Author My First Apartment
Amanda S

Amanda Szymanski is a 2015 graduate from High Point University in North Carolina, from where she earned a BS in psychology. She loves all things related to scientific research, art, and mindfulness. Currently, she is employed as a research assistant working on a study investigating Alzheimer's Disease. When Amanda is not working on research, she enjoys painting with watercolors, hiking, and reading.
Don’t Be Caught Unprepared – Cold/Flu Edition!
Don’t Be Caught Unprepared – Cold/Flu Edition!

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared – Cold/Flu Edition!

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
This past Saturday, I went hiking because it was between 50/60F outside and I could not pass up the opportunity after dealing with below freezing weather for weeks. I thought a sweatshirt and a jacket would be enough, but here I am, just a few days later, with a cold. After going in to work for…
Read More
Pest Patrol: Getting Rid of Roaches
Pest Patrol: Getting Rid of Roaches

Pest Patrol: Getting Rid of Roaches

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
You may recall from my post How to Prepare for Living Solo that I had a roach problem. This was a horrible introduction to living in my first apartment and, to be honest, it’s still a part of life, although much more under control. Here, I’ll tell you how I dealt with roaches with the…
Read More
How to Prepare for Living Solo
How to Prepare for Living Solo

How to Prepare for Living Solo

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
When I graduated from university, I didn’t get much time to prepare for apartment living. I basically went from the dorms, to my mom’s house, to my apartment, all in the span of 3 months. Having been tossed into living solo and supporting myself by myself so quickly, I’ve had to learn a lot of…
Read More
How to Host for the Holidays with a Tiny Kitchen!
How to Host for the Holidays with a Tiny Kitchen!

How to Host for the Holidays with a Tiny Kitchen!

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
It’s that time of year again, where friends and family travel from all over to visit loved ones. Some you saw just yesterday, whereas others haven’t been seen since three Christmas’s ago! Somehow, you’re the one hosting all these people even though your apartment isn’t quite as big as you’d like. Don’t fret, here are…
Read More
Gifts for Everyone on Your List!
Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Christmas gift shopping can be incredibly stressful if you’re not prepared. To help you out this holiday season, check out some of these ideas for all the loved ones in your life! For the girl friends in your life… Check out this creamy, delicious body lotion from Urban Outfitters. With three different scents to choose…
Read More
Seven Fun&Easy Halloween Party Tips!
Seven Fun&Easy Halloween Party Tips!

Seven Fun&Easy Halloween Party Tips!

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Want to throw the best Halloween party on the block? Yes? Then use these tips & entertain all your friends & neighbors with these great party ideas! 1. Costumes mandatory You can have a plain-old party any day of the year, so make sure your guests come in wearing their best or favorite costumes. Whether it…
Read More
6 Fun Fall Decorations for Your Apartment!
6 Fun Fall Decorations for Your Apartment!

6 Fun Fall Decorations for Your Apartment!

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
I love fall. I’ve only met one person in my life who actively disliked the season, and when I inquired why, he said it was because everyone he knows loves it! Well obviously everyone loves it because fall is incredible. The leaves all turn gorgeous colors, the weather is amazing no matter if it’s sunny or…
Read More
Stress-free Unpacking
Stress-free Unpacking

Stress-free Unpacking

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Moving into a new place is a ton of work. You can skip a day at the gym because of how physically exhausting making repeated trips to and from your car is – add stairs into the mix and you’ll be sore for days. However physically tiring unpacking is, it’s also mentally taxing. That’s why…
Read More
Furnishing on the Cheap and Cheaper
Furnishing on the Cheap and Cheaper

Furnishing on the Cheap and Cheaper

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Sometimes, IKEA just isn’t cheap enough. That’s where Craigslist, estate sales, and garage sales come into play. While IKEA has affordable, attractive furniture options for nearly every budget level, the prices can still be steep for someone just starting out on their own. When your furnishing budget is minimal the most obvious place to start…
Read More