Perfectly Placed Pumpkins

The Cedar Commons staff loves this time a year. The trees in our complex are changing and the fall smell is in the air.  It is also the time of year where we see a lot of our residents putting out pumpkins or using holiday decorations up. Believe it or not, there are so many different things that you can do with a pumpkin and we would like to share some ideas with you!

Try taking an ordinary pumpkin, wrapping it in any duct tape you like and wha-la!! You have added a whole new look to an old school tradition. 

A trend we have also seen a lot of this year is making your pumpkin carving into a diorama.  Simply hollow out a pumpkin, cut a large hole on one entire side of it and let your imagination create an inside scenery! 

If you are looking for a more conservative look to your pumpkin display, try carving something simple with a twist like adding a flower arrangement on top or add some fall garland to your pumpkin display. Place your completed pumpkin outside your apartment or on your window ledge to let the whole complex see what you created!!

For more information about Cedar Commons Apartments, an apartment community located in Rochester, NY, visit www.cedarcommonsapts.com.

Fall Home Decor and Storage Tips

Cooler weather and heavier clothes means fall is around the corner.  We find ourselves needing more space in our apartments.  We have added some saving tips!

 STORAGE:

• Put up shelves behind closet and bedroom doors to store some of those holiday decorations or to just make organizing that much simpler!!              

• Hanging baskets are always a useful idea when you have just run out of counter top or cupboard space. Try it in the bathroom for extra linins or cosmetics or in the kitchen for hand towels or small kitchen gadgets. The possibilities could be endless!!  

• Need more space for shower items? Try hanging a shower rod on the other side of the curtain with a basket for everyone!

• Are the dishes taking up too much room? Try adding a hanging shelf to any cupboard. They work to store extra plates as well!!

HOME DECOR: 

• Tired of carved pumpkins?  Pumpkins just as they are are great to decorate the inside of your apartment with.

• Do you have extra candles around the house? Fall-up your home by taking the leaves off at the end of fall to use for another time of year!

• Decorate your coffee table, end table or pass through counter with a beautiful center piece that will definitely add a little something extra to your home.

• Make use of your living room or dining room ledge.  Decorating your mantel with fall decorations will work in the same way.

• This is our personal favorite! We have done this many times before; it’s easy and looks beautiful!  Especially when it is the only thing lit up.

For more information at Cedar Commons Apartments, please visit our website or call 585-621-3100.

Fall Has Officially Arrived!

Fall has officially arrived.  What does that mean to you?  Pumpkin patches, apple cider, football, hot chocolate and Halloween come to our minds! 

Breathe in the beautiful crisp air and make your way to some local pumpkin farms to kick off the season right.  Here are some area farms to check out:

• Green Acre Fruit Farm, 3460 Latta Rd. 14612
• Zarpentine Farms, 163 Burritt Rd. 14468
• Kelly’s Farm Market, 611 Old Wilder Rd. 14468
• Whittier Fruit Farm, 219 Whittier Rd. 14624 

Don’t forget about the corn mazes and hayrides as well this season! 

Also, a popular autumn event to check out is the Hilton Apple Fest, running September 29^th and 30^th, 10:00AM-5:00PM.

For some other festive fall ideas and activities throughout the greater Rochester area, check out this web site and also get some coupons for admissions to certain events.

http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/halloween-greater-rochester-ny

Happy fall to all!

Why do YOU Love Living at Cedar Commons?

Put your writing skills into action for our Facebook contest and WIN BIG! Great prizes are available if your "Why I Love Living at Cedar Commons" submission wins! For more information, visit us on Facebook.

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