The Evergreens Apartment Homes

The Holidays Come to Life in Anaheim, CA!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:25:20 GMT

November and December are some of the very best months to find yourself living in or visiting Southern California. The weather is gorgeous, your thoughts often turn to service and doing things for others, and it’s definitely a time for sharing with family and friends.

Things can get pretty hectic during the holidays. So, take a moment to plan ahead and take part in the things that will bring you and your loved ones the most joy this year. Here are a few of our suggestions of local shows, opportunities to share, activities, and shopping destinations in and around Anaheim, CA, to put you in the holiday spirit:

Shows

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas : Fancy Nancy loves all things fancy, and there is nothing fancier than Christmas! Fancy Nancy is at her fanciest in this show, and she’ll stop at nothing to make sure her Christmas tree is as elegant as possible. The hour-long musical is perfect for the whole family, so bring your kids ages four and up to the Chance Theater to see this fun production between December 1 and December 23.

Disney on Ice : Hint: This is not happening at Disneyland! This touring production is going down at the Honda Center in Anaheim. There will be 13 shows over a span of five days (December 14-18), offering plenty of scheduling flexibility.

Engelbert Humperdinck : Engelbert Humperdinck is bringing A Winter World of Love to town at the City National Grove of Anaheim on December 3. His storied career has spanned more than 50 years. He’s performed in front of the queen, and his music has been featured on Marvel’s Moon Night series on Disney+. There’s something for everyone in his show!

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Grove of Anaheim : Perish the thought of a holiday season without seeing Clara falling asleep and turning her woeful winter night into a fanciful feast, accompanied by wooden toys come to life. Come out of your shell and satisfy your Nutcracker quota this holiday season when the Anaheim Ballet performs the timeless classic in all its glory with the Irvine Symphony at the Grove at Anaheim on November 24 and 25.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” : If you find that doses of classical music go down easier when laced with raucous electric guitars and all the trappings of a special-effects-laden rock concert (think pyrotechnics, lasers, smoke, and amazing lights), then the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has the antidote for what ails you this holiday season. “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” will showcase the best of TSO and more with two shows on December 2 at Toyota Arena.

Sharing

Volunteer with The Salvation Army : The Salvation Army wants you to ring someone’s bell this holiday season. Or, if you’re worried about how your arms will hold up under the constant strain of shaking that bell for hours on end, how about volunteering as a personal shopper for a needy family?

Light a Light of Love – Waymakers : Journey to Huntington Beach on December 3 for holiday revelry. One of the main happenings will be the Light a Light of Love, a celebration to benefit the Huntington Beach Youth Center. Sponsor a snowflake to support abused, homeless, and struggling children. Your snowflake will light the pier throughout the holiday season.

Operation Santa Claus : This holiday season, donate toys and gifts to children and families in need. Last year, Operation Santa Claus distributed over 16,000 toys and gifts, bringing hope, happiness, and caring to the most vulnerable children in Orange County.

Spark of Love Toy Drive : The Orange County Fire Authority is collecting toys this holiday season at all 78 of its stations until December 12. Last year, more than 39,000 toys and $50,000 in donations were collected for children in need.

Activities

Winter Fest OC : For a truly dazzling Christmas display, check out Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair and Event Center. More than a million lights will greet you on your North Pole Journey. You’ll even find snow and ice tubing, along with live entertainment, mini golf, and more. Visit Winter Fest OC from November 24 through January 7.

Families Together of Orange County Annual Christmas Together Toy Drive : Organizers are promising that this year’s event, scheduled for December 10, will be bigger and better than ever, with 30,000—count ’em, 30,000!—toys set to be handed out. The experience includes carnival rides, games, raffles, entertainment, pictures with Santa, and a variety of food options—all for free. Make sure to pre-register for the event!

Disney’s Festival of Holidays : Certainly, one can’t talk about holiday activities in Anaheim and ignore the gigantic mouse in the room. Disneyland is featuring a pair of holiday celebrations this season: Festival of Holidays and Merriest Nights. Festival of Holidays, being held at Disney California Adventure Park, is a multicultural event taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. The festival runs from November 10 through January 7.

Winter in the Grove : Experience snow slides, inflatables for the kids, performances from local schools, and even a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. It’s all happening at Village Green Park in Garden Grove on December 2 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Shopping

Candy Caneland and Craft Faire : Food and crafts booths will be in plentiful supply for holiday purchases, but there also will be games, snow slides, and a visit from Santa to divert the kids’ attention away from what you’re buying for them! The Ehlers Event Center in Buena Park is the place to be on December 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sugar Plum Arts and Crafts Festivals : This festival is so awesome that it’s coming to Westminster three times! Happening at the Westminster Mall, the festival features homemade crafts, unique holiday and home decor, garden accessories, clothing, jewelry, food items, and fine arts by more than 150 vendors. The festival is slated for November 8–11 and November 29–December 2, with a bonus Christmas Store running December 6–17.

Wreath Making : Take holiday decorating into your own hands with a wreath-making workshop at the OC Fair and Events Center. Gather friends and family together for this popular class and make a wreath of your own with fresh greens. This workshop will be held in the Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm on December 9, and make sure to sign up by December 1.

Safe Celebration

Scented candles are extremely popular during the holidays. But they also create the potential for danger. Did you know that up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles? So please take extra care when lighting candles in your apartment, especially your bedroom. Consider using battery-powered candles or scented spray instead. And if you do use candles, do not leave them unattended.

Christmas trees, of course, can also create another natural fire hazard. If you’ve purchased a real tree this year, make sure you keep it watered so it doesn’t dry out. Keep all open flames, such as candles, away from the branches, and make sure you turn all lights off when you’re not at home. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

Holidays are the perfect time to reach out to family and friends, especially those who you may have lost touch with in recent times. With activities, shopping, shows, and opportunities to serve, Anaheim, CA, has everything you need to share good times with a friend or family member. From all of us at The Evergreens Apartments in Anaheim, we wish you the very best of holidays!

Three Ways to Help Your Pet Adjust to Your Pet-Friendly Apartment

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:56:00 GMT

Did you know that more than 67 percent of US households own pets? If you are a pet owner, finding the perfect pet-friendly apartment community is crucial to your pet’s overall happiness.

At Evergreens Apartment Homes in Anaheim, we understand that bringing a furry friend home for the first time can be ruff. That’s why we prioritize pet living and strive to create a comfortable environment for our animal VIPs. To help your pet adjust to your pet-friendly apartment, we’ve compiled three steps for you to follow. Read on to learn more!

Make Space

The type of pet you have will determine the amount of space you need to set apart. If you bought a puppy, make space to designate a safe zone in your apartment for your pet. Safe zones are quiet places for your puppy to relax and sleep in. Add a bed, water, food, and your pet’s favorite chew toys so your dog can feel protected and comfortable in its designated area.

Unlike dogs, Gerbils don’t require a lot of space other than their cage. Pick a shaded, sturdy spot in your apartment for your gerbil’s cage. If you are unsure of what cage to buy, here are a few tips:

Making space for your new animal will help it acclimate well to its surroundings. Whether you have a dog, gerbil, cat, or another type of furry friend, do your research to know how much space your pet needs.

Prioritize Playtime

Similar to humans, pets love playtime; however, all pets have different playtime preferences. It’s up to you as a pet owner to know what your pet needs and likes!

Cats often like to play alone, so interactive toys are great for mental stimulation. Gerbils are known for loving exercise wheels, which help improve their cardiovascular health . Dogs are quite social and typically love to exercise. Take your dog on a walk around the town or to a dog park, like Maxwell Dog Park in Anaheim , near our pet-friendly apartments.

Remember, your pet loves to have fun, too! Allowing your pet to have enough playtime each day will keep it happy and healthy.

Remove or Hide Harmful Substances

It may be tempting to feed your dog the scraps off your dinner plate, but it’s important to note that some common human foods could harm your pet. For example, foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and garlic are toxic to animals. Certain house plants are also poisonous to pets. When bringing a new furry friend home, make sure to remove these items or hide them where your pet can’t reach. Doing so will help protect your pet’s health and well-being.

If you’re bringing a new furry friend home, follow our helpful tips above to help your pet acclimate to its new home. For those looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Anaheim, Evergreens Apartment Homes offers various pet amenities. We know you and your pet would love it here. Call us today for more information!

The Finest Restaurant in Town: The Anaheim White House

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 21:36:00 GMT

There’s nothing better than dressing up with a few of your favorite people and trying a new fine restaurant. Not only does food connect communities together, but research from the University of Oxford has also shown that people who eat with others often are more likely to feel happy with their lives. Similarly, the more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel satisfied with life.

Have you been itching to go to a nice restaurant in Anaheim with your friends? Look no further: The Anaheim White House Restaurant is the perfect place to try on a luxurious evening out. Here are three things that make this fine Italian restaurant so special.

The Story of the White House

The Anaheim White House is a national historical landmark . It was owned by the Truax family until 1981 when the Stovalls purchased the home from the family. It was immediately converted into “The White House Restaurant” and taken over by an Italian chef, Chef Bruno Serato. He happily served as the chef with no hiccups from 1987 until 2017, when it suffered a devastating fire that destroyed the restaurant.

The fire resulted in over $2 million in damages, but the restaurant was so beloved that plans to rebuild it were quickly underway. Since officially reopening the restaurant in April 2018, Chef Bruno has continued to serve people delicious Italian food. We couldn’t be happier that it was rebuilt.

Chef Bruno Serato’s Charity

Not only is the restaurant itself delicious, but the chef is also doing great work for the community. He has used his nonprofit, Caterina’s Club , to serve over one million meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, regularly donates meals to the Boys and Girls Club, and continuously offers charity despite falling on his own hard times.

There’s a reason why Chef Bruno has been on the news so many times : He genuinely cares about the community and wants to help people. If the restaurant’s quality food wasn’t reason enough to try it, supporting Chef Bruno’s cause is certainly the cherry on top. We couldn’t love his cause any more than we already do!

Delicious Italian Food and a Huge Menu

From lobster ravioli and tempura artichoke heart appetizers to soups, salads, seafood, steaks, pizza, and pasta entrees, The Anaheim White House Restaurant has every Italian food you could want to try. Not only do they have options for every meat and pasta lover, but they also have gluten-free and vegan choices that are sure to delight.

Need a recommendation? We personally love the fettucine ragout and ravioli formaggio. And we can’t pass up a dessert, especially when you see something like Tiramisu on the menu.

The Anaheim White House Restaurant is just one reason why living in Anaheim is great. If you’re looking for apartments in Anaheim, California, consider The Evergreen Apartment Homes ! Our warm, friendly environment and spacious apartments could be the perfect new home for you.

Photo Credit: The Anaheim White House Restaurant

Looking for Ways to Increase Your Credit? Pay Your Rent Online!

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 21:37:00 GMT

Rent payments are some of the biggest monthly expenses for most renters. That’s why it’s important to get those payments counted in your credit score. However, simply paying your rent each month won’t automatically get it counted towards your credit score. Here are a few things you need to make sure to do.

Always Pay Your Rent Online

What actually goes into a credit score, and does paying rent online contribute? According to Experian , credit scores are determined by your applications for new loans and credit, your use of credit cards, and your payment history.

When you pay rent online, as opposed to paying with a check, those payments become part of your payment history. Submitting your online payments on time and in full each month will help you increase your credit score.

If Possible, Pay with a Credit Card

One way to make sure that your rent is reported is to pay with your credit card . This makes rent show up automatically in your payment history, and credit bureaus have started to include rent payments in their reports.

If you decide to pay rent with a credit card, make sure your landlord accepts credit card payments. Here at The Evergreens Apartment Homes , we accept credit cards and encourage residents to pay with a credit card to get the full benefit of their payments toward their credit.

Make Sure Your Payments Are Reported to Bureaus

If you pay online, but not with a credit card, you will need to make sure your online payments are seen and recognized by credit bureaus. Rent payments are not automatically reported to them. This can be done through rent reporting, which is “the reporting of monthly on-time rent payments to credit bureaus in order to boost an individual’s credit score,” according to RentTrack . This process doesn’t happen automatically, but using a reporting agency such as RentTrack will make sure your payment is seen by credit bureaus.

At The Evergreens, we have made online payments easy for you through our online resident portal . As you pay online with our portal, use your credit card, and make sure those payments are reported to credit bureaus, you could see your credit score increase in just a few months!

Enjoy Our Eco-Friendly Apartments at The Evergreens

Tue, 18 May 2021 19:45:00 GMT

Every hour, Americans use about 2,500,000 plastic bottles , which adds up to 25 billion every year. While throwing away a plastic bottle might seem like a minor action, these small habits of individuals can collectively make a huge impact on our environment.

At The Evergreens Apartments , we are careful of how the little things we do might affect the planet. That’s why we have worked to create eco-friendly apartments. Not only do we reduce the waste of plastic bottles with our bottle refill stations , but we also reduce water usage, save on paper, and encourage recycling. So, if you are looking for eco-friendly apartments in Anaheim, check out The Evergreens.

Reduce Water Usage

We know that Anaheim is prone to droughts, so we are conservative in our water usage. Our drought-tolerant landscaping uses plants, like succulents, that don’t need much water. We have also installed a drip irrigation system and incorporated stone areas in our landscaping design rather than grass, so we don’t need as much water to make our property beautiful!

In the apartments, we save on water with the toilets. That’s right: most toilets use about 3.5 gallons of water every time they flush, but not ours! We have low-flow toilets , which use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets and can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year each.

Save on Paper

Another way we have created eco-friendly apartments is by going paperless. At The Evergreens, we save on paper by doing pretty much everything online—including service requests, rent payments, notices, and applications. This eliminates the need for unnecessary paper waste, and we know our residents prefer the convenience of having everything accessible digitally.

In our community, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Visit our new resident portal to pay your rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more!

Encourage Recycling

Finally, we have recycling bins in our office, and we encourage all residents to recycle, too. Items you can recycle include plastic bottles and containers, empty cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. However, be careful not to recycle plastic wrap, plastic bags, cups with wax or plastic coating, food, or liquid.

Here in Anaheim, you can take your recycling to the Anaheim Recycling Center . The small extra effort to recycle is a great way to do your part in taking care of the planet.

We’re Excited to Announce Organic Waste Recycling!

Organic waste recycling will be coming soon to our local community, and we can’t wait to participate! This initiative will help keep millions of pounds of food waste out of landfills and turn them into compost and renewable natural gas . We’ll keep you up to date as this program expands throughout the state.

We want to do everything we can to take care of the environment. If you are looking for eco-friendly apartments where you can care for the earth, The Evergreens Apartments is the perfect place for you!

Three Goal Setting Exercises You Need in Your Life

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:24:00 GMT

When we were young, we all dreamed of doing great things in our lives. But a recent study showed that only 14 percent of people believe that their goals will lead to great achievements. It’s easy to get discouraged in goal setting and lack the confidence that you will end up where you want to be.

The good news, however, is that there are great exercises for goal setting that are extremely effective in overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals. By using these three exercises, your greatest dreams aren’t so far out of reach!

Exercise #1: WOOP

WOOP is a highly researched and proven way to set and reach goals, and it stands for (1) wish, (2) outcome, (3) obstacle, and (4) plan.

First, write down your wish or what you want to accomplish. Second, write down the outcome of that wish. What good things will happen if you reach your goal? Third, think of and write down any potential obstacles you can foresee. Fourth, write down specific steps you will take to overcome those obstacles when they arise. By planning for and preparing obstacles, you will be able to stick with your goal until you reach it.

Exercise #2: SMART Goals

You have probably heard the SMART acronym before. While it is referred to frequently when it comes to goal setting, that is because it is a long-standing and proven way to set effective goals. For this exercise, set goals you would like to achieve and then refine them as much as needed to ensure that they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By following these criteria, it will be easier to evaluate and stay motivated in achieving your goals.

Exercise #3: The Average Perfect Day

“The Average Perfect Day” is a simple activity that is sure to get you where you want to end up. Here’s how it goes: Start by imagining your ideal day and writing down everything that would happen. Picture when you would wake up, what you would eat for breakfast, what kind of exercise you would do. Think about what you would do at work and during your lunch break. Then consider your ideal evening—who you would spend your time with, what hobbies you would enjoy, and anything else you want to include in your day. Picture every detail and write it all down.

After that, think about what your average day currently looks like and write down the changes you need to make to have your ideal day. Then, gradually start implementing any necessary changes to reach your ideal.

Now that you have these effective exercises as tools, you don’t need to feel discouraged about progressing towards your goals. You can embrace your dreams of achieving greatness and have specific plans and steps for getting there.

Three Local Restaurants to Try in Anaheim

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:55:00 GMT

Want to shake up your typical dinner menu? One of the great things about living in Anaheim is that there are plenty of fun dining options! Here are three of our favorite local restaurants to try next time you want to go on a culinary adventure:

Dunarea Restaurant

Up for some eastern European flavors? Dunarea Restaurant is a Romanian restaurant you’ll love! Located at 821 N. Euclid Street in Anaheim, this restaurant serves hearty, flavorful dishes that you can’t find anywhere else. Here are some dishes from their Romanian Home Cooking menu:

If you’re grabbing food with someone who may not be feeling Romanian cuisine, they also have a few simpler options, like beef soup and Greek salad, as well as appetizers like sauteed shrimp.

The Spice Garden

Okay, this one isn’t technically in Anaheim, but it’s one of our favorite local restaurants! The Spice Garden serves Indian cuisine and is located at 7850 Beach Boulevard in Buena Park, just a five-minute drive away from us at the Evergreens.

They’ve got rice dishes, like Chicken Biryani and Veggie Pulao. They’ve got curries, like the classic favorite Chicken Tikka Masala or Ghosthh Saag Wala (“ lamb meat cooked in gravy made of spinach, spices and yogurt). And then they’ve got street food, like Paneer Pakora (“Cottage cheese fritters served with coriander chutney”) or Samosa Chaat. They also have Indo Italian, Indo Mexican, and Indo Chinese sections on their menu, with some tasty and unique flavors!

Take a look at their menu before you order—they have a ton of delicious dishes, and it’s hard to choose!

Olligo Grill

Everything at this restaurant is so tasty! Olligo Grill , located at 3240 Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim, has a pretty simple menu full of delicious Korean fusion flavors:

They also have a robust selection of smoothies, milk teas, and frappes, so be sure to check those out, too!

Check out Dunarea Restaurant, The Spice Garden, or Olligo Grill next time you want to try something new. It can be easy to fall into a cooking rut, but these local restaurants prove there are so many delicious flavors out there to add more joy to our lives. Bon appetit!

Photo credit: Dunarea Restaurant.

How to Plan Your Own Social Distancing Beach Cleanup

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:18:00 GMT

For many of us, the beach is one of our happy places. With Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach only a half-hour drive away, it’s simple enough to run head to the shore to frolic, play in the water, and soak in the sun.

If you have a desire to see your beach cleaned up, then you’re in the right place. Pick a date and time, spread the word, make a plan, and share your success. Here are a few tips to make your beach cleaning experience be successful.

Pick a Date and Time

The best time to clean a beach is at the beginning of a warm season. Pick a day in early fall or late spring. Low tide is always the very best time to put a cleanup project in action; that is when garbage is most exposed. And make sure to begin your event just as the tide is starting to head out.

Get Your Group Together

Beaches are opening, but there are still restrictions in place . That means that, while you might dream of rallying the entire city for a cleanup, you’ll probably be better off keeping your group small—preferably close friends and family. Observe social distancing guidelines, and make sure ahead of time whether or not the parking lot has been reopened where you’re going. For example, Long Beach’s parking lots are closed, while Newport’s are fully reopened.

Share Your Accomplishments

When it comes to community service, it is completely okay to brag about it, especially on social media. Instagram is a great social media app to share photos. People want to see what you and your team have accomplished. Perhaps you can even get your local government officials to chime in on your success.

Cleaning your local beach is a noble endeavor to undertake. It shows the community that there are people that care, and can actually make a difference while maintaining social distancing practices.

3 Ways to Clean Up the Air in Your Home

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:28:00 GMT

When someone says “clean air,” what do you think of? You might think of the environment and efforts to be green. But the air you breathe day and night in your home also affects your health. National Clean Air Month is almost over, so let’s see how we can make the air in your apartment more healthy for you!

The good news is that cleaning the air in your apartment is much simpler than reducing worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. By throwing out bad cleaning chemicals, fighting dust mites, and cutting out smoking, you can keep irritants out of your lungs and live a healthier life.

Reduce Harsh Chemicals

It’s hard to find a balance: There’s pet dander, junk, and dust to clean in your apartment, but cleaning products can often contain lung irritants. Try to use chemicals sparingly, and where you can, start using vinegar and regular soap with water. Also, try to reduce how much glue, paint, hair spray, perfume, and air freshener sprays you use.

Keep Dust Mites Away

If your bedroom is making you sneeze, dust mites may be to blame! Dust mites burrow down into your mattresses and bedding. To prevent this from wreaking havoc on your air quality, use mattress covers and bug-proof pillowcases. And next time you buy a pillow, pick the kind that is made out of foam rubber rather than feathers or goose-down. It’s also a good idea to wash your linens in water above 130°F once a week to keep those pesky dust mites away.

Stay Away from Smokers

Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the US each year. That number includes over 41,000 deaths from inhaling secondhand smoke. To prevent lung damage for you and your family, make it clear to visitors that your apartment is a smoke-free zone. Here at the Evergreens, we maintain a smoke-free community to protect the health of our residents and help them breathe easily while they are at home.

Clean air is important wherever we are! So do what you can to improve the quality of the air inside your apartment. Reevaluate your cleaning supplies, fight dust mites, and eliminate tobacco smoke to make your home a happier and healthier place to be.

4 Inexpensive Home Decor Ideas to Revitalize Your Apartment

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 05:10:00 GMT

Have stay-at-home orders gotten you a bad case of cabin fever? Are you tired of looking at the same walls every day with no change?

Don’t worry, you don’t need to start searching for a new place to live. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of redecorating to breathe new life into your apartment. Even better, you don’t need to empty your wallet to do it. Here are four inexpensive home decor ideas to get you started.

Start thrifting.

It’s been said that one man’s trash is another’s treasure . Nowhere is this more true than in the aisles of your local thrift store. These havens have many hidden treasures scattered throughout, and with enough digging, you’ll find the art, furniture, and other items that speak to you. If the store isn’t your vibe, though, you have other options for second-hand items. Facebook Marketplace, for example, is filled with people selling their no-longer-needed items, and it easy enough to coordinate a pick-up/delivery that satisfies social distancing requirements.

Go green.

Nothing brings a room to life like living decor. Plants are—for the most part—inexpensive and easy to care for. Succulents, for example, are cheap, require very little maintenance, and can be easily placed on a countertop, end table, or window sill. And not only do they look great, but plants come with added health and wellness benefits: Many plants contribute to cleaning your indoor air, and studies have shown that their presence can help alleviate depression. Just be sure that, if you have a pet or little ones, your plants are nontoxic.

Play with colors.

Color can influence our emotions and moods in powerful ways, so maybe it’s time to reconsider your color palette. You can do this simply by buying new pillows for the couch to act as highlights. Or you can take it up a notch by painting an accent wall. Whether you choose a light or dark tone, a freshly painted wall brings a strong sense of accomplishment from a job well done.

Put your hobbies on display.

How do you spend your time when no one is telling you what to do? Are you a mountaineer? A craftsperson? Do you solve puzzles or create art? Do you read like your life depends on it? Whatever you’re passionate about , you may be able to find a way to express it on the walls and shelves of your apartment. Frame those baseball cards sitting in your closet, hang your longboard, or display your tennis rackets. Share your interests with everyone who enters your apartment without opening your mouth.

It doesn’t take a professional interior designer to revitalize your space. Start with these four inexpensive home decor ideas and you’ll soon have a space that reflects who you are. Your apartment will feel more like home in no time.

What Is “Living Green,” and Is It Important?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:05:00 GMT

Living green can make a positive difference in your life and on the environment. It may seem hard at first, and it probably will require a few life changes. But these changes are all worth it for the positive effects you’ll achieve. So what exactly is living green, and is it important? Yes! Here are four points to get you started on your green living journey and a few benefits to help motivate you.

1. Spending Money Wisely

Living green means spending money wisely. Check out local farmers’ markets (which are still open for business while following new social-distancing guidelines) or ask your friends if they are willing to sell produce from their gardens, and compare their prices to the prices at your favorite grocery store. Not all items will be more affordable, but many will be. The cost of importing and processing contributes to the sometimes high cost of food, while you can get fresh and tasty “green” food next door.

2. Limiting Plastics

Living green means thinking twice about plastic. Plastic is a common pollutant, and it’s doing a lot of damage to the environment . If it’s possible, see if you can phase out plastic items in your routine. You could try adopting a more sustainable way to store your food, buying a stainless steel water bottle, or using reusable food wraps.

3. Eating Junk Food Sparingly

Living green means taking improving your diet. Fruits and vegetables are vital in every diet to keep your body functioning at its best. Junk food, like candy and processed meals, may be less expensive and tempting to buy, but try to avoid making them a regular part of your diet. If you do, you can seriously increase your chance of detrimental health conditions. On the flipside, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats and proteins make you feel great and help you function at your best.

4. Helping Others

Living green means involving others. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or aunt or uncle, get the kids involved! You can have a positive effect on the way the next generation lives by explaining the steps you’re taking and having them help you. It’s a great way to bond with your family and educate them on health and the community.

If you’re thinking about going green, remember this: in the end, it will be worth it, even if you have to spend a little more or put a bit more effort into being healthier at the beginning. Picture the end result: a healthier you, a healthier home, and a healthier planet!

7 Tips to Increase Productivity While Working from Home

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:32:00 GMT

In response to COVID-19, many people are now working from home. There are some pros and cons to this transition, and some are already pretty savvy with how to make it work for them. However, if this is totally new to you, here are seven tips to help you out:

Carve out a dedicated workstation.

Find a place in your home to dedicate to work. If you don’t have a room or a place in your house that you can transition into a home office, you can block off a section of the kitchen table, although that’s really not the most ideal. Likewise, taking your laptop and sitting down on the couch in front of the TV will allow for many temptations and distractions.

You’ll want to make sure that your “home office” has all that you’ll need. You might have to get an additional landline, unless you use your mobile for all your calls or your company has provided you with one. It’s also really important to get a good chair; you need to be comfortable, but not so comfortable so that your afternoon nap turns into an hourly nap.

Block out time for work.

Your hours can be much more flexible when working from home, which can be really nice. But if you’re constantly being interrupted by family or home duties, it is going to be much more difficult to accomplish work tasks. Make sure to block out hours to work and then stick to that routine. If you need to take care of other things, like running errands or helping your kids with their online school, plan for them. Get those tasks done outside the blocks you’ve set for your work. Some people find it helpful to dress up as if going to work as well.

Get out of the house every day.

This is a simple yet very effective practice; trust me, nothing will drive you more bonkers than being at home all day, every day. Set aside a time for a walk or to sit in the sun. Make sure to take breaks and clear your head. Maybe you only need five minutes a day; maybe you need five minutes every hour. Whatever it is, plan for it and make sure you get out of that house.

Create your to-do list.

You probably already do this at the office, but since it’s so easy to get distracted at home, you need to make sure you jot down a solid checklist every day of the tasks you need to accomplish for work. Not only will that help you focus, but writing things down will help you see your day from a macro perspective, which helps if you’re feeling overwhelmed. While working at home, the last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed.

Get rid of distractions and set limits.

If you’re now working from home, it’s more than likely that the bulk of what you do can be done on a computer. You’re probably aware of the distractions the internet can provide; it’s easy to fall into the social media and entertainment trap that’s so easily accessible. It may be a good idea to “clock-in” before work and “clock-out” on breaks. It requires a lot of self-control, but if you’re determined to make working from home work for you, you’ll set those limits. If you absolutely have to check your Instagram, give yourself an allotment of time, then cut it off after the time is up.

Do not procrastinate.

Make your to-do list sacred: don’t write one up and then toss it to the side. Stick to it, and make sure to do everything on it every day. Don’t do 80 percent of it and then promise yourself you’ll make it up the next day. Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it “tonight” when all the kids are in bed. If you do that, you will create a pattern of “kicking the can down the road.” And that’s a very hard habit to break. There will be times when something urgent interrupts your work, but that’s not an excuse to let things slide for days and weeks.

Please, take good care of yourself.

Working from home takes a lot of discipline. Eat right, sleep right, and exercise. There’s always that temptation to stay up all night to hit deadlines or quotas, and while you have to sometimes, you need to find balance as well. Yes, work is important, but when you’re working from home, it’s easy to run yourself ragged.

In short, working from home can be hard if you’re not used to it, but only if you let it be. It’s up to you to make the best out of this transition.

Looking for the Recipe to Healthy and Happy Living? Try Being More Kind.

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:55:00 GMT

Kindness. We just can’t get enough of it. Millions of us click on viral posts of random acts online: people proudly post images of the exorbitant tip left to an unsuspecting waitress or videos of a rescue team saving a horse from drowning. Even today’s workplaces are exploring the emotional effects of kind acts among coworkers.

“Office culture can be cutthroat and competitive, leading to hurtful criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication,” says Dr. Pragya Agarwal . “However, now we are increasingly talking about wellbeing in the workplace, and bringing an authentic quality to our work, being gentle with ourselves, and with others around us.”

Research shows kindness and well-being are closely linked. Although the benefits to the recipients of kind acts are evident, science is uncovering connections between kindness and one’s health and overall happiness.

If you need an incentive to take the high road when you interact with people, here are four healthy and happy rewards for choosing kindness.

1. Improves Heart Health

There’s a reason why kind people are known for having big hearts—literally. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , the emotional reaction to acts of kindness release the hormone oxytocin.

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels,” explains Hamilton. “This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).” So it seems science proves that having a heart is actually good for it, too.

How can you reap these heart-health benefits? Plenty of studies have shown that social support is associated with better health, including cardiovascular health. So get out there in the community, make friends with your neighbors, and see how it benefits your heart—emotionally and physically.

2. Reduces the Risk of Depression

A study headed by Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we share our time, resources, and other selfless acts, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced, and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.

At Cedars-Sinai , scientists are studying the links between kindness and increased dopamine levels. As dopamine is known for elevating feelings of euphoria, research is focused on the effects dopamine has on mental health.

“Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” say doctors at Cedars-Sinai. “The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Essentially, practicing kindness increases your dopamine levels, which ultimately helps improve your overall happiness and health.

3. Reduces Anxiety

In a study published by the University of British Columbia Study , a test group comprised of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction, as well as a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. The act itself didn’t need to be big to be effective. Kind acts took larger forms like donating to a favorite charity and small gestures such as putting a quarter in a stranger’s parking meter that was about to expire.

“We found that any kind act appeared to have the same benefit, even small gestures like opening a door for someone or saying ‘thanks’ to the bus driver,” says Dr. Lynn Alden, who led the study. “Kindness didn’t need to involve money or time-consuming efforts, although some of our participants did do such things. Kindness didn’t even need to be ‘face to face.’”

In other words, it isn’t the size of the act that promotes happy feelings but the act itself. When anxiety creeps in, try being more kind. Doing so can help reduce your anxious feelings and replace them with positive ones.

4. May Extend Your Lifespan

Some experts believe one of the keys to a long life is our social network. “What we call loneliness—the feeling that you have no one to turn to, that no one understands you—is a form of stress,” explains Health.com writer Ray Hainer . “And if it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your blood vessels and heart.” With heart disease being the number one killer among Americans, the connection between improved heart health and avoiding stress contributes to a longer life.

Socializing with purpose also has healthy effects. “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains,” writes Christine Carter in her book Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

Looking for a new strategy for better health and happiness? Try kindness. Studies show that performing kind acts have a positive effect on everything from reducing depression and anxiety to longevity. “We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai . “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”

The surprisingly wonderful benefits of rental living

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:31:00 GMT

If you are considering moving into an apartment, you are not alone. Experts estimate there are just over 43 million renter-occupied housing units in the US. And while renters are renting for a variety of reasons, there are some common perks that renters enjoy.

Here are four of the most common benefits of rental living.

1. Location, location, location

Sometimes, the easiest way to live close to the communities you frequent isn’t to buy property, but to rent. “Renters can live virtually anywhere—a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village or a townhouse in Queens,” says professor of economics Teresa Ghilarducci . “Homeowners are more restricted to neighborhoods they can afford.”

There are certainly times when paying rent over is more expensive than paying a mortgage. For example, many renters will see their lease increase the moment their contract is up for renewal. But in some cases, experts say there are financial advantages to renting in desired locations rather than trying to buy property. “If you live in a market where you can rent an apartment for substantially less per month than you could own a home, you can invest the difference,” explains David Weliver , founder of Money Under 30. “The difference doesn’t have to be huge.”

Weliver presented an example like this: If you compare $1,000 rent per month versus a $1,300 mortgage payment on a comparable home, that generates $3,600 each year that you can save or invest. “And, unlike home equity, those savings are liquid,” added Weliver. “You can use them to build an emergency fund, pay down student loan debt, or fund a retirement account. None of which you can do with home equity.”

2. Awesome amenities

Most of us haven’t included installing an in-ground pool on our to-do list. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t enjoy having access to recreational amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center, or tennis courts. And today’s rental properties are offering even more options to entice would-be renters.

Some of the more popular features include onsite laundry facilities or a washer and dryer within the unit. Many offer cable or satellite television and free Wi-Fi. Others offer fully-furnished units. And as a person just starting out on their own, having options for these types of services can help the transition to apartment living.

3. Flexible career options

The workplace model is changing, with more employees at varying job levels working from their homes. Experts estimate that almost half of the US workforce works remotely. But that also means employees are more mobile. And that is where the convenience of renting a home or apartment works well. Renting gives workers the freedom to move more frequently than they could otherwise. Additionally, some apartment communities offer amenities for workers. In some of our communities, for example, we offer dedicated workspaces, perfect for individuals who work remotely.

Have job, will travel. That’s an effective way to set the pace for job promotion or move to a better job opportunity should the need arise. “You need to be able to credibly leave a job to be well treated by employers,” says Ghilarducci . “Mobile workers can move for a pay raise or to make a career move.”

4. A sense of community

There are varying degrees of socializing among renters. You can be as social or reclusive as you choose; the fact remains that you are sharing common space with other people. Whether it’s the parking lot, the pool area, or the fitness center, apartment living offers a unique opportunity to befriend your neighbors.

“Apartment buildings draw an array of residents and visitors. Your neighbors, their families, their friends, their delivery people, and anyone offering an at-home service will pass through your shared entryway. Your children will learn to share a space with these people—and perhaps even open the door for them,” says Natalie Saaris , writing for Zillow. “While living in an apartment may deprive you of the privacy of a standalone home, the feeling of community may more than compensate for the loss.”

Whether your apartment is a temporary arrangement or a permanent decision, the benefits of apartment living offer pleasant and financially strategic opportunities for you.

Reasons why setting goals is a good thing

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 03:24:00 GMT

Don’t let New Year’s resolution failure fool you. Setting goals is a good thing.

Let’s talk about goals.

Wait! Not New Year’s resolutions. I mean regular, everyday goal setting; those goals that you can (and should) start at any time. Although around 80 percent of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, setting a goal—a SMART goal—will make you feel better. And in some cases, literally.

A SMART goal is a task based on something Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. And while resolutions may bite the dust two months after we set them in place, the truth is that almost half of us (40 to 45 percent) continue to make goals for ourselves each year.

We, as humans, struggle with following through on New Year’s resolutions. But the practice of continually setting goals is a good thing. Here are six reasons why.

Do you know how it feels to merely coast through life, where you find yourself simply reacting to things? When you target your energies into achieving a specific goal, you are forcing action.

“ Goal setting helps you align focus with behavior because you get feedback on your progress,” says Forbes contributor Jeff Boss . “The actions you take—or avoid—offer clues about your values, beliefs, challenges, strengths and weaknesses which allow you to course correct as necessary and reset your goal achievement strategy (and subsequently, your focus).”

Goals that truly make an impact are those that are specific and follow a timeline toward completion. For example, instead of making a goal to be thinner, a well-thought-out goal will include a series of smaller goals that encourage weight loss and are arranged over a month, a year, or two even years.

“ Think of your goal as the destination. Now think of each step you take toward that goal as a smaller yet attainable step to get you there,” explains Dave Richards , a performance and leadership coach. “If your goal is to launch a business someday, your smaller steps would include defining your products or services or getting funds to start up.”

There is no better feeling than one of accomplishment. And when you set attainable goals, your success at achieving those goals is an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Keep in mind the operative word here is “attainable.”

“By setting goals and achieving them, you send a signal to your brain that you are successful which builds confidence and pride in yourself and that helps build your self-esteem,” says Jennifer Silvershein . “We all love to feel accomplished and meeting or exceeding your goals does just that.”

By setting up a primary goal, which is your main objective, and secondary goals, which are the stepping stones that move you toward your primary goal, Silvershein believes “you can set yourself up for success with the right mindset and the right tools.”

This process of identifying a primary goal that’s supported by secondary goals boosts your self-image. But it can also stave off mild forms of depression. “ Setting goals and targets can sometimes help when a person is feeling demotivated,” reports Jayne Leonard . “However, it is important to make sure that goals are achievable, specific, and realistic.”

For instance, a goal to no longer be depressed may not be all that successful as a stand-alone goal. But setting a goal that is proven to help treat minor forms of depression, such as to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables every day or exercise daily, makes reducing or eliminating depression an added benefit to your primary goal, which may be losing twenty pounds. This brings us to the next benefit: your health.

Of Inc.com’s ten top New Year’s resolutions of 2019, five dealt with improving our health. So while we may not always follow through on those resolutions, they are certainly on our minds. In fact, out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 71 percent of them wanted to eat healthier in the coming year. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed planned to exercise more, and over half (54 percent) hoped to lose weight. Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, making conscious goals about lifestyle changes will have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Staying engaged in life as you age is essential for your health,” say experts at Harvard Health . “Goals should revolve around a purpose in your life: What matters to you now? What is important?” Once again, setting up a SMART goal will help connect your goals with a meaningful outcome within a specified amount of time. And when it comes to goals about your health, the end result feels great.

Let’s consider for a moment what the process of setting goals is doing. According to research by goal-setting theorists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, goals not only affect behavior and work performance, but they also ignite a desire to put forth a higher and more persistent effort. And because with every action there’s a reaction, people around you are impacted by your efforts.

For example, if your goals are to be more productive and efficient at work and to manage your time better, you’ll likely return home sooner. Depending on what goals you’ve made regarding your habits at home, your family will benefit from the time you are able to spend with them. Perhaps you’ve made a goal to be more patient or a better listener. Those efforts impact others.

You will likely see similar positive effects if you have a goal to volunteer in your child’s school every month or plant a vegetable garden and share your harvest with neighbors. And as the cycle of goal-setting continues, you’ll be motivated to set more goals because of the positive feedback you receive from those who’ve benefited from your efforts. See? Win-win.

Don’t let the bad publicity surrounding resolutions fool you. Setting goals is a good thing. Nothing else is more effective and empowering than setting goals that improve your health, quality of life, focus, and contributions to the things you care about most. So let’s hear it for the new year and make it a goal to ensure it’s the best one ever.