Piney Ridge Apartments & Townhomes | Blog

Hosting Thanksgiving in an Apartment

While living in a smaller home may mean a little less square footage for entertaining than what’s often shown in Better Homes & Gardens or Southern Living, it’s still possible to throw a feast to remember in your apartment. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your apartment or townhome living room into the perfect setting for Thanksgiving dinner. Keep the Guest List Small It’s easy for a guest list to snowball and grow. However, to keep things comfortable (and you relaxed), be sure to estimate how many guests can easily fit in your apartment dining area at one time. Request RSVPs in advance so you can plan accordingly – this will help you not only plan your space, but the amount of food you need to make. Also keep in mind the available parking in your neighborhood. You don’t want your guests driving in circles or far away to find a place to park. Take Inventory & Make a Plan Look around your apartment at areas you can declutter, take inventory of items in your pantry that can be used, and ensure you have enough place settings, dishes, and chairs to host your guests. Some items to check for: a turkey baster, meat thermometer, roasting pan, casserole dishes, hand soap, hand towels, and enough hangers for coats. While it may be appropriate to ask your guests to bring extra chairs or folding tables if needed, however, it’s best to invest in your own kitchen tools and hangers. Start Meal Prepping Early Plan out your menu and shop several days ahead of time. You can even shop for non-perishable items and squash at least a week in advance. Also, consider items that don’t require an oven. Since you’ll likely be roasting the turkey, side dishes that require baking should either be made ahead of time or brought by guests. Keep Thanksgiving day sides to stovetop items such as green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and other cooked dishes. Make everything you can ahead of time. Many items like pies and casseroles can be made a day or two before Thanksgiving and reheated as needed. Keep in mind that a frozen turkey takes several days to thaw in your refrigerator. Ensure you have plenty of room for it and allow enough time before Thanksgiving Day for thawing. Allow and/or request guests make side dishes or desserts to help ease your workload. However, be sure to keep track of who’s bringing which dish so you don’t end up with duplicates. Clean Ahead of Time You do not want to be rushing around trying to wrap up cooking and setting the table while cleaning your apartment. Schedule time on your calendar for cleaning the day before – that way your apartment is still fresh and clean for guests, but you won’t be stressing about one more thing to do Thanksgiving day. Cleaning as you cook will keep the kitchen workload manageable, and keep utensils and tools clean to be reused for other dishes. Do a Little Redecorating You don’t need an extreme home makeover, however, rearranging your furniture can go along way in giving guests a little more elbow room. Move unnecessary furniture into other rooms of your apartment that may not be used, such as a guest room or even in the master bedroom, out of the way. Don’t forget to clear out your closet so there’s room for your guests’ coats and purses, too! It's completely acceptable to have multiple dining areas, too. If all guests can’t fit at your dining table, set up an extra table in the living room or a spare bedroom. Coffee tables, folding tables, and TV tables are all acceptable places to dine. If you want to set the mood, investing in some beautiful centerpieces or tablecloths can really spruce up your dining table. Coordinated cloth napkins and placemats in fall colors are always a safe bet, as well as some beautiful LED lighting around your dining area. Some fall décor placed throughout the living & dining rooms and kitchen can also set the vibe.

Our Top October Events in Carroll County, MD

In our opinion, Carroll County is one of the most beautiful places to be in the fall. It’s also one of the most fun places to be! There’s so much happening around town this fall and we’ve listed the events we’re most looking forward to here! Sykesville Ghost Tour 7609 Main Street • Sykesville, MD Fridays & Saturdays Through October 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Take a walking ghost tour of historic Sykesville and learn about the stories of the town’s past. The tour begins at Patapsco Distillery. Tickets are $20 and are available through Eventbrite via the event’s Facebook page . The Nightmare Before Christmas Millard Cooper Park • Sykesville, MD Saturday, October 9 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Enjoy a crisp evening outside presented by Sykesville Cinema with a costume contest (for kids aged 12 and under) and The Nightmare Before Christmas starting at dusk. This is a free event. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for Carroll County Food Sunday. 2021 Bubbles & Tulle Festival Main Street • Sykesville, MD Saturday, October 9 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Put on your best dress, and dance your way down Main Street Sykesville! Enjoy some wine samples, get your photo taken while you’re all dressed up, and enjoy food from local vendors. Limited tickets are available here . Haunted Woods Charlotte’s Quest Nature Center • Manchester, MD Friday, October 15 & Saturday, October 16 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Take a spooky hike through the nature trails and woods of Charlotte’s Quest Nature Center. Piney Run Park Fall Festival Piney Run Park • Sykesville, MD Saturday, October 16 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Celebrate fall along Piney Run Reservoir in Sykesville with scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, live music, craft vendors, food, and more. For more information please call Piney Nature Center at (410) 795-6043. Trick or Treat on Main Street! Main Street • Sykesville, MD Saturday, October 23 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM The Downtown Sykesville Connection continues their annual tradition of trick or treating on Main Street. The Merchants on Main will be giving away treats. Trunk or Treat Sandymount Elementary School • Finksburg, MD Saturday, October 23 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM All are welcome to attend Sandymount Elementary’s first annual trunk or treat. Decorate your car and be ready to hand out treats (or collect some yourself). Follow their Facebook event for more information and to register your car.

Top 10 Tips for Saving Energy During the Fall in Your Apartment or Townhome

As the cooler weather (finally) begins to move into Maryland, many of us will be cranking up our thermostats – and also, unfortunately, our energy bills. However, there are many ways to stay warm and cozy through the spring while saving money on your utilities. We’ve done some research and compiled our top 10 energy savings tips here that can reduce your utility bills while keeping the chill away. 1. Lower the Temperature at Night Dropping your thermostat down 65 degrees during the evening hours not only will help improve your utility bill, but will also improve your sleep. According to Inside Tracker , ideal sleeping conditions are 65 degrees Fahrenheit with 30-50% humidity. And, according to Energy.gov , this can save you as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling. 2. Don’t Let Your Outlets Become Inlets Outlets on external walls can let cool air into your apartment or townhome. Feel outlets on exterior walls on a cold day to see if they feel cool or drafty. If so, it’s easy and inexpensive to fix. Simply purchase child proofing outlet plugs and install them into the drafty outlets to keep the cold air out. 3. Let it Flow Check your furniture arrangement to ensure nothing is blocking air returns or vents. Our community was designed to allow for optimal air flow when these are not blocked. Try a new furniture layout that will allow air to move freely and efficiently throughout your home – and you may even find a new look you love! Need inspiration? Check out this blog from ApartmentTherapy.com about how to properly place your furniture. 4. Use Cold Water We don’t mean for you to start taking cold showers, but your clothes can handle the drop in temperature. Washing your clothes in cold water saves on energy costs and, many times, will also lengthen the life of your clothes. Check the tags on your clothing and wash anything you can in the cold cycle. Energy.gov cites that hot water can account for up to 90% of the energy your washing machine uses. 5. Check Your Air Filter Make sure your air filter is changed at least each season. Our team is happy to provide and install a fresh air filter for you if it’s gotten a little congested. A clean air filter helps to keep fall allergens out of your apartment and bring fresh air in freely. 6. Insulate Your Floors Wood, vinyl, and tile floors are beautiful, but can easily cool your home. Adding area rugs in these areas will help insulate your apartment and keep warm air inside, and also keep your neighbors happy by dampening noises! 7. Upgrade Your Lighting New LED light bulbs not only save a ton of energy, but also last much longer meaning you won’t be left in the dark very often. Most local grocery and home improvement stores carry a wide variety of bulbs that will fit your fixtures – and there are some really fun options if you want to add some mood lighting. Lights like the Philips Hue allow you to dim and change the color of your lighting using a smart app. 8. Find Rewards with Your Utility Company Some utility companies offer a rewards program for saving energy during energy savings days or by enrolling in an incentives program . By turning down your thermostat on certain days or, in the case of the ongoing incentives program, allowing your connected thermostat to be automatically adjusted within a 4-degree range during times of demand, you’ll receive bill adjustments or account credits that can really add up! 9. Check for Vampires… …and not just on Halloween. Vampire appliances are those that use energy without you even knowing! Phone chargers, power strips, small appliances, and other electronics often use energy while not in use. Unplugging things when you’re done using these is a simple way to avoid an energy (and money) suck from your devices. 10. Keep the Weather Out Check that weatherstripping is in good condition around your windows and doors. If you notice any cracked or damaged weather stripping contact our maintenance team and we’ll be happy to install fresh weatherstripping for you.

National Food Bank Day - Finding Assistance in Carroll County, MD

Our Rachuba family – and our Family Foundation – are committed to making the world around us a better place to call home. With today being National Food Bank Day, we encourage you to support one of these local food banks and non-profits working to feed our Carroll County neighbors. This quarter The Rachuba Family Foundation is donating to Helping Up Mission , an organization that helps men & women fighting addition and homelessness get their lives back. Helping Up Mission not only provides housing and food, but also housing, education, and mental health & addiction support. Donations of canned goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items can be made by contacting Brian Vincer, Food Services Coordinator at (410) 675-7500 ext. 1113 or by email at [email protected] . Donation drop-offs are also available in Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Lutherville-Timonium, and downtown Baltimore. Learn more about all the ways to support Helping Up Mission here . Carroll County Food Sunday has been a staple in our community since 1982. Located in Downtown Westminster on Distillery Drive (near the intersection of Main Street & Railroad Avenue), Eldersburg at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and Taneytown at Trinity Lutheran Church, this organization serves over 400 families a week. To assist Carroll County Food Sunday, cash donations can be made on their website’s How to Help page. Food donations can be made at the Westminster location at 10 Distillery Drive during specific hours. Volunteers are also needed to greet & interview clients; sort, organize, and pack food; and provide other services. The South Carroll Food Pantry is a part of the Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church (located at 361 Johnsville Road). Once per month, food is distributed at the church in a drive-thru fashion from 8:30-11:30 am. If you’re in need of assistance, please register upon arrival and visit this link for more details and distribution dates. To volunteer for this program, please contact Jim Mitchell at [email protected] or Greg Paytas at [email protected] . In addition, Wesley Freedom UMC also serves meals on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays through their Feed My Sheep Program. Recipients must register the day before to receive a grab-n-go bagged lunch by contacting (410) 795-27777 ext. 12 or by emailing [email protected] . Student (and adult) volunteers are welcome to assist! We’d love to see how our Piney Ridge family is giving back. Be sure to share with us any donations you’re making today with us on social media by tagging us with #pineyridgegivesback.

Our Top End-of-Summer Events in Carroll County

With only a month left of the summer, there are still a number of fun activities and events that the family can enjoy in Carroll County MD. You can support local businesses at farmer's markets, listen to live music, experience delicious food, and so much more. Whether it is fun with the family, date night, or a night out with friends, you can enjoy the last month of summer experiencing new things. Check out some of the events Carroll Count has to offer! Farmers Markets Carroll County has many opportunities to experience unique shops and boutiques or find a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and other produce. Carroll County has four farmers' markets so you can try a new one every weekend! See your options below: Sykesville Farmers Market Carroll County Farmers Market Taneytown Farmers Market | 2021 Season Hampstead Farmers’ Market 50 th Annual Old-Fashioned Corm Roast Festival If you’re a foodie, come out and try corn roasted in the husk! With meal tickets you can enjoy fried chicken, applesauce, sliced tomatoes, rolls and butter, sip on iced tea or lemonade and of course, enjoy all the roasted corn you can eat! Carroll County Restaurant Week Restaurant Week is an annual celebration of Carroll County’s finest cuisine! If you want to discover new restaurants or enjoy places you already love, this is the best week to do so! Restaurants offer a prix fixe menu during operating hours every day of the week. Aqueous Media (Baltimore Water Color Society) If you’re the artistic type, starting August 9, 2021, and lasting through the month, the Baltimore Water Color Society’s mission is to encourage and promote professional excellence in the development of origin artwork. The BWS offers members many opportunities to display their work! Movie Screenings If you want a relaxing afternoon or evening to watch a movie with your partner, kids, friends, check out the different movie options Carroll County is offering in the month of August. Ratatouille Toy Story 4 The Peanut Butter Falcon Secret Garden R&B/ GoGo Wine Festival Open your taste buds to complimentary glass and tasting by Dejon Vineyards, Basignani Winery, and a Special Guest Winery (TBA). There will be music by DJ Tanz, DJ Biskit, and a Special Guest DJ (TBA). This event is rain or shine so bring tents, chairs, and food. No outside alcohol is permitted. Renegade Monster Truck Tour The Renegade Monster Truck Tour features over two hours of adrenaline-fueled entertainment. With tickets as low as $10 this event is highly affordable and provides fun for the whole family! The Eric Byrd Trio The Eric Byrd Trio has traveled the world for almost two decades spreading their enthusiasm for jazz. The trio embraces gospel and the blues as the core elements of their performance style. They just released their new album TWENTY which celebrates their 20 years together. Carroll County Hot Air Balloon Festival Come out to the first annual Carroll County Balloon Festival. This festival will bring joy to our spectators, balloon piolets, passengers, sponsors, and vendors. Admission is $20 for adults and kids over 12; $5 for kids 6-12; free for kids under 6. Explore more events here !

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Top Tips to Make Your Apartment Shine

When the harsh chill of winter fades into a mild spring, it’s time to turn your home upside down with some good old-fashioned spring cleaning. While people don’t exactly hibernate, we tend to hunker down and accumulate a bit of a mess over the colder months. So, once the warmer weather finally arrives, we use that as a golden opportunity to shake things up and get our homes back into proper working order for the year ahead. If you’ve ever attempted spring cleaning before, you know that cleaning an entire home from top to bottom is easier said than done. If you want to get your apartment in tip-top shape this season, you’re going to need a good spring cleaning checklist. Your Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist Before you get to work, keep in mind that spring cleaning is a marathon – not a spring. There’s a reason many cultures set aside an entire week for this particular tradition. So, try to break up your cleaning spree by tasks or by room so you don’t get overwhelmed. And remember, there’s no harm in asking for help if you need it! With all of that said, here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you conquer your winter cobwebs. 1. Get Organized The less stuff you have, the fewer things you need to clean. Before you get down on all fours and start scrubbing your floors, you need to take some time to get yourself and your home organized. Start by getting rid of any junk or clutter. You don’t want or need anymore by selling, donating, or tossing it. Once you’ve freed your home of all the extra stuff, carefully reorganize your closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. to fit everything you kept. 2. Empty Your Cabinets and Drawers Cabinets and drawers are not immune to dust, dirt, and spills. And spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to show these storage spaces a little much-needed TLC. Start by emptying all of your cabinets and drawers. Then remove any loose dust, crumbs, or dirt with the hose attachment of your vacuum. After the dust is gone, wipe down the insides with a damp cloth to clean up any stains or spills. Finally, take some time to wipe off everything that belongs in that drawer or cabinet to get rid of any dust before putting it all away. 3. Take Care of Your Appliances Our kitchen appliances accumulate a lot of residue over the year. So, as part of your spring cleaning, make sure you take the time to clean your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry machines, and any other appliances you may have in your home. 4. Polish Up Your Plumbing While you may not want to do it, you're going to have to wipe down your toilet — and your shower, your bathtub, and your sink too! When it comes time to give your bathroom a solid once over, remember to wear rubber gloves and ventilate the room if you plan on using a cleaner that includes bleach. 5. Dust Everything Of all of the spring cleaning tips you're going to get this year, this one is probably the most basic. No matter what steps you take to prevent it, dust will always find its way into your home. And spring cleaning is the perfect time to tear your apartment apart to shake off all the dust that's accumulated over the past few months. While you're busy dust-busting, don't forget to dust off all your light fixtures, the chords behind your TV, your blinds, and the back of your refrigerator. Dust everything means dust everything! 6. Clean from Floor to Ceiling You've probably noticed scuffs, stains, and dust on your molding, but did you know dust and grime can accumulate on your walls too? It may sound like one of the more extreme spring cleaning hacks out there. But, dusting and wiping down your walls and baseboards can help cut down on the amount of dust and fine particles circulating in the air — which could help with your allergies! 7. Wipe Down Your Windows and Doors Your doors and windows take a lot of abuse both inside and out all year long. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to thank them for all of their hard work by cleaning them up a bit. When cleaning your windows, don't forget to wipe down the screens to remove any dirt or mold. 8. Wash All. Your Linens Finally, one of the best spring cleaning tips out there may seem a little unnecessary, but it will make your entire home feel and smell a lot fresher. Washing rugs, curtains, and throw pillow covers is pretty standard spring cleaning practice. But, to achieve total "spring cleaning" clean, you might want to consider emptying your linen closet and giving everything inside a pass through your washing machine. Over time, stored fabrics can pick up a musty smell. A quick wash is all you need to stamp out the stench and leave your linens smelling fresh and clean. 9. Vacuum and Clean Carpets and Upholstery While you can throw a lot of fabric in your washing machine, you can't put everything in there. And, unfortunately, while a vacuum can work wonders on carpeting and upholstery, it can't do everything. You could hire someone to come in and clean your carpets for you. But, if you're up to the challenge, you can easily rent a carpet steamer from many grocery and home improvement stores that will get the job done just as well. Cleaning upholstery, however, can be a bit trickier. If you plan on using an upholstery cleaner on your furniture, remember to test it first on a small, hard-to-see spot to make sure you don't accidentally wind up with a tie-dye couch. Are You Ready to Welcome Spring? By following this spring cleaning checklist, you'll be able to shake off the past few months and get your home looking, smelling, and feeling its best in no time. Are you looking for a new place to call home? Check out the pricing and availability of our spacious apartments, schedule a tour to see them for yourself, or contact us for more information today!