The holidays can be an exciting time of the year. However, it can also be a time of expanding your budget more than usual. Here are ways to trim your holiday expenses this year. 

Buy gifts for children during the summer and early fall. 

In most places, there are tons of summer sales and end-of-summer sales you can take advantage of to save a little bit more when shopping for little ones. 

Buy Christmas decorations after the holidays at discounted prices. 

Retailers often sell their Christmas decorations at discounted prices in January and February, so wait until after the holidays and then buy everything at a cheaper price. 

Make your own Christmas cards instead of buying them at expensive stores or online stores. 

Making a homemade card doesn't have to cost a fortune. So, next time you're looking for Christmas cards, think of making your own at home. Here are some easy and cheap ideas: 

1. Buy blank greeting cards from the dollar store or supermarket 

2. Use your scrapbooking paper 

3. Print your own photos from Instagram or Facebook at no cost. 

Make edible gifts. 

Make your own homemade jams, jellies, cookies or candy and gift them to your friends and family. They will be so touched by the thoughtfulness of your gesture! 

Buy gifts online through sites like eBay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace instead of shopping at retail stores like Target and Walmart during the holiday season (Black Friday). 

Buy used items instead of new ones whenever possible. Used items may cost less than new ones and can often be just as good quality - if not better - than what you would buy new at a store! You can find used items online through sites. 

Consider alternatives to traditional gifts. 

Instead of buying expensive gifts for everyone on your list, try making them yourself instead. Homemade gifts don't have to be elaborate; they just need to be thoughtful and personal. 

Instead of buying gifts for everyone on your list, consider giving money in envelopes instead (with a note). 

This way people can buy what they want without feeling obligated to spend money on others if they don't want to do so. It's the thought that counts, but if you're not sure what to get for everyone on your list, consider giving money instead. You can buy gifts for people you know personally or gift cards for things they might enjoy. 

Consider doing something creative with your family.

It's the most wonderful time of year to do something fun with your loved ones. Share a special memory by making homemade gingerbread houses, decorating cookies, or even doing a craft project together. 

It’s possible to save money during the holiday season! At Bay Breeze Apartment Homes, we love every season with our residents! Schedule a tour today by visiting our website at www.baybreezeapartmenthomes.com.

There's nothing like a little greenery to brighten up your home. Whether you're looking for something to go on your desk at home or in the living room, these houseplants are perfect for apartment living! Learn how you can use plants to improve your mood and home to help make your apartment much more pleasant with the help of plants. 

Pothos 

Pothos is a tropical plant that's easy to care for, which makes it ideal for beginners. It can grow in lower lights and will thrive if you have a sunny window or artificial light. You can grow it in a pot or hanging basket, but it's best if you don't overwater it; water less frequently than you think you should and let the soil dry out between watering sessions. Pothos will tolerate a variety of soils as long as there aren't any toxic ones present (no fertilizer needed!), but these plants are especially fond of acidic soil with lots of peat moss added to retain moisture and make sure they're getting enough nutrients from their environment. 

Snake Plant 

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a beautiful and versatile houseplant that can add a dash of greenery to any room. These plants are often displayed in offices and homes because they're so easy to care for—they can survive in low light, low humidity and dry air. The snake plant is even able to withstand temperatures below freezing! 

Aloe Vera 

If you're looking for a houseplant that's easy to care for, consider Aloe vera. It's a succulent that can withstand neglect and even a lack of sunlight, making it ideal for people who live in apartments without access to lots of natural light. Because they're so forgiving and low-maintenance, succulents are great starter plants for apartment dwellers with little green thumb experience—or those who need something easy to take care of while they're out of town or busy at work all week. 

Spider Plant 

Spider plants are easy to care for and can grow up to 3 feet tall. They like high light, but will also tolerate low light, so if you don't have a bright window in your home, this is one of the houseplants that will be happy with what you've got. It's very hardy and drought tolerant, which means it will survive even when neglected! Spider plants can be grown in large containers or hanging baskets as well as on their own roots. 

Basil 

If you're looking for a plant that's a little more unusual than the standard potted ferns and orchids, basil is your best bet. It's easy to grow indoors and can be used in everything from sauces to smoothies. It also provides great entertainment value: basil plants are fun to watch when they start growing new leaves! 

Bamboo Palm 

Bamboo palm, a popular indoor plant, is a good choice for people who don't have a lot of time to care for a plant. The bamboo palm is easy to maintain and can be left alone for long periods of

time without needing much attention. The bamboo palm is also good for those who have pets or children because it's fairly durable and won't need to be moved around as often as other plants might require. 

English Ivy 

If you've been looking for a houseplant that's easy to care for and beautiful, consider English ivy. This plant is a creeping vine with leaves that will grow up to 10 feet long. It can be trained to grow in a hanging basket so it can hang down or climb up your walls, depending on which direction you want it to grow in. You'll need large containers if you plan on keeping the plant indoors all year long—it grows very quickly in the summer months! 

These are just a few of the plants that will add a little green to your apartment. All of them have similar characteristics, so you can choose whichever you like best! Bay Breeze Apartment Homes is a community that thrives off of green living! Schedule a tour today by calling (251) 621-9150 or visiting our website www.baybreezeapartmenthomes.com.

Everyone loves having stuff. However, having too much stuff can sometimes be a problem. The space you live in can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life, so it’s important to ensure your space is filled with items that you value most. Minimalism has become a trend that we can get behind! The concept of “less is more” is at the forefront of what it means to have a minimalist home.

We’ve created a list of reasons why we think you can benefit from a minimalist home.

Make Extra Money

Selling your items can be difficult, but can put extra money in your pocket. When you decide to take a more minimalist approach to your home, selling items oftentimes is on the list of things to do. Set aside items that no longer serve you and watch how the minimalist lifestyle begins to unfold!

No Need For Extra Storage

Having extra items in your home means you’ll need extra storage. You’ll need far less storage space in your home if all of the items you own have a distinct purpose. Not only will you need less storage, but you won’t ever have to spend money on storage units for extra things you have.

More Spacious Home

When you have fewer items, there are fewer things to accumulate on counters, tables, etc. Keeping visible surfaces free of clutter can make your home feel more spacious and give you the ability to utilize your space the way you want to.

Always Guest-Ready

We’ve all had those times where you need to have your home in order quickly. Whether a friend is stopping by or the maintenance man needs to do some work, having a minimalist home allows you to keep your space tidier than you would if you had a lot of items lying around. Less stuff makes it easier to rearrange and clean!

Find Items Easier

Trying to find something you need in a home full of items can be a nightmare. When having a minimalist home, there are only so many places it could be! When your items have their place inside your home, if you lose something, the item can usually be found quicker than if you had a home full of clutter. Once you start putting things where they need to go, you’ll never have to scout your apartment again!

Avoid Clutter

Less clutter, less stress. It’s true! When you have less clutter, there is less visual noise for you to deal with. Owning less means your home is freed from visual distractions, helping you feel more relaxed.

Embracing minimalism in your home doesn't happen in just a day, but is a lifestyle you can learn
to adopt if you choose. Bay Breeze Apartment Homes is settled in the beautiful city of Daphne, Alabama. Our apartment community is secluded, yet conveniently located, near all the places you need to be near. Schedule a tour today by calling (251) 621-9150 or visiting our website www.baybreezeapartmenthomes.com.

Even with the scorching heat, summer is a time to enjoy and explore this slice of the Gulf Coast that we call ‘home’! You can discover your next favorite place, including restaurants, shops, bars, parks and more. At Bay Breeze Apartment Homes, we have many local businesses that we love to support. There are too many to name, so we will list our top five favorites! 

Page & Palette Bookstore in Downtown Fairhope, AL 

This local bookstore is a favorite for many citizens of the Eastern Shore community, and for good reason! Owned and operated by a family for three generations, the bookstore has served as a Fairhope landmark for the last 40 years. We love this business for its history and fun environment. Page & Palette is open 7 days a week and is also home to Latte Da Cafe and the Book Cellar bar. Don’t be a stranger! Stop by and experience the vibrant atmosphere that this business has to offer. 

Jubilee Gift Shop in Daphne, AL 

Are you a procrastinator who buys gifts at the last minute? Or, do you over-prepare and have your Christmas shopping knocked out by October? No matter your type of planning, the Jubilee Gift Shop in Daphne has your back! Operating since 1989, this little gift shop exceeds expectations with its large selection of home decor, accessories, clothing, candles, jewelry and more. It made the list because of its excellent customer service and products. You can visit it in person off HWY 98, or shop online! 

Guido’s Restaurant in Downtown Daphne, AL 

Whether you are an adventurous eater or you play it safe, Guido’s Restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner! The chalkboard menu changes daily, so you can try a new dish or find a comfortable favorite. While you sit inside, you will love the ambiance and the view of downtown Daphne. Afterward, you can take a walk outside and visit the statue of Daphne next door! We enjoy this restaurant because of its food, service and location. 

Soul Caffeine in Daphne, AL and Mobile, AL 

Coffee is the perfect way to start the day, no matter the weather. If you haven’t already, you should try Soul Caffeine, a local coffee shop! They just recently opened a second location off Government Boulevard in Mobile, AL, so you can grab a cup, no matter which side of the bay you are on. You will love the comforting atmosphere, the delicious flavors, the soft music and the excellent staff. It is definitely good for the soul! 

Fairhope Soap Company in Fairhope, AL 

We all deserve a little spa treatment, especially after a day in the hot, sweltering sun. The next time that you find yourself in downtown Fairhope, you should visit the Fairhope Soap Company! You can feel good about shopping their products because they are locally owned and operated by a degreed chemist with 10 years of experience in the industry. You can browse their selection of soaps, bubbles, scrubs, candles and bath accessories in person or online.

Bay Breeze Apartment Homes emphasizes the importance of community. That includes focusing on supporting local businesses! We hope that this blog inspired your next shopping trip. 

Bay Breeze Apartment Homes was voted the #1 apartment community on the Eastern Shore in years past. Our apartment floorplans include studios, 1-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom apartments. You will enjoy our apartment community amenities, including a pet park, saltwater pool and fitness center. Discover how your life can get better by visiting www.baybreezeapartments.com today!

Your apartment isn’t just a place to sleep at night and cook your meals, it offers you a way to connect to your larger local community. Whether you’re looking for your first apartment post-grad or are new to town and want to find a new place to call home, the common thread in your apartment search is longing for convenience. While many apartments offer amenities such as a pool and an on-site gym, there are far more conveniences to consider. At Bay Breeze Apartment Homes, we offer many community conveniences that make our apartment community the most sought-after place to live in Daphne. 

Great Location 

Not only does our lakefront community offer a secluded, peaceful place to live, but the sought-after location is also minutes away from I-10, helping to connect you to the fabric of your community! Our proximity to the interstate connects you to a plethora of parks, eateries, stores and great local schools in Daphne. You won’t have to travel far to find your new favorite place! 

Abundance of Recreational Activities 

There are plenty of recreational activities offered at Bay Breeze Apartment Homes. Whether you want to take a dip in our Olympic-size swimming pool, attend resident socials and connect with your neighbors, enjoy a game of horseshoes, or watch some films from our free DVD library, we’ve got you covered! We offer many conveniences that allow you to thrive in your local community. You don’t have to leave the complex to have a good time, and you can do all of these activities with your neighbors, so you’re never left feeling bored and restless. 

Community-Based Amenities 

We offer a wide variety of community-based conveniences that allow you to save time and money. We have a business center, car care center and recycling center so that you can take care of your needs without ever having to leave the community. This also saves you money! We even have an on-site gym so that you won’t have to spend money on a gym membership. Additionally, we offer a pet park, grill and picnic areas, on-site laundry care center and more to bring you the most optimal standard of living. We value our community and want to ensure you’ll have access to all you’ll ever need. You will rarely have to leave the complex to have a good time. 

Luxurious Floor Plans 

What can be more convenient than having all the space you could ever need? Our apartments have a myriad of floor plans that offer vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and more. Enjoy baking in your fully-equipped kitchen that features Energy Star appliances. Your apartment will be the go-to place for holiday gatherings, meals and celebrations of all occasions. 

Our community offers many conveniences that greatly enhance your experience. With a great location, an extensive amount of recreational activities, a multitude of amenities, spacious floor

plans and more, living at Bay Breeze Apartment Homes makes life trouble-free and exciting! Are you looking for a community that values convenience? Contact us today at (251) 621-9150 to see how our community life fits you!

The air is getting warmer, the birds are chirping again and we can finally open our windows to let in the warm air. Before we do that, however, we have to clean the winter sludge off! Spring offers a fresh start, and with that comes spring cleaning. While it might seem overwhelming to clean every corner of your apartment, having the right checklist can make the task more 

manageable. 

Step One - Gather Supplies 

There’s nothing worse than getting into the zone only to be interrupted because you don’t have that one item you need. Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need before you begin so you don’t waste time searching for that one item and lose momentum. We recommend having a vacuum, rubber gloves, glass cleaner, a duster, microfiber cloths, bathroom cleaner and disinfecting wipes. 

Step Two: Declutter 

Getting rid of useless clutter will help you clear out your apartment with ease. It will also open up your space and give you a better idea of what needs to be deep-cleaned. Gather up all the items you need to throw away, donate or keep and label them accordingly. This is also a good time to wash your clothes. 

Step Three: Group Tasks Together 

You have to dust your ceiling fans in each room, so why not do them all at once rather than working room by room? Group your cleaning into “All Rooms” tasks to be more productive. Tasks in this category include dusting furnishings, cleaning windows and curtains, disinfecting doorknobs and light switches and dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures. 

Step Four: Clean Your Room 

You don’t have to clean your entire apartment in one day, but you probably spend the most time in your room so it takes special priority. Organize your closet and drawers, wash your bedding, replace your sheets and pillowcase, and disinfect any items that you touch a lot. 

Step Five: Tidy Your Living Room 

Remove any couch cushions and use the nozzle attachment on your vacuum to really suck up dust within the crevasses. Wipe your remotes down with antibacterial wipes, polish your wooden furniture, and vacuum the floor. 

Step Six: Take on Your Bathroom 

One of the most forgotten parts to clean in your bathroom is the toothbrush holder - drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet in there along with some water, and that should do the trick. Now is a good

time to organize all your drawers and cabinets and replace your toothbrush. Scrub your shower and toilet, wash your shower curtain, and get rid of any old medicine you no longer need. 

Step Seven: Clean Your Kitchen 

The last area you need to pay attention to is your kitchen. Wipe down your appliances, organize your pantry and refrigerator shelves (don’t forget to toss out any expired food!), and really scrub your oven. Sanitize your sink and you should be good to go. 

Hooray, you’re done spring cleaning! Really make your place pop by lighting a fresh candle or buying a new plant, and relax in your freshly-cleaned apartment. You deserve it.

Spring is the perfect time to declutter your life of stress and start anew. Welcome new change in your life by exploring all Bay Breeze Apartment Homes has to offer. Our residents love it here and we know you will too. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (251) 621-9150 or visit our website for virtual tours. We cannot wait for you to be part of our community!

Whether you are coasting along I-10 or you have chosen to make the Gulf Coast your home, you can not go wrong with visiting Daphne, Alabama. The city of Daphne is a popular choice for Alabama residents and tourists alike. Located on the Eastern Shore, Daphne is only a quick drive from downtown Mobile and creative Fairhope. The city is full of possibilities for entertainment, exploration, employment and more. 

But how well do you truly know Daphne, Alabama? Here are some fun facts about the city that we love. 

Daphne is a City of Opportunity 

The city was incorporated in 1927. In less than 100 years, Daphne has experienced optimal growth and numerous opportunities, thus making it the largest city in Baldwin County today. However, the city still maintains its popular small-town ambiance with its fun community events, beautiful landscaping and more. 

Daphne Got Its Name from Greek Mythology 

In front of Daphne’s City Hall, you will find a statue of a woman looking skyward. She wears a crown of laurel leaves. This woman is a statue of Daphne, a nymph from Greek mythology. She was turned into a laurel tree by the Greek goddess, Artemis. 

Daphne is One of the Only Two Locations for the Jubilee 

Daphne, Alabama, is called “The Jubilee City” because of its rare jubilees. A jubilee is a phenomenon where large amounts of fish, crabs and shrimp are trapped in shallow water. Residents and tourists will show up for a jubilee to trap the seafood, party with friends and observe the natural phenomenon! 

Daphne Offers Many Sites to Explore 

Daphne is a landmark city for more than its accomplishments! Daphne is also home to many historic sites, including Jackson’s Oak at the Historic Village Point Park Preserve. The Battleship Memorial Park is only a few miles outside of Daphne. The Daphne History Museum is a great stop for a weekend visit. Similar to Mobile, Alabama and Fairhope, Alabama, Daphne is living history! 

Daphne Hosts Many Fun Events 

Daphne, Alabama, has many events year-round. Popular attractions include the Brown Bag By the Bay Concert Series, the Jubilee Festival of Arts and so much more. Smaller events include public Easter egg hunts, Arbor Day and Wet n’ Wild Wednesdays. There is always something going on, so we recommend checking out social media pages, the city calendar and other resources. 

Daphne is a Great Place to Work

If you are a visitor considering making Daphne, Alabama, your home, then Daphne is a great place to work! There are many employment opportunities available within and around the city. Popular employment sectors include healthcare, education, retail, hospitality and transportation. With its scenery, laid-back atmosphere and welcoming community, Daphne is also a wonderful place to enjoy retirement!

To know Daphne, Alabama, is to love it. At Bay Breeze Apartments, we want to help you make Daphne your home! We are Daphne’s most sought-after community for studios, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms apartment homes. Visit www.baybreezeapartments.com or call our leasing office at (251) 306-0973 today to get started.

One thing we love about apartment living is the flexibility it can provide to our daily lives. Living in an apartment community has several advantages, including ways to keep saving more on your utility bills. Utility bills are based on certain factors decided on by your apartment community. Luckily, lowering your utility bills doesn’t mean you have to take extreme measures to do so. If you find yourself needing to cut down on energy consumption for your home, Bay Breeze Apartment Homes has found ways for you to do so! 

Adjust your thermostat 

Adjusting your thermostat is sometimes an underutilized tip that can help you save big on your monthly utility bills. A large portion of your bill is based on how much you heat and cool your apartment home. However, simply changing the temperature on your thermostat by either raising or decreasing the temperature by a few degrees based on the season can help you in a juristic way. The closer your thermostat is to the actual temperature outside will help you save more. 

Change air filters 

If the air filters in your apartment home are old, they’re more than likely making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to be. Changing these filters every month to three months helps keep your HVAC system working efficiently. Worn-out air filters will have your system 

working overtime. Along with changing your filters, be sure to check your vents and ducts for any dirt and debris. Over time, the dirt and debris buildup will slowly get sucked into your system causing it to work double-time resulting in your system not cooling or heating your apartment home adequately. 

Use energy-efficient light bulbs 

Changing all the lightbulbs in your home can help benefit your monthly utility bill more than you think! Regular bulbs tend to not last as long as energy-efficient bulbs, which means you’ll be changing them out more often. Not only will they require less maintenance, but less heat is also wasted as it is converted into light. In comparison, regular bulbs release most of their energy as heat instead of light. By switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs like LEDs, you are able to use less energy by its design to help you save more. 

Turn off lights and small appliances 

Phantom power is a real thing! Phantom power is power that is on standby, meaning your energy consumption is still actually being used even if those devices or appliances are not actually in use. Consider unplugging your small appliances like your toaster or blender. While unplugging any unused items, be sure to turn off any lights in your home that you are not using. These small actions can lead to large benefits in the long run. When you leave your home, do a walk-through to ensure every light that you want off is securely shut off like lamps, closet lights and overhead lights. 

Use smart power strips

Utilizing power strips are a great way to get more bang for your buck with your energy usage. Power strips can help you conserve power while also directing energy use to one spot instead of multiple places in your home. Now, there are even smart power strips that turn off completely after a set period of time. Connect multiple devices to one power strip, some of these items can include game consoles, surveillance devices, TVs, cable boxes, lamps, routers and much more.

Bay Breeze Apartment Homes is committed to helping you save more so you can do more. Our community in Daphne, AL brings you seven different spacious floor plans ready and available for you. Contact our leasing office today to schedule a tour by calling (251) 621-9150!

Bay Breeze Apartment Homes has been renowned as the #1 apartment community in years past on the Eastern Shore, and for good reason! From the friendly neighbors and staff to our perfect location for all Baldwin County todos, it is easy to see why these living areas are so coveted. Some of the greatest aspects that set Bay Breeze Apartment Homes apart from others is definitely credited to their amazing and multi-faceted amenities. Here are five amenities that truly differentiate community life at Bay Breeze Apartment Homes from the rest! 

Take Some Laps at the Pool & Poolside Pavilion 

Our exhilarating Olympic-sized saltwater pool is one of our resident favorites! This area is a great place to lounge, relax and get to know your neighbors. Swim a few laps or lay out and enjoy the calming atmosphere. Our pool deck is complete with cafe tables, lounge chairs and umbrellas for your convenience to use for a yummy picnic or light reading in the sunshine. Right beside our saltwater pool is our poolside pavilion ready for residents to grill out or enjoy some outdoor games. 

Community Garden 

If you haven’t been down to check out the Bay Breeze community garden, you really should consider it. Our warmer months are right around the corner, so that means we will soon have fresh produce ready to be picked! If you participate in the community garden, you will be able to enjoy delicious and fresh produce like tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers and celery! Our community garden is the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine while getting to know your neighbors and having a little fun. 

Grill Up Some Food and Take In the Views 

It’s great to get outside for a bit! One of Bay Breeze’s beloved amenities is our lakefront deck that features a spectacular grilling space and view to match. Whip up a meal with friends, loved ones and neighbors at the grill and picnic areas. You will be surrounded by our beautifully landscaped grounds and peaceful lake, and since you are close to the pool, you can just take a dip when you’re done! 

Give Your Fur Babies the Space They Deserve 

Enjoy your time with your four-legged friend! We are pet-friendly here at Bay Breeze, and we accommodate that with a large and well-kept dog park for you and your furry friends to enjoy. Benefit from our on-site pet park so your little (or big!) furbaby can enjoy fun in the sun every day. With the park open from dawn to dusk, taking your pup for playtime has never been easier! 

Get Your Beach Body Ready 

Put those New Year’s resolutions to work! Before summer comes, toning up that beach body isn’t a bad idea! Check out our on-site fitness center for all the essentials you will need to break a sweat and keep yourself accountable. Unlike most apartment community gyms, our fitness center is open 24 hours a day, so stop by whenever it works in your schedule.

Here at Bay Breeze Apartment Homes, we like to cater to a true homestyle experience from the views, the recreational activities, and loads of variety in the included amenities that are above and beyond. Contact us today at (251) 621-9150 to see how our community life fits you!