Coffee and Cats? What Could Possibly Be Better

Image courtesy of jxson

The rumor-mill has been working overtime concerning the Cat Cafe that opened up in early January in our beloved San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. This article from writer, Erin Jackson, at thrillist.com has the answers to all the questions we're sure you want to know. See you there!

1. It's not just gimmickry, it actually serves excellent coffee

Sure, The Cat Cafe could probably get away with slinging a mediocre brew — since, let’s face it: the cats are the main draw — but it doesn't. Espresso beans come from Cafe Virtuoso; drip beans come from West Coast Coffee Roasters. Drink prices are similar to other coffee shops, which again, generally have an alarming lack of cats. There’s also free Wi-Fi, which presumably goes largely towards cat videos.

2. Five cats live here, but more could be on the way

Right now, a quintet of felines have the run of the joint, but owner Tony Wang says he would like to have as many as 10 cats roaming the cafe. That’s five potential cats for each hand: a crazy cat lady (or man’s) paradise!

3. Despite being around so much caffeine, these cats are super chill

The Cat Cafe works in partnership with the San Diego Humane Society to find adoptable cats who will be comfortable in the cafe environment. The cats that are currently in the cafe range in age from nine months to three-years-old, and from friendly to... REALLY friendly! Check out their bios here.

4. You can take them home with you

Well, don't just like, walk out with one, but go through the proper channels and they can be yours. All of the cats have been spayed or neutered and are up to date on their vaccinations, which means if you fall in love with one of them, you can take him or her home (on the same day!). Adoption fees are the same as you’d pay at The Humane Society ($65 for adult cats; $95 for kittens). The adoption paperwork generally takes about 30 minutes, and checks are the preferred method of payment. When you take a cat home, you’ll also get a free box of goodies from PetBox.

5. If you want to just keep it casual, no judgments

Not ready to make a long-term commitment? That’s cool. These cats are totally okay with that! In fact, the only strings they’re interested in are the ones you dangle above their heads. Yes, we realize that's actually a feather in the photo, but there aren't enough feather-puns that also apply to relationships.

Love Your Color

Image courtesy of Boa-Franc

Changing the feel of your apartment can be as simple as playing the color-scheme in your place. So rather than going renovation crazy, you can simply update a few accessories by following the color coordination tips below, (courtesy of renters.apartments.com).

First thing to know are the 6 different types of color schemes; monochromatic, complementary, split-complementary, double-complementary, triad and analogous.

Second thing to know is the color wheel. They're all the same when you search them on Google Images.

Third thing to know is that red, blue and yellow are your primary colors while green, orange and purple are secondary. Everything else falls into place.

Monochromatic
If you can just remember that mono- is a prefix meaning "single" or "one" you'll be able to remember this one super easily. A monochromatic scheme is pretty much when you've taken your space and applied various hues or tints of the same shade. I think this idea works super well in a laundry room or bathroom; something you don't plan on changing for a while but want to have a nice feel and flavor in. I also say that the best way to pull off this scheme is to keep the walls either a cream, white or grey base color. Painting the ceiling a shade from this scale can really bring a nice pop without having an overdose of color.

Complementary
Everyone remembers complementary colors from their elementary art class. To make this scheme you pick one color from the color wheel and match it to the color directly across from it. Examples would be Christmas (red and green) or the University of Illinois (blue and orange.) My advice on this is to remember that your primary and secondary colors all come in so many different shades, and you really need to remember that. I struggled with only imagining bright orange and royal blue, which can look okay but is also a very bold jump if you've kept to basic colors the whole time. An idea to start this off in a very calm way is to pastel one of your colors and make the other be bold. Baby powder blue with bold orange? Pastel yellow with a rich plum? Yes and yes please.

Split-Complementary
This is where we're treading waters; in a split-complementary scheme you pick your base color you want to deal with, find it's complement and then use the two colors next to it on either side of the wheel. For example, if I chose a blue-green as my base color, my split-complement scheme would include blue-green, orange and red. Typically the farther down I'll go on this list the bolder your scheme will become, and split-complementary is no exception. My suggestion would be to take your base color as a wall coating, utilize one split color in the furniture and then the second as just a splash in either the curtains, rug or throws.

Double-Complementary
By definition a double-complementary scheme is "four colors arranged into two complementary color pairs." Chances are you'll never perfect this in a way you'll love (unless you're a BIG risk taker.) The best way I can help you visualize this is with a teenage girls room; teal and red-orange (burnt orange) paired with yellow-green and a red-violet (deep pink.) This scheme is super hard to harmonize correctly but can be done well in an apartment, as it actually allows for you to pick a bunch of colors to have in maybe a bed spread or in a kitchen, especially if you have neutral walls.

Triad
This one's simple to remember, the prefix tri- means "three." Three colors on the wheel that are equally spaced from each other will create this funky theme. Easily enough this combo could just as easily be your primary or secondary colors just grouped together as normal. This example is the featured image of this post, which I stumbled upon during my class and fell in love with.

Analogous
Last but not least we have analogous, which is simply just colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. One of the most popular choices of this scheme tends to be usage of your blues, greens and yellow-greens. However, with the way the wheel works this is your best choice if you want a little variety, but something not quite as bold of funky as the above mentioned.

Bust Bad Decor Habits

Image courtesy of Stacie

Feeling at home in your San Diego apartment is all about the personality you put into your home. Though it doesn't seem like it should make a big difference, the care and consideration you take in your decorations can make a lasting impact on how much time you spend in your abode.

In order to get the most out of your decor, take a look at this advice from writer, Adrienne Breaux, from Apartment Therapy. She breaks down some of the most common bad habits renters succumb to that forces their decor to suffer. Do you struggle with any of these bad habits?

1. You aren't considering "home stuff" in your budget

No I don't mean you're not budgeting for utility bills and other emergency things — that's stuff many of us have been trained to consider when working on our budgets. What we're talking about is not considering how much money you want to invest into making your home better. Considering making room in your budget for these kinds of expenditures (whether decorative or functional, like storage solutions) ahead of time means you're thinking about it — and that will help those who tend to go a little overboard control their spending better and those who tend to be a little too tight-fisted make sure they meet design goals (by allowing themselves to splurge on decor from time-to-time).

2. You're not getting creative and thinking outside of the box

Before you buy anything and most especially before you buy anything that kind of works but not quite how you would like it to, ask yourself whether or not you can DIY something better or get a little weird and creative to fit exactly what you're looking for. It's about taking a moment (or three) to consider alternatives — not just jumping on the first/easiest/same as you always choose solutions that come to mind. Allowing yourself and your creativity to expand a bit in all directions, design choice by design choice, will make a marked difference on your home in the long run.

3. You're trying to be like someone else

One of the biggest compliments you can get about your home is for someone to walk in and say "this looks like you," because that means you're expressing your true likes and dislikes and crafting a home that fits your personality. The benefit of a home like this? Not only will it be completely unique, but it'll be ultra peaceful and recharging — you'll find untold wells of strength in a space you don't have to pretend to be someone else in.

4. You're holding on to furniture and decor that no longer serves you

This can be a tough one because like, who out there is made of money and can throw away perfectly decent furniture? We're not saying throw it away though. But don't hold on to it if it just doesn't work for you, either. Sell furniture that you no longer like, even if you don't have something else you want to replace that hole with. Leaving a spot blank in your home will allow yourself to be open to whatever new and wonderful thing has been waiting to find its way home to your home. Trade furniture with friends if you both have matching needs met by the other person's stuff. Or hack and saw away at furniture pieces, stripping them of their former styles and functions, to reshape them into powerful symbols of the new look you want to project with your home. The very last thing you want to do is live intimately with a piece of furniture that just only makes you go "meh."

5. You're not shaking up your style enough/often

Make no mistake — "shaking up your style" doesn't have to mean wallpapering your ceiling or painting the baseboards red. We've all got our own definitions of what "wild" is. And wild isn't even what we're saying you should go for. What you should aim to do is push yourself — stagnant spaces don't just suck, they suck the energy out of your home a little bit each day. Finding the places that you let fear hold you back or cling to comfort too tightly can help you bust through any self-imposed limitations to find new looks, colors, functions, storage solutions, styles and more that make your life infinitely better.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Image courtesy of Amanda

The big game is just around the corner! Regardless of whether you're a Seahawks enthusiast, a Patriots fan or just there watching the commercials, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion in your San Diego apartment.

If you're having trouble getting pumped up for the main event we've got you covered! Take a look at these ideas from renters.apartments.com will make your Superbowl gathering a touchdown!

Go To a Friends: Cook up a couple of dishes, bring over a case of beer and enjoy the big game! Make sure that you are going to a party with the right crowd though. If you are a Seahawks fan and end up in enemy territory, this could make for an uncomfortable evening. The nice aspect of going to a friend’s home is that you don’t have to stress about throwing your own party and cleaning up afterwards.

Find a Sports Bar: The best atmosphere to watch the big game can be that dive bar down the street from your apartment. Everyone is going to be into the game at the bar so the atmosphere will be top notch. Not to mention, they probably have AMAZING grilled cheese and French Fries, which is hard to pass up. When you go to a sports bar, you don’t have to feel the pressure of staying for the entire game either, which is very nice, especially when it is a blowout! Just remember, under no circumstance should you drink and drive! Make sure to find a designated driver or get an Uber if you need a lift home.

The Patriots or Seahawks will be deemed the Super Bowl champions on the evening of February 1st. Let’s be honest though, the true champions are the hosts that throw an awesome Super Bowl party at their home! When friends and family think back to a memorable game, they instantly remember where they were at watching that big catch or tackle. Why not make your apartment the destination for the 2015 Super Bowl?

Below are tips on how to throw an amazing Super Bowl bash:

Party Games
Not everyone is a fan of the Patriots or Seahawks. Having games where a prize can be rewarded for predicting the score is the perfect way to keep everyone glued to the television set. Super Bowl Squares is one of the most popular, where numbers are randomly drawn to represent the score of the game. If you get the right numbers you could be the lucky winner!

Food/Drinks
Just because you are throwing a party doesn’t mean that you are required to make all of the food! Be sure to coordinate with the friends that you are inviting what food dishesthey should bring over. From nacho dip to pigs in a blanket to potato chips, there will be a wide variety of great grub if this is coordinate correctly. Don’t forget to arrange what drinks are needed as the party host should not be required to provide all of the beer and liquor.

Social Media
If you are throwing a party with a lot of people, how can you not incorporate social media into the mix nowadays? You should provide incentive for everyone in attendance that whoever receives the most social media interaction on a picture from the party will receive a $25 gift card. This will make everyone come up with very clever photograph that people will be talking about all night.

Decorations
When people walk into your apartment, they should be excited for the Super Bowl and nice decorations are the perfect way to convey this. Just look at how nice of a job the NFL does with decorating the end zones of each team during the Super Bowl! Make sure to invest energy into getting football themed napkins, plates and balloons; it will make a big difference! Not to mention, those social media pictures will just be that much better J

Unless you are a huge Seattle or New England fan, the 2015 Super Bowl should be enjoyed with friends and family. Whether you will watch it at a friends home, a bar or throw your own bash, have a blast and enjoy the big game and the great commercials that go along with it!

Breathe Easy At Home

Image courtesy of Shawn Rossi

Did you know the air in your home may actually be more polluted than the air you breathe outside? With household cleaners, dust from your air conditioner and a number of other 'pollutants,' floating around, it's no wonder you sneeze so much!

There are simple ways to increase the quality of the air in your home. These ides from writer, Kimber Watson, at Apartment Therapy will have you breathing easy at home in no time.

A Himalayan Salt Lamp: When the 200-million-year-old crystalized salt is heated by the small bulb inside, it releases negative ions which are known to neutralize pollutants in the air. They are sold in many different sizes and shapes, so it's wise to find a lamp with a weight that is appropriate for the size of the room it will be used in.

This was the only thing I asked for on my Christmas wish list this year, and I got it! Even if the lamp didn't do a darn thing, the warm glow emitted is quite beautiful to look at and could also serve as a nightlight in a child's room.

Bamboo Charcoal: Charcoal has long been used in our filters to purify water, and it's also popping up in beauty products everywhere. And charcoal can have the same toxin-removing effects on air. Moso air purifying bags are bags made of linen and filled with high-density bamboo charcoal. The porous structure of the charcoal helps remove bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from the air and absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew by trapping the impurities inside each pore. Rejuvenate the bamboo charcoal by simply placing the bag in the sun once a month. Amazon carries a variety of Moso bags.

Beeswax Candles: Unlike regular paraffin candles that are derived from petroleum, pure beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. Like the salt lamp, they also release negative ions in the air and may be beneficial to those with asthma or allergies by eliminating common allergens like dust and dander. While they may cost more than traditional candles, beeswax burns much slower so they will last much longer.

Houseplants: We've known for ages that plants literally help you breath better by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing clean oxygen. But, according to a study by NASA, certain plants are better at eliminating significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene than others. According to the study, the top workhorse plants for air purification are Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, Lady Palm and Spider Plant. It's suggested that you have at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning to be accomplished.

Plant Air Purifier: So this one is a bit more pricey than the other suggestions, but if you really want to step up your plant-purifying A-game, then perhaps the Plant Air Purifier is for you. Designed by a NASA scientist, it uses a common houseplant in hydroculture to clean the air. A fan is used to increase the circulation of air through the growing media (which contains activated carbon that's responsible for some of the reported pollutant removal). The Plant Air Purifier has the cleaning power of 100 or more standard houseplants! A smaller version is also in the works, which can clean a room in just an hour and is quite reasonably priced at $99.

Feng Shui 101

(Image courtesy of Amie Fedora)

We get it - everyone wants to be able to feel like they're able to relax at home in their beautiful San Diego apartments. But how can you make your space more comfortable than it already is?

Feung Shui could be the answer you're looking for! In the Chinese tradition, feung shui is a system of laws thought to help direct the flow of energy in a space. Paying attention to a few principles from this complex set of rules may be just the answer you're looking for. Take a look at these few pointers from writer, Jennifer Hunter, at Apartment Therapy to get you started. 

Get yourself some gold

The color gold represents — what else? — abundance, but the shiny surface is also energizing and creates confidence so make it your main metallic to attract wealth. Why not?

Freshen up

Finding a freshening ritual to perform when you're feeling negative is key to turning your day around. Lonny suggests beeswax candles, sage or lavender, but we think that no matter what you choose to use, taking a moment to relax and reset when you're feeling down will go a long way towards freshening up your whole attitude.

Use colors

You don't have to tell us twice! A range of different colors in a space brings harmony and gives you a lift when you're feeling depleted. Yes and yes. You certainly don't need an expert to tell you this one is true.

Don't store clutter under the bed

Apparently, it doesn't allow energy to circulate while you sleep. Kind of a bummer storage-wise but, if you are able to clear that clutter, you'll no doubt feel lighter and brighter and free of all that stuff dragging your energy down.

Bright and upward facing light

We know a properly lit room just makes us feel better, and now we know why. Bright light and light that points upwards enhances energy and beats the blues, especially during these dark winter days.

Want more? See further discussion of these (and more!) ideas over at Lonny.

Promise Yourself A Better 2015

(Image courtesy of Reykjavic Apartments)

2015 is here and it's a year for change! Rather than succumbing to the same tired routine of making promises to yourself for sweeping changes that you'll abandon in a few weeks time, this year make a few small changes that'll be sure to make you more comfortable at home.

If you need a little inspiration to get you started in the right direction, writer Adrienne Breaux, from Apartment Therapy, has just a few ideas. These small changes are sure to change your life in a big way over the course of the following year. Give some of these a try and let us know if they work for you.

You'll try out new home cleaning/organizing/bettering ideas to find the right ones that work for your home (and you)

Whether it's wanting to finally master/discover a cleaning schedule that works for you, to whatever goals around the home you're aiming for — wake up early! Stay clutter-free! Entertain more! — promise you'll keep trying out new ideas until you find one that works for you? Don't just assume you're a hopeless case, or that maybe something you really want (like a house that doesn't stress you out) is out of your reach. It might just be taking you a bit longer to find your stride than others, but you're not in competition with anyone but yourself, and you can go on your own path (however wavy and back-track-y it is) as slowly as you need to. Don't give up!

You won't stick with ideas that aren't right for you
Sticking with a plan/ideas/cleaning schedule that OBVIOUSLY isn't for you isn't just going to not work, it's going to make you feel crappy about yourself, sap your motivation, and in general be useless. So "do you" this year — know who you are, how you work best — and don't beat yourself up over not being a morning person who can wake up at 5am and clean your entire house. When you feel something not working, toss it and go back to the first promise in this post.

You'll make the best choice, one decision at a time
Each new year brings about LOTS of things you can choose to change your life at home for the better. Like waking up earlier. Not Instagraming until exhaustion every night. Doing the dishes as soon as you finish eating. Promising yourself to declutter on the regular. But instead of saying you're going to do it ALL perfectly right out the gate for the entire year (hello, pressure), why not just promise yourself to take it one decision at a time, and try to make the best choice you can each time you're faced with a decision?

Faced with the choice of watching Netflix for another hour or getting another hour of sleep? Close that laptop no matter how appealing it is. Could use an extra five minutes to straighten up your living room or peruse Instagram? Try to choose those actions that will have positive impacts on your future, even if that clashes with stuff you'd rather be doing in the present!

You'll be grateful for the good things, and be extra grateful for the crummy things
It's easy to be grateful for big open windows that let lots of light in. Wood floors. And all the wonderful things that make living at home a lovely and delightful experience. But what's harder — but perhaps even more vital to practice — is being grateful for the kind of crummy things. Why? Because it gets you into the important practice of seeing that tough, crummy things teach us the best lessons.

Being grateful for ample space for all your stuff is fine, but being grateful for a tiny home that's not enough room for all your stuff but makes you get creative and regularly declutter could be even better! Loving your neighborhood is peachy, but loving that you had to move into your not-favorite neighborhood but have now explored a new part of your city is even funner, no? Just remember to thank those lesson-teaching elements to your home this year, too.