Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there! We hope you have a great day with your friends and family.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there!  We hope you have a great day with your friends and family.

Storage In 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.

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.