Why do YOU Love Living at Cedar Commons?

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Decorating Your Apartment: Part One

Decorating doesn’t have to be as scary as you think. Begin by selecting the style that best suites you and work your way from there. Use this guide to help you with all of your decorating endeavors. We're sharing Part One here but stay tuned for Part Two for more styles!

Contemporary

Contemporary is really a fancy name for a combination of many popular decorating styles. Most contemporary looks consist of clean, sleek lines, simple accents, and neutral colors with a few bold accents. Most apartments that feature this style have an open, spacious layout so that it is easier to blend each area of the home together. You may choose to use ultra dark wood or very light wood depending on the feel you are going for. You want your home to feel clean, airy, and simple yet sophisticated when you are finished with your design. Try finding furniture with a neutral color scheme and accessorize with accents of color. This way you can change your design as often as you wish without breaking the bank. Always take the “less is more” approach with contemporary design.

Cottage

If feeling cozy, comfortable and relaxed in your home then cottage design may be for you. This design style allows you to really express your personality and allows your guests to feel warm and welcomed in your home. You may want to consider drawing inspiration from the beach, country fields, or other parts of the natural landscape that surrounds you. Cottage design is often inspired by nature due to the fact that nature has many calming, relaxing sceneries to offer. Colors that are often used in cottage style design include soft blues, greens, yellows and whites. If you want your home to be cohesive yet stylish while still having a “lived in” look then cottage design should suite you well.

Traditional

While trends come and go, traditional design always remains the most popular style for homes across America. Traditional design is influenced by English and French design and usually exudes elegance, warmth and classical elements. Homes in the 18^th and 19^th century began using this style to help determine social classes within the household. Don’t let that fool you though, traditional design may look expensive, but can be pulled off for a lot less than you would think.

Visit our Facebook page for more information on design trends, styles and tips!

March means spring fever, and the promise of warmer days ahead!

March is upon us and definitely gives us spring fever. Unfortunately, it has been known for its reputation as the snowiest month. The light at the end of the snow tunnel though is that March at least gives us spring teasers of 60 degrees and sunny days! So, take advantage of those days and start some spring activities.

Try a test run of some summer recipes on your grill outside or start concocting some festive beverages for the upcoming season. If it's a rainy or snowy day, stay indoors and get started on some early spring cleaning or rearranging.

March is also known for St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not, it's a reason to celebrate! Be festive and try some green recipes for meals, desserts or drinks. One of our favorite recipes at Cedar Commons in light of St. Patty's Day is a fun Green Eggs and Ham appetizer (a.k.a. festive deviled eggs). You can print or follow the quick and simple recipe here at http://www.food.com/recipe/lindas-green-eggs-and-ham-appetizers-260558.

Have a great St. Patrick's Day and enjoy your new dish! And remember, Spring is just around the corner so savor these last weeks of winter and snow, if you must.

Turn February Blues into Cupid's Woos

February can be a dull and dreary month – with the coldest temperatures and the most snow. (A fact proven especially true this year!) However, we can make it a more exciting and happy month to get through. Not only is it the shortest month of the year, but we also have Valentine's Day to look forward to.

Be creative this Valentine's Day and make your love a special card or project. Everyone has a Valentine, whether it's your significant other, a secret admirer or love interest, or a favorite family member, friend or co-worker. Make that special someone's day with flowers, candy or a simple card to express your love and appreciation to them in your life!

Also, President's Day is Monday, February 21st, so kids and some occupations get a long weekend, while the Greece Central School District gets the whole week off for their February recess. Enjoy the break, kids. This is a great time to take advantage of some snow fun like sledding or skiing, or escape the winter and head south for a vacation.

Hope this gives you a fun-filled February to look forward to and to all our residents, have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

~Kelli Jean

Start The New Year Off With New Decor!

With the new year now in full swing and resolution promises put forth, there are many new and exciting things to look forward to, especially for your home.

At Cedar Commons, we strive to make sure you feel comfortable in your home and leave the decorating up to you! So this new year, embark on new decorating ideas for your apartment. You are free to hang up any wall decor, and even paint your walls. Just ask our friendly office staff for more details on painting. You can find great and inexpensive decorating ideas at http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/index.html.

If you don’t feel like tackling a new decorating approach and still want a change for 2011, simply rearrange your furniture for some exciting interior design changes. With the large spacious rooms at Cedar Commons, there are many ways to set up your living, dining, and bedrooms. For some arrangement ideas you can search "feng shui" to get some great tips!

We hope you enjoy your home and make it more unique to fit your style.

Welcome home to all of our new residents and everyone have a very happy New Year!

Some Holiday Cheer to Make Your Season Sparkle!

Here are a couple holiday treat recipes for you to try. They are great for entertaining, or simple enough for a quick dinner to throw together. Hope you enjoy them with your family and friends to spread some holiday cheer!

Cherry, Almond and Herb Salad
(Food Network, Aida Mollencamp)

Ingredients
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
* 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
* 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
* 5 ounces washed and dried lamb's lettuce, stemmed (aka corn salad or mache)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup dried tart cherries

Directions
In a small skillet, toast the sliced almonds until just browned; set aside.

Combine the herbs and lettuce in a bowl and toss to combine; set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar and season well with salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat. Taste, adjust seasoning as needed. Top with the cherries and almonds and serve immediately.

Pair this salad with a nice cup of cheer, for those over 21 years of age: Pomegranate Tea Punch

Diageo Cocktails

Ingredients
* 1 oz Smirnoff Savannah Tea
* 1/2 oz Stirrings Pomegranate Liqueur
* 1 oz Ginger Ale

Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher with plenty of ice. Stir and serve!

And finally, top off your palate with this delicious dessert from the Food Network’s Sandra Lee:

Raspberry Trifle with Rum Sauce

Ingredients
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
* 3/4 teaspoon imitation rum extract
* 3 tablespoons water
* 1/2 cup raspberry jam
* 1 frozen pound cake (12-ounce), thawed and cut into quarter-size cubes
* 3 containers (4 ounces each) refrigerated prepared vanilla pudding
* Fresh raspberries, for garnish

Directions
Heat butter in a large glass bowl in microwave on high until melted, about 30 seconds.

Whisk in confectioners' sugar, rum extract, and water, stirring to form a smooth sauce.

Heat jam in a small glass bowl in microwave on high until just melted, about 30 seconds.

In six small bowls or wineglasses, evenly distribute pound cake cubes. Pack cubes down slightly. Drizzle rum sauce and jam evenly over each. Spoon 3 tablespoons of pudding evenly over each.

Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Garnish with raspberries and serve.

Have a very Happy Holidays from our family at Cedar Commons Apartments to yours!!

Why we love working for Riedman Development

Cedar Commons Apartments is a great place to work. Riedman Development offers many incentives to the residents as well as prospective tenants, and also cares for their staff very well.

For example, one of the reasons that the maintenance and office staff enjoys working for the company is that they are able to take advantage of living on-site! This is a plus for the residents as well since it makes it seem like we’re one big family at Cedar Commons Apartments. The office personnel love living on-site and enjoy the many perks of living where they work – especially in the winter when they can simply walk to work. The maintenance team also enjoys the benefits of residing here, since it makes the 24/7 emergency maintenance service more convenient for everyone.

Cedar Commons is a great place to not only live, but also work at and enjoy the many advantages of work and life combined!