3 Beach Resorts Where You Can Surf & Slack at Puraran, Catanduanes

Read article : 3 Beach Resorts Where You Can Surf & Slack at Puraran, Catanduanes

With the Pacific Ocean on the east and the South China Sea on the west, it's no wonder that the Philippines has a variety of surfing spots to choose from--be it for beginners or pro surfers, beach break or reef break, baby waves or hollow barrels. Siargao has "Cloud Nine," San Narciso has "High 5 Lahar," San Antonio has "Magic Left," and the list just goes on.

Surf’s up!

Puraran Beach, an isolated cove in Baras, Catanduanes, has its own swells coming in from the Pacific that break on an offshore reef. The “Majestic” is one of the “fastest, most hollow, and right-handed barrels in the world” (from majesticpuraran.com.ph). The term was coined by Hawaiian photographer Warren Bolster in the June 1988 issue of California-based Surfer Magazine. Locals say that on a good day, the waves can reach more than six feet, and even higher during the typhoon season.

Puraran Beach, Baras, Catanduanes: Home of the Majestic

Between 1 to 3 pm, you can see the seaweeds, clams, mussels, and even small fish that thrive in the tide pools.

In the months of August to October, the Majestic is recommended for advanced and professional surfers only.

(Photo courtesy of Puraran Surf Beach Resort.)

One weekend in May, Choose Philippines was invited to the island’s first ever Surf & Music Festival, the “Catanduanes Reef Break 2014" or in Twitter-speak: #CRB2014.

[FOLLOW: Watch out for the next Catanduanes Reef Break - Surf Music Festival!]

For three full days, this was what we woke up to:

This photograph doesn't do justice to the beauty of the island.

Being the non-surfer (and later, ehem ehem, a “beginning” surfer) that I was, all I could do was stay on the shore as the professionals paddled out for the competition. And, of course, to lounge the afternoon away in Puraran’s resorts.

Surfing 101 during the #CRB2014 Surf Clinic

Disclaimer: Most of the room accommodations don’t have WiFi, a flat screen LCD TV with 100+ cable channels, and Dolby surround sound. They offer something better: friendly local surfers who will share with you stories of waves conquered, a picturesque beach that has an interesting terrain at low tide, and the rhythmic crashing of the water as the wind blows in from the ocean.

1. PURARAN SURF BEACH RESORT

Puraran Surf Beach Resort, formerly Puting Baybay Puraran, was established in 1985. It's owned by Celia Estrada-Soria who has witnessed the growth of Puraran from the humble fishing village that it was to the world-renowned surfing attraction that it is now.

It's no secret that Catanduanes is known as the "Land of the Howling Winds" because of the frequent visit of tropical storms coming in from the Pacific Ocean. Though this title doesn't ring true anymore (thanks or no thanks to climate change), Puraran Surf has gone through a lot of building and rebuilding after the onslaught of every storm. Puraransurf.com provides a rundown of the first surfers, landowners, and typhoons that have come and gone much like the ebb and flow of the Majestic.

It was in 1984 when Australian surfer Peter Sutton chanced upon “the wave with the perfect barrel” in Puraran. He met the Soria couple and, along with his Japanese wife Sally, stayed with them for a few months.

(Photo courtesy of Puraran Surf Beach Resort.)

Later on, Japanese surfers came and started buying lands from the townsfolk. The Japanese corporation HAROGEN started constructing the “Puraran Beach Resort.” Around the same time, Cecilia sought permission from his father, Jorge Jacob Estrada, to build cottages on their land along the beach (the present site of Puraran Surf Beach Resort).

In 1987, Typhoon Sisang destroyed the Soria-owned cottages. Rebuilding ensued and it was then that the “Puting Baybay Beach Resort” officially started its existence. Three years later, the Estrada-owned “Pacific View Beach Resort” was established through the efforts of Cecilia's sisters.

In 1995, Typhoon Rosing destroyed the Japanese-owned Puraran Beach Resort, the Soria-owned Puting Baybay Beach Resort, and the Estrada-owned Pacific View Beach Resort. Puting Baybay started rebuilding while Pacific View became the “Majestic Beach Resort,” owned by Elena Estrada-Tanael.

In 1998, Typhoon Loleng wiped out every structure on the beach, forcing the two resorts to rebuild yet again.

Plastic floating walkway in Puraran as executed by the almost-five-million-peso agreement last 2013 between government-owned Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and a private contractor to construct a "Surfers' Boardwalk and Surfing Viewdeck."

The present Puraran Surf Beach Resort has two types of accommodation: the family resort with native beachfront nipa huts and the dorm-type surf house.

Cottages have their own bathrooms and have a price range of PhP 600 to PhP 1,200. Two of the six huts have cable TV, but who cares?

The dorm is perfect for surfers, backpackers, and budget travelers who can cowboy it up in a shared space for 15 people. It has a kitchen, a common bathroom and shower area, and a balcony for early morning wave checks and/or greeting the sunrise. Standard rate is at PhP 400/head/night.

Their menu changes daily depending on the fresh catch of the day. The sea is right there, after all.

Fresh lobster for PhP 230

2. MAJESTIC PURARAN BEACH RESORT

Named after Puraran’s signature break, Majestic Puraran Beach Resort was established in 1995. It's owned by Elena Estrada-Tanael and managed by surfer daughter Aireen Tanael. Another Tanael, Chris, can be seen riding the waves when not teaching a beginner.

Majestic Resort has maintained the countryside vibe with all the kubo-style accommodations and a patch of grassland that serves as a tent area. Huts are available for PhP 500 while pitching a tent costs PhP 150. Each room only has the basics: a bed with a mattress, mosquito net, and a bathroom with toilet and faucet. Simple, just like how island life--or life in general, perhaps--should be.

The rustic resort has a row of coconut trees as backdrop.
(Photo courtesy of Majestic Puraran Beach Resort.)

A room with a natural cooling system: Catanduanes’ sea breeze.
(Photo courtesy of Majestic Puraran Beach Resort.)

Majestic Resort’s dining area is the perfect place for hanging out--and eating, of course--when everywhere else is flat (no waves). Set meals (chicken/fish/pork/lobster with vegetables & rice) are available for PhP 150. Let me say that again: lobster + vegetables + rice for PhP 150. Other viands of choice are pork sinigang, ginataang tulingan, pakbet, porkchop, fried chicken, Bicol express, and pork adobo. Sandwiches are at PhP 35-45, burgers at PhP 40-50, and a plate of pansit bihon/canton is at PhP 180. You can also order a fruit shake for just PhP 50. A bottle of beer costs only PhP 40 but don’t drink and surf!

The resort’s one-stop shop for your stomach’s needs.

Breakfast of champions? Omelette with toast for PhP 75

Bits of chili pepper are well-hidden in this plate of Bicol Express. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I wasn’t!

3. PACIFIC SURFERS’ PARADISE

The youngest of the three resorts in Puraran, Pacific Surfers' Paradise opened early this year. In fact, they were still doing the last brush strokes and fitting doors into frames on their air-conditioned rooms when we got there.

When I asked one of the owners, Dr. Rodolfo E. Joson, why their family decided to open a resort in Puraran, he said "It is because Puraran Beach is one of the most beautiful beach and one of the top surfing destinations in the Philippines." Now, the family of the Manila-based physician has a peaceful beach resort ideal for surfing and swimming right in their own backyard.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Rodolfo E. Joson, Pacific Surfers’ Paradise.)

Spending the night in a duplex cottage costs PhP 1,700 while a single cottage costs PhP 800.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Rodolfo E. Joson, Pacific Surfers’ Paradise.)

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Rodolfo E. Joson, Pacific Surfers’ Paradise.)

Aside from cottages, Pacific Surfers' Paradise has one-floor building with rooms for two persons. Aircon room is at PhP 1,500 while non-aircon room is at PhP 800. You can add an extra mattress (PhP 200) to accommodate a total of four persons.

Short orders of the 'silog' range from PhP 90 to PhP 120. Set meals (chicken/pork/lobster with vegetables & rice) are at PhP 150. If you want to share (or not share, no judgment here) a whole chicken after a day of surfing, chip in for PhP 400.

Dr. Joson also recommends Balakay Point for the best view of the cove. It's 15 minutes by car/tricycle from the beach and another 30 minutes by foot.

Where on Earth is Puraran?

Puraran is one of the 29 barangays of Baras, a fifth class municipality in the island-province of Catanduanes (capital: Virac) in the Bicol Region of the Philippines.

(Courtesy of Google Maps.)

How to Get There

(from catanduanes.gov.ph)

By Air:Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Virac every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (ETD: 0600; travel time: 1h 10m).

By Land/Water:Numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned coaches from Manila to Tabaco, Albay (travel time: 9-10h). From the seaport of Tabaco, hop on either at MV Calixta 2, 4 and 5 or MV Eugene Elson to reach the island of Catanduanes via Virac seaport (ETD: 0630; travel time: 4h; aircon: Php 310; non-aircon: Php 240). Jeepneys and buses ply from Virac to Baras daily (travel time: 1h 30 m; Php 35-45). Take a tricycle from Baras to Puraran (Php 150.00).

---

Beach bumming in Puraran was just the start of our 8-day Catanduanes adventure last May. Watch out for our feature on skimboarding at Mamangal Beach (Virac), kayaking at Amenia Beach & spelunking at Luyang Cave Park (San Andres), snorkeling in Carangyan Beach & carabao-riding at Hiyop Point (Pandan), and many more.

Sneak peek: Choose Philippines Editor-in-Chief Phillip Kimpo Jr. tries to catch a fish for lunch
(Kuripdas Fishing Lagoon & Resort, Virac)

Many thanks to the Provincial Tourism Office of Catanduanes (Tourism Officer Carmel Bonifacio Garcia; Armie Villanueva, Maria Glenda Borja Tablate, and Kuya Buboy) and the Catanduanes Reef Break Organizing Team (Festival Director Ezra Efondo † and Sponsorship Coordinators Jean Grey Garcia & Moireen Espinosa).

Visit online: Catanduanes Tourism Promotion | Surf Catanduanes

---

More on Catanduanes

Twin Rock Beach Resort, Virac, Catanduanes

---

Other Surfing Destinations in the Philippines

1) LUZON: Baler, Aurora

2) LUZON: Crystal Beach, Zambales

3) VISAYAS: Guian, Samar

Photo credit: Guiuan, Eastern Samar FB Page

4) VISAYAS: 6 Spots

Photo credit: Eastern Samar Surfing

5) MINDANAO: Siargao

6) MINDANAO: 6 Spots

Twelve weird things that surprise Spaniards about the UK

Read article : Twelve weird things that surprise Spaniards about the UK

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for Spaniards who move abroad, but there are some things about their new home that are just impossible to get used to...

Even before the subject of Brexit comes up, the United Kingdom and its people can be a perplexing place for visitors.  For the1.6 million Spaniards that visited British shores last year, and the 130,000 officially registered as residents there, some things of the customs are just downright weird.  

Binge drinking

Photo of poster: Alper Cugun/Flickr 

Instead of drinking alcohol with a meal and over the course of an evening, some young Brits choose booze as their main course and set out early with the intention of getting as drunk as fast as possible, stopping only to get takeaway food on the way home.

Punctuality

Photo: Karlis Dambrans/Flickr 

Be late once and you may be forgiven; be late twice and you'll get a reputation. Spaniards find it hard to believe how seriously Brits take their punctuality."What? I'm only 30 minutes late," a Spaniard may utter in disbelief when addressing his disapproving British friends.

Personal space

Brits prefer a handshake to a kiss when it comes to greeting strangers. Photo: 드림포유/Flickr 

Any Spaniard who's been introduced to someone in the UK has probably picked up on Brits' reluctance to greet with kisses. What's more, physical contact is a big no-no in most social situations, leading Spanish expats to be labelled as touchy-feely if they invade a Brit's sacred personal space with an intrusive pat on the back. Among strangers, a firm handshake is about as touchy-feely as Brits like to get. 

Inappropriate winter dress

Photo: Chewthefat/Flickr 

Miniskirts and skimpy tops when it's minus five degrees outside? Spaniards still hit the town in winter but they wrap up warm without fail. British youth's decision to brave it with the help of a much needed "beer coat" baffles many Spaniards in the UK.

Excessive politeness

Photo: Moonez/Flickr 

Equivalents for 'please', ' thanks' and 'sorry' are common in Spain too but in Britain they are repeated and inserted into conversations much more frequently, often to the point where it can seem absurd to Spanish visitors.

Bad coffee

Photo: torbakhopper/Flickr 
 

Spaniards are often shocked by the quality and quantity of coffee served in the UK. Massive mugs of watery, tasteless liquid are not what you'd call their "cup of tea".

Fake tan

Photo: YouTube

Britain's obsession with being tanned is quite literally beyond the pale for many Spaniards. Fake tan and excessive make-up seem odd and somewhat tacky for Spanish expats.

Bathroom carpets

Just no. Photo: Rick/Flickr 

Carpets help keep British homes warm in winter but can surprise Spanish visitors who are not only more used to wooden floors or tiles, but find bathroom carpets very unhygienic.

What's with the separate hot and cold taps?

Photo:Eltpics/Flickr

And while we are on the subject of bathrooms, Spaniards are left perplexed at the number of sinks that still have separate hot and cold taps, leaving visitors faced with the choice of washing their hands in either a freezing cold or scolding hot flow. While there are historic reasons for this (something to do with the water in houses with ancient plumbing systems coming from different tanks and therefore the hot being unsafe for drinking), one Spaniard suggested an easy fix with a plastic bottle and two elastic bands:

Bathroom electricity

Yes, we are still in the bathroom with this one. Spaniards living in the UK are surprised to learn that they have been toying with danger all their lives, just by plugging in their hairdryers / straighteners over the sink and conveniently using the bathroom mirror to style their hair. British health and safety rules means no electric sockets should be placed within three metres of a water source, so you'll rarely find an electricty outlet bar the low voltage one specifically designed for electric razors.

Takeaway food

Photo: elhombreroto/Flickr 

Whether its the abundance of fast food joints or the often atrocious quality of the grub served, Spaniards often yearn for a fresh, wholesome meal when living in Britain. What's often most surprising to them is that curry has become the national dish, rather than fish and chips or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Respecting queues

Photo: Philip Evans/Flickr 
 

Rather than being surprised by how Brits queue in an orderly fashion for almost everything, Spaniards are usually more surprised by how riled they can become if someone dares to skip a few places.

So what would you add? What else did you find surprising on a visit to Britain? Leave your comment below or join the discussion on The Local Spain's Facebook page. 

Fault Diagnosis by Mira Showers

Read article : Fault Diagnosis by Mira Showers

The water cuts out after a few minutes or half way through showering.

The lights are still on at the shower and pull cord/isolation switch

Please ensure there is a sufficient water supply to the shower. Check stop tap has not been turned down. Are there other outlets on at the same time? Has there been any work carried out in your property or to the road causing problems with the water supply?
Not resolved > Remove showerhead from shower hose (unscrews like a bottle top), drop shower hose down into bath or shower tray and run shower.
Resolved > Showerhead blocked - Descale showerhead with plastic kettle descaling solution. Poor shower performance can be avoided by regular cleaning of the showerhead.
Not resolved > Unscrew shower hose and run without (only if over water catchment area).
Resolved > Your shower hose maybe kinked or the lining has collapsed. We would recommend replacing your shower hose. Click here to view available fittings.
Not resolved > Please contact our Customer Services team to enquire about our repair service.

For the Expert: Check the filter is clean. Replace solenoid coil.

The lights go off/trips electrical supply

Please ensure there is power to the shower and that the pull cord or fuse spur switch is on.
Not resolved > Please contact our Customer Services team to enquire about our repair service.

For the Expert: Check electrical connections. Replace heater tank.

Pocket-sized gadget repurposes plastic water bottle into a portable shower or wash station : TreeHugger

Read article : Pocket-sized gadget repurposes plastic water bottle into a portable shower or wash station : TreeHugger

Sometimes I see a product and instantly notice how incredibly useful it could be, and yet how simple the concept is, both of which makes me think, "I wish I had thought of that." This little pocket-sized gadget, which repurposes a plastic water bottle into a portable shower or wash station, is one of those.

For about 6 years, my family and I lived in a tiny house (OK, it was actually a small travel trailer, but same difference) without a shower or bath. In order to get clean, we used a portable camping shower hung from a tree, which turned us all into experts at getting clean with just a small amount of water. But the smallest solar shower we could find was a 3-gallon sized one, which was plenty large enough for several showers, but almost too big to fill up and get hot for spontaneous showers.

So when I read about the SpaTap, I was a bit envious that we never ended up inventing a similar solution for ourselves, especially when considering the wide variety of situations where a tiny portable shower or wash station could come in handy.

The SpaTap is a deceptively simple device, and it takes advantage of one of our culture's most common items, the plastic water bottle. Even if you don't buy bottled water, chances are you can pick one out of the nearest recycle bin or trash can, and put it to use washing your food, your hands, or your entire body.

To use the SpaTap, simply slip it over the neck of a standard plastic water bottle, hang it up with the strap or some cord (or hold it for someone else to use), then remove the plug from the side of it, which allows the water to flow out from the perforated shower head. The device instantly becomes a produce wash station, a handwashing station, or a shower, and could be a great addition to a car first aid kit, camping gear, an emergency preparedness kit, a diaper bag, or your sports gear bag.

[embedded content]

"For too long plastic bottles have been going into the ocean or landfill. Lack of awareness and alternative uses of this resource continues to have dire consequences for our marine health, wildlife and pollution. Recycling is great but is only part of the answer, we can also upcycle which is the top of the list as far as environmentally friendly procedures go. Upcycling is re-purposing a waste material and turning it into something useful." - SpaTap Founder Stuart Mason

According to the SpaTap website, a single 2 liter water bottle can deliver 3 showers or 20 hand washes, with bigger bottles obviously being able to handle more showers or longer use, and is said to be virtually indestructible. Constructed of "medical grade silicone," the device is safe for use around food and for drinking, and is claimed to be made from an "anti bacterial and anti microbial material."

The bad news is, the SpaTap isn't available for purchase just yet. The good news is, the team behind this portable pocket shower is using the power of crowdfunding to launch it, with a Kickstarter campaign beginning on Monday, June 2nd. Backers of that campaign will be able to grab one for themselves with a pledge of just $18 AUD (~$17 USD), for delivery this November.

30 Ways To Upgrade Your Apartment On A Budget

Read article : 30 Ways To Upgrade Your Apartment On A Budget

So you’ve just moved into your first apartment on your own (or with roommates), and you seem to be baffled by how expensive everything is! Well don’t worry, because there are ways to upgrade your apartment on a budget. Sure, you pay electricity and internet.. and water..and heat. There is some serious budgeting needed in order to live comfortably. I also understand that you want to know more than just “put baking soda in your fridge to avoid it from stinking up.” So here are 15 great ways to upgrade your apartment while on a budget! Good luck!

*This article is in collaboration with Kayla Nannariello.

1. Use Command Hooks!

The most standard tool among students! Command hooks have a universal purpose, to make life easier. I have command hooks for clothes, I have command hooks for lights, I have command hooks for my whiteboard and anything else I want to hang. they can hold a lot of weight depending on the size of hooks you get. I have hooks for my keys, my umbrella, any dangling wires and even my night light! These little life and space savers not only make it easier to find stuff, but also make your place look so much cleaner and organized…something you definitely want to see when you come back from a long day of classes. This way you will have a place to put your keys instead of throwing them around and regretting it the next morning when you’re rushing around.

2. Use the free cups and bottles you get around campus fairs (housing fair, clubs and organizations fairs, career fair.)

Don’t just use them to drink; use them as pen stands, stands to hold your dish washing brush, fill them up with change that you don’t want in your wallet. I covered my cup with three layers of paper on the top and made a slit through the center and there you have it, your college piggy bank (you’re going to need that money for laundry and err..)
The bottles particularly, can be used to store pretty much anything. One of my bottles is filled up with paper clips. The other is in the fridge so I have cold water when I need it, and another one makes for an easy lime-juice dispenser.

3. Don’t hold back, get a huge trash can.

This is by far the most convenient thing I have done for myself in the apartment. We bought a 55 gallon trash can from Walmart and now we save on trash bags all the time…and the best part? We don’t have to take it out very often. If you want to budget and you’re lazy, this is a win-win. Moreover, these giant cans have a cover, so they don’t stink up the apartment even if you decide to dump food that’s days old because, come on, let’s face it, every college student forgets to throw away old food for a long time because they actually forgot or they’re just procrastinating.

4. Keep those twist ties you get with almost anything you buy.

You know when you buy a loaf of bread or something that has wound up wire over it? And you decide to throw it away? Don’t. These things can come in handy at any time in your apartment. Leaving for summer and don’t want to let the cutlery just lie around? Use this to wind up the spoons together and store them away. Phone charger too long for where its plugged in? Wind it up a bit and hold it together with this! Tape can make it sticky, very easily. Opened a pack of Doritos and want to save it for later? Don’t leave it open, use these!

5. Use an old or cheap blanket as a window blind.

I’m not kidding, some blankets at Walmart go for less than $8, and if you are renting an apartment, it’s highly unlikely that it will come with fancy blackout curtains. Get a blanket, and use command hooks to hang it up right around your window. Put two loops at the bottom corners so you can roll it up and hook it to the hooks on the top to make a blind, there you go! Cheap and easy blackout curtains to help you sleep in after that rough Friday night.

6. Use over-the-door hooks.

You don’t want to have to deal with putting 5 command hooks up when you know you need them there, and you want something that you can load up more than just the capacity of those sticky magicians. They’re cheap and there are so many options on Amazon. There are no restrictions for these and you do not need to do any work, just stick the hooks over the door so they hold on and hang away! In any case, most rental apartments will not allow you to drill holes and screw in hooks and this is the only alternative to get hooks as strong.

7. Get LED strip lighting for your apartment.

Ever get that feeling when you don’t want any lights on but also want to be able to see and move around your room? Here’s your solution, and it’s pretty cool. These lights go for anywhere between $15-$25, and they come in lengths up to 32 feet! You simply put them across the top of your room’s walls with command hooks (of course) or if the wall is flat enough then you can even use their built-in adhesive. They have a remote, and they are LEDs, so they’re barely using any electricity. They have brightness control and color changing capabilities for when you’re throwing that Saturday night party. It’s easy, cheap and will impress any guests. They can set the mood, become an ideal everyday light and even become party strobe lights.

8. When life gives you lemons, CLEAN!

You know how after you make a glass of lemonade, you throw out the squeezed lemon…right? Wrong. This is the perfect way to save yourself from over-spraying the kitchen with Febreze. Just throw that thing into the sink disposal, run it and run warm water as you do so. Crushed lemon will release a fresh aroma, much better than using any spray since it’s acidity will clean as well. Got a dirty or stinky microwave? Grab any microwavable mid-sized bowl and fill it halfway with water, cut a lemon in half and squeeze both halves only a little into the water, not all the way. Now dump them into the water and microwave for 3 minutes. Once it’s done, your microwave will smell fresh and will be much easier to clean!

9. Use a giant bowl of water to keep your room air from being too dry.

The weather gets dry and cold in the winter, which means we all start having dry hands, and feel really dehydrated. Our apartment heaters can be the culprit in this dry air problem. A simple solution is to take a large bowl, fill it with water and simply place it in your room. This works, and it works well. It will keep the air slightly humid and especially if you’re from a less cold region, you will be saved from terrible and painful dry skin. Save your money and don’t buy those heavy and space hogging humidifiers, do this instead!

10. Use Brita filters!

If you’re the kind that likes to drink bottled or filtered water, you’d be spending at least $4 a day or more than those who drink tap water. But what if I said you could drink filtered tap water? Look no further! If you don’t already know about Brita jugs and filters, you need to know. These things have filters built into them, so it’s as easy as filling up a jug by turning on the faucet. It even reminds you when to change a filter, and no its not every week, it’s around every 4 months.

11. Buy everything in bulk.

If you’re at Walmart and you love getting orange juice for that night, it is very likely that you will come back to get more. Instead, save yourself the trouble and the money…buy a giant jug of it, or even four jugs of it. Buying bigger packs saves more than you think, and you will have to make less trips, so there’s time and energy saved too! This applies to pretty much anything from frozen food to toilet paper. I would even recommend buying the large boxes of laundry detergent/pods. You’re not going to stop doing laundry, so you might as well stock up.

Using Amazon’s ‘dash buttons’ is a pretty neat way to be lazy too. Just press the button when you’re running low and there you have it, delivered supplies to your doorstep. They even have these things for Red bull and Gatorade cases, and they don’t cost anything extra. You get a discount on your first order that matches the amount you paid to get the button so that’s pretty neat and convenient.

12. Buy Windex, a lot of it.

This magical solution we all know is much more useful than you think it is. You can use it to clean counters, tables, wall stains, floor spills and pretty much anything that your apartment life can throw at you. Simply buy a refill after your first spray bottle. Fear not, Windex can even clean your stained bathroom mirror very easily so you can look good and feel fresh every morning!

13. Buy space-savers for literally everything.

I have one for snacks, one for stationery and one for cutlery. We also have one in the living room which helps when we simply leave our stuff out. There are sizes that fit on a table to keep small items and sizes that stand alone and can even be used as a bedside table or in my case, a place to keep the bowl of water so the air doesn’t get too dry!

14. Look into Mainstays products.

They make inexpensive household items such as the space-savers I mentioned. They also make furniture, so if you’re looking for a desk in your room, a chair, a comfortable chair to watch TV in, sheets, blankets and anything else you might need, they probably have it. Remember, most of these items are the cheapest when the semester starts and the large stores are having their sales. Most of my kitchen, including plates, cooking vessels and cutlery is from Mainstays, they have great deals and it’s definitely worth it.

15. Add some Throw Pillows!

Throw pillows are a great way to spruce up your apartment without spending too much     money. They come in millions of prints, so you’ll always be able to find ones that match your personal style and the look you’re going for!

16. Use decorative baskets as opposed to plastic storage bins.

Baskets are a great alternative to plastic storage bins. They act as decor but keep your things organized just as well! There are so many cute basket options out there whether you enjoy wired baskets, canvas, or woven ones and they come in all shapes and sizes to fit into whatever space you need!

17. Wall art makes a huge difference!

Dress up any boring drab walls you have in your apartment with some wall art. The possibilites here are endless! You can even buy just the prints or download prints from sites like Etsy and add your own frame.

18. Add slipcovers to your furniture.

Do you have an old beat up couch and can’t afford to buy a new one? No worries, just buy a slipcover. Slipcovers are awesome because they come in so many different colors and designs, and you can switch them out whenever you want a new look!

19. Make your space more inviting with picture frames.

Another cheap way to spruce up your apartment is to buy cute picture frames and fill them with your favorite pictures! It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your apartment. This will make your living space feel more cozy just like the home you grew up in!

20.  A rug.

If you don’t like your flooring, area rugs are a great way to cover it up. They come in so many different sizes that you’re bound to find one that will fit your space. A good rug can do wonders for an apartment by covering up any messed up flooring and making your apartment look bigger than it actually is.

21. Set out some candles.

They’re cheap, they smell good, and they act as decor. Candles have a great way of turning any drab apartment into an inviting atmosphere!

22. Decorate with artificial succulents.

Fake succulents are great because they require no maintenance. And unlike real plants, you don’t have to worry about replacing it when it dies.

23. Your table lamps can make a statement.

Instead of buying simple lamps for your end tables, get more interesting ones. Not only will they dress up the room, but they are bound to be a conversation starter.

24. Buy simple furniture.

When buying furniture, don’t buy anything crazy. Go for things that are neutral colors and won’t go out of style and can look timeless in any setting.

25. Choose the right comforter.

Your comforter can make or a break a room, and unless you are absolutely in love with a printed comforter, I wouldn’t buy it. Instead, go for a solid color, preferably a neutral. This way you aren’t limited on how you decorate your room. The solid color also gives the room a very clean feel.

26. Opt for placemats.

Placemats are a super cheap way to make your dining room or kitchen look instantly more put together.

27. Get a shower curtain.

Shower curtains take up the most room in a bathroom, so make sure yours is something that people won’t mind looking at. Resist the crazy printed ones and instead, go for a simple print that will dress up your bathroom and make it seem brighter and bigger.

28. Add a good throw blanket into the mix.

Throw blankets are great because they give a cozy feel to the room and it’s always great to have a blanket nearby, but they also work as decoration.

29. Add some mirrors to your walls.

Mirrors are amazing because they make the room look bigger and they tend to draw in people’s attention.

30. If you ever need anything for your apartment, always look it up Amazon first.

When I was setting up my apartment, there were many things I found that I didn’t even know would help me so much! For example, many of my sockets have a switch extension, so I can turn them off while I am not using them, without unplugging them. This is especially useful for behind the bed and under the desk sockets, since unplugging requires a lot of effort and plugging it back in is even worse…you might even have to move the entire piece of furniture. Power strips, USB adapters and anything you can think off, it’s probably cheaper on Amazon.

Do you have any other good ideas on ways to upgrade your apartment on a budget? Share in the comments below!

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Featured Image source:http: //homelk.com/apartments/cute-college-apartment-bedrooms-for-girls

Tags: apartment essentials, apartment hacks, things you need for your first apartment, upgrade your apartment, upgrade your apartment on a budget, ways to upgrade apartment