Hammers

When building your toolbox from scratch it is important that you start with one of the most basic of tools in the universe, the hammer! You won’t need a large hammer for the types of jobs you’ll be doing inside your apartment. So, let’s leave the big sledgehammer and mallets on the shelf, and go for something a bit more manageable like a “Ball Peen” or “Claw” hammer. These types of hammers are simple and can be used for a multitude of projects and repairs that you’ll be doing inside your apartment.   

Level

Now, let’s get something straight! (Sorry, that came out a bit too strong). If you’d like to get something straight inside your apartment, (i.e. a picture, or some shelving), you’re going to need a “Level”. And like anything else there are various types of levels you can purchase. For apartment renters, a small version of “Carpenter’s” level will do just fine. This type of level will have a “bubble” or “spirit” positioned at 90 and/or 45 degrees. This makes it perfect for all types of uses. Carpenter’s levels often come in 2, 4, 6 or even 8 feet in length! Don’t overdo it though, just purchase one that fits inside your toolkit.

Screwdrivers

Any apartment renter’s toolbox should always include a set of good screwdrivers. For use on the inside of your apartment you’ll only need a few. A “Slotted” screwdriver also known as a “flat” or “straight” head will serve many purposes around your apartment. There’s also the “Cross Head”, more popularly known as the “Phillips” head screwdriver. Just about everything uses Phillips head screws these days from furniture, to appliances. Lastly, you’ll always find a use for a “Hex” screwdriver. A Hex screwdriver is just another version of the “Allen” key. Allen keys are those L-shaped thingy’s you’ll often find in the box when you buy a piece of furniture or small appliance.

Picture Hangers and Anchors

These items are not really considered tools per se, but every apartment renters’ toolkit should have a package or two of good quality picture hangers, wall anchors in their arsenal. Look for “Sawtooth”, “Keyhole” or “D-Ring” hangers. A very popular way of hanging pictures and other items in your apartment is the “Command” line of products. Command hooks are great for renters who don’t want to put holes in the walls and often these types of products can be removed with ease at the end of your lease.

Wrenches and Pliers

Everyone has a pair of pliers somewhere in their toolbox, why not, it is one of the most useful tools there is! When loading up your toolbox make sure to grab a pair of “Needle Nose” pliers, “Diagonal” pliers, or the very popular “Tongue and Groove” pliers, these are great because the jaws of this wrench are adjustable, and lock in place. And while you’re at it, why not throw in a pair of “Chain Nose” pliers. Chain Nose pliers are one of the many tools used for wire shaping and can also be used for jewelry making. Don’t forget the “Adjustable” wrench (more commonly known as the Crescent wrench) and lastly, you can grab a small set of “Socket” (or) “Ratchet” wrenches to round out your toolkit.

Tape Measure

No apartment toolbox would be complete without a tape measure. Want to measure a wall for a piece of furniture? You’re covered! Need to hang some curtains, or a shelf? Just reach for your tape measure! Tape measures often come in 2, 5, all the way up to 25 feet! Just make sure you choose the right one for your toolbox. Also, make sure the end of the tape has a “hook” for holding onto the edge of a wall or table. A “belt clip” is always a good feature to look for in a tape measure, as well as a “thumb lock”.

Flashlight

Again, this isn’t truly classified as a tool, but let me tell you this will probably be the most used tool in your kit! A flashlight is always handy for everything from walking your pup at night, taking a trip to the recycle bin, or looking under the couch for a child’s toy. A great flashlight can also come in very handy during blackouts, looking under the hood of your car, or finding your keys at night. Not to mention scary storytelling during sleepovers. Make sure you choose the best flashlight for your needs and be sure to buy some extra batteries!

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In this episode Kramer and Newman decide to make a slight alternation to their living arrangements. They first admit that they are “such good friends” and “they have nothing to hide” from one another. They soon conspire to “reverse the peepholes” in the doors of their apartments, this way they can look in on each other whenever they want.

While this may make for a charming premise for a TV show, the lesson to be learned here is; making unauthorized alterations to your apartment while renting, may be a breach of your lease agreement, and could land you in hot water. While some slight alterations to the inside of your apartment may be allowed, major renovations or structural improvements inside your unit may be denied. Review a copy of your agreement at the time you sign your lease, ask questions to find out exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t.

The Keys

In this episode Jerry and Kramer have a falling-out. Kramer, as keeper of Jerry’s spare apartment keys, oversteps his bounds by running wild in Jerry’s apartment while Jerry is not at home. Jerry, clearly frustrated with Kramer, takes back his spare keys and…, hilarity ensues!

This episode can teach an important lesson to apartment renters about how to handle their apartment keys. Sure, being locked out of your apartment can be frustrating, but leaving a neighbor with a spare key to your apartment is not always the best idea. Not only does this give them access to your apartment when you’re not there, but it can, in some cases, be a breach of contract (check your lease agreement for specifics on this topic). A better idea! Make a copy of your key (again, refer to your specific lease agreement for consent), and leave it with a “trusted family member,” preferably someone who lives nearby-whom you can contact in an emergency for quick retrieval. Bonus Tip: leaving a spare key outside your apartment is not always the best idea either. Those “hide-a-key” solutions are quite common and very easy to spot.

The Dog

In this episode Jerry learns all too well what it is like to keep a dog in his apartment. “Farfel the dog” becomes the bane of Jerry’s existence as a chance meeting-with a strange man-results in Jerry having to take care of a pooch that is loud, messy and obnoxious! The lesson here?

Think twice before you bring a seemingly lovable pet into your apartment. Ask yourselves these questions: will your dogs’ loud barking and playing ‘round the apartment, disturb your neighbors? Are you prepared to take the dog out for walks at night when you’re all settled in for a cozy winter’s nap? In addition, did you know your social life will change by having a pet? It’s true! There is always a give-and-take when bringing pets into your apartment. So be prepared, weigh your options and decide accordingly. Bonus Tip: most apartment rental complexes these days will charge you an additional fee per month to house your pet, so be prepared to ask about these fees at your lease signing.

Notes about Nothing

While watching Seinfeld was never intended to be an educational experience, we can learn a thing or two about the world of apartment living. One, there are always rules and basic human interactions that come with living together in a communal environment such as a luxury apartment building or sprawling country complex. And two, it’s always best to be kind to each other, share space respectfully and always be there for your neighbors. Okay, yes, even if it is Newman.

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1 Cup Research

This cannot be understated. When looking for an apartment it makes perfect sense to research the location in which you are looking to live. Expanding your daily commute or, being far from family members, can lead to doubt and unhappiness with your decision. Additional research should include; touring the property. Is it clean and tidy? Does the exterior of the building or community look disheveled? What about the interior of the unit you are looking to rent? Did you try the faucets? Did you make sure the hot water gets hot? Did you try the air conditioners to make sure they reach a cooling point in ample time? Lastly, if you’re searching for an apartment in the summertime, don’t forget the try the heat as well, you do not want any surprises, or place a call to maintenance at the beginning of the winter months.

Apartment Design Trends for 2021

½ Cup of Credit

We hear so much on the news and on tv commercials about your credit score. And while the advertisements make it seem fun and comical in some ways, we know that having good credit is a very important part of renting an apartment. So, before you head out to rent an apartment on Long Island, in Queens or in Brooklyn, just make sure you have your ducks-in-a-row when it comes to your credit. If you have liens on an old car loan, or other blemishes on your credit, be prepared to have answers and show proof of these items being cleared from your records.

1 Tablespoon References

When renting an apartment, it is important that you do your due diligence. Remember, you are in charge when it comes to asking the right questions at the beginning of a lease. It is the leasing agent who is expected to have the answers to satisfy your requests. But, it is also important to remember, landlords want to know a little bit about you as well. Prepare your references (i.e., friends, family, business associates and former landlords) and be able to submit these items upon request. You may not need them to qualify for your lease, but it is a good to have them in your hip-pocket when needed.

How to find, tour and rent an apartment in today’s new normal

A Dash of Testimonials

Many of the most reputable apartment rental companies across Long Island and the 5 boroughs have an on-line presence. And that on-line footprint is ripe with renters’ testimonials and company profiles. It is your responsibility to seek out these profiles and see how the public views the community or building that you are choosing. Visiting the complex before, during and after business hours will also give you a hint of how the community operates. Are there lots of children playing outside? Do you notice any pets in the area (this is quite helpful to know if in fact you are allergic to animals)? Is the complex noisy? Is there ample parking? These are all things you can find out with little effort and can go a long way into helping you make your decision.

Garnish with Amenities

This ingredient is what makes this recipe come alive! Talk to your leasing agent and ask them exactly what type of amenities your apartment complex offers. Does it have a fitness center? How about an outdoor pool or recreation room? Many apartment complexes offer residents plenty of amenity options. From outdoor sports complexes, to indoor pools and resident lounge areas. These amenity offerings can mean the difference between renting in one location over another. Bonus Tip: make sure the amenity areas you are interested in are included with your monthly rent. Some exclusive high-end residences offer amenities to their residents for a small monthly fee.

The post The 5 Part Recipe for Successfully Renting an Apartment! appeared first on Heatherwood Luxury Rentals Blog.

Open Your Own Restaurant…at Home!

We all know jumping in the car on a whim to grab a pint of ice cream now comes with deliberation and trepidation. But worry no more! Sure, before the pandemic some of these services already existed, but now you can buy-and have delivered-almost anything your heart desires! Services like Instacart, Door Dash and UberEATS are always there for you in a pinch. While other services like Hello Fresh, Purple Carrot and Blue Apron provide a full-basket of groceries, recipe cards and all the things you need to create restaurant quality meals–without ever having to leave your apartment! Bonus Tip: Look for coupon codes on-line to save big on your first delivery. You can do this with every service you want to use. Trying one, two, or three of these meal prep services, with coupon codes, could get you quality meals designed to help you and your family get through these last few months of the lockdown, healthy and safe.

Pay Your Rent On-Line!

This one’s for you Heatherwood residents! Did you know that no longer do you have to write a check for your rent payment, pop it in the mail and (fingers crossed) hope it arrives on time? No longer will you have to jump in your car to make payments at the leasing office. Today, you can pay your rent on-time-every-time, using Rent-Cafe! Heatherwood residents can pay their rent (as well as so many other things) on-line, using our Resident Portal. The Resident Portal is a “one-stop-shop” for all things resident related. From the on-line portal you can; pay your rent, submit a work order, schedule a maintenance request, check on the status of your rent payment, see your payment history and so much more, all from the comfort and safety of your apartment! Want more info? Simply log on to www.heatherwoodhelp.com to learn more and sign-up!

Visit Iconic Places, Theatres or Museums (No Kidding)!

Many world-famous theatres, opera houses and landmarks, although closed to the public, can still be seen virtually from the comfort of your own home…for free! Never been inside Carnegie Hall? Here’s your chance to see it up close! Have you ever seen Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower? Now you can, because Google Arts & Culture has made it possible! Interactive experiences await, as you choose the venue or iconic site you’d like to see. Highlights include; The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, the American Museum of Natural History and so much more! Who says you can’t see the world during a pandemic!?! Bonus Tip: Log onto Google Street View and visit any place in the world you always wished you could see, from right there on the street!

Planning to redecorate in 2021? Use these style trends

Start a Side Hustle

Looking for ways to make some extra cash while you’re stuck inside during the lockdown? Why not start a Side-Hustle! There are numerous job opportunities anyone can do-from home-with nothing more than your laptop or smartphone. Places like, Alorica.com or Appen.com have part-time work-from-home-jobs for you to choose. Work flexible hours, or on a per-project basis. It’s entirely up to you! Some of these side-hustle jobs even come with benefits (yes, it’s true)! Check out Amazonjobs.com, they offer plenty of work from home jobs—some even come with discounts on future Amazon purchases (Wow! Nice Benefit!). Lastly, for the computer savvy side-hustler, visit applejobs.com. While working for Apple, if you qualify, they’ll even lend you a computer-free of charge-so you can get the work done!

Top 5 Things to do while working remotely from your apartment.

Dance, Dance, Dance

By now, we are all aware that taking exercise classes via Zoom or Peloton have become as common as owning a microwave. In-home exercise equipment and virtual trainers are everywhere! But what about those residents who are missing out on their weekly “dance-night?” For some, a night out at the club, dancing with friends used to be some folks’ cardio workout! Or maybe you’re one of those people who’s always wanted dance lessons, but you were always too shy, or too afraid to bust-a-move in a large group setting? Well now you can! These days there are tons of dance instructors on-line just waiting to teach you how to dance! Place like 305live or Dance Plug come with tutorials that are easy to follow, and for all skill levels! Some sites even have live DJ’s to make your time on the dancefloor more interactive and fun. Bonus Tip: If you’d like to keep it local, visit your local library’s website to see if they are offering on-line dance classes as well.

Stay safe during the final days of the lockdown with these and other tips located here on Heatherwood’s blog pages. From all of us here at Heatherwood Luxury Rentals, we’d like to wish you and yours’ a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

The post All the Things you Can Accomplish Virtually from Inside Your Apartment! appeared first on Heatherwood Luxury Rentals Blog.

This Album is a Hit!

Being apart from loved ones during the holidays doesn’t mean you won’t be able to light up their holiday with your presence. These days most of our photographs live on your phone or on some random hard drive, so why not put together an ‘old-school’ photo album of all your favorite photos and wrap them up in a cute photo book for your friends or relatives to open during the holidays. You’ll be there in spirt and the images you send will last a lifetime!

Feels Like Spring

Flowers are not just for Valentine’s Day or Birthdays. This holiday season ring-up your favorite florist or on-line flower retailer and send a bouquet or plant to your loved ones. Apartment renters in Queens and Brooklyn will surely love the new greenery in their homes. There are so many holiday plants you can give that can also be planted outside-on a terrace or patio- come spring. This is one gift that will grow on its recipients.

Tune in to This Gift

Sure, record players and albums have been making a comeback, but music streaming services have all but come to rule our music listening behavior. So, if you still know someone who’s not made the plunge into music streaming services like Spotify or Amazon Music, why not gift them a free month or even a whole year (if you can afford it) to the music streaming service of your choice. All year long when they download or listen to a new record on their phone or other device, they’ll think of you and sing your praises.

Who Needs Zoom!?!

Are you missing a holiday get together with family and friends? Wish you could see them face to face? Now you can! There is a plethora of video calling devices that you can buy and give to friends and family this gift giving season. Amazon offers the Amazon Echo, Google has the Nest Hub, Facebook sells the Portal and Apple still has the iPad. Of course, which one you give as a gift depends on your budget, but they are so simple to set-up and easy to use, you can be video chatting with Grandma the same day the gift arrives!

It Smells like a Bakery in Here!

One of things that will surely be missed during this Holiday Season, is sharing (and smelling) all those fresh baked goods. But our modern society has solved this problem too! Ordering baked goods on-line for delivery is now a thing! There are so many choices too; from fruit (Edible Arrangements), to donuts (www.voodoodoughtnut.com), to cookies (www.insomiacookies.com), personalized cakes and so much more! Be sure to order your tasty treats early this year so they arrive to your family for their celebration!

Primed for a Deal!

Finally, here’s a gift idea that just keeps on giving. Grab a friend or loved one an Amazon Prime membership! Has your mom, or sister in-law not made the plunge into the wonderful world of 2-day shipping yet? Well now’s their chance to give it a try! With a new Amazon Prime gift option, you can send a 3 Month Prime membership to anyone on your list for just $39! Heck, that’s probably what you would spend on a pair of new pants and a shirt set for them anyway.

The post Gift Giving to Apartment Renters During Covid-19 appeared first on Heatherwood Luxury Rentals Blog.

Add a Pop!

Interior design trends have always favored white. It’s a fact that white walls help brighten every room in your apartment. White kitchens cabinets and white bathrooms also help give your apartment a clean, polished look. The coming year is no different, the trend for 2021 has designers adding a pop of color to every interior. So, go ahead, add a large blue chair as an “accent” to your living room, or add a red tea kettle to your kitchen decor. These items add style, and flavor to every room! Lastly, the trend next year is not to settle for regular stock blues, reds or greens. Rather, you should choose deeper blues, aqua, maroon, teal or jade-these colors are the way to go! Think outside-the-box, but don’t overdo it. Remember, you’re just adding a pop of color in 2021!
 

Simple/Minimalism

While we’ve seen this design trend before, now more than ever, minimalism appears as if, it is here to stay! Not only has minimalism become a lifestyle for many apartment renters, it has also become a great way to help preserve the environment. We won’t get into the benefits a minimalist lifestyle has on the world around us but suffice it to say; an indoor minimalistic décor strategy has its advantages. There is less to clean, there’s more room to roam around inside your unit, and “living small” will make moving a heck of a lot easier!

Books, Books & Books!
 

Being locked down during COVID-19 has given us all a chance to catch up on our reading. More and more apartment renters have also seen their book collections grow exponentially over the past 8 months. It’s good thing too because 2021 design trends dictate that large bookshelves and rows and rows of books is the new wall art! Bookshelves are also great for soundproofing an apartment (as shelves full of books can act as a sound barrier between you and the apartment next door). Remember, bookshelves can also hold everything from your latest collectors’ items, to photos frames, or your very own reference library.
 

Super-Size Your Décor

Go ahead, make a statement! This design trend is always in, but this year, homeowners and apartment dwellers alike can revel in the fact that “statement pieces” from floor to ceiling are on the rise! Search for a large oversized, but useful, piece to hang on your wall, or maybe place an easy chair that is a bit different from the rest of your décor. Position these items, [like a large wall clock or your favorite artists’ piece] inside your living area or den. It’ll spark a conversation, or simply show off your personality! No other design trend for 2021 shows exactly who you are more than this one right here!
 

Wood Is Happenin’

Next year, light woods, distressed lumber and untreated oaks are huge!
Kitchen tables with rustic, raw, sandblasted legs are all the rage for the upcoming year. “Live edge” table tops or shelving are very popular too, and these items can often be found at yard sales and lumber yards for easy upcycling for your apartment! Natural materials with warm finishes or dark metal handles or supports provide a very modern/industrial feel which is also a hot trend for the new year!

The post Apartment Design Trends for 2021 appeared first on Heatherwood Luxury Rentals Blog.

Host a Scary Movie Marathon

This is an easy way to celebrate with the ones you love. It is a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween while remaining socially distant. Of course, PG-13 and R rated features may not work for the little ones, but there are always G rated selections you can choose to make it fun for the underage children in your group. Remember to take out the Carmel flavored popcorn and candy corn for snacking.

Pumpkin Egg Hunt?

We know pumpkins don’t lay eggs, but there are ways to easily set up a candy scavenger hunt in the areas around your apartment or complex. Party stores this year are stocking up on Halloween style candy holders specifically made for this activity. Or, if you have leftover plastic eggs from Easter, here’s a two-pronged idea; have the kids decorate the eggs in scary ways and fill them with their favorite tricks (plastic spiders?) or treats (fun size snickers are our favorite). Find places within your apartment or around the complex and let the hunt begin!

Pumpkin Carving Parties

Grab a large 6-foot table (or two) and set up pumpkin carving stations for your kids and their friends! Of course, you’ll be doing this activity outside (so all the kids can stay 6 feet apart). And, as we all know carving pumpkins is fun (but messy), so performing this activity outside saves you the hassle of cleaning your kitchen floor after it’s all said and done. Award prizes for participation or just hand out the treats to everyone!

Tips for the upcoming Holiday Season

Facemask Decorating Part

Every day is mask day during a pandemic, so why not host a “Facemask Decorating Event” this year!?! This activity can be performed outside where kids can decorate their facemasks in their own creative and spooky ways. Remember to take photos and tag us #heatherwoodhalloween in your posts.

Costume Parades

A costume parade is a great way for kids to strut their stuff while remaining socially distant and safe. Set up a time with your neighbors (and superintendent of your building or community) and have the kids parade themselves all around the complex. We are sure photos and videos will be taken that you can share on your favorite social networks, be sure to tag #heatherwoodhalloween when you do.
 

Drive-Through Haunted Houses

We are all familiar with the Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganzas during the Christmas holiday season, but Drive-Thru Haunted Houses are popping up all over Long Island and New York City. Look for these on your favorite event calendar pages and make your reservation for a scare-fest that’s safe and socially distant!

  More Trick or Treating Reading

Pumpkin Patch and Apple Picking

Pumpkin picking and apple picking are activities that are tried-and-true fall events that still check all the boxes when it comes to safe and socially distant activities. Apple and pumpkin picking are most often held outdoors, so you can remain socially distant from others. This is also a great place to show off your favorite Halloween themed masks! Remember to bring along hand sanitizer and wipes as well as a picnic lunch! Note: Pumpkin patches these days may be taking reservations to keep crowds down at their locations, be sure to call ahead.

Virtual Costume Parties

Lastly, by now we should all be pros at video conferencing and chatting with friends via Zoom, Skype, and so on. This year keep a lookout for, or host your own, “Virtual Costume Party” with friends and family! You can award prizes for the most unique and clever costume or create a Halloween movie trivia game to keep the party virtually moving! 
 

These are just some of the ideas we’ve come up with to help you celebrate this Halloween in a fun and safe way! Who knows, these ideas may one day become your own family tradition! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with all your Halloween happenings. #heatherwoodhalloween 

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Mask and Face Coverings

The fight to keep Covid-19 at bay has been proven effective when everyone is wearing face masks or face-coverings. This year be sure your child has, not only their favorite “fashionable” face covering, but an extra facemask in their bag just in case their favorite gets dirty, torn, or otherwise rendered unusable. Blue, non-woven fabric disposable masks (like to one seen here) can easily be slipped into a Ziploc bag, placed anywhere your child carries their extra items and pulled out in an emergency if need be.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer is paramount this school year to keeping your little one’s hands clean and free from pathogens that are around us every day (not just during a Pandemic). The great news here is there are all kinds of cute packaging, and transportable container options on the market. Hook a 2 fl. oz. bottle on their back-pack, slip a sanitizer spray bottle into their pencil case, or drop a bottle into their jeans or shorts. Always having a spritz or a spray ‘on-hand’ (she what we did there), is key to surviving germs–even the common cold–this year.

Gloves

We’re not talking mittens here (at least not yet), but what we are talking about is sending your child with an extra pair of non-latex disposable rubber gloves. Two can easily be slipped into a Ziploc bag and pulled out whenever your child feels the need to do so. Just make sure not to give these to younger children. *Check with your schools back-to-school supply list to make sure these items are approved.

Eye Protection

Let’s not forget your eyes are also venerable to catching virus (pink eye anyone?). So, we’re not suggesting goggles here, but wearing glasses with clear lenses, or UV light specs are surely enough protection for anyone to use. Your kids can find cool eye-glasses on-line that are functional and fashionable. This will provide that extra layer of protection for your child whenever they’re in need.

Disinfecting Wipes

While most schools are under strict guidelines for cleanliness and disinfecting, it is not a bad idea for your child (again, in a tightly closed Ziploc baggie) to have a few disinfecting wipes with them so that they may wipe down their desks as they arrive in the morning, or after they eat lunch. This will give your youngster a little bit of extra security, it’ll help them relax so they can concentrate on their school work.

Higher Education

We know your college student brought a truck-load of stuff with them to college this year, but one thing they may have forgotten is an “Air Purifier” for their dorm room! A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, is great to help clean the air they breathe. If possible, remind your young-adult to keep their dorm room doors and windows open (as weather allows) to help circulate the air around them. A fan is a great addition to the room as well. Why not ship both items out to him or her tonight!

Bonus Tip: Coming Home!

Put a “Come Home” routine in-place during this school year that your child needs to adhere-to. For instance, when they arrive back home after school children should immediately wash their hands, remove their clothing, place their shoes, socks and other clothing into a designated area in your apartment for washing and/or disinfecting. A shower for your child would be great, but not necessary. Extra: Sharper Image and Amazon sell “UV Sanitizing Wands” that kill 99.99% of germs on everything they bring home; from cell phones-to-eyeglass these gadgets work great! It is a bit of an investment for some, but available for you if you so choose.

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1. Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn, NY

Located on the Southwestern part of Brooklyn, Coney Island is one of New York’s top attractions! Not only does this beach come with a storied history, but it still provides miles of sandy beaches to help you stay cool during the dog days of August. Apartment renters from Queens to Brooklyn can travel quite easily to this destination by jumping on the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue. Social distancing and masks are the rule, but the sun and surf are free!
 

2. Robert Moses Beach, Babylon, NY

This historic park was established in the early 1900’s and is named in honor of master builder Robert Moses. A complex so large, the area is separated into “fields.” For example; Field 2 has a Pitch & Putt Golf Course and Field 5 has a ¾ mile nature walk that leads directly to the Fire Island Lighthouse! Other fields are full of scenic picnic areas with outdoor grills, picnic tables, sports fields, pier fishing and so much more. Heading out to Robert Moses from your Apartment on Long Island is easy via the also famous, Robert Moses Causeway.
 

3. Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY

Jones Beach, much like Robert Moses State Park, was established in the early 1900’s (1929 to be exact) and is one of the most famous of our Long Island beaches. Equipped with a wonderful 4-mile boardwalk (wide enough for easy social distancing) and 6.5 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, Jones Beach plays host to close to 5 million visitors per year! This wonderful complex is situated less than 20 miles from New York City, making it an easy trip for residents of Heatherwood’s Long Island City or Brooklyn locations. While some of the attractions that make Jones Beach legendary are shuttered due to the Coronavirus, Jones beach is still a great place to relax and cool off this summer!
 

4. Ocean Beach Park, Long Beach, NY

Located in Long Beach New York and known as “The City by The Sea,” Ocean Beach Park features 4 miles of sandy oceanfront beach and has a 2.2-mile boardwalk (recently re-built after Hurricane Sandy) to its pristine stature. Non-resident beach passes are required for visitors and on sale Monday’s thru Thursday’s. The good news here is Ocean Beach Park is smoke-free, animal-free and alcohol-free on the beaches and boardwalk, making this summer ‘day-cation’ a true get-away-from-it-all experience!
 

5. Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY

Located within walking distance of Coney Island’s famed boardwalk and amusement area, is Brighton Beach! Often referred to as “Little Odessa,” due to its Russian and Ukrainian residents, this part of Brooklyn is steeped in history. Brighton Beach, like other coastal areas, has an expansive boardwalk where pictures and murals of the beaches 19^th and 20^th century attractions are on display (sightseeing is a major attraction here). And if you explore the area a bit more you can even see a few small historic bungalows that remain. Not only is this a great spot to relax and cool off in the surf, there are also a multitude of other activities to participate in such as; treating your pallet to some unique Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian foods (outdoor dining here is quite common). Plenty of café’s, sweet shops abound, there is also shopping and strolling along the boardwalk, and even a Russian Bathhouse!
 

6. Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY

If you’re heading out from NYC towards the east end of Long Island, Coopers Beach in Southampton is a must see! Often rated as one of the Top Ten Beaches in America (currently rated #3 in the U.S.!), Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide and made from grainy white quartz sand! The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered with American beach grasses and littered with large mansion homes, making the area a wonderful sight-to-see and photograph. While this beach is usually open to non-Southampton-residents, due to recent events, no daily passes are currently being sold (this means placing this trip on your “bucket list” for a future visit).
 

7. Ocean Beach, Fire Island, NY

Having only a “year-round” population of only about 100 inhabitants, Ocean Beach is a true vacation destination for residents of NYC, Long Island and beyond! Ocean Beach is the largest village on Fire Island and is unofficial capital of the half-mile-wide by 32-mile-long, barrier beach of Fire Island. Vacation homes are scattered throughout and for nature lovers…Ocean Beach is a paradise! There are no vehicles allowed on Ocean Beach so walking and bike riding are the norm (this contributes to the quiet, serene atmosphere that washes over you while vacationing here). Note, the only way to get to the island is by ferry or water taxi, so this trip requires some pre-planning. Remember, during these uncharted times, the ferry schedule to-and-from the island is limited and face coverings on-board the vessel are required. As noted on their website, “Ocean Beach combines the allure of a resort, with a casual atmosphere and [the] safety of a lost age.” We agree.
 

Note: This blog post is meant for entertainment and informational purposes only. We strongly suggest, before you head out to any of these beaches, to check social distancing guidelines, hours of operation, and other information as provided by the individual town and county websites.

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“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”-Dalai Lama XIV

Never has such a simple statement held such relevance when it comes to living in an apartment. Happiness (and peace and quiet) is not something that comes automatically, it comes from how you treat others (specifically your neighbors and friends). Think of it, maybe by not turning your TV up so loud during a movie night, that would do the trick? Or possibly, when you’re having guests over for a celebration, you may want to take the time to knock-on your neighbors’ doors and let them know you’ll be having a small get-together, but assure them it will only take place between certain hours, and you’ll be happy to wind-it-down before their child’s bedtime. Little actions like this can go a long way towards a peaceful co-existence with the neighbors in your apartment building.
 

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Luxury apartments are not the type of luxuries we are talking about here. Love and compassion are! For example, maybe one of the neighbors in your apartment complex is going through a rough patch. Rather than ignoring that person, why not mix up a batch of cookies and leave it by their doorstep with a little note that says, “Just thinking of You!” Or, if you know one of their children needs looking-after while their parents are busy at work, offer up your spare time. Doing these things will surely make you a hero to your neighbor/s and give you a feeling of fulfillment and love that you might not otherwise feel. Don’t ignore the problem, offer compassion and love no matter how passive or subtle.
 

“Silence is sometimes the best answer” ― Dalai Lama XIV

Sure, your neighbor has children that stomp around when they have play dates. Or maybe a dispute took place in the apartment next door and it disturbed your dinner one night. Showing restraint and not sending a nasty email or written letter to your neighbor or landlord might be your best first course of action! Sometimes, it’s best to take a breather, let things cool down and we bet you’ll notice that these things have a way of resolving themselves. You may even find that-that playdate or disagreement-was just a “one-off” and the folks upstairs are the best neighbors you could ask for!
 

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.” ― Dalai Lama

This is one of the most important lessons we can learn when it comes to apartment living. Remember living in an apartment on Long Island or NYC is a communal lifestyle. You are sharing spaces, basically living together. You are not as isolated as you may think. Reflect on how we all come together in times of crisis and tumult (9/11 and the recent pandemic are just two examples that come to mind). Humans, by nature, are communal beings and thrive on personal interaction and communication, these attributes are no more apparent than living together in an apartment building or complex. So, in the words of another wise man Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Offer help, simply just “be there” for your neighbors, your apartment building (and your heart) will thank you.
 

“A genuine, affectionate smile is very important in our day-to-day lives.” ― the Dalai Lama

Apartment renters in Queens and Brooklyn can sometimes be misunderstood. Most folks think just because you’re quiet or withdrawn that you want space and you’re not really into communicating. But that doesn’t mean while in an elevator or in the lobby of the building you couldn’t just share a quick smile to show you care. To be sure, one does not have to go all out or be overly friendly and gregarious with their neighbors, sometimes just a gentle smile while your walking past each other in the hall or helping one of your neighbors who may be overloaded with packages, will be just enough to loosen someone up. Who knows, you may even end up becoming friends!
 

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