Storage Ideas For Your Small Space

Are you running out of room to store items in your apartment? Apartment Therapy has some great tips on how to get the most out of your living space. There is always a nook or cranny that become a new organizational home for your items. You can learn morehere.

Use the space above your kitchen cabinets
Pictured above: Loved a lot of the ideas (plus the very cute baby) in My Small Home: Carrie's Small Space Solutions. But there was one idea that stuck out because it was so simple and functional: Don't waste that space above the upper kitchen cabinets, but don't clutter it either. Use a uniform bunch of decorative baskets or boxes to store utilitarian things like light bulbs, tools and other things that you don't need every day. By keeping them uniform you don't overwhelm the senses. We'd suggest doing what Carrie did and leave a little space between each container so it doesn't feel too heavy, either.


Remember that storage is still sometimes display

We loved the idea to remember in How To Deal When Your Closet Isn't in Your Room (or Maybe Isn't Even a Closet). Taryn talked about remembering that in small spaces where lack of closets causes the need to store some items out in the open, it's important to remember that this storage is actually display. Spending attention to make it more attractive will make it feel intentional, and not just like you're living in a closet. The post is talking about clothing, but you can make this argument with just about any object. If you've got to store out in the open — say like your toiletries in your bathroom — create a lovely visual display so that it becomes decoration and not clutter.

You can buy or DIY magnetic knife holders to save space

We always forget about this neat space-saving idea. Perhaps because our parents never used them, but it is a great idea for keeping tools handy and utilize previously unused wall space. And consider expanding the idea beyond knives...what other metal kitchen utensils that you use could be treated this same way? Find options you can buy and DIY here: Small Space Kitchen Tip: Use a Double Magnetic Knife Holder.


Transform your dining room to double duty

We know just about any room can pull double duty in small homes when needed, but we can't think of a better space than the dining room. Why spend energy to transform it into a space you can also do work in? Well because you're probably already using it in that way a little bit anyway, so taking a little extra time to incorporate some furniture that might help you tuck the creative/work objects away when it comes to food time might help keep a compact dining room uncluttered — and more enjoyable — more often. Find an example of doing it right: 5 Double-Duty Room Combos that Always Work.

Enjoy Happy Valley This Spring

How do you want to spend your spring at Penn State? Here are some great events and locations for you to experience before the end of the semester. Happy Valley and this blog have a list of the events you do not want to miss in the next few months.


Springtime in Happy Valley always kicks off with the popular Blue and White Weekend. Like homecoming, this event brings together alumni visiting just in time to celebrate their Penn State pride in the sun. Blue and White Weekend brings back some great tailgating memories from the fall. There is nothing like spending time in the sun, eating great food and playing corn hole with fellow Penn Staters. Photo Credit: Penn State




Happy Valley has plenty of beautiful sites to see, but hiking Mount Nittany on a warm sunny day is always a fan favorite. After spending a lot of time indoors from the cold, snow and rain, it is great to finally enjoy an outside workout. Mount Nittany is only a few miles from State College and is fun for all ages. This hike is easy, fun and enjoyable. Photo Credit: Penn State



There is certainly nothing like having some Creamery ice cream on the patio during the spring. The Berkey Creamery, known for their delicious ice cream, has a variety of flavors to choose from but don’t forget you can’t mix them! After picking up some ice cream, you can also take a walk over to the Arboretum to enjoy some of the beautiful gardens. If traveling far, always remember to ask for some to take home in their specialty travel bags! Photo Credit: Penn State Berkey Creamery



The warmer months of spring mean a lot of things to different people, but for the legal crowd it means one thing: 55 Days of Café. For 55 days (It is 55 days because Penn State was founded in 1855,) participants must come to Café 210 West and get one food item or one beverage and sign in with their assigned participant number as proof. There are more rules that can be found here. Participants who last the entire 55 days get their name engraved on a plaque on the wall in Café. Even if you don't participate in 55 days, you can still stop in and relax with great food and drink in the warm weather on Cafe's front or back patio. Photo Credit: Cafe 210 West Facebook



Another way to get out and enjoy Happy Valley this spring is by going trout fishing. There is a plethora of streams and lakes in the surrounding region to choose from. Whipple Dam State Park, Penns Creek and Spring Creek are just a few local options. Whether you're a die-hard fisherman or just looking for some recreational fun, Happy Valley is home to some of the finest trout fishing in the state. Photo Credit: Penns Creek Angler



Warmer weather means cleaner streets and sidewalks. What better time then to take out the bike and go for a ride around beautiful State College? And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, feel free to bike the Tussey Mountain Loop for an 11-mile ride that is sure to be a great workout. Click here for more bike trails to try.Photo Credit: The Alleghenies Facebook Page



Time for a round of golf! From the Penn State Golf Courses to Toftrees Golf Club, a golfing enthusiast has many options when it comes to playing a few rounds. Whether you have been golfing for years or are just trying to learn, State College offers great opportunities to golf. Tussey Mountain also offers a driving range and par 3 course. Get more information on the golfing locations and programs in the area here. Photo Credit: Penn State Golf Courses



Just about 40 minutes from State College sits Raystown Lake, which stretches 8,300 acres and has been called one of the hidden games of Pennsylvania. In addition to all that the lake has to offer, the Raystown region offers lots of fun activities and great places to dine and shop. Learn more about how you can enjoy spring in Raystownhere. Photo Credit: Raystown Lake Region

Happy Valley Top Picks

Are you looking for some great events in Happy Valley after spring break?  Penn State is never without great activities for you to attend.   Keep reading this blog to make your plans for the next few weeks.   You can learn more at Happy Valley.

“Meet Me at the Corner. I’m Coming Home to Happy Valley.”

Happy Valley is just too hard to quit for some folks. This townie and Penn State grad explains why she’s moving from sunny Florida to return to the bucolic setting of State College. Read the article here. Have you ever found yourself longing to move back? Have you returned? Share your story by sending a message to us on Facebook!

Happy Valley’s Got Talent 2014

March 29, The State Theatre
Kid’s Choice Matinee: 2pm
Judged Evening Performance: 7pm
The 4th Annual Happy Valley’s Got Talent Show returns this Saturday to the State Theatre. Support the Tides Program by enjoying a talent show featuring a cross-section of central Pennsylvania performers in competition in three age groups. Get tickets 

Memphis: The Musical

Thursday, 7:30 pm
Eisenhower Auditorium
Featuring explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a tale of forbidden love and emotion, Memphis is one of the hottest new Broadway musicals. Get tickets

Next Week at the Center for the Performing Arts

Cantus: A Place for Us
April 1, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
Known worldwide for its “trademark warmth” and engaging performances, Cantus has been described as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States.”
Get tickets


The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
featuring New York Voices
April 3, Eisenhower Auditorium
Jazz fans, this is a show you can’t miss! The Count Basie Orchestra returns to State College for the first time since 2007. 
Get tickets 

End-of-March Blues & Jazz Fest
at The Gamble Mill

Not only is the Gamble Mill a great stop for local food with a unique but laidback menu, it is quickly becoming one of the top venues for local music. This weekend, the Gamble Mill is hosting national and regional blues and jazz acts, so it’s a great time to stop in. Read more about why a visit to the Gamble Mill needs to be on your agenda. 

Blue-White Weekend is a Rite of Spring

The first Blue-White game in the James Franklin era is quickly approaching. This weekend is always one of the best times of the year to visit Happy Valley. Read moreabout why you absolutely need to visit Happy Valley from April 11-13.

Black Thumb or Green Thumb

Do you have more of a black thumb than a green thumb?  Everyone can have plants in their apartment.  Here are five great plants that are very hard to kill.  They will be beautiful in your apartment this spring.  You can learn more atapartment therapy.

1. Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
This is my favorite pick for the darker corners of my own apartment. It has a sculptural appearance, adds a bit of green, and seems to thrive on neglect.

2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
A popular houseplant when I was growing up, these interesting plants self propagate by sending out off-shoots, do well when their roots are crowded, and can thrive in low light conditions.

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A hardy plant that can tolerate both low light and watering neglect, the ZZ plant is great for those with a less than green thumb.

4. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Adaptable bamboo is a great fit for dim rooms, and is inexpensive and easy to come across.

5. Peace Lilly (Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
Known as a great plant for improving indoor air quality, the Peace Lilly is also one of the few low-light friendly options that produces flowers.

Study Tips

Whether you just finished midterms or you still have a few tests to go,  these tips can help you study!  Check out these great study tips for your big tests from cengagebrain.  We know you will ace your big tests, and you will have a great break ahead of you!

1. Skim: On midterm eve, you may be tempted to open up your chemistry book and read every word of chapters 1-55 (each chapter being approximately 35 pages). Don’t! This is a waste of time. Instead, focus on chapter headings, footnotes, the course syllabus (the subjects listed on here are probably the ones the professor deems most important), study questions, and chapter reviews.
2. Don’t cram: On this same note, don’t wait until the night before your exam to begin studying for it. Instead, begin preparing now! A September 6, 2012 article titled “Prepare Not For College Midterm Exams,” posted on SayCampusLife by Matthew C. Keegan offers some great tips on time management so you can get a head start on your upcoming midterms. Setting aside study time, reviewing notes from class, and planning early will help you feel prepared, says Keegan.
3. Attend review sessions, study groups: You may be tempted to skip out on that review session or study group being held by your TA, but this could be a huge mistake. Most of the time, these study sessions cover the main exam topics, and TAs usually let more than a few exam questions slip during these meetings.
4. Enjoy the silence: If you aren’t attending a study session, find a quiet place where you can stay focused and uninterrupted — the library, an empty classroom, the park. Your dorm room may seem like the most obvious place, but have a plan B ready for when the distractions hit (and they will).
5. Disconnect: Facebook, Pintrest, Twitter, and email are all unnecessary distractions, so while studying, disconnect for an hour or so. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish when technology doesn’t get in the way.
6. Figure out what will be on the exam: No, this doesn’t require any mind reading abilities, but it does require you to listen and pay close attention to your professor. A 2010 post by Jeremy S. Hyman and Lynn F. Jacobs for the U.S. News & World Report titled “8 Clues to Figuring Out That College Midterm” offers up ideas such as using old exams to study and giving that review sheet another glance.
7. Meet with your professor: Stop by office hours to discuss difficult concepts, ask questions about lecture material, or just to find out what types of topics the midterm will cover. You may be surprised at how much your professor is willing to share.
8. Stay healthy: During midterms, it’s easy to overindulge on junk food, up your caffeine intake, and basically suspend all personal hygiene (you won’t be interacting with anyone anyway) — never mind the fact that you have no time to make it to the gym. Don’t fall into this rut. Instead, schedule time for healthy meals and regular exercise, and don’t forget about that shower! You may just find that these breaks help you stay focused.
9. Take breaks: Consequently, a 12-hour marathon study session won’t do anything but make you crazy. Instead, take short breaks every hour or so, even if only for 10 minutes. Leave your study area when you do — that bit of fresh air may be just what you needed to clear your head.
10. Relaxation, preparation, and time management: It’s finally here! Midterm day! Don’t let all of your hard work go to waste. Instead, check out CollegeAtlas’ post titled “Test Taking Strategies for College Midterms and Finals” (i.e. using the restroom before the exam begins and not spending too much time on a difficult question) to help ensure that you go into your midterm stress free and ready to ace that exam!

Tips for Crafting

Do you like to craft or take on projects?  Cleaning and staying organized can be the worst part of starting a new craft or project.  We have some tips on how to keep your work station clean and organized while completing your latest creation. This can make the project less overwhelming and a more enjoyable experience.  You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Start with a clean surface.

Every project will have different requirements. You might need a small table for a quick paper project, or an enormous area to layout quilt pieces — either way it's a good idea to clear off your surface and wipe it down before getting out your supplies. It only takes a minute and ensures you won't set your materials down in a puddle from your water glass, breakfast crumbs, stray threads, or any of the dozens of household perils for craft supplies.

Gather all of your materials and tools before beginning your project.

This is a common cooking tip that applies to crafting as well. By gathering everything together you're checking to be sure you have all of the necessary supplies, and preventing mess-making mid-craft mad shuffles through the bins, baskets, closets and drawers that house your supplies. Now, I will not be so obnoxious as to say that having all of your supplies stored in an organized manner is a tip for staying organized while crafting, but I will say that if the ribbon you need is tucked in a drawer with other ribbons instead of tangled around eight half-wound skeins of yarn studded with hazardous fabric shears and knitting needles, it will be easier to get started on the right foot.

Corral small items.

Anything tiny that comes in multiples should be corralled into bowls or other small containers. Things like beads, sequins, scrapbook eyelets, and screws have a tendency to roll off everywhere and then be impossible to find. I occasionally realize I must have dropped some beads when I hear my vacuum struggling near my project table. Of course, I feel I have to mention glitter. By all means corral it in a container of some kind, but if you're working with glitter my best advice is to learn to love glitter, because you will be living with it until the end of time. I have been married three and a half years and I still find glitter from the place cards at my wedding, and I've moved twice since then!

Place a scrap receptacle right at your feet.

Any sort of basket or bin to drop scraps into as you go will help keep things tidy. I like to put all of my sewing or paper scraps into my bin while I'm crafting, then go through at the end to see if I have any scraps large enough to keep. If you're working with glue, paint, or other messy/sticky items, it's a good idea to have an actual trash can nearby to throw away anything that can't be salvaged.

Clean up immediately upon finishing your project.

This is where I get into trouble. It's important to immediately put away all of your leftover supplies and tools. That way everything is back where it belongs when you want to start your next project. It's amazing how cyclical organization is! Once everything is put away you can wipe down your surfaces again. If anything has spilled, or you've marked your surface, it will never be easier to clean than when it's fresh. You can even take care of a fair amount of the aforementioned glitter mess with a damp towel.

Following these tips should help you have a tidy crafting experience, and set you up to start your next fun project!

Valentine's Day Creative Ideas

Valentine's Day is coming up, and we want to know what you have planned?  Here are 11 great creative Valentine's Day ideas for you and your loved one. You can learn more here.

I don’t consider myself a romantic, so celebrating Valentine’s Day really isn’t my thing. It’s certainly one of the more popular romantic date nights of the year, and it’s obvious love is in the air that night.
If you and your partner have been together for a while, like me and my husband, and if you’re able to get a rare night out — you don’t want to spend it doing the typical. Say goodbye to the generic “dinner and a movie” dates, and make this year’s Valentine’s Day date one you’ll remember for years by doing something a little more unique. The romance will still be in the air, but you’ll have a better story to go with it.
Here are 11 Valentine’s Day dates that go beyond dinner and a movie:
1.) Recreate the first date you ever had together
First dates are always a little awkward, but chances are since you and your partner are still together, you made it past the awkward stage. Relive it all for Valentine’s Day without the awkward by recreating that first date. If you went to a movie, rent it and make out at home like you did that night. If you went out for dinner, go back to the same restaurant or one-up it by making the same recipe at home.
2.) Take a boxing class together, and throw punches
It’s kind of the anti-love date, but I bet the two of you will be laughing the entire time. The endorphins from exercising are a bonus, too. You may end up finding a new passion or, at the very least, you’ll lie in bed the next day and nurse your bruises. If you’re on the hunt for a good boxing class, read how to find a good gym on ExpertBoxing.com
3.) Give back some love by volunteering at a local charity.
Doing good always helps us feel better, and what way to both give each other the love vibes plus help those in need? Find a local animal shelter in your area that needs some help. And if you’re an animal lover like me, find a local shelter in your area at The Humane Society of the United States.
4.) Try your hand at funny!
If you’ve always been the funny couple in your circle, try your hand at comedy for real! Sign yourselves up for an amateur night of stand-up comedy. If you’ve never done stand-up comedy, be sure to read up on your performance first by reading 6 Tips for Performing Comedy.
5.) Rent your or your partner’s “dream car.”
Take your partner and your dream car you’ve rented on a weekend adventure, and enjoy the fast pace while reconnecting! You may want to check out something like Gotham Dream Cars to find something that will have all eyes on you.
6.) Play “Truth or Dare.”
Stay home, and play a fun game of “truth or dare” and see where the night takes you. Forget how to play? Brush up on your rules, and check out these must-ask questions for your romantic game for two.
7.) Change up your bedroom.
Spend the day shopping at home decor shops for upgrades to your bedroom. Take care of quick-fixes during the day, and then enjoy the new room in the evening.
8.) Play paintball, but in the dark.
It’s fun, exciting, romantic, and again, the exercise will get those endorphins rushing! You don’t want to actually hurt each other so be sure to read up on how to play safely while still having fun.
9) Do something scary!
Think about the one thing you’ve always wanted to do, yet seem to be a little too afraid to do. Think skydiving or bungee jumping! Who better to take that plunge with than your partner on the most romantic day of the year?
10.) Live it up!
Go out to a fancy bar in your best getup, and sip on a fancy cocktail with your beau. Try something new off the list of exotic cocktails and find your new signature drink!
11.) At-home art class!
Go to the art supply store, and pick up big canvases and all the paint you need. Spend the next few hours doing finger-painting portraits of each other, and laugh or marvel at the artwork you’ve created. Don’t forget to hang it in the house afterward!