Bored in the house, in the house bored?
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. Apple orchards are open, I can burn my pumpkin candles without my roommates complaining (too much), and Starbucks finally has their pumpkin themed drinks. However, with COVID-19 impacting our daily lives our usual fall festivities have been put on hold. After spending too much of my paycheck on Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I decided to find some socially distanced ways to enjoy Fall.
DYI Decorations:
If you're like me, then you like decorating for seasons without spending a fortune. DIY decorations are a simple and budget friendly way to incorporate some fall feelings into your apartment. Making decorations can also be a fun way to enjoy fall without putting your health at risk. A cheap DIY project I discovered this month is painting your own pumpkin. So grab your roommates or Facetime a friend and start crafting!
Materials (I spent around $10 on this project, and a lot of the materials can be saved for future DIY projects):
- Acrylic paint ( $1 per color)
- Paint brushes and/or sponges (4.99 for a pack)
- Plastic pumpkin (3.99), you can also use a real pumpkin
Protip: I love shopping for my crafts at Joann's or Michael's because they also post coupons on their website. They also offer easy online shopping and curbside pick up for easy social distancing.
Directions:
1. Find a place to create: I recommend painting outside to eliminate the risk of spilling paint in your apartment. Just make sure you bring an old towel or t-shirt to use as a drop cloth.
2. Get creative: You can use any color and any pattern to make your pumpkin your own. I went with JSM themed green polka dots.
3. Decorate: Once your pumpkin is dry, decorate your apartment!
Renew your lease:
With everything up in the air right now, thinking about where you're going to live next school year can be very stressful. Renewing your lease during the fall is an easy way to secure housing without the hassle of having to find, tour, and move into a new place.
JSM has made renewing an easy 3 step process.
1. Email JSM at jsm@jsmliving.com. When you email the front office you will need to provide your apartment, unit number, and roommates names. If not everyone from the original lease is renewing, make sure to also include the names of the new people joining the lease.
2. A leasing agent will reach out to you via email with any additional steps for renewing and will assist you in signing.
3. Sit back and relax while everyone else scrambles to find housing.
Home-made hot apple cider:
Before this year I have never tried to make my own hot apple cider before. I found out last week how easy and delicious this drink is. All you need is a few simple ingredients, a stove/microwave, a pot, and your favorite mug.
Ingredients (makes about 2 drinks):
- 4 cups of apple cider
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Spiced apple cider hot drink mix. I picked mine up from Curtis Apple Orchard, however, County Market should have this in stock.
- Toppings (optional): Cinnamon sticks and whipped cream.
Directions:
1. Grab a small pot and heat it on your stove over medium-high.
2. Once your pot is warmed up, add the apple cider and the orange juice.
3. Let the mixture get to a boil then turn it down to simmer.
4.Depending on how spicy you're feeling steep two to three packets of the hot apple cider into the mixture. I also recommend putting two cinnamon sticks in your mixture at this point.
5. Turn your stove off and let the mixture steep for a few minutes.
6. Once your apartment starts smelling like fall, take the apple cider bags out, pour your drink into your mug.
7. The last step is put as many toppings as your heart desires. I personally recommend adding some whipped cream and a shake of cinnamon.
Protip: you can also mix all your liquid ingredients together into mugs and throw it in the microwave. Once the mixture is hot you'll steep the cider bags and the cinnamon sticks in the mixture for a few minutes.
