Photo by: Mingaling

Fad Diet Myths

Fad diets are called such because they tend to come into vogue quickly and fall out of fashion just as fast. Popular fad diets abound, but the problem is most are not very effective or safe. When information about fad diets is looked at more closely, these lose-weight-quick schemes just don’t pan out. Some fad diet myths and facts to be aware of include:

Fad diets always work – While it’s true that popular fad diets can help people shed pounds fast, they tend to involve starvation methods or cutting out needed nutrients. People can and do lose weight when they take part in fad diets, but they do so at the expense of their health in many cases.

Fad diets provide a way to lose weight for good – This one is simply not the truth. Whether a fad diet calls for cutting out protein, carbohydrates or all foods that are the color purple, the fact is when normal habits are picked up again, the weight tends to come back.

Fad diets are good for the metabolism – Here and again, this is simply not the truth. Fad diets that involve anything but a well-balanced meal plan will likely slow down the metabolism over the long haul. While they can result in a dropping of weight initially, this pattern simply doesn’t last.

Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

So, since fad diets aren’t necessarily the best way to go, what can you do to shed some pounds? Fortunately, a whole lot! The best way to lose weight and stay healthy in the process involves:

Change your diet – Instead of falling for popular fad diets, just try eating right and eating a little less. Try to cut calories out of your diet plan without cutting nutrition. If there is a concern about nutrition, make sure you add supplements to the mix. If you”re going to cut calories, cut the calories you don”t need in your diet like fast food and sugary sweets and drinks.

Mini-meals – One of the best ways to keep the body primed for burning calories involves eating mini meals. Eat more often, but smaller servings of healthy food. Some experts recommend six mini meals a day.

Exercise – You probably didn’t want to hear this, but exercise is crucial for weight loss. A combination of cardiovascular exercises and weight training can have a big impact on weight and appearance. Muscle burns more energy than fat. And, while it may not be fun for most, exercising is good for your body and your health in the long term.

Photo by: A.J. Gazmen

Diet Resources

Below are a few links to help you along in your healthy quest to lose weight. These resources will get you on track with your eating and exercise habits and help you identify and avoid a fad diet.

• How to Identify a Fad Diet
• How to Eat Healthy
• Tips to Help You Get Active
• Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan
• Enjoying Exercise and Healthy Eating

Losing weight on a fad diet might work for a short while, but there are consequences. The best way to lose weight often calls only for eating right, exercising and using commonsense.

Krissa Cavouras

Furniture Rental Companies

Furniture rental companies are out to make money. They do this by charging monthly fees and interest on the items people bring into their homes. Those who rent furniture or consider rent to own appliances will find in many cases that even the best deals come with extra fees involved.

While there are some instances where rent to own furniture makes sense for those living in Orlando apartments, they are often few and far between. A short-term lease and short-term move, for example, might necessitate this as an actual cost-savings measure. Also, it’s possible that rent to own furniture options would make sense if a quick payoff were planned.

In many cases, people will find when they rent or even rent to own, the potential pitfalls are many. They can include:

High overall payout – When the overall, bottom line payout is considered, most people will find it is much cheaper to buy furniture and appliances than to rent them. Once interest charges are added in, cash purchases will always stack up as the better way to go. Renting furniture over the course of several years can cost a great deal more than buying it new.

Repossession fears – Paying out $200 a month for household furniture and appliances might not seem like a big deal at the time the agreement is signed, but bad things can happen to finances. When a rental agreement is in place and financial difficulties arise, people who rent can lose their possessions rather quickly. If the decision is made to buy – new or used – repossession of bedding, couches and other items in a home should not be an issue.

Shoddy merchandise – In some cases, rental furniture and appliances are not the highest quality. The fact is purchasing these items is an investment in living. Even if some items in an apartment home have to be purchased used, owning outright is often the smarter choice.

Rent to own appliances and rent to own furniture can fill needs on a temporary basis, but this route is generally not the best to take in the long haul. When saving money in truly desired, buying makes more sense.

If you do decide to rent your furniture, here are some tips…

• Set a budget before shopping and make a list of the furniture you need for each room in priority order.
• Get a detailed quote with all fees, terms and conditions in writing.
• In addition to price, consider minimum terms of rental and costs to extend rental period.
• Does the company have a contracted mover or are you responsible for hiring and paying for the fees to deliver your furniture to your apartment?
• Bring a tape measure to ensure that all pieces fit through doorways and hallways and in the designated room.

YardsaleDan

Hit Up the Sales

Quick tips for Orlando, FL yard sale shopping:

• Carry cash and have small bills for change.
• Bring a tape measure to determine whether large furniture items will make it through doorways and fit in your apartment.
• Don”t drive your new sports car to the sale. Two reasons. #1 It will be harder for you to haggle down the seller if you give the impression you have money. #2 If you stumble on lots of great stuff or even one large piece, you won”t be able to fit it in your car.
• Test any electronics before purchasing to make sure they work.
• If you plan on racking up, bring a small crate or canvas bag for your purchases. Buble wrap will also be helpful for any fragile items.

To get started decorating your new place, you’ll need a plan to go treasure hunting. Orlando apartment complexes sometimes frown on tenants holding yard sales, so you might want to pick up a newspaper instead and visit sales in other neighborhoods. Plan to get up early on a Saturday morning to go shopping. If you run from yard sale to yard sale, you will run into some excellent items that can look great in your apartment.

Turning Trash to Treasure

Some of the things to look for as you’re out exploring Orlando’s many neighborhoods and sales include:

A garden trellis – If you don’t have a headboard and really want one for your bed, this will work very well. You can transform an old trellis into a one-of-a-kind headboard by cleaning it up and painting it. If you want to add a few extra touches, consider looking for silk flowers or other small items you can affix to the trellis for decoration.

Old, but beautiful sheet sets – Should you be lacking window treatments, these can serve the purpose perfectly. No, you don’t want to hang them up untouched! Sew them into basic rod curtains for a nice decorator touch. Better yet, get a little creative and make them into drapery panels with insulated backing.

Great picture frames – Scope out yard sales for old, decorative picture frames. When these are cleaned up, repainted (if necessary) and retooled, they can work well to hold mirrors. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a distinct look that doesn’t cost a bundle.

Antique plates – As you’re out shopping at different yard sales, look for antique or designer plates. You can turn old dishes easily into a funky and fun wall art display. Antique stores often sell special holders for collector’s plates.

Gitchel

If you’re on the prowl for home accessories and don’t have a lot of money, you’re still in luck. Even with a shoestring budget, you can enjoy some excellent designer touches. Just learn to turn trash into treasure and hit the garage sale circuit on a weekend morning.

Photo by: Abaceria Del Sur

So, what kind of eco-friendly products can you buy for your green living friend? Let’s take a look at 10 different creative gifts that are sure to please:

1. A kitchen composter – If your green friend likes to garden, a mini kitchen composter can be a huge hit. This very green gift idea even works for those who live in Orlando apartments. The smaller, one gallon size units are ideal for window sill gardeners!

2. Organic spirits and wine – Toast to your friend’s special occasion by giving him or her organically produced spirits. A number of companies are growing their grapes and grains organically and creating some incredible alcohol flavors in the process.

3. Sponsor a goat – If your friend already has it all, consider sponsoring a goat for a needy family in his or her honor. Goats provide milk, yogurt and cheese to people in need without impacting the environment greatly in the process. For more information, go to the World Vision website.

4. A Nintendo Wii – Next-gen gaming has gone green. This console fits the green bill perfectly because it uses a great deal less power than the competition. Just have them remember to turn it off the Nintendo Wii when it’s not in use and the green factor will soar.

Photo by: Herman Yung

5. LED lights – Help your green friend stay that way at home by purchasing an LED lighting system. These lights use less energy, require changing much less frequently and can look extremely cool. Some systems are ideal for outdoor usage and others shine indoors.

6. Solar battery charger – If your green buddy is also a high-tech nut, a solar battery charger for a cell phone, game system, PDA or other similar devices can be a real hit.

7. Rain barrel – Even if your friend lives in Orlando apartments, a mini rain barrel can be a wonderful present for keeping a small garden quenched during the dry season. Remember, Florida faces a lot of water restrictions, so these devices are great not only for the green side of them, but also to help your friend stay in compliance with the laws.

8. Green bags – If your friend loves to shop, reusable bags can be a perfect gift idea. Find some that are sturdy, organic and styling, and you’ll discover the ideal gift for an environmentalist that wants to be trendy, too.

Photo by: Kara Shallenberg

9. Can crushers – Help your friend take recycling to the next level with a can crusher or other device designed to make storing recyclables easier.

10. Green gifts for kids – If you’re buying for a young person who is interested in the green movement there are many options from which to choose; check out this article on Growing up Green for more information.

When good friends decide to go green, you should rejoice. This smart, eco-friendly lifestyle can help save the environment, and it can make gift shopping a whole lot easier, too!

Photo by: Gerry D

So, what should you keep your eyes open for and when should you report potential problems? Let’s take a look. These are some of the top safety hazards found in homes, apartments, condos and other accommodations for living:

Lack of fire extinguishers – Most apartment homes come equipped with at least one fire extinguisher courtesy of management. If there isn’t a properly dated fire extinguisher in your kitchen, contact your apartment’s maintenance team to see if they have one to provide you. Also, in buildings with long halls, there should be extinguishers readily accessible. In addition to checking to see if extinguishers are present, keep up with inspection stickers, too. Outdated extinguishers don’t always work as they should.

Sprinkler issues – Not all apartment structures are going to have fire sprinkler systems like buildings that were constructed before stricter fire codes were enforced. When searching for an apartment, if sprinklers are a high priority on your list, avoid older structures; newer buildings are required to have sprinkler systems.

Smoke detectors - Test all smoke detectors in your apartment to make sure they are operating correctly. Talk to your maintenance team about replacing batteries in those that do not test correctly. If smoke detectors are entirely non-existent in an apartment, ask your landlord or complex manager about this because they are required by law to have smoke detectors installed in multi-dwelling complexes. In fact, most leases prohibit residents from disabling or repairing smoke detectors in their apartments. Let maintenance handle it.

Photo by: Pad Kirsch

Parking issues – Parking lots are very often loaded with safety hazards. Some of the things to watch out for here include poor lighting, a lack of handicap parking and even improperly sized spaces. Again, take up concerns with management. In the case of handicapped parking, city or county officials will be able to help you because the apartment complex is violating the American’s with Disabilities Act by not providing wheelchair access or handicap parking.

Structural concerns – If you notice loose stairs, have locks that don’t work and other similar issues, it’s always wise to take them up with complex management. Chances are these things will be fixed rather quickly. No management team wants to deal with issues that can arise from slip-and-fall accidents or break ins that could have been avoided.

Health concerns – A main health concern to look out for in an apartment is mold. In large quantities, mold can be toxic and cause allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Sometimes mold can be hidden in air vents, under carpets or in the walls. Finding mold is a serious concern and should be reported to your apartment manager immediately. If the apartment manager refuses to clean it up or tries to hide the presence of mold by painting over it or covering it up, make a report to your local health department. There are ways to prevent mold growthby keeping Your apartment well ventilated and using mildew/mold fighting cleaners when cleaning your bathroom and kitchen.

Photo by: Rebecca Weeks

Health and safety hazards are not normally a concern in an Orlando apartment complex. Still, it can pay to keep your eyes open for problems. Reporting them to management should result in action in most cases. Chances are the management team will happily remedy any issues that are serious in nature.

Photo by: A.Bell

Getting a pet is a great way to chase the being alone blues away, but it does pay to make sure you’re really ready before rushing into the responsibility head long.

It makes sense to do some serious soul searching before picking out and bringing home a pet. To decide if you’re truly ready, ask yourself these questions:

1. How much time can I devote to a pet? If you answer, little to none, most pets probably are not right for you. Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and so on, will all require a fair amount of care on a regular basis. If you can’t devote the time, don’t get yourself and an innocent creature into a bad situation. You might, however, still have the ability to get pets like fish.

2. How much money do I have to dedicate to a pet? Some pets can prove to be rather costly to purchase and maintain. Dogs, cats and birds will all likely cost you a pretty penny over time. Beyond the initial purchase, which can be cut by adopting from a shelter, you will still have to pay for pet health care, pet supplies and food. That cute puppy might look fantastic to bring home, but if you can’t afford dog training and other expenses, he might be better off in another home.

• Cost of Owning a Pet
• Putting a Leash on Veterinary Costs
• Do You Need Pet Insurance?

3. How much am I home? If you travel a lot or work long hours, for example, pet ownership might not be a great idea. Unless you can bring your pet along to the places you go, you’ll find yourself having to use kennels, pet sitters and so on more than you or your pet will like. Even in this circumstance, fish can prove to be a hassle; someone has to feed it.

4. Are pets allowed? Beyond fish and maybe a hamster, if your apartment management doesn’t allow pets, you could be in trouble if you proceed. Make certain your rental allows animals before making the decision to bring one home.

Pets can truly make an apartment in Orlando feel like a real home. If you are ready and can dedicate the time to a creature, you will likely love the rewards pet ownership delivers. If you are not quite in a position to properly care for a pet, steer clear for now. You and the animal you would have brought home will both be much happier in the long run.

Checking out Orlando concerts does present a lot of possibilities. Getting out of Orlando apartments and enjoying a night on the town often requires looking into the lineups at these music clubs and musical venues:

Joel Mann

The Social – This is one of Orlando’s many music clubs. Here you will find Orlando Florida local bands on stage and others from the general area. The club is favored by those who want to check out something a little different than the sounds often found on the radio.

The House of Blues – Located in “Downtown Disney,” this is considered one of the biggest spots to catch live music. The House of Blues plays host to a number of acts throughout the week and also runs a weekly Gospel Brunch. The jazz lounge is also worth checking out.

Bongo’s Cuban Café – If a Latin beat is to your liking, leave your worries behind and head to this Downtown Disney destination. The music here tends to sizzle and the Desi Arnaz impersonation is generally a very big hit.

Jellyrolls – Epcot Center’s musical venue takes its own unique approach. Here you’ll find a piano bar where musicians belt out favorites that span the decades.

CityJazz – Located in the Universal Studios Plaza, this venue is all about the jazz. Live music is on tap on most nights and the place is loaded with mementos from the genre’s greats, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Thelonious Monk.

Citrus Bowl – This multipurpose venue plays host to a number of concerts throughout the year. Big name acts of the present and past often grace the stage here.

Hard Rock Live – Found in Universal Studio’s City Walk, this venue plays host to tons of live music performances. Although big-name acts are not always on its stage, they often are. Some of the national celebrities who have graced the stage include the Indigo Girls, Barenaked Ladies and even Willie Nelson.

Elvissa

Orlando apartments provide the perfect launch point for checking out some amazing live music. From jazz and country to pop and rock, Orlando concerts tend to cover the gamut and its venues are better than average. From the theme parks to the smaller night clubs, live music is almost always on tap here.

Photo by: Handolio

Even those who live in Orlando apartments can have a very big impact on the world around them if they go green in these 5 ways:

1. Changing out appliances – While it’s not likely you’ll be allowed to completely switch out appliances in an Orlando apartment, you can make an impact with the “optional” items. Look for Energy Star rated products for things like washing machines and dryers. These might cost you more on the front end, but they should save you on energy costs. Plus, they are much better for the environment than the alternatives. Also,look for energy star stickers on other major electronics and appliances that you are likely to buy like computers, televisions and DVD players.

2. Considering fuel efficient cars and transportation – Many people who live in Orlando apartments need their cars to get by. If this is the case, it’s worth looking into energy efficient cars and other modes of transportation. A Vespa Scooter, for example, can put a huge dent in fuel usage. Walking, getting a bus pass and car pooling on a regular basis can also help immensely. Whenever possible, consider bike riding, too. While this might not fit for getting to work, it can help with small grocery store runs.

3. Shopping smarter – Instead of doing a regular run to a store that involves plastic bags that are tossed out, consider buying reusable bags for trips. Also, buying organic only products can make a difference in a number of ways. Not only will your groceries not contain unnatural chemicals, they will also be biodegradable in all likelihood.

4. Lighting efficiency – If you really want to cut down on your energy expenses and save money in the process, change out your light bulbs. Going with compact fluorescent light bulbs can make a huge difference on this front. Not only are the bulbs more energy efficient, they tend to operate much longer. This means you won’t have to replace bulbs and throw the old ones out as frequently.

5. Cooling and heating – If you really desire a way to cut down on costs and save some major energy in the process, turn your heating and cooling off or use it sparingly. This can be tough in the middle of an Orlando summer, but it is “extreme.” Going without air conditioning can be dangerous for some, so if you’d like to do your part but still stay cool, just bump your air up 2 degrees. Try to keep it up around 78 or 80 degrees in the summer time.

Photo by: Kevin Beck

Going green to the extreme can make a difference. If doing your part to reduce emissions, lower energy use and reduce carbon footprint matters, then there are plenty of ways to get started.

Photo by: Fabrizio Zago

Anyone on the hunt for Orlando events just right for celebrating the Fourth of July will find these celebrations are all worth considering:

Celebration at the Lakefront – This all-day event takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in nearby St. Cloud. This event includes bands, patriotic songs, contests, fireworks, arts and crafts, food, games and more. It’s been a St. Cloud tradition since the 1930s, so expect a fun time.

Fireworks at the Fountain – Lake Eola Park has its own Fourth of July event worth checking out. This celebration takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. with fireworks going off shortly after 9. Expect to find lots of food, games and live entertainment in addition to the fireworks.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration – Mount Dora plays host to this celebration in Donnelly Park. This town that’s famous for antiques is also known for rolling out all the stops on the Fourth of July. Expect fireworks, food and live entertainment to light up the night.

Flashback 4th of July – If you’ve been dying to check out the town of Celebration, the fourth is the time to go. This Disney master-planned community plays host to a musical event that starts around 5 and wraps up at 11. Expect to hear some incredible tunes from the past and to see breathtaking fireworks over Disney later in the evening.

Red, White and Zoo – If you don’t mind driving a short distance, the Central Florida Zoo is a great place to be on the 4th. Although it might not offer the wow factor of Disney Fireworks, this celebration is one worth taking in. The zoo’s events during the Fourth of July include plenty of live music, face painting, crafts, games, food and the opportunity to walk on the “wild side.”

Disney Fireworks – Now, if you want to take in the fun of Orlando events and do so from the comfort of your own home, plenty of apartments offer the perfect viewing spot for Disney fireworks. This is a nightly tradition that gets turned up a notch on the Fourth of July.

Photo by: Jonathan M

From fireworks and festivals to old fashion parades, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Orlando on the 4th of July. Whether you choose to leave your Orlando apartment or want to catch the “show” from home, this city hops in grand red, white and blue style.

Photo by: Joel Mann

So, what do the numbers say about Orlando? Let’s take a look at:

The population – The city of Orlando itself is rather small considered to other metro areas. The city of Orlando population falls in at only 220,000 people. The metro area, however, packs in more than 2 million people.

The landmass – Within the city limits, Orlando covers just over 101 square miles. Nearly eight square miles of this is covered by water.

The crime – People who live in Orlando homes and Orlando apartments will find this city ranks fairly well with other metro areas in regard to crime. Although it has its share of problems, the overall number of all crimes per 100,000 people is less than 10,431.7, according to the FBI Crime Report. This is a little higher than some cities, but much lower than others.

The number of families – According to the US Census, Orlando is a city favored by both singles and families. The number of family households in the area is just over 50 percent.

Photo by: Ben Werdmuller

AYP status – Most Orlando schools rank well in regard to Adequate Yearly Progress of students. Although some schools rank better than others in regard to progress and testing, the overall district reports an increase of more than 150 percent in regard to students going on to college.

Unemployment rate – Although this has climbed due to recent economic conditions, the Orlando area still enjoys a higher rate of employment than other parts of Florida. Finding Orlando jobs is more than possible with a rate of 5 percent, according to the Orlando Sentinel. This beats the state’s rate of 5.5 percent.

Median rental – The median rent cost according to apartment size in Orlando is:

• Studio/Efficiency - $612
• 1 Bedroom - $831
• 2 Bedroom - $1014
• 3 Bedroom - $1189

Income levels – The average household income in the Orlando area is $45,000.

Housing costs – Buying a home in Orlando comes with an average price of just under $160,000.

Photo by: Steve Fadden

The numbers related to Orlando do reveal a lot about this city. Looking at them closely can give you a better idea of what to expect in regard to costs and quality of living. What they don’t say, however, is how popular this particular region is for living. With good schools, beautiful weather and lots to do, Orlando is favored by thousands of residents who wouldn’t live anywhere else.