Articles - Prudent Living Tips
How Sticking to a Meal Plan Can Help You Save Money and Be Kinder to the Environment
Do you normally follow a meal plan in your daily life? A meal plan is a simple guide for what you intend to eat throughout the week. You’ll have a specific plan for each day of the week, so you’re not wondering what to do about dinner every night. Plus, it provides an easier way to grocery shop since you’ll ...
Water Conservation Tips to Consider at Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL
If you’ve been thinking about easy ways you could help the environment, the solution may lie in your faucet. Water conservation is one of the simplest ways to be more environmentally friendly – and just one little step can make an impact on our planet. Here are seven ways to conserve water at our apartments in Gainesville, Florida: Wash fruits ...
Ways to Donate to Charity from Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL
If you’ve ever cleaned out a closet or cabinet in your apartment, you’ve probably encountered several items that you would like to donate to a charity. No matter what kind of items you have – from clothes to books to old electronics – there are many different charities that will accept your donations. So, you’ll not only get rid of ...
Four Easy Ways to Save Energy at Our Apartments for Rent in Gainesville, FL
Saving energy does not have to require big changes to your lifestyle. Sometimes, the littlest changes can create a big impact. It can be as simple as switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. A change like this will mean needing to replace your light bulbs less frequently, and using less energy when the lights are on. ...
Economical Gift Giving Ideas at Your Apartment in Gainesville, FL
All of us love giving gifts, whether for a friend’s birthday, a holiday party, or simply to say thank you. Even so, it’s important to be mindful of our budgets, especially when saving for an important purchase. Gift giving doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money on lavish items, though. A homemade gift is more economical and sometimes ...
Ways to Save Money on Your Groceries When Living at Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL
We’re all looking for ways to save money. Being more mindful with what we buy, on everything from retail purchases to groceries, is important so we can make sure we are spending within our means and able to save for exciting purchases, such as a vacation or fancy electronic. There are many easy ways to cut costs, and one of ...
Clipping Coupons at Our Gainesville, FL, Apartments
No matter if you’re shopping for groceries, clothing, furniture, toiletries, or nearly any other retail item, coupon clipping can be a valuable first step in the process. But for many, the prospect of coupon clipping brings to mind thoughts of sitting at the kitchen table every Sunday morning with newspapers and scissors, meticulously cutting out each coupon and storing it ...
Reducing Junk Mail at Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL
If you’re looking for a way to become more environmentally friendly, the answer may lie in your mailbox. Statistics report that the average American receives around 40 pounds of junk mail each year, which can be detrimental on our environment. Not only does the production of junk mail lead to the destruction of millions upon millions of trees each year, ...
Reducing the Amount of Trash You Produce at Your Gainesville, FL, Apartment Home
Producing trash and waste is an unavoidable byproduct of life, but reducing the amount of garbage that you produce can provide significant benefits to the environment. Less trash produced means less waste taking up space in landfills, and also eliminates the need to transport and dispose of that trash, which also reduces carbon emissions. In the end, reducing the volume ...
Testing a Smoke Alarm in Our Gainesville, Florida Apartments
Each apartment at Bellamay Grand is equipped with a smoke alarm as required by law. Technology doesn’t always work perfectly 100 percent of the time, though. Parts can be defective and batteries wear down with time, so it is highly important that residents of our Gainesville, Florida apartments regularly test their smoke alarms to ensure that they are functioning properly. ...
10 Items to Always Keep in Your Apartment in Gainesville, FL in Case of Emergency
We can’t always tell when disaster will strike, especially here in Florida. The Sunshine State is a great place to call home, but it is also vulnerable to hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other forces of Mother Nature. Natural disasters in and around Gainesville are rather rare, but they can and do happen. Because of this, it is important to always be ...
Top 10 Things to Store in Your Apartment for Rent in Gainesville, FL
While the rest of our lives might be full of clutter, it’s important to know exactly where a few things are. For example, if you have important documents such as passports or birth certificates, it is a great idea to place store these items in your bedroom or your spare room where you will know where to find them until ...
Walking Wisdom at Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment Community
Walking is an extremely popular method of exercise for people of all ages. One of the reasons that walking is so well-liked is the fact that it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of skill or endurance. Walking also comes free-of-charge, with no gym membership or special equipment required. For those Gainesville, Florida apartment residents who want to make walking a part of ...
Watching Out for Your Kids at Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment Community
As a parent you have your hands full, trying to balance the needs of your children, job, other family members, friends, and home life. But just like any other parent, ensuring the wellbeing of your precious youngsters is at the top of your list of priorities. Without a doubt, it is very difficult to keep watch over children because they ...
Easy Ways to Make Your Gainesville Apartment Community a Better Place to Live
Once you move into an apartment, you become part of a community. As part of a community, you have the opportunity to make the neighborhood a better place for yourself and the other folks who live there. This does not mean you have to be a social butterfly at parties or volunteer a lot of your time; it simply means ...
Slow Down & Enjoy the View at Our Gainesville Apartments
Bellamay Grand Apartment Homes are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. From our pristine landscaping to our elegant architecture, Bellamay Grand is one of the most attractive apartment communities in Gainesville and the state of Florida. As you drive through our Gainesville apartments, be careful to proceed slowly and carefully. Many of our residents and their ...
Staying Safe Outside of Your Gainesville Apartments
Living in Florida, there is plenty of adventure to be had outdoors. Through all of the Southern seasons, however, please remember safety on your outdoor treks. Bellamay Grand apartments in Gainesville, FL are in the middle of all the fun, fresh-air activities that central Florida has to offer. Whether you’re hiking down a trail, swimming some laps in our community pool, or ...
Do Gainesville Apartment Renters Need Renters Insurance?
The answer to the above question is a resounding, “Yes,” but many Gainesville apartment renters do not realize how important renters insurance is, nor do they realize how budget-friendly this vital coverage can be. The first issue to consider with renters insurance is that, when you are a renter in an apartment community, the property owner’s insurance does not cover ...
Pool Safety Tips for Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment Community
When you live in Gainesville, Florida, your apartment community pool sees a lot of use. With long, hot summers and almost non-existent winters, Gainesville allows apartment residents to enjoy the pool virtually year-round. However, regardless of how familiar you are with the pool at your Gainesville, Florida apartment community, it is important to remind yourself of ways to stay safe in and ...
Be Vigilant with Your Vehicle at Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment Community
Motor vehicle vandalism and theft happens in all communities across the country, from Gainesville, Florida to Portland, Oregon and everywhere in between. According to 2007 FBI theft statistics, more than one million vehicles are stolen in the United States every year, averaging about one vehicle being stolen every 28.8 seconds. Southern states account for the highest percentage of vehicle thefts. ...
Watch for Walking Hazards around Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment Community
Gainesville, like many other parts of Florida, is filled with mature, healthy trees that provide us with shade and beauty. Whether the weather is hot, cold, or in between, it’s always tempting to go outside and walk underneath Gainesville’s thick, green canopy. While you’re taking a stroll around your Gainesville, Florida apartment community, keep an eye on the ground, too. You never ...
Puppy Grub No-No’s for Your Gainesville Apartment Pet
While begging for table scraps might be a cute habit of your pooch, certain “human” food can be downright harmful to your pet. Love on your loyal friend by sticking to feeding your pup healthy foods only. Start by avoiding caffeinated foods and drinks. Caffeine can be toxic and affect their heart and nervous systems. Next, watch out for onions ...
Important Tip for All Gainesville, Florida Apartment Residents: Lock Your Doors!
Crime statistics from across the country show that more than 50 percent of thefts begin with an unlocked door. Since most or all of these thefts could have been prevented with the simple act of locking a door, this serves as a good reminder for all of us, no matter where we are, to lock our doors at all times. ...
Home Accidents Can Happen in Gainesville, FL Apartments, Too
Whether you have your own children or kids occasionally visit your apartment, home accidents are always possible. Better to be safe than sorry! The following tips can help you create a more kid friendly apartment: Organize and tie back all electrical cords and try to keep them out of children’s reach. Outlet covers are recommended for open electrical outlets. While ...
Kitchen Safety for Your Apartment in Gainesville
At Bellamay Grand, safety is one of our top priorities. We know that kitchens can sometimes be dangerous places, especially for children. Since children may not know safety rules or the dangers of certain kitchen appliances, it is important that you keep your eyes peeled if you have children in your apartment. Some helpful tips for kitchen safety include: Making ...
Hot Water Safety for Our Apartments in Gainesville, Florida
When stepping into the shower or washing dishes, most of us are not worried about getting burned. However, hot water has the ability to burn like fire and thousands of injuries occur each year due to scalding by excessively hot tap water. According to the Home Safety Council, it only takes one second for a child under the age of ...
Planning an Evacuation Route from your Apartment in Gainesville During a Hurricane
Although primarily known for its beautiful weather and eye-popping beaches, Florida also has the unfortunate honor of being the state that is hit by more hurricanes than any other. Since 2009, approximately 488 tropical or subtropical cyclones have affected the state. Knowing what you are going to do in the event of a hurricane is a key factor in making ...
Financial Tip: Improve Your Credit Score
There is no easy fix to improving your credit score. It takes time, effort, and responsibility. Unfortunately, the exact formula that credit bureaus use to calculate credit scores is a tightly kept secret. However, you can follow some general rules to improve your credit score. According to www.myfico.com, you can improve your credit score by sticking to the following guidelines: ...
How to Handle Automobile Accidents
Car accidents are distressing from the first moment they occur. In addition to being shaken up in the hours following the accident, there are also worries about injuries, property damage, financial costs, and inconvenience. While you can’t turn back the clock and erase a car accident from existence, the following steps may reduce the negative impact a car accident has ...
Enjoying the Sun Safely at Apartments in Gainesville, Florida
There is no better way to cool off during a hot Florida day then taking a nice refreshing dip in the pool. Pools are a great place to relax, socialize, bar-b-q, and soak in the warm Florida sun. However, we all know that spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous to the health of your skin, so ...
Essential Items to Have in Your Gainesville Apartment During Inclement Weather
Florida is a great state to live in. Between the warm weather and sandy beaches, it has an ideal climate for year-round activity. However, the possibility of hurricanes and other severe thunderstorms still exists, and being prepared when this inclement weather strikes is essential in making sure you get through as safely as possible. If there is no mandatory evacuation ...
Digital Protection in Gainesville, Florida Apartments
The Internet has brought convenience to the 21st century, but also an ongoing list of dangers. Protect your family and your finances by becoming aware of the perils that technology can bring. Online shoppers should especially be aware. Whether you’re completing your transaction inside the comfort of yourGainesville apartment or you’re using a computer at work or school, attackers target online ...
Computer Tips for Your Rental Apartment in Gainesville, Florida
The Internet is a tool that has become a mainstay of our culture by dramatically changing modern communication and how we access information. However, the openness of the Internet also can make it very dangerous if the proper security measures aren’t taken. Hackers are constantly inventing new viruses and spyware to gain access to your most personal and important information. ...
Checking the Smoke Detectors in Your Gainesville, Florida Apartment
Did you know that it is the landlord’s responsibility to provide smoke detectors in your apartment? And, did you know that it is your responsibility to test your smoke detectors regularly to make sure they are still in good working order? That’s right, all Gainesville, Florida apartments should be equipped with working smoke detectors. Typically, smoke detectors are located near the kitchen ...
Child Wellbeing for Our Gainesville Apartment Community
With beautiful weather in Florida, and when school lets out, you are bound to find children playing throughout the community. And since Bellamay Grand offers many amenities that children might find interesting, including the theatre room, children’s playroom, and community pool, we encourage our Gainesville apartment residents to be mindful of the safety of our community’s children. First and foremost, all children ...
Gainesville Apartment Living Tip: Babysitter’s Checklist
When you’re ready to hit the town for an evening away from the little ones, make sure your babysitter has all of the bases covered. Leave this information with your sitter so you can enjoy your night out: Your home address Your home and cell phone numbers The time you plan to return to your Gainesville apartment The location of first-aid ...
Break-In Statistics for Homes & Apartments in Gainesville, Florida & Nationwide
Based on FBI research, 34 percent of residential break-ins occur through the front door, while 23 percent occur through a first-floor window. These two openings account for a total of 57 percent of break-ins. Statistics like this should serve as a sobering reminder for residents of homes and apartments in Gainesville, Florida to always keep their front doors, windows, and patio doors ...
Residents of Our Apartments for Rent in Gainesville, FL Can Prevent Blowouts by Checking Their Tires’ Pressure Regularly
Having a car tire blowout can be an expensive and time-consuming problem, and unfortunately it’s also a common one. Blowouts can be caused by a wide variety of issues, but one of the most common is improper tire pressure. Even though modern tires are far less prone to blowouts than they have been historically, drivers would be wise to regularly ...
Safer Living for Gainesville Apartment Residents
How Sticking to a Meal Plan Can Help You Save Money and Be Kinder to the Environment Water Conservation Tips to Consider at Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL Ways to Donate to Charity from Our Apartments in Gainesville, FL Four Easy Ways to Save Energy at Our Apartments for Rent in Gainesville, FL Economical Gift Giving Ideas at Your Apartment ...
Drive Safely in Our Gainesville, Florida Apartments
Driving safely through our community is one of the most important things Bellamay residents can do to help our apartments remain an enjoyable place to live. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with our roads, you’re protecting yourself along with your fellow residents. Make sure you know and obey all the traffic signs. Whether it’s a yield sign, speed ...
Worried About Severe Weather at Our Apartments in Gainesville? Develop an Evacuation Plan to Feel Better
Living in Florida means that, at some point or another, severe weather is likely to strike where you live. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm, fall hurricane, or winter cold front, a major storm can cause serious damage ranging from downed power lines to wrecked cars. While this may be scary to think about, developing an established evacuation plan for when ...
The Importance of Helmets When Bike Riding at our Luxury Apartments in Gainesville, FL
Helmets help prevent serious head injuries in bike crashes every day. They are some of the most effective pieces of safety equipment available, which is why Florida law requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet while on a bike. Even though it isn’t required for adults, smart cyclists will still use a helmet regardless of their ...
Keeping Control of Electronic Cables and Wires at Your Apartment in Gainesville
With more and more electronics becoming part of the modern home, it’s likely you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re trying to untangle a mess of wires or cables. Unfortunately, cluttered cables aren’t only a hassle when you’re trying to install a new printer or replace a TV. Those tangled cords may actually be reducing the life of your ...
Choosing a Secure Password in Your Apartment in Gainesville
With identity theft a serious concern in today’s society, having a strong password for your computer and online accounts is essential. Unfortunately, coming up with a truly secure password that’s also easy to remember can be difficult. There are a few things to keep in mind when you come up with a password that can help ensure your accounts are ...
Careful Preparation Can Prevent Food Poisoning in Your Gainesville Apartment
No matter what type of food you’re eating, there’s a good chance it has some kind of bacteria or virus on it. Some of these microbes are exceptionally healthy, such as those in yogurt, but unfortunately, many others can cause food poisoning. Thankfully, there are several simple steps you can take to avoid eating food that’s spoiled or contaminated. Being ...
Practicing Fire Safety in your Rental Apartment in Gainesville, Florida
Everyone should be as prepared as possible for a potential fire. Some ways to prepare include making sure all smoke alarms are working, fire extinguishers are filled, and escape plans are in place. However, additional preventive measures are also an important component of fire safety. Everybody knows the dangers of fire, but unfortunately, many people are currently living with unseen ...
Make an Emergency Kit for Your Gainesville Apartment
Developing an emergency kit for when you need to evacuate or ride out a storm is a smart plan no matter where you live. While Florida may have a well-deserved reputation as the Sunshine State, severe storms, including hurricanes and tornadoes, still threaten it from time to time. While it’s rare for severe storms to affect Gainesville, being prepared can ...
Safety Basics for Gainesville, Florida Apartments
Gainesville, Florida is a quaint southern city that also happens to be the location of one of the country’s most well-respected universities. Consequently, living in Gainesville is both exciting and charming. One day you can admire the trees and ranches; on another you can participate in an all-day, all-night football extravaganza. If you live in one of the many Gainesville, Florida ...
Help Children in Gainesville, FL & Nationwide by Staying Aware of AMBER Alerts
April 30th is the anniversary of the PROTECT Act of 2003, signed into law by President George W. Bush. This act strengthened law enforcement’s ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes committed against children. One of the act’s major goals is the national coordination of the AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert Program. The AMBER Alert Program began in ...
