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Articles by Alissa

Alissa

I've lived in apartments in 6 cities (including 2 foreign countries). Does that make me an expert? As of now, my ceiling isn't leaking and I don't have rodents (knock on wood) -- so I'm going to say yes . . . but ask me again tomorrow:) These days, I'm enjoying life Chicago style, but my years in Brooklyn are never far from my mind. P.S. By day I work at GolinHarris, but these opinions are totally, 100% my own.

Should You Work With An Interior Designer?
February 28, 2013 – 6:45 pm | No Comment
Living Room

As our February design/decorating month ends we have managed to cover it all, from super cheap $50-$100 fixes to a $2,000 Ikea-furnished studio to bedroom do-overs and duvet giveaways, and even working with a decorator. Thanks to all who …

Interior Design 101: Answers to our Readers’ Questions Part II
February 19, 2013 – 11:50 pm | No Comment
Arranging Order

We hope you’re enjoying Design Month here at My First Apartment. We’ve been working with Kate (left) from Arranging Order, and have learned a ton about everything from smart looking storage to how to use …

Designer 101: Answers to Our Reader’s Design Questions!
February 13, 2013 – 9:23 pm | No Comment
Alissa woman with paint chips

As a reminder, it’s DESIGN MONTH here at My First Apartment! We’re working with Kate Marengo of Arranging Order to share tips of the trade, as well as show how interior design can, really, be …

Giveaway: Win New Duvet Set From Crane & Canopy
February 5, 2013 – 4:02 pm | 25 Comments
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WE HAVE A WINNER!  Our randomly selected winner of a Crane and Canopy duvet of her choice is Becky who added a burst of color to her bedroom with new gorgeous, super affordable curtains from …

Ask a Designer: Interior Design 101
February 1, 2013 – 12:33 pm | 7 Comments
decorating

This February, we’re focusing on interior design to help you turn your new apartment into a cozy home you’ll love. Since not all of us are design wizards, we’ll be working with Chicago interior designer Kate Marengo …

Bedding + Other Great Apartment Sales Happening This January
January 6, 2013 – 3:24 am | One Comment
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Tis the season for . . . DEALS. BIG TIME.
Now that everyone’s unwrapped all the goodies from beneath the tree (or the glow of Hanukah lights), retailers are unloading all their leftover goods to make …

There’s Still Time to Score Black Friday Online Deals for Your Apartment
November 23, 2012 – 8:08 pm | No Comment
black friday

Dear Disgruntled Black Friday Shopper,
Did you go to the mall and come home empty-handed?  The day is still young and we have a few online deals to share with you!
Macy’s: This retail giant is basically …

After Hurricane Sandy: Your Emergency Kit Reminder
October 31, 2012 – 5:58 pm | 4 Comments
Sandyetc 035

To all our readers on the East Coast, we he hope you are safe and dry with minimal damage from Hurricane Sandy. Admittedly, the photos look both wild and unbelievable. That the unstoppable New York …

Credit Score Traps – And How to Avoid Them
October 18, 2012 – 3:24 pm | No Comment
excellent credit

What can affect your credit score? You may be surprised.  Of course, delinquent payments ding it, but even if you have been a completely reliable consumer and paid every single bill,  there are still other traps that can …

Reader Tips: Turn Your Apartment Into A Home
September 12, 2012 – 9:11 pm | No Comment
jump on bed

A couple of  weeks ago, we ran a post calling for reader tips for how to make your first apartment feel like a home. We got some GEM advice. To make sure you saw all …