Best Ice Cream in Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley has some of the best options for ice cream in all of Pennsylvania, if not the entire east coast. But when you are in the mecca of ice cream options, how do you know which one is the best to choose? Especially on a hot summer day when a huge scoop of your favorite flavor will put you into a euphoric mood of pleasure.

Luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place to help you limit your options. Here are some of our favorite choices for the best ice cream in Lehigh Valley. We’ll include a bit of something for everyone – so whether you like root beer floats or ice cream sandwiches, there will be something you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Ice-Cream-ConeThe Inside Scoop
You don’t have to spend a lot of time in Lehigh Valley to know that The Inside Scoop is something special. This shop has been a part of the community for years and it’s developed quite the following in the process. It’s hard to find The Inside Scoop without a line going out the door, but we can attest to the fact that it’s certainly worth the wait. But if you happen to see The Inside Scoop without a line this summer, sneak over there for their delicious ice cream and coffee. If you are feeling extra adventurous, or just hungry, then take on the famous 14-scoop Volcano challenge! It’s a beast, but it’ll make for a memory you won’t soon forget.

Bank Street Creamery
Bank Street Creamery is a local favorite that makes their own ice cream on a daily basis. After a long day of shopping or walking around downtown Easton, head over to the circle and you’ll see Bank Street Creamery on the other side of the street. When you visit, be sure to check out their famous Purple Cow ice cream, which brings in people from far and wide to try.

Nuts About Ice Cream
Right across from Liberty High School is another favorite with Nuts About Ice Cream. As you could probably guess, this place gets packed with students throughout the school year. But during the summer months, things slow down enough for you to get in there and get your favorite native flavor that is unique to Lehigh Valley. Nuts About Ice Cream also lets you load up the toppings, so be sure to leave enough room for your favorite chocolate or marshmallow swirl sauce.

Owowcow Creamery Inc.
Last, but most certainly not least, Owowcow Creamery Inc. is a mouthful, and you’ll have a full belly after you leave this famous store. After a long day out on Lake Nockamixon, hit Owowcow Creamery before you head home. Not only do they offer a ton of different flavors to choose from, but they also run a special for $5.55 that includes 5 flavors of ice cream. One stop and you’ll be able to get something for everyone in the family at a great price!

There are tons of ice cream options in Lehigh Valley. With so many cute boutique options to choose from, you certainly won’t go wrong by visiting one of the four gems listed here.

Golf Destinations in Pennsylvania

Grab your clubs and get ready to tee off if you are heading to Pennsylvania for vacation. The State Of Independence offers tons of historic courses that are available for both private and public play.

Oakmont Country Club

It’s hard to argue that there is any course in Pennsylvania more well known that Oakmont Country Club. Aside from Augusta, the Oakmont Country Club has been home to the most PGA Championships in the United States.

What we really love about this course is just how well the accommodations are maintained. When on vacation, you deserve to be treated in the best way possible. When you visit Oakmont Country Club, you’ll be treated with best in class service at top rated accommodations.

The only downside to Oakmont is that it’s a private country club that, as mentioned, hosts a variety of different golfing events. Therefore, you’ll want to plan far in advance if you plan on hitting the links at this course during your time in Pennsylvania.

GolfingHuntingdon Valley Country Club

Looking for a world class experience? If so, then plan your golf vacation at Huntingdon Valley Country Club. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this course was built in 1927. It still proves to be incredibly challenging, nearly 100 years later.

This course also offers 27 holes, which makes it easier to find a tee time during your vacation. The Huntingdon Valley Country Club has also been ranked as one of the most beautiful courses to live on in Pennsylvania. So while you may come for a round of golf, you may end up finding the perfect place to call home after you retire.

Merion Golf Club

Founded in 1896, Merion Golf Club offers one of the richest sporting histories in all of the country. What was created as a cricket course, Merion Golf Club has transitioned into one of the top ranked courses in the state. Their club house also offers a pro shop that has a ton of great. If you didn’t want to bring your clubs on the plane, then don’t worry; Merion Golf Club has all you need to get right out on the course and start playing.

Fox Chapel Golf Club

Buried deep in the Pittsburgh suburb of Fox Chapel, this golf course is a hidden gem in the state. Fox Chapel Golf Club rarely gets recognized for its celebrated design, and yet it’s often praised by many who play its challenging 19-hole course. Be weary of holes 9-12, which are often talked about in the clubhouse as the toughest for the day. But if you can manage your way through, then you’ll find yourself really enjoying the intricate designs that went into mind when creating this course.

The state of Pennsylvania offers plenty of tourists attractions that make for a wonderful option to consider for your next vacation. But if you are looking to get away and hit a round of golf, then you’ll be especially pleased if you select one of the courses listed here.

Make Your Apartment Smell Good

There is nothing quite like walking into a home that smells great. Whether it’s the smell of fresh linens in the summer or roasted marshmallows in the winter, an inviting aroma in your apartment can make for a more inviting setting. After all, nobody wants to spend time in a place that smells bad.

There are tons of different elements that factor into how your apartment smells. To ensure that the odors never turn foul, here are some tips for making your apartment smell good.

Scented-CandleSet The Season With Fragrances

There are certain scents that are symbolic with the season. As mentioned above, the smell of freshly sun-dried clothing is perfect in the summer, while more warming smells are better in the winter. Whatever the season may be, just know that you can add fragrances that will really make your apartment smell good.

One of the first options you have for making your apartment smell good with fragrances is with candles. Other people prefer the calming scents of incense. Or you may just want to use a bottle of odor neutralizers that you purchased at the store. Whatever the case may be, having those seasonal fragrances will really make your apartment smell great.

Avoid Overpowering Your Visitors

Even though you want to set the mood with a great smelling apartment, keep in mind that you can just as easily make those smells too overpowering. For example, you won’t want to empty out an entire bottle of odor neutralizer on top of a candle that is burning next to incense. The point here is that you should keep things modest, rather than overpowering while adding different smells and scents to your apartment.

Take Time To Clean

No matter how many items you use to make your apartment smell good, none of that will matter if your home is a mess. Even if you hate cleaning, keep in mind that a clean home is a better smelling one. Some of the things you can do to clean your home and keep it smelling good include:

  • Emptying the trash – especially when the contents include perishable items like fruits, vegetables, or fresh meats.
  • Vacuuming to pick up odors and scents left in the carpet.
  • Take out pet feces and other waste as soon as possible.

Don’t Smoke Indoors

If you are someone who smokes, then consider taking it outside before you light up a cigarette. Not only does smoking indoors put others in your family at risk for health concerns, but it can also make your apartment smell quite bad as well. And unlike many other things that you bring into your home, getting rid of the smell of cigarette smoke is not easy at all. But you can avoid this scent if you take it outside every time you decide to smoke.

Having a great smelling home will make your apartment the talk of all of your friends. But in order to ensure that everyone enjoys the various scents, consider the tips on this list for making your apartment smell good.

First Things You Should Buy When Moving Into A New Apartment

There are a lot of benefits that come with living on your own in a new apartment. Having to buy a lot of new things during that move is not one of them. When you consider rent for the first month, a deposit, and any other startup fees for utilities, you’ll likely be stretched pretty thin when it comes to your finances during that first month. However, there are some things that you simply won’t be able to escape from buying.

The good news is that having your own apartment is well worth it. But to make things easier on yourself financially, here are some of the first things you should buy when moving into a new apartment. Having these items will make for a much more enjoyable time while you adjust to your new accommodations.

BedBed-new-size-980x560

Moving in all day long is going to be a pain. That’s why there is nothing like escaping away into a comfortable bed at your new place on the first night. When moving into a new apartment, be sure that your bed is one of the first things that you prepare. In addition, consider now a great time to buy new bedding as well. New sheets will add personality to the bedroom, which will help you adjust to the move.

Couch

You are going to need a place to sit, or maybe a few places if you are someone who has a lot of guests. A couch is a great centerpiece for any living room. And if you are someone who doesn’t plan to buy a proper dining set, then a couch will work as the primary sitting place in your apartment.

A Coffee Table

Along with that couch, pick up a nice coffee table as well. You can put some magazines or personal ornaments on the coffee table to add design to the room, and it also lets you put your feet up while watching TV as well.

Quick Meals

You are going to need something to eat during move-in day, but you probably won’t have a whole lot of time to eat. And if you don’t have your utilities bill set up, then you may even be limited in terms of what options you can use during the move in. That’s why having quick and easy meals that you, or your moving helpers, can eat will be very helpful.

Something Personal

This is your apartment, so take the time to add a personal touch to it. Whether you invest in a nice piece of artwork or a new rug, or if you prefer to make something new on your own, take the time to add personal touches to your apartment. Not only will these personal touches make you feel at home, but they’ll also add aesthetic value to the apartment as well.

Moving into a new apartment is going to be a great experience. But in order to make sure that you have an easy transition, consider buying the items on this list early. They’ll help you adjust more easily, which will make for a better move.

What Type Of Pet To Get If My Apartment Doesn’t Allow Dogs Or Cats

 

Pet-GoldfishThere are a lot of great reasons to have a pet. They provide comfort, support, and even relief when you need it most. But if you move into an apartment complex that doesn’t allow a dog or cat, then you might be wondering what other types of pets might be available for you to choose from.

The good news is that there are a few different options that might be best for you. Here are some options to choose from if your apartment doesn’t allow dogs or cats.

Fish

Fish are about as perfect for an apartment as it gets. And if you are a new family that is considering getting a pet for your children for the first time, then a fish is even better. That’s because fish are easy to take care of and require little maintenance on your end. You can even get cleaner fish that will help you maintain the cleanliness of your tank. All you have to do is throw in some fish food at least once a day, which is what makes a fish great for those that want a low maintenance pet. And when you consider how beautiful an aquarium will look, it’s easy to see what it’s a great consideration to make for your apartment if the complex doesn’t allow cats or dogs.

Reptile

There are a variety of different reptiles that you may be able to have in your apartment, but again you may need to check with your leasing agent before doing so. Different types of reptiles to consider include:

  • Snakes
  • Geckos
  • Turtles
  • Bearded dragons

These four examples are very common types of domesticated reptiles that your apartment complex may allow

you to have. If you are considering a more exotic pet, be sure to check with your apartment complex before doing so.

Pet-FerretFerret

A ferret is a cute pet that might be ideal for those who have children asking for a new addition to the family. A ferret doesn’t require quite the same responsibility as a dog or cat, but it is also something that you can hold, snuggle, and play with. If you are looking for something furry, but felines and canines are out of the picture, a ferret might be what’s best for you.

Just because your apartment doesn’t allow cats or dogs, doesn’t mean you can’t still have a pet. Consider the options to choose from on this list, and you’ll be sure to find something that your entire family will love.

Bird

You may need to check with your apartment complex as to whether or not they allow birds. In the event that they do, this is a considerable option as well. Birds are great because they are going to be much more interactive than fish in an aquarium. Open up their cage and let them fly around, and you’ll be impressed with how fun having a bird can be.

Best Ways to Meet Your Neighbors

It’s funny how some things in life never change. The old adage of being the new kid on the block wasn’t very fun in your youth, and it may be equally as terrifying as an adult. After all, you will want all of your neighbors to like you, or it might be unenjoyable during your time living in the apartment complex.

To better help you adjust to your new surroundings, here are some tips for the best ways to meet your neighbors.

Start Early

Moving day can be a complete pain. Along with moving all of your stuff, you’ll have plenty of other things to deal with on the day of a big move. With all of that going on, you might find it impossible to go next door and meet your neighbors. However, we all know how awkward it can be to go and meet your neighbors if you’ve been living somewhere for an extended period of time without introducing yourself, so sooner is always better than later. Who knows, maybe they’ll even offer to come and help you move the rest of your items.

Consider Bringing Appropriate Gifts

Taking gifts to your neighbor can be a concern in today’s world. While a pie or cake may have been taken as a nice gesture in the past, many people prefer not to be given baked goods from strangers. The other problem might be that you end up getting a gift for someone, which then begins an awkward game of back-and-forth gift giving. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take something, just to introduce yourself. Consider an appropriate gift to take to your neighbors, and they’ll think you are very thoughtful for the gesture.

Put Together A Party

One gift that you might want to take could be a party invitation for a welcoming party. Granted, it’s not always easy to invitee strangers to your home. However, if you plan to have a housewarming party, then you might earn some credit by inviting your new neighbors over.

Find A Common Cause

If parties aren’t your thing, then maybe you and your neighbors can bond over something else. That might be a cause, which you can start in your apartment complex. An apartment complex is a great place to bring together a lot of people for one reason or cause, which is ideal if you are looking to get more exposure for something you like.

Be A Good Neighbor

Lastly, if you want to stay in your neighbor’s good graces, then reciprocate by being a good neighbor in return. If you plan on having a lot of late night parties, or are someone who leaves your trash out when you aren’t supposed to, or if you do anything else that might bug your neighbors, you may want to reconsider your actions. These are just a few things that can easily get on their nerves, which is not a good way to meet new people.

By being friendly and being a good neighbor, you can easily meet those in your apartment complex. Put on a smile and consider the tips here, and you’ll easily acclimate into your new surroundings.

The Right Way To Hang Things In Your Apartment

If you’ve ever completed an apartment lease without any holes left in the walls, then consider yourself lucky. Even if you are extra cautious on a day-to-day basis, many people end up with holes in their walls because of how they hang things. The truth is that objects of different weights and dimensions need varying techniques for being hung.

To ensure that you don’t have money taken out of your security deposit because of holes in the wall, here are some tips for the right way to hang things in your apartment.

Determine The WeightMature Couple Drilling Wall To Hang Picture Frame

As mentioned above, weight is likely going to be the biggest single deciding factor for determining how to hang something on a wall in your apartment. Properly hang something based on weight, and you should be fine when it comes to keeping your personal belongings safe. But use a sticky hook when you should be using a nail, and you’ll likely end up coming home to a disaster in your apartment. There are a ton of different hanging tools out there. In order to ensure that you choose the right one, consider the weight of your item before hanging it.

Adhere To Hanging Guidelines Of Apparatus

Along with weight, you’ll also want to follow along with whatever other guidelines come with the hanging apparatus as well. For example, a 16d Common 0.162” nail is heavy duty and will likely accommodate to holding equally as heavy equipment, such as a TV or large piece of art. On the other hand, a smaller 8d x 1.5” nail is going to be better for smaller photos or cabinets. There are a variety of different nails and hanging apparatus out there, so be sure to follow the guidelines before using them to put items on your walls.

Look For A Stable Foundation

You’ve probably heard of a stud finder, and that’s for good reason.  They can come in very handy when looking to hang things on your walls. One of the biggest mistakes that many apartment owners make is posting things directly into drywall. But drywall won’t hold up for heavier items. By using the stud finder, you can determine where the most stable foundation will be for hanging something, and then place it there to ensure stability.

Consider Added Security

What more can you add to ensure that your personal items are hung safely? You may want to consider additional levies or hanging systems, especially for heavier items. That’s especially the case if heavier means more valuable. Just remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal belongings, which is why you should consider adding additional security and stability to any items you hang on your walls.

Before you go and put a bunch of holes in your wall, consider the tips here for properly hanging something in your apartment. Not only will you save money at the end of your contract, but you can also avoid damage to your personal belongings as well.

Great Gifts For Your Friends Under $25

One of the most awkward moments that a friendship will have to endure will happen when it comes time to give gifts. There are plenty of friends out there who “always forget” to give a gift, or “don’t have enough money” this time of year, or whatever else their excuse might be. But because you don’t want to be that person, you always go out of your way to get something really amazing in return.

To make sure that you don’t end up continuing to get great gifts for others who don’t return the favor, the best way continue on is to set a budget for yourself. A fair number is $25, as you can get some great gifts for within that budget. At the same time, $25 won’t break the bank and it’s a price point that you can live with.

Here are some great gifts that you can get for under $25, that will make it look like you spent a lot more than you did.

At-Home Manicure Set

Granted your male friends may not enjoy this gift as much, but an at-home manicure set is ideal for the friend who works too hard and doesn’t give themselves enough attention. Going to the spa can be expensive, and it can be a bit impression to get someone a gift card. Therefore, an at-home manicure set is the perfect middle ground.

Bottle Of Wine

Wine-Gift-Giving-Guide-and-Tips-750x400For those that are over the legal drinking age, a bottle of wine is a nice gesture that you can give your friends. You can also go out of your way to experiment with new bottles of wine, in the event that you don’t know what your friends like. And in the event that they don’t return a gift to you, then you can just keep the wine for yourself.

Scented Candle

A scented candle is another great present that you can find for under $25. Even though candles smell great and can liven up a room, they are still something that most people won’t purchase for themselves. That’s why it’s great to have friends like you, who purchase these kind of things.

Socks

Socks used to be the present that your grandparents would get you because they didn’t know what else you liked. Now socks come in all colors, patterns, and designs, and they can be an cool style statement that you friends will love to wear.

Getting a gift for someone else is rarely any fun. If you need a bit of helping getting something that you know they’ll love, consider the great gift options for under $25 listed here.

Advantages To Renting

Determining between renting or purchasing an apartment can be one of the biggest decisions that you make. While buying your next home has benefits that many people often consider to be worth the investment, the truth is that owning property comes with plenty of downsides.

Because of the downsides that come with owning property, renting is often times a better option for most people. For those that are still on the fence, here are some advantages to renting that you should be sure to consider when finding your next home.

Easier For New Renters

happy-couple-1When you are moving out on your own for the first time, there are a lot of fees that you’ll come across. For those that are considering purchasing a home, those fees can increase by as as much as 10-times that what you would experience had you rented. Because of this, renting is often a better option for those that have a budget. In addition, many rental properties are going to be more accommodating to those with no rental history, whereas a bank or lender may not be as friendly when it comes to giving out a loan for a mortgage.

Less Commitment

A lot of people simply don’t have the commitment restraints that would be accommodating for purchasing a home. Instead, being able to take on a shorter-term lease with an apartment complex is going to be much more amenable. This is because renters will have the chance to leave the apartment after the lease is up, which might be much more difficult with a 30-year mortgage.

Great Locations

Renting an apartment allows you to continually change the locations that you are living in. If you are a world-traveling globetrotter, then being able to live in many different places will be ideal for your lifestyle. However, if you have a family and want to live near schools and parks, then you can find these options as well. When you live in a single-unit home, your location options are going to be much more strict.

Less Responsibility

There are plenty of other restrictions that you’ll have when purchasing a home as well. For example, you’ll have to worry about homeowners association fees, taxes, utilities, and much more. You’ll also have to take care of any issues that go wrong with the home. For those that don’t have a surplus of extra money each month, this responsibility may not be welcomed. Instead, renting an apartment means that you’ll have everything taken care of for you. Most complexes have maintenance men on staff, and your fees will be much less each month as well.

Overall, there are plenty of reasons to consider renting your next apartment. Even though purchasing may be an investment that you think is a wise decision, the truth is that renting your next apartment provides plenty more compliant circumstances. Therefore, be sure to take the time to look at the rental market before you dive into any long-term commitments.

Choosing The Best Layout For Your Apartment

There are a lot of different choices that you are going to come across when moving into a new apartment. You’ll need to decide on appliances, linens, furniture, and plenty of other decisions. With so much to choose from, it might be enough to make your head spin. However, your decision making isn’t up just quite yet, even after making these choices

Instead, another decision that you’ll have to make is regarding the best layout for your apartment. Even if you aren’t someone who believes in Feng Shui and the affect of your surroundings on your mood, the layout of your apartment will still have a major influence on how you feel when you are at home. After all, no one wants to live in a place that feels crowded or lacks organization.

To better assist you, here are some tips for choosing the best layout for your apartment.

Consider Your Needs

apartment-layoutAre you someone who works from home? Do you have a hobby that takes up a lot of space in your apartment? Do you have kids that are seem to make a mess of things quicker than you could ever imagine cleaning them up? Whatever the case may be, it’s important that you consider your needs when choosing the best layout for your apartment. For example, if you have a studio apartment and you work from home, you may want to separate the space into different areas. On the other hand, a family with many small children will likely need extra rooms, in order to ensure that everyone has their privacy and space.

Consider Your Furniture

Furniture can be a costly investment, so it’s not something that you’ll want to be buying every few months. Therefore, consider the furniture that you want and the style that you have. This will help you not only find something that is perfect for your home, but also something that really represents who you are and the style that you have. Whether it’s traditional or modern, your furniture selection will have a big impact on the layout of your apartment.

Evaluate The Things You Can’t Control

When you live in an apartment, there are some things that are simply out of your control. For example, your room may have a window that faces east, which means you always wake up when the sun rises and shines through your window. Or if you have nosey neighbors, it may limit parts of your apartment that you go to during certain times of the day. Whatever the case may be, understand the conditions that you can’t control, and be sure to organize your apartment with them in mind.

Whether you are just moving in or you need something new to give you a boost of Feng Shui energy, consider the value of the layout of your home. And as you start to decorate it, keep in mind these tips for choosing the best layout for your apartment.