for trash and thrown away!

When it comes to home safety, using some of these simple tips can keep you better prepared than any potential thief. Don’t forget the other commonsense steps you can take as well, like putting chimes on your windows. These low-tech methods are also helpful in alerting you to anyone trying to make an unwanted entry.

So, If you want to get in the autumn spirit and transform your space in the process, here are a few ideas to use pumpkins in your apartment home décor.

Photo by: Paul Moody

How to Incorporate Pumpkins in Seasonal Decorations

Color -There are countless ways that you can evoke a fall feeling in your apartment. Bring in the rich color of pumpkin, a combination of the sensuality of red and the vitality of yellow. Pumpkin is in the warm color tones and can be a stimulant for socializing or appetite.

Accessories – Another way to subtly add an autumn ambiance to your home is to use pumpkins as accessories. Think outside-of-the-box and choose special pumpkin accessories like harvest-themed plates with pumpkins on them, or autumn artwork and prints to fill wall space.

Fragrances – For the severely designed-challenged who still desire fall accents, start small with simple changes. Try buying pumpkin spice candles or aromatherapy oils that are pumpkin scented.

Photo by: Zsuzsanna