Are you throwing a Memorial Day Party in your apartment in Garner, NC? If so, we have the perfect appetizer recipe for you. Remember, Memorial day is a day to celebrate and remember our fallen heroes. A patriotic theme for your menu is perfect.
Patriotic Taco Salad would be great as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. The American flag design is perfect for Memorial Day. It is a favorite of ours at Abberly Place.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 envelope taco seasoning
6 cups tortilla or corn chips
4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
2. Place chips in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Spread beef mixture evenly over the top. Cover with lettuce. For each star, arrange five olive slices together in the upper left corner. To form stripes, add cheese and tomatoes in alternating rows. Serve immediately.
In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.
Homeownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.
The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.
Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.
During the boom, the home ownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.
Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.
In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The home ownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.
For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as metro Raleigh) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.
It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.
The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.
And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.
Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."
If you are throwing a Cinco de Mayo party at your apartment in Garner, NC you need the right decorations, some perfect Mexican food and the right Margarita.
Well, at Abberly Place Apartments, we would like to share with you our favorite margarita recipe that will sure be the talk of the fiesta.
The Perfect Margarita
1 fluid ounce premium tequila
3/4 fluid ounce brandy-based orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®)
3/4 fluid ounce cointreau
3/4 fluid ounce simple syrup
dash of raspberry flavored liqueur
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup sweet and sour mix
Directions
Salt the rims of 2 large margarita glasses. To do so, pour salt onto a small plate, moisten the rims of the glasses on a damp towel and press them into the salt.
In a cocktail shaker 3/4 full of ice, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, cointreau, simple syrup, raspberry liqueur and lime juice. Pour in sweet and sour until ice is covered. Shake vigorously and strain into glass.
Enjoy, (and if you are going out to enjoy these margaritas, choose a designated driver)!
Raleigh is host to an array of authentic and eclectic restaurants serving hearty, delicious eats. If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC you certainly have your fair share of choices to dine. Where can you go to find a meal as described above? Well there are certainly plenty of places to visit, but here are some restaurants that have caught the eyes of Raleigh locals.
Busy Bee Café
In the heart of downtown, you’ll find a place that offers good food, good beer and good times. Known for its impressive selection of assorted craft beers and distinctive burgers, Busy Bee Café is, “the neighborhood bar that your friends come to.”
“The intent of our food that we serve is meant to be casual dishes that compliment the beers we serve. Our menu is primarily based off of the beer,” the owner, Lockwood said. Apart from its food and distinguished label as the connoisseur of beers, Busy Bee Café offers a welcoming and diverse environment. It’s a place where you can enjoy good times with a good meal and a great drink.
Caffé Luna
This is one of downtown Raleigh’s authentic Italian restaurants—Caffé Luna can simply be described as a slice of Italy. Utilizing fresh and true ingredients alongside the culinary skills of an Italian chef, the restaurant creates dishes that you could only find and taste within the heart of Italy.
One of its most popular and original items on the menu is lasagna. An old Italian favorite, Caffé Luna’s lasagna is a filling dish staying true to its traditional roots. For the vegetarian and vegan crowd out there, a hot-selling dish is the portobello ripieno, consisting of portobello mushrooms stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and tomatoes.
Lilly’s Pizza
For some seasoned pizza-lovers, Raleigh has got a place to please your hankering for a creative pizza experience. Located within the Five Points neighborhood is a little venue called Lilly’s Pizza.
Whether customers prefer a simple, traditional cheese pizza or are a bit more daring, Lilly’s has a pie for everyone. For all the vegetarians, vegans and celiacs out there, don’t feel left out, because there are plenty of options to choose from.
If customers feel that none of Lilly’s pies appeal to their desires, the menu allows them to get creative and construct their own. “We evolve within our own dynamic with simple goals of being fresh and whole-foods oriented and also to ensure a fun experience,” Jon Garrison, owner of Lilly’s Pizza, said. “Our customers appreciate this; the lines on weekends will attest.”
After this guide to downtown Raleigh restaurants, anyone should be ready to ravish all that local dining has to offer.
You have felt the pain at the pump. You also probably know that gas prices may get as high as $5.00/gallon as we approach summer! If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC and you like to drive in and around Raleigh on your summer weekend, gas mileage is very important.
You can improve your car’s gas mileage. If you do them all, you can increase your gas mileage by 50%. When you bought your car you had a specified number of miles per gallon, but you may not be seeing that mileage today. Why?
Don’t neglect regular car maintenance. If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Check your tire air pressure. Your tires can directly affect your gas mileage. As the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Regularly check that your tires have the required PSI. When the pressure in your tires is too low, your tires no longer work efficiently, they work like water balloons. With too much surface on the road, there is too much friction causing your car to work harder. Your gas mileage can be dramatically affected by poor tire pressure.
Believe it or not, changing your driving habits can affect your gas mileage. The way you drive affects how much gas you burn. Not planning to stop, revving up and slowing down and driving over the speed limit all use too much gas. By changing your behavior behind the wheel, you can increase the gas mileage in your car.
Enjoy the summer and enjoy the ride. Keep money in your pocket as gas prices rise, follow these tips to increase your gas mileage.
If you live in an apartment in Garner, NC you may be looking for some nightlife options. “The Edge,” and Elon paper has made some suggestions for some action around the Triangle inRaleigh:
Raleigh maintains a vast selection of nightlife attractions. The city is divided into eight entertainment districts, one of the most popular being Glenwood South that features shopping, nightclubs and unique restaurants like Hibernian Irish Pub. The Warehouse District, contrary to its misleading name, is actually known for its clubbing scene and popular barbecue restaurant, The Pit.
Raleigh is also home to dozens of live music venues ranging from clubs to taverns. Some of the most notable are Lincoln Theatre, The Pour House Music Hall and The Berkeley Café. Raleigh also has a variety of dance clubs, among them Fubar, Mirage and Solas.
“Mirage is a really good place to go if you’re looking for more of a classy club because the people there are generally older,” said NC State student Courtney Farrell. “They host a lot of DJs. I went when Pauly D was there and it was a good time all around.”
No one wants to spend too much money, and Raleigh’s Carmike Blue Ridge 14 Cinema is a discount movie theater that offers older movies for only $2. Raleigh also offers IMAX theaters for a bigger, more diverse range of showings.
Do you need to work off some extra calories before you eat and drink on St. Patty’s day? If so, the 4th annual St. Paddy's Run Green 8k is here. Challenge yourself and your neighbors from your apartment in Garner, NC, grab your kilts and register to run! The race is tomorrow, so start stretching.
Registration is now open for the 4th annual St. Paddy's Run Green 8k in Raleigh! As always, there will be live Irish music, tasty food from Tir na nOg Irish Pub, and the first beer is free (for runner's age 21+ of course)! This year you will also get a free race tech shirt!
Enjoy race contests sponsored by the nOg Run Club: Fastest kilted runners, best St. Paddy's theme costumes, and best team costume (at least 3 runners, and must finish at the same time)!
The first 2,000 registered 8K runners receive their first beer is free (age 21+) and a free race tech shirt!
Highlights of this great event include: Post-race street party hosted by Tir na nOg Irish Pub. The beer truck will have beer available for purchase (21 and above). Bands will be playing in Moore Square, great beer and food provided by Tir na nOg all evening!
This race is a "green" sustainable event” with minimal landfill waste, natural, compostable food and drink containers, and other earth-friendly initiatives.
If you have recently moved into your apartment in Garner, NC and are now looking for a furry companion to keep you company, here are some thoughts.
What is the best apartment pet for your space? Take a little time and then you can be sure to find the perfect pet for you and your home.
Dogs
The first pet that people consider are usually dogs. But not every dog was made for an apartment. We do not have a weight limit for dogs at Abberly Place, and there are plenty of large-breed dogs that can be happy indoors and living in an apartment. The type of dog that is perfect for an apartment are those with a more mild temperament, with less energy.
Cats
Cats are often thought of as the perfect pet for apartments because often they don’t need or want to go outdoors at all. Cats are also quiet pets so they won’t bother your neighbors while you are away.
Rodents
Guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils, enjoy human interaction and are happy in their cages, with time out for exercise and socializing.
At Abberly Place, keep in mind that we do not allow certain aggressive breeds of dogs, but we encourage a furry companion. For information about Abberly Place in Garner, contact us.
House prices are low and mortgage rates are too, many say it is time to buy a home. But in an upside down real estate market, is it really more cost-effective to own as opposed to renting? Interest rates are lower, house prices are down, but it's also harder to get financed.
Many renters at Abberly Place, outside Raleigh, have gotten out of a mortgage. Others are renting so they are not tied down to such a large amount every month.
Whether you should rent or buy depends on many factors, like how long you plan to stay in your home. Some experts will tell you buying is better than renting only if you plan to be in your house more than five years.
If you don't need the tax help, which is minimal, you may want to rent. Most of the time, and always at Abberly Place, Apartments in Garner, NC, the landlord will fix a kitchen sink which saves the renter out of pocket money.
Here's one pro and con breakdown:
Pros to Buying a House:
if it has been a goal for awhile then there's the emotional satisfaction of owning your own home.
It builds equity, (but it takes awhile).
You can get a tax break if you deduct your mortgage interest and your property taxes.
Cons to Buying a House:
Homeowners have to pay property taxes
Homeowners have to pay for maintenance and upkeep.
There's less flexibility if you decide to move.
Down payments are often 20% of the purchase price (if you want to avoid mortgage insurance). That's money that could have been invested elsewhere.
Lastly, most experts say the value of properties won't go up soon. When they do, since selling your house with a realtor normally comes with a 6% commission, values must go up by at least 6% just to break even.
Buying at today's prices doesn't necessarily mean your house will be worth more in a couple of years. Whether it's worth the risk to buy is something each person needs to figure out for their unique situation.
Perhaps you are relocating to the Raleigh area and you have just started the search for a home. Regardless of where you are in your home search, consider some questions before you decide between renting and owning a home. Buying a home is a big commitment both financial and otherwise, so take the time to weigh pros and cons.
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
Will I own it for at least five years?
The most important question to ask before you consider buying a home is whether you will own it for a long time. People buy homes as an investment and five years, maybe even more today, is about the break-even point for earning appreciation in value. If you don’t plan on holding the property for longer than five or more years, don’t buyit! Renting a home is NOT necessarily throwing money away. Buying and selling quickly will usually leave you worse off financially.
Can I afford it?
It is more expensive to own a home than you think. Even if you qualify for the loan amount, you need to make sure YOU can afford it. Lenders don’t take into account home maintenance costs, expenses, health care expenses, expensive lifestyles and habits, etc. So make sure that you can comfortably afford your housing payment, still pay your other bills, and still save at least a little more for retirement. Also, if you are not sure of your continued employment situation, don’t buy a home.
Do I know about the neighborhood?
Did you do adequate research, look at enough properties, and learn the neighborhoods. If you just moved into town or if you don’t know the area, rent anapartment in Garner for a while. Get to know the city.
For information on Abberly Place Apartment Homes in Garner, NC, contact us.
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Are you throwing a Memorial Day Party in your apartment in Garner, NC? If so, we have the perfect appetizer recipe for you. Remember, Memorial day is a day to celebrate and remember our fallen heroes. A patriotic theme for your menu is perfect.
In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with 
The Perfect Margarita
You have felt the pain at the pump. You also probably know that gas prices may get as high as $5.00/gallon as we approach summer! If you live in an 
If you live in an 
Do you need to work off some extra calories before you eat and drink on St. Patty’s day? If so, the 4th annual St. Paddy's Run Green 8k is here. Challenge yourself and your neighbors from your 
If you have recently moved into your 
