There are many options for spring cleaning in your downtown Silver Spring area.  However, considering the eco-friendly lifestyle you are living at The Blairs Apartments and your interest in the environment, you want to make sure that these options are truly right for you and the environment, and probably not in that order.

If you enjoy creating things, make your own products from nature.  There are many sources on the Internet that show you how to do this in detail.  You can make certain products in particular like Creamy Soft Scrubber or you can choose to create your own non-toxic cleaning kit  capable of handing any messy situation.

If you would rather not create your own natural products, there are several natural ones on the market that you can trust.  Go down to your local Whole Foods on Wayne Avenue or consult their website where you can find information on their new trademarked rating system called Eco-Scale which outlines Quality Standards for Household Cleaning Products.

Finally, if you’re into the eco green and clean thing, but are more interested in having someone else do it for you, consider hiring a green cleaning company that features green products.  Check out these guidelines for hiring an Eco-Friendly Maid Service at www.goecoliving.com, or check out companies like www.hellogreenclean.com.

At the end of the day, it does not matter which method you choose.  As long as your Blairs Apartment in downtown Silver Spring is a mean, green, eco machine, it’s all good.

“Where will I take my sweetie for Valentine’s Day?” and “How will I make this year special?”

Living at The Blairs in downtown Silver Spring, you can find easy answers in and around town.  Use our handy area map to discover some of the great gems around town, whether you’re hitting the local boutiques or the hottest restaurants this Valentine’s Day.

The key is to transform your every day environment into magical places and memorable moments.  Start first with the romantic places and spaces that can be found around the property, but add experiences to them that would make visiting them extra special.  For example, kick of your night on the town with the sharing of an Instagram Valentine’s Day card you created in the business center or end your excursion by cuddling up by the outdoor fire, sharing chocolates with desert wine.

And of course what you do inside of your Blairs Apartment is completely up to you.  Transform it into a romantic dinner destination for two by picking up some delicious Italian cuisine at Mamma Lucia, only steps away from your front door! But if you choose to go out, you’ve got downtown Silver Spring as your backdrop, and that always inspires love. Try Romantic Silver Spring hot spots like Adega Wine Cellars  and Nova Europa. Or possibly, something a bit more trendy and casual, like Jackie’s Restaurant and Sidebar or 8407 Kitchen Bar.

Whatever you do with that special someone, make it an experience. We’re just glad you can spend it with us, here at The Blairs.

Did you know we recycle 63% of all our trash – this helps reduce impact on landfills. But how can you help? Here are our top 5 things to remember when recycling:

• Be Informed- Know what you can and cannot recycle – every city has their own list of what to recycle and dispose of Visit Montgomery Count’s Division of Solid Waste Services for full details.
• Make It Convenient – Be sure to keep your recycling bin within reach, right near your trash. This gives you the easy access to think twice when throwing items away. Our ecopods already come equipped with a handy recycling sorter!
• Reuse It – Buy reusable products such reusable or electric razors, reusable dishes, mugs and utensils, and bring your lunch to work in a reusable lunch bag.
• Check The Bathroom – Do you just throw your finished toiletries away? Lots of items from the bathroom can be recycled too. Simply rinse out those empty bottles and toss them in your recycling!
• Remember Glass Jars – From jam to spice jars, just give them a rinse and recycle with your other glass! For added reuse, keep them around instead of purchasing new tupperware for food storage.

DON’T FORGET! Be sure to bring your own bags with you when hitting the shops. Starting this year, the new law, designed to cut down on pollution caused by plastic, places a five-cent charge on each paper or plastic carryout bag provided by retail establishments! Even if you don’t plan on saving your 5 cents by going reusable, that money will be deposited into the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) fund.

We aim for a beautiful and eco friendly community that you can simply put your feet up and relax. We’re glad you can help us build a more beautiful Silver Spring!

Get the Gear. In order to be a success on the ice or on the slopes, you need to look great and have the technology to set you apart! The Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC area host some of the greatest places to pick up gear. Like Ski Chalet in Gaithersburg from snowboard jackets to ski apparel, they have it all (even wakeboards and hiking shoes when snow is not in season!) Ski Center in DC is your one stop shop for all things ski related. Can’t make it in the store? Their online shop delivers, and will still allow you to support local businesses in the Washington DC Metro area!

Hit the Slopes. If you’re not familiar with all 34 resorts in the mid-Atlantic, DCSki is the best place to start, with profiles of every resort from Liberty Mountain in Pennsylvania to Snowshoe in West Virginia. Just a short drive from Silver Spring and you’re on the Shawnee Mountains, geared and ready to go!

Not the type for skiing? Shivering on the slopes not your idea of a great time? Well, grab a cup of cocoa and cozy up in our lounge . It’s the perfect place to put your feet up and tune out the bustling city. Plus, there’s always the beautifully lit Silver Spring Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza, which is open until March 13^th this year!

1. Take A Breath

Start with what’s most important. Breathe! Whether that’s getting back to nature at nearby parks in Silver Spring or lounging by our outdoor fire pit, be sure to take a break from your day and enjoy. This will encourage a new outlook on life and slow you down.

Looking for other ways to breathe? Start with meditation and yoga at hot spots like Willow Street Yoga, just down the road.

2. Get Out There

Whether it’s working the stress off in our top of the line gyms at The Blairs or getting your dance on in the city, there’s no better way to relax than sweating it out.

Mix up your everyday routine, with a few laps at our Olympic size swimming pool, or trying a new club downtown. Download our free Silver Spring map, with all the local hot spots to start planning!

3. Live Simple

The New Year is the perfect time to get rid of the clutter in your life! Try The Container Store, IKEA or Bed Bath & Beyond, all within a short drive, for your chance to simplify your apartment here at The Blairs!

You can even simplify your diet by choosing local, fresh ingredients. Visit Fenton Street Market (Opens in April) or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program such as Sandy Spring CSA in Silver Spring to have fresh produce delivered regularly!

Public Art

The experience of window shopping in Silver Spring can be as captivating as walking through a renowned art exhibit. With over 36 public art exhibits to enjoy, you can experience art its highest level just steps outside your Blairs home. One of our favorites is the magnificent mural outside of the Discovery Communications Headquarters Building. “A Brushstroke of Discovery” is a unique and engaging depiction of interconnectedness of life’s species with the history of planet Earth.

Melodic Tunes

Downtown Silver Spring hosts annual Blues and Jazz music festivals which galvanize community around music. These free events feature an eclectic variety of performers from Aaron Neville to Ida Campbell & the Blues Nation. This is event not only for adults, children can enjoy themselves as well with crafts, face painting, magicians, clowns, and a musical instrument petting zoo.

Enticing Films

Almost every month film festivals are taking place in the Silver Spring area. Independent filmmakers create informative documentaries that build community dialogue which adds to the depth of the Silver Spring living experience. Currently the Washington Jewish Film Festival is showing at AFI Silver Theatre from December 1-11, 2011. These award-winning feature films, documentaries and shorts illustrate the diversity of the Jewish experience, culture and history.

Dining

Palatable pleasure describes dining in Silver Spring while consuming these traditional arts. Delectable restaurants rule in Silver Spring such as the Golden Flame, voted Best of Silver Spring, or the enjoyable Jackie’s Restaurant which honors from The Washington Post.

 Living in Silver Spring has made a name for itself in meshing luxury living and casual coolness. The Blairs apartments emulate that same superior energy in each of its five distinctive styles of apartments, from studios to townhomes. Boasting GE ENERGY STAR qualified CleanSteel appliances and Silestone quartz countertops, our kitchens are sparkling from the moment you walk in, the perfect contrast to the panoramic views of Rock Creek Park.

But how do you decorate your new abode? Take a few tips from us; here are some of the hottest trends this fall.

Glamour & Gilt

This fall is all about incorporating rich materials, sultry curves and sophisticated colors into your home. Classic pieces with a little refinement can easily be mixed with the things you love. Can’t afford a new metallic leather couch (another trend we love)? Go for mixing in some swank accessories, like silk pillows with a pop of color or gilded accessories atop your Silver Spring townhomes’ fireplace. Try visiting World Market  in Chevy Chase, MD to find these luxury items.

Slim & Practical

Make your apartment seem even bigger by using clean lines and simple storage solutions. Clean lines are the easiest way to keep a simple, crisp look in your room. Try a great side table with a nice pop of color; Ikea  is infamous for its cheery and modern take on furniture, just moments away in College Park. Look for other pieces that are multi functional: beds with built in storage, tables that can just as comfortably fit 2 as 20, and even nesting kitchen accessories that keep the clutter away.

Go Gray

Gray is everywhere in interior design lately – the hottest neutral to the market. Cool tones of gray against warm colors really pop. Gray paired with chartreuse, yellow, and orange make for a sophisticated combination in an unexpected way.

Looking to tone it down? Gray with a mix of other neutrals like taupe and white provide a calming versatile base for accent colors, perfect for apartment living, for more great design shots, check our gallery of Silver Spring Apartments!

Where to Play:

Try the Pyramid Atlantic Art Gallery (Gallery/Space), for some inspiration and creativity. Updated monthly, the gallery supports and energizes regional artists, so you always have more local flair. They also do workshops and programs to introduce you to print making, book making and more!

American Film Institute (Theater) – Who doesn’t love a good film? The AFI is where it’s at, from timeless classics, to the hottest blockbusters, you are sure to find something to fit the bill for your next night out. From November 3^rd – 22^nd, AFI is holding their European Union Film Fest as a package deal!

Jackie’s Sidebar, Open Tuesday through Saturday. With a killer $6 cocktail happy hour, this hip hangout is sure to be your new favorite neighborhood bar. Featuring well crafted cocktails and pool tables all at this incredible venue off the beaten path.

Where to Shop:

City Place is your one-stop-shop in Silver Spring, with all your shopping needs in one spot. Not just there to pick up the latest trends and fashions, City Place has featured restaurants, bars, banks, salons and more! All of these great places just moments away from The Blairs.

Pacers (Running Gear) – The holiday season brings a lot of goodies, from turkey with all the fixings to fruit cakes. Beat the holiday season before it starts by picking up some gear at Pacers: running shoes, apparel and accessories, to make the most of your next run. Added bonus: they do seminars every week to show you how to run harder and safer.

Where to Eat:

Need something quick AND delicious? Crisp & Juicy (Peruvian Chicken)  is right here at the Blairs and the best place to get Peruvian chicken in Silver Spring. Dine in and get some crisp chicken with classic sides like yucca and plantains, or take the whole chicken to go and live it up at your Blairs’ Apartment.

Ray’s The Classics chooses only the finest natural and farm-raised beef, guaranteeing one of the best char grilled steaks you’ve ever had. But, for an even better deal? Try for a spot on the Bistro Side of the restaurant, which has one of the best burgers in DC (Ray also runs Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, so he knows what he’s doing).

Those committed to living an eco-friendly lifestyle in their downtown Silver Spring apartment are all trying to do the right thing. From recycling bottles, paper and cans to bringing reusable shopping bags to the grocery store, or even buying fuel-efficient cars, “greenies” have adopted routines designed to make a difference in their environment.

But one thing may have been overlooked – household furniture. In fact, it’s probably the biggest green “offense” committed. Part of the reason it’s overlooked is that most people don’t even think of furniture as contributing to a sustainable or “green” lifestyle. Or perhaps it’s because no one even knows what sustainable furniture is.

So, what should you look for when buying sustainable furniture for your green apartment home in Silver Spring, MD?

1. Furniture from sustainable materials – the most obvious choice is found in the best of modern wood furniture-making practices. From mahogany grown and harvested from sustainable wood plantations in Africa and Honduras to the king of all sustainable wood – bamboo, there are a multitude of wood alternatives that are now farmed sustainably and readily available to environmentally conscientious furniture makers and buyers.
2. Recycled/reclaimed furniture – this is not what you might find abandoned on the side of the road. We’re talking about furniture made from old wood beams, wood from deconstructed buildings, or even old orchards. Having already served a useful life, this wood gets the opportunity to be productive yet again.
3. Vintage/consignment antiques – resale stores are an excellent source for sustainable furniture. Generally speaking, these antiques tend to be well crafted, hardwood furniture that have withstood the test of time. Craftsmen utilized real maple, walnut and cherry wood to create beautiful, sustainable furniture that can be passed down from generation to generation as opposed to ending up in a landfill. If it was good enough for Grandma, it should be good enough for you!

Other suggestions include light fixtures made from copper which is long-lasting, incredibly durable and 100% recyclable or those made from recycle glass and aluminum which produce some of the most beautiful, sophisticated designs.

Just a few tips to keep in mind when you’re looking to decorate your new home at The Blairs Apartments, with LEED Certified apartments.