GoJo!

You're doing a little DIY - making a fake platform bed, painting your bedroom, re-staining a thrift store find - when you decide to take a snack break. You head to the sink and start washing your hands, all the while thinking of that delicious sandwich you're about to devour. But, wait. The wood stain won't come off your hands. Now you're left with sticky fingers! Not fun.

If that's ever happened to you, I've got the perfect product to cure your sticky-hand-blues. GoJo Hand Cleaner works like magic to remove every trace of grime from your hands. It comes in sevearl different variations and is used in the home improvement, healthcare, and automotive industries. I chose the Natural Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner, which is an all-purpose cleaner that removes paint, grease, stain, and oil from you hands. The pumice scrub feels great on your hands and the orange smell is awesome.

I wasn't able to find GoJo on the Home Depot website, though they do sell it in their store for $3.49. If you search GoJo on Amazon.com, you'll find a huge assortment of GoJo cleaners. I recommend the gallon size for anyone who does a lot of DIY. I'm considering getting the wall mounted pump to keep in my workroom. GoJo also makes hand wipes...great to keep around the house or in your emergency car kit for those times when you have to change a tire or check your oil.

Now you can enjoy your snack break without sticky hands!

Apartment Wanted: Work Work Work

Moving this summer? Don't forget to look for an apartment with a workspace. Whether you're a student or your employer offers work-from-home days, you'll love having a home office to hide-away in when it's time to buckle down.

Remodeled Victorian (Ohio City, OH)

3bed, 2.5bath

$1500/month

Figured I'd start with one from my beloved state of Ohio! This victorian's been completely updated with a modern kitchen, baths, and all new fixtures. According to the listing, there are several rooms that will work great as an office. There's even a billiards room! This 15 room house is by far the largest rental I've seen so far under $2000. I would consider moving back if I got to live here (don't hold your breath, mom!)

Norfolk Foreclosure (Norfolk, VA)

4bed

$1200/month

Foreclosures suck. No one wants to lose their home. On the other hand, foreclosures are great opportunities for renters and home buyers in the market for a new place. Like this gorgeous Virgina home. There's a built-in desk with cabinet space in the kitchen that's great if you just need a small work area for you laptop. If you need something bigger, there's a den with built-in shelving and a 4th bedroom, both good options.

Lofted Workspace (Austin, TX)

2bed, 2bath

$895/month

The loft space in this apartment is great for use as an office. There's nice natural light streaming in from the downstairs windows, and great built-in space to store your books and files. If you need a study break, check out the gym, theatre, or pool...all great perks of living in a gated community.

Make Your Own Grand Entrance

I've been holding on to this post since November. I didn't see how a website that sold front doors would be relevant to you renters. Of course, I'd never even looked past the homepage. I finally decided to browse around the Crestview Doors website last night to see what they offer. Good thing I did! Whether you're a renter or an owner, Crestview has something for you'll love.


Crestview specializes in mid-century style doors and wall panels. Instead of buying the whole door, you buy a DIY Doorlite Kit. There's a video on their website that shows just how easy it is to create you own modern entryway. First layout the window lights on your door in the position you'd like them in and trace the outline. Next, use a jigsaw to cut out the shapes, then insert the window frame, caulk, fill, stain/paint and you're done!


If you're a renter and plan on living in your place for at least a couple of years, consider purchasing an extra door so your landlord doesn't kill you. You can easily put the original door back when it's time to move out. Doorlite kits start at $79 so it's affordable enough for everyone. I checked HomeDepot.com and was able to find a basic entry door for $116 which means you'll be able to completely transform the look of your house for under $200. Now that's what I call a deal!


If you're not sure what your house will look like with a certain window, check out Crestview's Door-o-vision to get a sneak peak. You can upload a pic of the front of your house or use one of Crestview's pictures. Then you can have fun playing around with all the different door options. While you're there, take a look at their wall panels (good for adding a hint of mod) and browse their Flickr gallery for pics customers sent in of their finished projects. The picture below is my absolute favorite!

{images via Crestview Doors}

Wall Panel Addiction

I FREAKING LOVE these wall panels from B+N Industries' Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panel line. Words do not even begin to express how much I desperately want to own them. This isn't the first time I've fallen in love with B+N products; last year I wrote about their laminate Iconic wall panel series...as you can see, I have a panel obsession!

{image via B+N Industries}

You have to create an account on the B+N website before they'll even let you look at the prices which means they're way out of my price range so I'm not going to waste my time looking. It would only lead to heart break :(

If you're like me and don't see riches in your future, try a little DIY to create wall panels on your own. All you need are a few slabs of wood, some sanding, wood stain, stencils (optional) and a carving/engraving tool. I highly recommend a Dremel for this type of project. Dremels have many interchangable accessories, including several different engravers.

And while we're talking about DIY, don't forget to check out the Apt528 3rd Ward Contest for your chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, NY.

DIY on the Cheap

This apartment is proof that you CAN have an awesome, unique space no matter what your budget. Using a Sharpie and a TON of talent, this guy turned his basement rec room into a muraled masterpiece. The detail he put into the mural is amazing. Talk about DIY!


I'm not brave enough to do an entire room like this (the mural above goes around the ENTIRE basement) but it's definitely a cool idea for an accent wall. Add splashes of color here or there to make it really pop. Just remember to paint everything back when it's time to move out!

For more pics, check out Dornob Design.

Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 3rd Ward Contest ends Sunday...enter NOW for your chance to win 10% off a class of your choice!!

Apartment 528 3rd Ward Contest

Apartment 528 is doing another contest. Yea! This time, you can enter for a chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward, a design center based in Brooklyn, NY. The contest starts today and ends Sunday, June 28th with the winner announced Monday, June 29th.

About 3rd Ward

If you're able to make it to Brooklyn once a week, I HIGHLY suggest looking into 3rd Ward. They offer classes in everything from woodworking, furniture making (my two faves!), and welding to jewelry making, illustration, and video production. They even have Etsy craft classes!

All of 3rd Ward's classes are super affordable...whether you're a hobbiest, DIY-er, or looking to develop your skills professionally, you'll be able to work a few classes into your budget. If you're looking to save a little while still getting the most bang for your buck, check out one of 3rd Ward's memberships, starting at just $39/month. By becoming a member, you gain access to their 20,000 sq. ft. space, discounts on classes, use of their studio space and media labs, exhibit space, and invites to their social events and networking opportunities. It's enough to make you want to move to New York!

Classes at 3rd Ward

I'm all about building so I will of course highlight their woodworking classes. To get started, you take Intro to Woodworking to get a feel for working with both hand and power tools. Then it's off to Furniture Design and Construction class. The class is taught by Steve Pino, a custom furniture designer who's done pieces for Brooke Shields and Steven Tyler, just to name a few!

This next offering is probably number one on my list. Yesterday, I electrocuted myself while rewiring a hanging light into a sconce for my headboard. Not fun! If I'd taken 3rd Ward's Light Fixture class, maybe I wouldn't have mixed up the wires! The class, taught by designer Daniel Rossi, incorporates wiring and woodworking, all while using eco-friendly materials.

3rd Ward also offers classes in furniture refinishing, screen printing, handmade skincare, jean assembly, and much MUCH more. Check their website for a full list.

How do I win?

First, only participate in the contest if you're serious about taking a class at 3rd Ward. We don't want a good discount to go to waste!

Like last time, there are THREE ways to enter.

1. Post a comment below telling me which 3rd Ward class you'd like to take. Each comment counts as ONE entry.


2. Post a tweet about this contest on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.


3. Link back to this contest on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.

The contest ends at 11:59PM on Sunday, June 28th. One winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday, June 29th.

Good luck!

In the Globe Again!

Apartment 528 had the opportunity to participate in another great Boston Globe feature, this time in the Sunday Boston Globe Magazine - we're moving up in the world!

The article was on 100 Design Ideas Under $100. Many super talented designers and artists (and little old me!) contributed to the piece which was jam-packed with GREAT ideas for every room of the house. My favorite is from David Clancy, an artist who turned an old dresser into a display case for his Pez collection. He even used Pez dispensers as handles to the glass fronts. I like it already!

To get a little design inspiration for your house (or apartment!) and see Apartment 528's advice on nightstand alternatives, check out the Boston Globe's website. The ideas are sorted by room...click the links under the pictures on the left of the page to browse through.

{Image via Boston.com}

Apartment Wanted: Master Bedrooms

Just because you're a renter doesn't mean you can't have a master bedroom. Believe me, I have one and it's the best thing ever. No more sharing a bathroom with guests or trying to cram all your clothes into a tiny closet. Here are a few master bedrooms you could be enjoying...

Rental Luxury (Charlotte, NC)

2bed, 2bath

$1100

GORGEOUS! I've spent so long dreaming about Chicago and Phoenix that I never even gave Charlotte a thought. Now I'm in love! This bungalow has everything you could want. The kitchen is jam-packed with ammenities (6 burner gas stove, wine fridge) and the bathrooms have been beautifully redone with marble floors. The master bath has a walk-in closet, and french doors leading out to the private patio. The master bath has a huge glass shower AND a soaker tub. Now that's what I call renting in style!

Lake House Relaxation (Goffstown, NH)

3bed, 2bath

$1700

I was recently in New Hampshire at a friend's lake house so I can tell you first hand how peaceful and beautiful it can be. For $1700, you get the WHOLE house to yourself, including the breathtaking lake views! The house was recently remodeled so everything is brand new. Gotta love that! The master bedroom has two closets, a built-in window seat, and en suite bathroom with dual shower heads. Bring your kayak and you're all set!

Living Large (Austin, TX)

3bed, 2bath

$1550

The outside of this home may not be much to look at, but the inside more than compensates. The kitchen is GIGANTIC, as are the rest of the rooms. The master bedroom is huge and comes with a walk in closet and double sinks in the bathroom. The house was built in 2005 so everything's still pretty new and modern. I'd put some flowers in the backyard to really jazz the place up.

Spice up your office

It's summer which means a lot of work time spent daydreaming about the beach. Get your mind back in the game with funky office accessories from Think Geek.

This puzzle calendar ($9.99) will make you feel like a kid again! Use the included blocks to design your calender. They even have special icon blocks to mark events like vacations, flights, and birthdays.


Throw out your ugly Rolodex and grab this business card filing cabinet ($12.99). This mini file cabinet can store up to 800 business cards and comes complete with lettered tabs to help you stay organized.


Who said crayons can't be professional? These Crayola executive pens ($14.99) have the weight and functionality of a pricey executive pen without the boring executive look. They even come in a wooden display box!


If you hate filing as much as me, you'll probably love Think Geek's file folders with attitude ($7.99). My advice, use them in your home office so your boss doesn't catch on to what you're REALLY thinking!


This is by far my favorite. Thanks to Dornob Design for tipping me off! Get rid of your cat calendar immediately (I suggest burning it!) and start using calendar tape ($9.99). It's great for adding a funky flair to your apartment. Grab a bulletin board, cover it with calendar tape, and use it to keep track of your schedule and tack up reminders. There are so many ways to use this tape: on notebooks, on walls (not if you're a renter!), or on a desk. To make the calendar reusable, frame it behind glass and use a dry erase marker to fill in spots, then erase at the end of the month.

{images via ThinkGeek.com}

Lovin' Sweet Love Vintage

I'm pretty sure you can never have too many vases, which is why I desperately need to buy this one from Sweet Love Vintage.

And of course, my life won't be complete without the owl business card holder.

I also think I HAVE to have this vintage Sunbeam iron and awesome blue case.

Oh, and did I mention the funky sifter, the 1980's cassette player (for listening to New Kids on the Block), or the vintage guest soaps?

Sweet Love Vintage, where have you been all my life?!

UPDATE: check out the Sweet Love Vintage blog for even more vintage delights.