Urban Discoveries Blog

Shopping Made Simpler

Urban Discoveries Living . — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:13:59 -0700

We've all been there - you decide to take the plunge and buy a new dining room table, but just can find the right one. You've spent countless hours searching stores, catalogues, and websites and you can't help but wish there was one place you could go and see all of the cool stylish dining room tables in one place. Well, help has arrived in the form of New York Magazine's Shop-A-Matic.

Shop-a-matic is a feature on New York Magazine's website where they take one item - say dining room tables - and scour the internet for the best of the best. With tons of options to choose from in all price ranges and detailed information (including websites) for each item, it's a one-stop shopping extravaganza. Recent shop-a-matics include beds, bookshelves, and chairs. But the shopping powers that be don't just limit their talents to furniture or home accessories - fashion, school supplies, and pets are just some of the topics covered in past shop-a-matics.

The website even allows you to sign up for email alerts when a new shop-a-matic is released, so you will never miss out on any of the shopping goodness!

Happy 50th Birthday Ben’s!

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:23:39 -0700

For some, Ben's Chili Bowl may not be the most well known of DC's attractions, but to many, it is an institution and a landmark. This week marks the 50^th anniversary of the day Ben's Chili Bowl first opened its doors on U Street. As part of the Ben's Chili Bowl 50^th Anniversary Celebration (and really, chili this good should be celebrated), there are a number of events taking place around U Street.

On Thursday, August 21, Bill Cosby (the only person who eats for free at Ben's) will host a tribute to Ben's at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. Starting at 8 p.m., the event will feature a performance by Roberta Flack and many others. Tickets are free, but you can only get your hands on some by visiting Ben's this week and hoping to be one of the random patrons lucky enough to receive a pair.

If you can't get tickets to Thursday's event, Friday, August 22 will see U Street playing host to the Ben's Chili Bowl Block Party. Opening with a press conference at 10:30 a.m. featuring Mayor Fenty, city council members, and special guests Ben and Virginia Ali, the party will feature music, kids activities, Rita's water ice, and of course lots of chili dogs and chili half-smokes!

The festivities wrap up on Sunday, August 24with a free concert at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW). The concert goes from 2 - 10 p.m. and will feature performances from EU featuring Sugar Bear, Trouble Funk, Wes Felton and Friends, Mambo Sauce, Lady Pcoq & Poem-Cees, V. Rich and Pancake Mountain.

More information about the events can be found on Ben's Chili Bowl's website. With all of these activities going on, there's no excuse not to let your diet slip for a day and go enjoy a chili dog or some chili cheese fries and help a DC landmark celebrate 50 years of success!

Animals and ... Alcohol?

Urban Discoveries Living . — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:31:03 -0700

Isn't it great when you can enjoy a few drinks, a live band, hang out with friends, and do it all for a good cause? Thursday, August 21 from 6-9 p.m. is the 4^th annual Brew at the Zoo at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., NW). The event is sponsored by the Friends of the National Zoo Young Professionals and features beers and hors d'oeuvres from more then 20 microbreweries and local restaurants. Entertainment will be provided by local band Wit Til Friday.

Tickets are $55 (or $40 for Friends of the Zoo members) and can be purchased here. Admission includes all beer samples, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from the event benefit the Zoo's Asian elephant conservation program. The event was sold out last year, so be sure to get your tickets early.

The Hottest Thing on Two Wheels

Urban Discoveries Living . — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:51:41 -0700

After much anticipation, the SmartBike program has finally debuted in DC. A collaboration between Clear Channel Outdoor and the District Department of Transportation, SmartBike is being billed as America's first self-service public bike rental program. With ten locations around the city, members have access to bikes whenever they want them. Just walk up to a docking station, swipe your membership card, grab a bike and go! Once you're done, just check the bike back in - no need to haul it to your condo or apartment or worry about locking it up at night.

You can sign up for an annual membership online at SmartBike's website. Fees are $40 for a year and includes unlimited access to SmartBikes around the city. To make things even easier, the SmartBike website allows you to check on the availability of bikes at all of their docking stations - no trudging outside just to find that all the bikes are gone.

For casual bike riders looking to get around the city, the SmartBike program is cheaper and easier than buying your own bike, less hassle than hailing a cab, and less crowded than the Metro - seems like a great idea to us!

Green Countertops

Urban Discoveries Living . — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:28:31 -0700

There are many eco-friendly countertops on the market today that hold up well under heavy use. They combine natural and man-made materials in composite slabs, and usually integrate recycled materials as well, while remaining very attractive and utilitarian alternatives to mainstream countertops.

IceStone countertops (www.icestone.biz) are made of cement and glass, 75% of it recycled. Thousands of pieces of polished glass (which used to be beer bottles, windshields, or traffic lights) are set in a base of concrete, and these surfaces are available in almost any color. Vetrazzo (www.vetrazzo.com) is similar product, using 80% recycled glass. Vetrazzo is more highly customized and is made with larger chunks of glass. In addition, EnviroSlab (www.enviroglasproducts.com) sets recycled glass into a color-pigmented epoxy resin, but the epoxy resin base is less eco-friendly than the cement base.

Paper-and-resin composites are made from recycled newspaper, cardboard, and waste paper. These slab counters can be sawn, drilled, screwed, or routed just like wood or Corian, and come in a variety of colors. PaperStone (www.paperstoneproducts.com) leads the industry and is composed of a natural resin and 100% recycled post-consumer paper, resulting in a strong and durable end product.

Alkemi (www.renewedmaterials.com) uses curled shavings of shredded scrap aluminum embedded in a resin that comes in dozens of colors. The metal reflects light, resulting in a modern space-age look that is also durable and heat-resistant.

With so many top-of-the-line alternatives, making your new or existing home more eco-friendly is easier and more beautiful than ever.

Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:35:25 -0700

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment. However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design.

When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budget for cabinets, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for countertops, 10-15% for flooring, and 5-15% for lighting. The primary material costs include cabinets, counters, appliances and floors, with lighting, paint, and accents topping it off. Keep in mind that designers usually charge $50-$150+ per hour, so plan your budget accordingly if you plan to hire professional design help.

A well-designed kitchen will have a smooth work-flow between the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator. Always remember that the size of the kitchen size is only as important as its ease of use, so be sure to pair design and functionality together. A huge kitchen that is awkward to use is less valuable in the long run than a smaller, more functional kitchen.

Lighting is another key component to good kitchen design. The three types of lighting are general lighting, task lighting, and accent (or ambient) lighting. A good kitchen design will strive to balance the general lighting and task lighting in order to fully illuminate the room while avoiding harsh shadows or glares. Don't forget to include accent lighting as well to set he mood of the room.

Cabinets are a huge part of any kitchen. Not only do they provide essential storage, but they also shape the kitchen and contribute significantly to its overall style. Cabinets come in three basic types: stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock cabinets are the least expensive, are manufactured in bulk, and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. They're a good basic choice available in most home improvement stores, but may not provide an absolutely perfect fit an a unique home. Compared to stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are available in a wider variety of styles, use higher quality materials, are made to order, and generally have a more precise fit in the kitchen. Custom cabinets are top of the line. They are the most expensive, but are made from the highest quality materials, come in almost limitless styles, and are custom-crafted onsite by a skilled carpenter.

A detailed plan is important for any kitchen remodel. Decide whether you want to hire a professional designer or choose your own designs, choose a cabinet distributor or home center, and put plenty of thought into your budget. You may deviate from the plan, but this crucial step will save you time during the process.

It's Just Lunch: A Dating Service for Busy Professionals

Urban Discoveries Living . — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:51:32 -0700

It's Just Lunch (IJL) is a specialized dating service for busy single professionals in D.C. A Chicago woman founded It's Just Lunch more than 15 years ago after her engagement was suddenly called off. Only 5 months after founding IJL, she attended her first IJL wedding, and has been working to create couples ever since.

Their "first date experts" hope to minimize stress and maximize efficiency by coordinating fun lunch dates for busy single professionals in the Washington D.C. area. They tell you about your match, coordinate your schedules, and make the reservations at a D.C. restaurant convenient for both parties. (They'll also set up brunch or drinks after work, if that's more your style.) One phone call and a confidential face-to-face interview will get you started, and It's Just Lunch will set you up with your matches and do all the legwork.

For more information or to get started, call 202-466-6699 or visit them online at www.itsjustlunchwashington.com.

Moving in a Wired World

Urban Discoveries Living . — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:43:17 -0700

It's wise to consider your technology needs carefully when moving to a new home. Be sure to research a new neighborhood's technology choices and problems by talking with service providers and other residents to ensure that high-speed internet access is available, or that a local monument doesn't block satellite service. In some cases, you may end up with more options than you had before, like cable, DSL, and FiOS (fiber-optics), or you may end up needing dial-up or satellite access. To supplement your live research, visit sites like www.broadbandreports.com to avoid post-move technology regrets. And remember, internet isn't the only concern. Before the move, research your options for telephone service, decide if a land-line, cell only, or both would be best, and be sure to check the quality of the cellular service available in the area.

Most people move to existing homes with their own layout, so it is useful to map out rooms that will be home to computers or other electronic equipment; include walls, doors, windows, phone/cable/Ethernet jacks and electrical outlets in your plans. Sketch out your furniture in order to avoid having jacks or outlets stuck behind immovable furniture. If the new place's jacks don't match your desired technological equipment placements, WiFi (wireless networking) is an excellent option.

If you're dealing with new construction or doing significant remodeling, you'll have the luxury of wiring for the future. Currently, the most versatile and adaptable approach is to run multiple cables-phone, Ethernet, and coaxial-to a "patch panel", or central wiring point, from each room. This allows for connectivity and equipment to be easily changed in the suture. In addition, enclosing cables in conduit with spare space allows for future expansion.

Be careful not to schedule too many overlapping service installations in a small living space, since some installers may get in each others' way or accidentally disrupt other connections while installing theirs. Remember, too, that multiple installations can cause fees to add up rapidly, so you may want to consider buying bundled service that combines telephone, Internet and television in order to save money. In addition, prepare for delays since service is sometimes not fully functional for up to weeks. Hopefully, though, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

10 Steps to a Well-Designed Room

Urban Discoveries Living . — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:50 -0700

1. Find a purpose.

First, determine exactly how you want to use the room in question. Do you want a great room that combines dining, television, and family space? Or do you have extra rooms and want one casual family room and one formal living room? A room's purpose should be one of the strongest considerations when choosing a decorating scheme.

2. Consider others.

Who will use this space? Guests, family, children, pets, or any combination of the above? Always consider a room's occupants when selecting finishes and fabrics. For example flat finish paints and silk slipcovers might be a sophisticated choice for an adult-only room, they would be highly inappropriate for spaces routinely used by children and pets.

3. Please yourself.

Great décor and personality are not mutually exclusive; your room should reflect your style. Look through design magazines and place Post-it notes on anything you like. Work fast and don't filter your reactions; now is the time to let your gut reactions and first impressions lead the way. When you review them later, the marked images will tell the story of how your room should be.

4. Size does matter.

"Most people think they have much more space than they do," says designer Alia Myer from Jessica Hall Associates. Then when they mistakenly buy oversized furniture, "it feels mashed together." These days, sofas continue to come in increasing sizes, but often the furniture doesn't fit the room. The solution is to draw a floor plan of your room to scale on graph paper (letting one square equal one foot, for example). Before buying furniture, measure the pieces and draw them in their potential locations on the graph paper to ensure a good fit before bringing them home.

5. Go with the flow.

A beautifully decorated home should have some continuity from room to room. Each room doesn't need to have the exact same color scheme or style, but try to keep one element that continues from one room to the next to maintain continuity overall. Designer Stephanie Henley of Beasley & Henley Interior Design says, "When you do one room, you have to think about everything that touches it, all of the spaces that connect. And stay with the whole scheme of the house."

6. Find your inspiration.

Sometimes you already own and love an item that can inspire an entire room. Line up your favorite things in the room you want to decorate, and let the one that most moves you guide your choices. From your grandmother's rustic desk to your favorite painting, these loves items can inspire color, texture, and style.

7. Make a plan.

Try to envision your finished room and then plan what steps you'll need to take to get there. You can keep the plans in your briefcase, on your computer, in a designated pile on your desk, or possibly in your head, but it's important to think it all through. Key measurements, inspiring images, and shopping lists can be useful and time-saving. Of course, all this planning is flexible and subject to change, but having a plan in mind will help you make decisions and keep your momentum.

8. Take time to browse.

You don't need to buy everything at once. Furniture shopping can be overwhelming and it can be tempting to buy the furniture showroom, which results in perfectly matching pieces that may look lovely, but may also look just like your neighbor's house and won't reflect your unique personality and tastes. The best way to accomplish your own look is to avoid buying matching furniture from a single store and instead shop from a variety of sources, gradually piecing together your pieces.

9. Avoid fads.

Avoid trendy patterns on expensive pieces unless you can afford to change things often or plan to redecorate every couple years. It's best to choose neutral colors for large upholstered pieces (like a sofa) and use funky and trendy accent pieces that are easier to replace when the trends change. If you want to create a bigger impact, go with a patterned slipcover or a coat of paint in a popular hue.

10. Light up your life.

You can never have too many lighting options. Both task lighting and ambient lighting will dramatically affect the functionality and mood of your room. In addition, convert some light switches to dimmers and have plenty of lamps.

How to Replace a Doorknob in 5 Easy Steps

Urban Discoveries Living . — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:29:19 -0700

Doorknobs are small details that can have a large impact on a space, while remaining within a budget. Doorknobs come in many shapes and sizes, but be careful not to go overboard when shopping for new doorknobs; they should complement the room, but not be the focal point.

To replace your doorknobs, follow these simple steps:

Remove the screws holding the old doorknob in place and unscrew the striker and pull it out. After you remove the screws, the doorknob can be pulled apart and removed.
Install the new doorknob by reversing the removal procedure. The holes for the new doorknob will usually match the existing holes.
Depending on your door, you may need to adjust the backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the doorknob).
If you feel resistance when sliding the new knob together, turn the lock back and forth so that the shaft fits correctly.
Sit back and enjoy the new effect!

Current Tax Incentives Make Home Buying Advantageous

Urban Discoveries Living . — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:17:28 -0700

Owning your home is always desirable than renting. But these days, the bleak outlook on heavy mortgage and foreclosures are driving home buyers away.

The government has intervened with the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-6.html). Passed to help taxpayers escape mortgage interest tax, this counter measure can be applied to your best advantage. Combined with other financing incentives from the federal governments, banks and financial institutions, downtime actually becomes a great time to secure your home or build up your property portfolio. Loan limits are higher and you can also check out the lifted charges for capital gains and property tax deductions.

It may be tedious to learn the fine prints in home insurance and mortgage loans and the many incentives currently offered. However, getting a home loan is one task that requires thorough understanding of the paper works. The FHA or Federal Housing Authority (http://portal.hud.gov), Fannie Mae or Federal National Mortgage Association (http://www.fanniemae.com) and Freddie Mac or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (http://www.freddiemac.com) all have their own guidelines for home ownership loans. It is necessary to read and research because learning what will be most suited to your family needs and financial capability will help you get the best deal.

Instead of spending money for rent and shouldering your landlord's property taxes, it is high time your money get spent on acquiring your own home. Government incentives are there precisely to help home buyers and the real estate market uphold the investment value of residential properties.

15 Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Home

Urban Discoveries Living . — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:39:30 -0700

1. Buy efficient appliances. Appliances like the Kenmore Elite Dishwasher and the Kenmore Elite Refrigerator are designed to conserve energy and function efficiently while also looking sleek and modern. Many companies now sell high-efficiency washing machines and dryers that save water and energy which makes it easier than ever to be green while you clean.

2. Update your cabinets and countertops. By using sustainable products like Silestone or PaperStone countertops, you'll purify the air in your home while adding style that is also easy on the planet.

3. Dish it up naturally. Products like bamboo dishes from Bambu or enamelware from Reiss will benefit your family's health since they offer dishes free from harmful chemicals. Prepare your family's meals and serve them in chemical-free dishes made by Mother Nature herself.

4. Focus on the view. Insulated windows not only save energy in all seasons, but also surround your home with planet-saving style. This investment may also increase the value of your home.

5. Recycle with style. Before buying new, look instead for vintage pieces from antique stores and thrift stores or seek out items crafted from recycled materials like chairs made from plastic milk jugs or corn-husk planters. In addition to being better for the earth, it will also give your home a unique look.

6. Floor it. Avoid off-gassing toxic new carpet, and pull up old carpet as well. Instead, shop for all-natural materials like cork, bamboo and tile and install flooring made from natural raw materials that are as trendy and chic as they are sustainable. Your floors will be both family-friendly and earth-friendly.

7. Bed down naturally. Companies like Greensleep offer European-designed, organic sleep systems that uses only the finest organic materials that nature has to offer. A healthy bed and bedding will improve the quality of your sleep, offering a healthy and restorative bedroom and planet.

8. Use green paint. Environmentally responsible paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come in all colors and will make your home more beautiful and less toxic.

9. Switch your bulbs. Replace your old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They cost a bit more now, but will save you loads of money over the years, as well as helping to save the earth.

10. Eco-organize. Simple items like nontoxic pegboards will keep your garage and told organized and green, and a manual-reel lawnmower requires minimal storage and cuts grass quietly and efficiently.

11. Go with the flow-low flow, that is. Replacing old water fixtures with low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets reduces consumption, cost, and wear on the earth's resources.

12. Reclaim your bathroom. Companies like Eco-Gres, Eco-Cem, and EcoResin offer stylish and eco-friendly tile, countertops and fixtures that often use reclaimed and recycled materials.

13. Clean green. It's easy to avoid harmful chemicals in household cleaners by using natural cleaners or making your own out of vinegar, baking soda, tea tree essential oil, and club soda. Not only will it help save the earth, but it also saves a lot of money.

14. Bring your office down to earth. Recycle your printer ink cartridges, stock up on earth-friendly office supplies, and buy recycled computer disks and earth-friendly inks. The landfills and the earth will thank you.

15. Plant for the planet. Xeriscaping conserves water and bring your yard closer to it's natural beauty. Even simply replacing a small bit of lawn with plants that require little watering can make your yard both more economical and ecological.

Turning Your Bathroom into a Spa

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:10:18 -0700

A trip to the spa is always a wonderful experience. Both mind and body get pampered, and the lavish treatment leaves one feeling very special. But a spa treatment can be costly. When the bills come in and the frequent visits to the spa are translated in figures, the word extravagance just might become an issue.

To lower the bills and enjoy spa at the same time, go to your bathroom and get creative. Look at your bathroom in the perspective of a spa. Many things that make the spa a soothing and relaxing place can also be arranged in your own bathroom for so much less. The star-shaped candles glowing in the corner, the refreshing flowers floating on the silver dish, the soothing scent of mint wafting from the oil warmer, the calming sound of water trickling from a tabletop fountain, the relaxing music - all these are easily available and simple to prepare.

Plan your private spa to make sure that you have everything. Set a schedule, a Friday night or a free weekend and then work towards that special treat. Start by making a spa list and preparing the things on your list.

Your spa essentials would be:

1. A clean bathroom

Check the bottles and varied containers you have. Things that are still occupying space but have not been used for months and will not likely be used at all must go. The tiles and the bath tub would love some polishing too.

2. Spa items

There are many choices for salt scrubs, soaps and body creams so it will help to have a fixed idea of what you want. Preferences for scents and products vary and ending up with what you don't like will diminish your spa enjoyment.

3. Fresh towels

Feeling clean starts from the warmth and crispness of fresh towels so prepare one for the towel rack, and have some more neatly stacked and ready near the lavatory faucet.

4. Soothing music

You can use the soothing sound of a tabletop fountain or play a CD for relaxing music. A piano piece, instrumental sound, or some oriental songs you picked from an overseas vacation - choosing the background music can add to the challenge. Position the speaker in a partly hidden area to achieve the effect of overhead or piped-in music.

5. Lighting and Scents

Dim the light by using a table lamp instead of bulbs. Enhance the mood by arranging flowers on a vase and burning your favorite essential oil scent.

When all is set, turn on the answering machine and put away your cellular phone. It is your time to relax and the world will just have to wait. Sink in the tub and enjoy.

Urban Vertical Farming - The Future of Our City?

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:18:14 -0700

In many areas of the world people use step-farming, or vertical farming, to efficiently utilize awkward terrain or limited flat spaces in order to grow food. Now a new eco-friendly urban garden concept is on the horizon that may begin to change the face of urban food production and proximity to nature. New urban vertical farming projects like those featured on Treehugger.com show that urbanites can farm even within the landscape limitations of major cities. These designs better utilize our natural resources and bring city people closer to food sources, benefiting both people and the earth.

When New York magazine asked four architects to dream up proposals for a lot on Canal Street, Work AC came up with vertical farming plans. Work AC principals Dan Wood and Amale Andraos explain, "We thought we'd bring the farm back to the city and stretch it vertically. We are interested in urban farming and the notion of trying to make our cities more sustainable...Underneath is what appears to be a farmers market, selling what grows above."

IKEA PS Workstation

Urban Discoveries Living . — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:53:42 -0700

The new IKEA PS Laptop Workstation ($39.99) is an attractive, affordable, and versatile wall-mounted desk that has far more uses than simple laptop storage. The workstation is designed to hold cables and/or a power strip in the lower compartment and an elastic band in the upper compartment holds the laptop securely while it's being stored. The powder-coated steel comes in red or white and matches the IKEA PS Cabinet.

In addition to providing compact and accessible laptop storage, this workstation could also serve as a kitchen cutting area, with utensils stored in the bottom compartment and a cutting board secured on the shelf, or it could be used in an entryway to sort mail and bills and charge cell phones and other devices. More creative uses could include an easily stowed vanity in a bathroom or bedroom area, with personal items or cosmetics in the lower compartment and a mirror above, or a child's secretary desk mounted low on the wall with school supplies in the lower compartment and a study writing surface above. The possibilities are endless.

DOWNTOWN DC ENJOYS HEALTHY ECONOMY DESPITE NATIONAL RECESSION

Urban Discoveries Living . — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:19:41 -0700

The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) recently released its 2007 State of Downtown Report, which shows that the Downtown BID area's economy has remained surprisingly robust in the midst of international and national economic and financial hardships.

During 2007, visitors in the Downtown BID area hit an all time high of 9.5 million. The BID area Metrorail rider-ship rose to 102,000 per weekday (up 2,000 riders per day from 2006) and the DC Circulator bus carried about 6,600 daily riders in 2007 (up 16% from 2006) and served its 5 millionth passenger in December 2007. In addition, the Downtown BID area added 5,000 jobs in 2007 and will continue to add 2,000 to 4,000 jobs each year until 2015.

Executive director of the Downtown DC BID, Richard H. Bradley says, "[T]he Downtown BID area economy should continue its strong performance and growth in 2008...We look forward to the remainder of 2008 and the next few years with a sense of cautious optimism as the Downtown BID area provides a remarkable urban experience for employees, residents and visitors alike with access to unparalleled public transit, cultural amenities, entertainment and restaurants-all of which mix together in an exciting environment of urban vibrancy."

Matt Klein, chairman of the Downtown BID Board of Directors, says "In the future, the Downtown BID area will welcome new employers, museums, hotels, restaurants, as well as environmentally conscious transportation alternatives and amenities. Securing investment in the existing transit system and adding new transit options, improving parks, continuing to improve care for the homeless and creating a retail shopping district, are activities we are undertaking to enable the Downtown BID area to become one of the world's most vibrant, inviting and smart urban destinations."

The full report is available on the Downtown BID's website at www.downtowndc.org/state.

Rolling Rings Beat Out Shower Hooks

Urban Discoveries Living . — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:40:56 -0700

A seemingly small indulgence, rolling shower curtain rings can make a massive difference in bathrooms of any size. These rings make opening and closing the shower curtain a smooth, streamlined, and luxurious movement. The basic metal design lasts a long time and is an elegant alternative to plastic shower rings that often stick or break. You can find them at most hardware and home improvement stores, design stores, and big chains for between $11 and $15 for a pack of 12 rings. Available in a variety of metal finishes including gold, bronze, silver, and chrome, these metal rolling rings showcase beautiful shower curtains, complement metal bathroom fixtures, and add a bit of extra sparkle to the bathroom.

Bathroom Design Tips

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:45:50 -0700

One of the most utilitarian rooms in the home, the bathroom often gets overlooked when decorating. However, a great bathroom with ample and creative storage and a strong sense of personal style can bring an extra bit of pampering to your daily life. And who doesn't want that?

Storage: Make sure you have plenty of storage in the bathroom, since this will create the feel of a well designed room. Under-the-sink storage, over-the-sink storage, cabinets, over-the-toilet storage, and shower storage all offer plenty of options for tucking those unsightly bathroom necessities out of sight. The creative use of kitchen canisters, wall hooks, and wall-mounted racks will add charm as well as storage.

Hardware: Update your hardware. It a simple job to replace old cabinet knobs, towel bars, and drawer pulls, and it will give your bathroom a whole new look.

Light: Unfortunately, some of the ugliest light fixtures hide in old bathrooms and are often the last to be replaced when redecorating. Replace your old light fixtures with something bright and classy and you'll see your bathroom in a whole new light.

Walls: Paint is an inexpensive and drastic fix for any room. When painting bathroom walls, be sure to use a semi-gloss paint for easy cleaning.

Accessories: This is one of the best areas to inject your personal style. Don't be afraid to get a little funky and creative as you choose new towels, a shower curtain, a bathmat, mirrors, or even just a wastebasket.

Spacious Living at the Trillium-Bethesda

Urban Discoveries Living . — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:40:13 -0700

Space can be a precious commodity more so in urban areas and the chance to find a spacious residence that is within walking or easy driving distance may be difficult. At the Trillium-Bethesda this difficulty is addressed with larger than average floor plans, one, two and three-bedroom units with 9-foot ceiling heights in living areas, abundant closets, dens and private balconies.

The amenities also solve the need to go out for important necessities. Valet parking, concierge services, a luxurious main lobby featuring a water wall and original artworks, a lounge with double-sided fireplace, a party room with cocktail area that extends to an exterior courtyard, a private pool and spa services, locker rooms with private steam and massage rooms, a fitness room and additional basement storage units - all these will make living at the Bethesda practical and comfortable.

Aside from being just ten minutes away from D.C., Bethesda also offers many shops, galleries, restaurants and neighborhood activities.

The Trillium-Bethesda will rise on 840 Wisconsin Avenue, between Battery Lane and Woodmount Avenue. Unit prices start at $500,000 to $3 million (877-293-2500; trillium-bethesda.com).

Preserving Old Town Charm at the Prescott

Urban Discoveries Living . — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:27:13 -0700

One block north of King Street, at 1115 Cameron Street #105, Alexandria, VA is the Prescott, a 64-unit residential condominium that is designed to blend with the Old Town charm yet feature modern amenities.

The Prescott offers two-bedroom units with 9-foot ceilings in the living areas, hardwood flooring, designer blinds on all windows, spacious walk-in closets, insulated windows, spacious kitchen with granite countertops and maple cabinets, and luxury baths. Building features include a rooftop terrace, underground parking space, and controlled access to garage, elevators and lobby.

The relative lack of amenities common in other luxury condominiums like a pool or gym does not necessarily disadvantage residents because of the area's proximity to King Street Metro station. Everything is within accessible reach so when at the Prescott, residents can simply relax and enjoy the feel of being home and away from the hustle and bustle of daily grind.

Prescott units start in the $300s (703-519-0036; prescottcondominiums.com).

Make a Unique Kitchen Table Out of a Door

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:46:29 -0700

For a kitchen table that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly, consider reclaiming a old wooden door. With a bit of imagination, a few tools, and some time, you'll have a sturdy and original custom piece of furniture that will spark both conversations and imaginations.

The first step is to rescue a paneled wood door from a thrift store, salvage yard, remodel, or www.secondchanceinc.org and clean it up well. Then screw in four IKEA table legs on each corner of what will be the underside of the table. Flip the door over so it is standing as a table on its new legs, and lay decorative paper of your choosing in each of the door panels. Lastly, top it all with a 3/8" sheet of tempered glass (easily found in glass and auto repair shops). That's it!

With a bit of effort and time, you'll have a custom table that seats eight, and the decorative paper in the panels can be changed to coordinate with any event or season. This just may be the most versatile piece of furniture you'll ever have.

Staging Your Condo For A Quick Sale

Urban Discoveries Living . — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:54:20 -0700

In this housing slump, sellers have increasingly been hiring professional stagers to improve the look and feel of their D.C. condo before putting up that "For Sale" sign. Stagers are design professionals who organize, decorate, and clean a property to make it more inviting to house-hunters. Don't confuse Accredited Staging Professionals (ASP) with interior designers. Staging is much faster and less expensive than interior design, though it often has similar results.

When selling a house, the seller controls the price and the look, and the market determines the rest. Just as a good real estate agent will help sellers determine the best price for their property, so will ASPs determine the best look. Stagedhomes.com reports that un-staged U.S. properties stay on the market for an average of 161 days. In contrast, staged homes stay on the market an average of only 33 days!

"Real estate is all about marketing," says Lyric Turner, ASP and owner of Red House Staging and Interiors in D.C. (http://www.redhousestaging.com/) Staging shows buyers the potential of a property; many who walk into a vacant or cluttered space just can't see the possibilities. Staging neutralizes the space, helping potential buyers envision their own future in the space. These quick makeovers aren't terribly expensive, and Turner and many other ASPs offer free estimates. If you are hesitant to put more money into a home you are leaving, consider that a survey by HomeGain.com reports that sellers who utilize staging see an average return on investment of 343 percent. In fact, many real estate agents are such staunch supporters of staging that they include staging in their selling package, and some agents even work the cost into their contract so that owners don't pay until closing. It's hard to beat that.

How to Create More Storage Space in the Bathroom

Urban Discoveries Living . — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:51:13 -0700

The bathroom is often a small room with a big clutter problem, and it can be a challenge to deal with its space limitations. To conquer this problem, first get rid of as much as you can, and then explore some of the following options for the rest of your bathroom necessities.

Over-the-Sink Storage: Medicine cabinets are no longer the only option for over-the-sink storage. Wall-mounted cabinets, wall-mounted racks, and open shelving can all replace the extremely shallow and often insufficient storage space of the medicine cabinet. Think you'll miss the mirror? Just use a wall-mounted extension mirror like this one from Stack and Stacks ($69.99), and you'll still have your vanity area in the bathroom. The double arm extends the mirror 13 inches from the wall, the viewing mirror tilts for desired positioning, and it folds against the wall to save space when not in use.

Under-the-Sink Storage: Even if you already have a sink with built-in cabinet storage, stacking shelves can significantly increase the amount of storage space under your sink. In addition, many pedestal sinks are compatible with inexpensive under-the-sink drawers like the Sterilite 3-Drawer Storage Chest from Stacks and Stacks ($15.99). To cover the shelves, sew a curtain to fit the area attach it to the sink with hot glue or hook-and-loop fasteners (like Velcro).

Over-the-Toilet Storage: The étagère is a classic over-the-toilet small-saving solution, and offers optimum storage of towels, candles, or paper products. This Stacks and Stacks three tier étagère features decorative scroll work and a charming diamond-shaped accent mirror for only $85.99.

Shower Storage: Shower caddies and corner tub shelves use bathing space efficiently. This shower caddy from Stack and Stacks ($39.99) makes room for tall bottles, accommodates plumbing, and can store bottles upside down due to its uniquely adjustable shelves; simply flip the tabs and slide shelves either up, down, or side to side. Multiple compartments include a soap dish, toothbrush/razor holder, and two hooks.

Washington Panorama at the Turnberry Tower

Urban Discoveries Living . — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:50:42 -0700

Turnberry Arlington is a 26-story high-rise condominium going up on 1850 North Fort Myer Drive in Arlington, Va. It will be an ideal residence where one can enjoy a vantage view of the Potomac River, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, Georgetown University and the National Cathedral. Luxury means floor-to-ceiling glass windows, private balconies, nine to 12-foot ceilings, direct-entry elevators, granite countertops and marble baths in one, two or three-bedroom units priced from $800K to $4M. Amenities reflect affluence and comfort with security, 24-hour valet, and concierge to a full-service catering kitchen, bistro dining, all-weather indoor swimming pool, fitness center, saunas and steam rooms.

Sufficient enough with its grand amenities, Turnberry Tower's location makes the place highly preferable. Only a block away from the Rosslyn Metro station, residents are just minutes away from the business, education, arts, shopping, entertainment and historical points of the capital.

Turnberry Tower is targeted for completion in 2009. Call 703-243-3000 or visit www.turnberrytowerarlington.com for details.

Tips To Help You Start Your Home Project

Urban Discoveries Living . — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:07:34 -0700

Envisioning your new home or simply making improvements to your residence can be exciting and challenging. The new lighter shade of paint to go with the handsome leather couch, the mosaic tiles in the bathroom - these ideas can get stuck in the mind and leave you impatient to start and finish at once.

But being fast is not advisable because although exciting, home projects are also demanding particularly on the pocket. Any work that demands expenses is better tackled first with study and preparation.

The following tips will help you get started:

1. Plan your goal

Put the wishes and visions on paper so you can get a clear look at what you want. Seeing the list written down will provide a better perspective of how things would work, how furniture and accessories would match, or which area needs more preparation.

2. Make a Budget

A budget for home projects is necessary considering the cost of labor and materials plus the unseen revisions or delays and many other factors affecting the project.

3. Go Window Shopping

Take time to do your home work by visiting shops or reading catalogues or asking price quotations so that your list will have the details of materials, design, cost, taxes and delivery charges, installation requirements and the like. Being informed gives you better control in choosing or making decisions.

4. Prioritize

Check your list and budget to determine which must be done first, what items to set aside, what works need revision, etc.

5. Make Your Action Plan

Next, add another column to your project list and cost. The column is for identifying your action plan. How many weeks shall be spent to install the new bathroom tiles? Which supplier carries all the materials you need and when will you arrange for delivery?

6. Wisely Spend or Save

Wisely spend, even splurge on items that will be used long term. Quality may come with a price but it also means less maintenance and longer usage. Balance the spending with savings you can pull on items that are cheaper than brand names but will work just as fine.

7. Evaluate

Halfway during the project execution, it will help to take time to evaluate your budget and your completion status. See if things are working out the way you wanted it to be.

8. Prepare for sidetracks

Anticipate unforeseen developments or changes so that you will be prepared to solve conflicts or have ready options or remedies.

9. Delegate

Certainly, a home project needs more than one pair of hands. Determine if the painting job will be an enjoyable family task or if a hired professional will save you all the trouble.

10. Proceed with caution

Take one step at a time. Start with the major works like carpentry and painting, and then move slowly to the finishing touches. It is not unusual to change your mind and make changes as the project is taking form. By accomplishing one task at a time, you can avoid mismatched or uncoordinated results.