Sunday, July 29, 2012

Decorating your Dorm Room


Walking into a dorm room, generally all you see is a bunk bed and cinderblock walls. It is difficult to turn this small space into something "homey". But with these little tip, you can turn your dorm room into a cozy getaway.


  • Find as many storage spaces as possible. When you have a small space it is important to keep things in storage. A great idea is to store bins underneath the bed. Stacking many bins also optimizes the small space. This end bed storage unit is great for magazines and books. It keeps your study tools near you while still staying organized. 

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  • If you are sharing a space, make sure to coordinate! It is a great way to get your roommate involved and to make it feel much lively. Make sure to plan ahead! 
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The Dorm Room Checklist
Alarm clock
Bed linens/towels
Carpet/throw rug
Chair/bean bag
Clothes drying rack
Compact refrigerator
Computer
Cup/mug/glass/plate/bowl/silverware
Chargers
Dish soap
Fan
Handi-Tak to hang posters
Hangers
Laundry bag
Laundry detergent
Medicine
Microwave (one cubic foot)
Radio/stereo
Rolls of quarters for laundry
School supplies
Shower caddy
Telephone
Toiletry items/soap dish
TV/DVD player

Events This Week!


  • This week in Rosemount there will be a free movie in Central Park. On August 4, at 11pm.

  • Every Sunday from 8am-1pm until October 28, Savage will be hosting their farmers market. Vendors set up shop to sell their fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and more. It is located in the Parking lot in downtown Savage, off 123rd Street.

  • Lakefront Days starts August 1st in Prior Lake. Lakefront Days is a four-day gathering of activities that features large groups of people converging on Lakefront Park. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy. Download the event schedule here!


  • There will be Music at Kelley Park (Apple Valley Featuring Steve Sullivan and the Factory on August 3rd from 6p-9pm. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the concert. Drawings for bicycles and a guitar are scheduled for each concert!



Monday, July 23, 2012

Painting Tips


Painting can be a fun and inexpensive D.I.Y. project. Here are some tips to ensure that it is done perfectly!

Getting Started
  • Chose a lighter color then expected.  The paint swatch may not seem very dark, but once you paint a whole room it will be overwhelming. If you do not like the color, the worst thing that will happen is having to repaint.
  • The celling does not need to stay white.
  • Make sure to use painter’s tape along the edges. It gives you room to make mistakes. Do not remove the tape until the paint is fully dry.
  • If any of your walls have holes or cracks, do not paint over it. Spackle over any imperfections before you paint.
  • Many paint stores will offer sample sizes, so you are able to try out different colors rather then buying a gallon.
  • Once you have your rollers, wrap your painter’s tape around it and peel it off. This gets rid of the loose fluff, and keeps it off your paint!
  • Remove all furniture from the room that you are painting (or at least cover it). Mistakes happen. 



Painting Tips
  •  Dip the brush an inch in the paint, and scrape one side off on the side of the paint can. This will avoid paint runs.
  • Paint in long strokes.
  • Always paint two coats! It will cover up any mistakes you made during the first coat, it will also brighten your color.
  • Let the paint fully dry before the second coat.
  • Scrape of paint drips on windows, tile or glass with a straight razor blade. It will remove them cleanly. 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Stay Connected

  • Every Wednesday until September 26, Eagan is hosting a Market Fest. This event includes local produce, concerts, free kid's art, play area, theme nights and more. The Market Fest takes place at the Eagan Festival Grounds, from 4 - 8 p.m. 

  • The City of Lakeville is hosting a Summer Splash Fundraiser. It takes place on July 28 from 5 - 8 p.m. It is a tasting of craft beer, wine, and distilled spirits. You must be 21 years old to attend. Along with the beverage tasting, there will be silent auctions and prizes to win! By purchasing a $25.00 ticket you will be supporting the Lakeville Heritage Center. 


  • Farmington is having a photo contest. These photos must showcase Farmington is a positive way. The winner will have their photograph in the cities 2013 Calendar. The city is also interested in what you find interesting and unique about Farmington. To enter the contest Click Here. All entries are due August 20th. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Rosemount Leprechaun Days

Rosemount's annual festival begins on Friday, June 20th and runs through June 29th.  Leprechaun Days has existed in some form since the 1950s and has developed into a wonderful community event with many family-friendly activities.  The Leprechaun theme was chosen to honor the many original settlers of Rosemount that came from Ireland.

Highlights of the 10 day festival  include the Bluegrass Americana Festival in Central Park which includes a farmer's market, Rib Feast, bands, and children's entertainment, the Grand Day Parade and fireworks.  The Leprechaun's Lost Medallion Hunt begins July 23rd with the first clue at 9 AM and has a $500 cash prize.  There are also numerous tournaments such as whiffle ball, golf and basketball. Younger children will enjoy the puppet show, hula hoop contest, petting zoo, Trike, Big Wheel and Scooter Races and kiddie parade.  Here is a full calendar of events.

The City of Rosemount is located 15 miles south of the Twin Cities bordered by the Mississppi River.  It has a rapidly growing population with hundreds of homes under development.  It boast 23 parks, a Community Center, award winning schools and a vibrant business community. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Redecorating Tips


There is no need to redecorate your house from top to bottom. With these inexpensive home-redecorating tips, you are able to change a room with one simple statement.


1.  Spice a room up by adding bold pillows in a room. The pillow cover pictured below can be found at Ikea for only $7.00! 


2. Bring more light into a room by adding a lamp, or changing a lamp shade. This lamp can be found at Pier 1 for $29.00.

3. By adding a mirror it will make the room seem larger, as well as add decoration to any wall. The mirror pictured below can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond for only $29.99.
4. Change the shower curtain in your bathroom. This may be the easiest and cheapest way to add color to your bathroom! Urban Outfitters has many shower curtains to match any home (Who knew?!)


5. Paint an accent wall. By painting one wall different from the rest, it will add color without over powering the rest room. 




For more great tips visit Good Housekeeping