Affordable Ways to Update Your Apartment (In a Big Way!)

You may think you need to spend big bucks to revamp your apartment's decor, but that's not always the case. Lucky for budget-conscious renters, there are a number of ways to make a big impact on your apartment's decor without overspending. Here are just a few affordable updates that will breathe new life into your living space.

  1. Add a new rug. To change the whole feel of your living room or bedroom, switch out your rug with something completely different. Simply choose something in a different color or more elaborate pattern — just make sure that it still coordinates with the rest of your furniture.
  2. Brighten things up. Let in natural light by switching out all of the window treatments in your home. Instead of using blackout curtains or heavy drapes, add light, sheer curtains that maximize the sunlight.
  3. Throw around some pops of color. If your bedroom or living room is looking a bit drab, try adding mix-and-matched throw pillows to make things feel more exciting. You can also toss a bright throw blanket over the arm of a chair or the back of a sofa to tie it all together.
  4. Hang some low-priced artwork. Search local thrift stores for new-to-you pieces or create your own DIY artwork to transform your rental into a home. Whether you arrange them into a gallery wall or hang simple statement pieces, wall art makes a big impact.

30 Ways To Upgrade Your Rental Apartment [Style Caster]

Cruise Along the Mississippi River Aboard the ‘Belle of Louisville’

For over 100 years, the Belle of Louisville has been offering sightseeing tours of the Mississippi. The Belle of Louisville began as a daytime ferry and nighttime freighter in 1914 and is the oldest operating steamboat in the world. It sports a ballroom deck, cafe, and full-service bar, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. You can choose to enjoy a buffet meal while on board or simply take in the sights as the river steamboat sails along the coast.

In addition to the lunch and dinner cruises, the Belle of Louisville, along with its smaller sister boat, the Spirit of Jefferson, are both available for special events including weddings, proms, and other social events. Furthermore, for a variety of national holidays, the ships offer themed cruises along with brunch. Regardless of when you go, be sure to bring your camera as the views are not to be missed.

Belle of Louisville
401 W River Rd
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-2992
www.belleoflouisville.org/index.html

How to Use Color to Brighten Your Home at Avana Southgate

It’s not uncommon for renters to have restrictions when it comes to making changes to the look of the unit; however, there are a number of other ways to brighten up your space without the use of paint. Here are just a few!

  1. Add a pop of color in the kitchen by mixing and matching brightly hued chairs with a neutral table. Paint your existing set in a bright yellow, rich navy blue, or trendy turquoise.
  2. Set out vases of fresh flowers throughout your home for an all-natural burst of color. Think daisies, hydrangeas, and tulips in equally colorful vases.
  3. Top your bed and sofa with a variety of mismatched throw pillows in complementary hues. While they don’t all have to match completely, choosing one color scheme will help you to keep things looking stylish.
  4. Add artwork from local thrift stores and home decor shops housed in painted frames. You can also try a “dipped” look by painting the entire bottom half of the painting and frame in one bright shade.
  5. Add removable wallpaper that you can easily peel off when your lease is up. Use a floral or striped style on one accent wall for a magazine-worthy look.

20 Ways to Add Color to Your Home Without Painting [Brit + Co]
Top 10 Tips for Adding Color to Your Space [HGTV]
7 Ways to Add Color to Your Dining Room [Dwell]

Can You Handle the Heat of the Spicy Fried Chicken at Joella’s?

If you are looking for a different dining experience, then look no further than Joella’s. This casual eatery features "hot chicken," which is Southern fried chicken with a spicy kick. You decide, on a scale of one to six, how spicy you want it. You can get it as a meal with or without a waffle.

Most of the meals come with two sides; therefore, it is recommended that you go to Joella’s with friends because it is quite difficult to decide on just two! On the menu is macaroni and cheese, kale salad, and parmesan fries, to name a few. The more friends, the more sides you can enjoy.

In addition, bringing additional people along will allow you to feel less guilty about ordering the Nutella poppers for dessert. Anyone who has tried them will tell you they are addictive. If the hot chicken does not have you coming back for more, the Nutella poppers will!

Joella’s
3400 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 895-2235
www.joellashotchicken.com

Jack Fry’s: Classic American Dining in a Historic Setting

Jack Fry’s is a historic Louisville restaurant and city staple. The space now occupied by the classic American-style restaurant was once a business run by Jack Fry and his wife, Flossie, opened in 1933.

The restaurant has won multiple awards, including “Best of Louisville” and “Best Fine Dining.” The menu centers around upscale, classic American dishes, like pork tenderloin, New York Strip, roasted chicken, and a standard hamburger. At lunch, patrons can enjoy soup, salad, and a limited number of entrees. The ambiance makes for an ideal setting for a special occasion or celebration. The atmosphere is romantic, with low lighting, white tablecloths, and tons of old photographs from Jack Fry’s life flooding the walls.

Reservations are encouraged, as it can be hard to snag a table, especially on the weekends!

Jack Fry’s
1007 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 452-9244
www.jackfrys.com

Simple Ways to Cut Costs in the Home — and Out

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs on everyday items around the home and in your day-to-day life, these simple tips can help you get started.

  1. Lower your thermostat. When you leave for work for the day, turn down your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees (or switch off the air conditioner in the summer). This could lower your bill up to 15% throughout the year. Also, consider applying inexpensive shrink film to your windows during the winter for added insulation.
  2. Stop speeding. To save money on gas, drive the speed limit instead of over it. This can raise your fuel efficiency by up to 17%!
  3. Make coffee at home. This also goes for eating out, grabbing a snack, or going out for happy hour after work—limit these outings to once or twice a week instead of every day.
  4. Check the thrift store. Before you buy something new, such as an air conditioner or a winter coat, visit the thrift store or consignment shop first. You could save a great deal of money on something that’s in perfect condition!

5 big bills you can cut fast [Bankrate]
Lower Your Monthly Bills Checklist [Real Simple]
30 Ways To Cut Your Monthly Expenses [Lifehack]

What Treasures Will You Discover at The Crazy Daisy Antique Mall?

If you like vintage, then you are going to love The Crazy Daisy Antique Mall. This place is like a treasure trove of antiques and vintage items. Every time you think you have finished shopping, you will stumble upon another vendor with more unique, vintage items that you want to buy.

You can get anything from records and clothing to furniture and tchotchkes, as well as a wide array of collectibles. ​The Crazy Daisy Antique Mall is set up like a boutique, neat and orderly. If a product is not in perfect condition, it can be found in the basement, where if you are willing to put up with a few dings and imperfections, you can get an even better deal!

The Crazy Daisy Antique Mall is open seven days a week. Visit its Facebook page to keep tabs on new arrivals!

The Crazy Daisy Antique Mall
1430 Mellwood Ave
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 560-1335
crazydaisyantiquemall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crazy-daisy-antique-mall-louisville

How to Squeeze Every Inch Out of Your Apartment’s Square Footage

Use these smart, simple tips for squeezing every inch out of your apartment’s floor plan and you’ll be amazed at how much extra space you'll find!

  • Choose multifunctional pieces. Get rid of all of the furniture in your home that doesn’t play double-duty as something else. Choose sofas with built-in storage, a bed with hidden drawers, and a television credenza with a bookshelf to minimize the wasted space that comes from having too much furniture.
  • Arrange… and rearrange. Arrange your furniture as many times as it takes to find a perfect flow. You’ll want to be able to comfortably walk from room to room without bumping into things, which takes some trial and error. If something doesn’t fit, it likely means that you don’t have use for it.
  • Think vertically, not just horizontally. Many people forget about the horizontal space that they’re missing when furnishing a room. Add stacks of shelves on every wall, hanging organizers on the backs of doors, or new, custom storage systems from floor to ceiling in the closet.
  • Maximize natural light. Finally, replace dark drapes with sheer curtains to allow in as much light as possible and make your space feel brighter.

How to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment [Freshome]
Ten Apartment Organization Tips to Maximize Space [Forbes]
How to Maximize Your Apartment Space [For Rent]

Taste What Makes El Torazo Mexican Restaurant a Local Favorite

El Torazo proclaims to be home to delicious salsa, margaritas, and fajitas on their website, and many Louisville residents would concur.

The menu has a wide variety of options, more than most Mexican restaurants, including an entire section of fish entrees and El Torazo specialties. But never fear, you can still expect classic Mexican fare favorites, like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The lunch menu is abbreviated, but still quite robust. There’s also a kid-friendly menu with selections all under $5.

El Torazo is very casual with a laid-back dining area and bar. There’s an outdoor patio seating area that gets crowded on nice days, and there’s even a private party room available for rent. Located in the Hurstborne shopping center, the restaurant is easily overlooked, but not to be missed.

El Torazo is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until 10:30 on weekends.

El Torazo Mexican Restaurant
1850 S Hurstbourne Parkway
Louisville, KY 40220
(502) 491-7272
www.eltorazo.com

How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail

If you think you need to venture to the bar to find a unique, tasty cocktail, think again. You can easily mix up your own creative cocktails and mocktails in the comfort of your own home. The most important part of a great drink is how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. You want to intrigue your taste buds and mind after the sip goes down. These tips are sure to leave a unique, lasting flavor on your tongue.

  • Choose a good quality base liquor or flavor of your cocktail.
  • Use a generous amount of the base spirit.
  • Mix in a tart or sweet ingredient such as lime juice, simple syrup, or liqueur. Remember to keep it simple and balanced, as this will make the flavors last in your mouth.
  • Add a few drops of bitters or a hydrosol, such as rosewater, to add aromatics to your drink.
  • A cocktail that contains delicate flavors or ingredients should be stirred. Be sure to shake any cocktail containing juice or egg whites.
  • To avoid diluting your drink, use larger ice cubes that will melt at a slower pace. In your glass, the ice should be visible about the alcohol line.
  • Take some time to make your cocktail look presentable. A simple lemon twist can add a touch of elegance to your drink.

From A Genius Mixologist: The Only Ratio You Need For Perfect Cocktails [Fast Company]
How to make cocktails: follow these 10 golden rules [The Guardian]
How to Make Perfect Cocktails [Williams-Sonoma Taste]

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