If you live in an apartment, you may be on a strict budget, which means that the apartment living costs changing can really mess you up. Energy consumption during the spring can be a beast in this situation, so take into account some energy saving tips that can save you a ton of money.

When you first move into your apartment living space and are purchasing appliances, purchase only ENERGYSTAR models, as these are the most efficient. Washers, dryers, microwaves and more have these designations. The same is true of any appliance you need to replace. Stock up on compact fluorescent bulbs, as they burn cooler, last longer, and put off brighter light at lower wattage. Set your thermostat to somewhere between 77-80 degrees, as this will keep you cool without overworking the AC. Turn this up by 3-5 degrees when you aren’t home to conserve energy. If you have ceiling fans, use them. They circulate air to keep spaces cooler longer.

Your apartment living expenses don’t have to become unmanageable just because you want to stay cool this spring. With these energy saving tips, you can keep your budget and the cost of living under control.

If you find that you drive around town getting your car dirty and never seem to find time to stop and clean it up, you should consider mapping out the local car washes in Mebane NC so that you can choose one on your next ride around town.

Aside from their 100-foot tunnel soft cloth wash, Eastern Auto Spa also offers other car care services. Have your car detailed or even get an oil change at their location on Mebane Oaks Road. They are closed on Sunday, but otherwise open from 8am to 6pm weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays.

Autobell is a large chain of car washes, with five locations around town for your convenience. Get excellent car wash care anytime from 7:30am to 7:30pm Monday through Saturday as well as 8am to 6pm on Sunday.

If you know where all the local car washes around town in Mebane are, you’ll never need to worry about going out of your way to take care of your car. It’ll only take a few minutes to stop on the way to your next destination and be sure the outside of your car is pristine.

Enjoy a glass of red at The Winery at Iron Gate Farm.

When was the last time you really took the time to appreciate the things around town that make Mebane and the surrounding areas special? If it’s been awhile, think about looking into weekend getaways around Mebane, NC that make the area seem new and fresh to you.

For something relaxing and potentially romantic, you can go to Iron Gate Vineyard, a lovely little winery where you can take a tour, take part in a tasting or attend an event. For example, on April 21^st, they’ll be hosting a barbecue dinner and wine tasting in celebration of Relay for Life.

Other things you can do around town include golfing, as North Carolina is huge in the sport. Head over to Mill Creek, where you have four colored tees of various yardage and the fairways are covered with Bermuda and lined with trees over hilly terrain with water hazards. Choose from 2 fairways on the 18^th hole.

Restore the excitement you feel for where you live with a weekend getaway around Mebane. With all the things to do in and around town, you can certainly fill up your schedule for two days and have a fun and exciting time.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Find the perfect color for your manicure at these salons.

Making time for style is critical for the both modern, working woman and the stay at home mom. Check out some of the talented hair stylists and top-rated salons around town to find the perfect look for your busy lifestyle.

• Madison Heath’s Hair Studio specializes in cutting-edge color treatment for the fashion-forward Mebane resident. Even if you are satisfied with your current hue, be sure and book tanning, waxing or a cut from their full menu of some of the best beauty services around town.
• Vanity Flair is an all-in-one stop for all sorts of style. In addition to talented hair stylists, Vanity Flair offers an art gallery and vintage clothing at reasonable costs. Vanity Flair can help you make over your look or your apartment.
• Serenity Total Body Care is the perfect destination around town for pampering before a wedding, anniversary or other big event. Book a half-day package that includes a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and more. Serenity offers a wide array of affordable packages for birthday parties and girl’s nights out around town.

If you are hoping for a full-image makeover or a day of recharging for new energy, book time at one of these fabulous salons today.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Celebrate Mexican heritage this Cinco de Mayo.

When you think about holidays, your mind most likely sticks to local or national holidays. What about holidays in other countries? We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so why shouldn’t we be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Mebane, NC? There are lots of festivities around town to take part in.

Depending on how you want to spend your holiday around town, you can choose to attend the Big Cinco de Mayo Party at the Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh, where there will be performances by Big Something and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.  You can also hit up the New Holland Brewing Company on Friday, May 4^th at 6:00, where they will be hosting a special pre-Cinco de Mayo tasting party. Learn from Ambassador Lindsay Sprick about the beer you’re tasting as well. For those who like to shop and are thinking about a new car, lots of dealerships in the area will also be hosting car sales.

Get out around town this year for Cinco de Mayo and join in celebrating the Mexican victory over the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. It’s a great break from the daily grind and a ideal time to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Celebrate nature this Earth Day with these activities in the Triangle.

Take a few hours to appreciate the beauty and benefits of nature this coming Earth Day, April 22nd, by checking out some of the fun, sustainability-inspired activities being held in honor of the 42nd annual holiday. Make Earth Day the anniversary of a new commitment to living a green lifestyle.

• Visit the 24-hour grand opening celebration of the Museum of Natural Science’s new Nature Research wing, which coincides with Earth Day. The event is free for visitors, so take advantage of fabulous educational activities and entertainment while learning a little more about the wonders of the earth.
• Durham’s Earth Day Festival will be one of the most exciting events held around town. Visitors can enjoy educational, interactive activities with lots of information about sustainability. Be sure to relax and enjoy the entertainment, music and tasty food from local vendors around town.
• Visit Lake Michael Park with friends and family, one of the most visually-stunning natural reserves around town. Rent a paddle boat to motor around the 59-acre lake or take a stroll through paths on the massive reserve.

Whether you are a sustainability expert or new to living an earth-friendly lifestyle, plan to make Earth Day a celebration to remember.

Photo credit: m_bartosch

Follow these tips for closet organization and reduce the stress of cleaning.

If you find yourself putting off the closet organizational process till last during your spring cleaning endeavors, you may find you’re out of room in your apartment living space before you get there. To make it easier, here are some tips for spring cleaning and organizing closets for you.

Start by removing any clothing that’s out of season. In apartment living, you have limited closet space, and these items only get in the way. Be smart in your method of storage, minimizing the space your storage items take and labeling appropriately for future use.

Next, replace items that fit and you will wear in spring and summer back in the closet, organized either by type (skirts vs. shorts) or outfit so they can easily be found. Also, try on things that you haven’t worn in awhile, and if it doesn’t fit or isn’t flattering to your figure, get rid of it either through trash or by donating.

Once you’ve organized the closet space, you’ll be able to put away more things that have found their way into your apartment living area. That will relieve a lot of the clutter so you can seriously get to business with spring cleaning.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Mebane is a great family community and, as such, you can find a number of kid-friendly activities for you and your children to participate in. Take a look at some of the top things to do with kids this spring in Mebane NC.

If you head over to Raleigh, you and your kids can both participate in fun learning activities at the Arts Together facility. It’s the only non-profit arts school in the area, with various programs and classes for art, drama, voice, dance, yoga, and more, for children and adults as young as age 3. For outdoor kid-friendly activities, head over to Durant Nature Park, consisting of 237 acres of beauty and nature. You can rent a facility for a picnic or party, enjoy various nature activities and programs, take advantage of five miles of trails through the park, and let your kids exert some energy playing on the playground.

Don’t worry about boredom or a lack of creative kid-friendly activities that give you great family time. There are plenty of options in Mebane for your kids to be entertained and to get quality time with you.

 
 
 
 
photo courtesy of AT

We Americans like our sports, and residents in North Carolina are no different. But in preparing for spring sports in Mebane, NC, you’ll want to have a list of everything you need before heading to your local sporting goods store because everyone else will have the same idea at about the same time.

One of the best places to help you with regional needs in preparing for spring sports in Mebane, NC is Hibbett Sports. While not a national chain, they are a large operation that is regionally concentrated to the area so you can assure they will carry supportive merchandise for all the teams and race car drivers you support most. Actually located in Burlington, they are nearby and have regular weekday hours Monday through Saturday of 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, while having convenient short hours of 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sundays.

Using your list when you get to Hibbett Sports will help you focus and brave the crowds as you begin preparing for spring sports in Mebane. You’ll also be quicker to search the broad spectrum of equipment and clothes and get everything you need in one trip.

 
 
 
 
 
photo courtesy of HS_TW