The Lincoln on Grand Apartments

Your Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Anaheim, CA

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:29:14 GMT

It’s easy to see why the holiday season is so popular: holiday lights and decorations line the streets, we spend more time with our loved ones, the spirit of giving surrounds us, and we get to enjoy delicious foods and desserts! It is also that special time of the year when different cultures from around the world come together to celebrate their favorite holidays. Whatever holiday you celebrate, this is the perfect time to find your favorite sweater, get together with the people you love, and enjoy some festive activities.

Whether you live in Anaheim or are visiting for the holiday season, there are plenty of festivities in this city that you are sure to enjoy while celebrating your favorite time of the year! From amusement park events and attractions to shows and performances and shopping, here are a few holiday activities in Anaheim that make it the best place to enjoy the festivities of the season:

Amusement Park Events and Attractions

One of the most special aspects of living in or visiting Anaheim is how close it is to so many wonderful amusement parks and attractions—especially when they host unique holiday celebrations! These are a few of the most popular events at amusement parks near us.

Disney’s Festival of Holidays : From November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024, in Disney California Adventure Park, you can pay tribute to and embrace a number of holiday celebrations with multicultural music, food, and entertainment. This festival is an opportunity to take in the sights of exciting entertainment celebrating some of our most cherished holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings’ Day. Celebrations also include ¡Viva Navidad! , which honors holiday traditions from Mexico and Brazil, and the Festival Foods Marketplace, which offers food and drink from diverse cultures and celebrations. Let’s not forget that the atmosphere of a fully decorated Disney park during the holiday season is a sight to behold.

Knott’s Merry Farm : Every winter, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms itself into Knott’s Merry Farm, a Christmas celebration filled with special attractions, live entertainment, Christmas crafts, food, holiday decorations, and even nightly snow! This celebration runs select days from November 17, 2023, through January 7, 2024.

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood : If you’re willing to branch out of the Anaheim area, Universal Studios also offers its own holiday celebrations, including Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Enjoy holiday spectacles, décor, food and merchandise, and photo opportunities with your favorite characters—like The Grinch!

Activities

Celebrating the holidays in Anaheim means that you’ll have temperate weather to do plenty of outdoor activities, so take advantage of it. Treat yourself to some of the most magical holiday activities in Anaheim.

South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina Event: At the Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula, you can enjoy thousands of lights, food, drinks, and stunning views of the beach, waterfalls, bayou, and kelp forest. Beginning November 9, 2023, and running through the new year, this event will even include interactive experiences and themed shows telling visitors all about the stars.

Brea Christmas Light Neighborhood : Every year, this neighborhood is decorated with extravagant lights and decorations in honor of the holiday season. This is an excellent free activity that you can enjoy with loved ones of all ages. Make some hot cocoa, grab your favorite scarf and a camera, and walk or drive through this beautiful neighborhood! You are sure to feel the holiday spirit.

Shows and Performances

Considering the amazing music, stories, and décor surrounding this season, the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy festive and spectacular shows and performances. Plus, many of them are the perfect way to celebrate with loved ones of all ages. Everyone can enjoy these holiday activities and shows in Anaheim.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas: This is a musical play based on the popular Fancy Nancy books written by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. The play is directed by Laura M. Hathaway, and the music direction is by Stefan Miller. The story revolves around Nancy, who is excited about Christmas and wants to decorate the perfect tree. However, things don’t go as planned, and she learns that Christmas is not just about decorations but also about the true spirit of the holiday. The play features catchy and charming songs that are sure to entertain young audiences.

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker : The Nutcracker ballet is a classic holiday performance, and you can see a local performance of it with the Symphony Irvine practically next door! This ballet follows the story of a girl named Clara and her Nutcracker doll and their adventures through Candyland. Not only is this Anaheim Ballet’s 36th season of performing the Nutcracker, but they are also constantly updating the staging of it, making this year your only chance to see this specific production. The show will be performed on November 24–25, 2023. All ages are sure to love this story!

Shopping and Opportunities to Give

The holiday season is the best time to show your loved ones how much you care about them. One way to do just that is to buy them thoughtful gifts. If you’re looking for ways to give back to your loved ones and community, consider checking out these places.

Anaheim GardenWalk : If you’re looking for small businesses to support through the pandemic, Anaheim GardenWalk features local stores. Located just minutes from Disneyland, this destination is a collection of restaurants, retail stores, a live concert venue, and nightlife. Between shops like Dara Beauty, Soccer Wearhouse, and Mystical Gifts and Souvenirs, you’ll be able to find unique and appropriate gifts for all of your loved ones.

Anaheim Packing District : The Anaheim Packing District is another great site for supporting small businesses this holiday season. From sustainable products and goods to delicious foods and merchandise, you can find meaningful gifts like gift cards, wine, and other tasty treats for your loved ones. Best of all, you won’t be able to find these gifts at just any shopping mall!

Grandma’s House of Hope : Considering the holidays are the perfect time to give back, Grandma’s House of Hope is one of our favorite local nonprofit organizations. They are looking for volunteers to cook and deliver a meal for those in need. If you’re looking for a way to help people in your community, this is a great opportunity for your family, service group, or even business!

Safe Celebration

Above all, it’s important to stay safe while you celebrate the holidays. While everyone loves a cozy fire outside or a festive pine- or pumpkin-scented candle, be sure to closely monitor any fires and be safe while lighting candles in your apartment. The holidays are the most common time for home candle fires. In fact, according to the US Fire Administration , Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve are the top three days of the year for home candle fires.

Christmas trees are also accountable for hundreds of fires every year. Shorts in electrical lights or the flames from candles can easily start a tree fire when it is dry and neglected. If you have a real Christmas tree in your apartment, don’t forget to water it so it doesn’t dry out. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season to its fullest!

We hope you enjoy these amusement park events and attractions, activities, shows and performances, and shopping. From all of us here at The Lincoln on Grand , we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with the best holiday activities in Anaheim!

12 Ways to Have Fun This Summer in Anaheim, CA

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:58:00 GMT

Three Activities in Anaheim Only the Locals Know

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:43:00 GMT

Anaheim, California, is one of the most-visited cities in the United States. Nearly everyone knows that Anaheim is home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm . However, Anaheim hosts so many more attractions than just these two amusement parks.

If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists and experience Anaheim like a local, there are plenty of other exciting attractions to visit! Here are some exciting local activities in Anaheim, including beaches, food and shopping, and concerts!

Beaches Near Anaheim

Anaheim is only minutes away from some of California’s nicest beaches! Go soak up the sun or enjoy a relaxing sunset at Thousand Steps Beach , Treasure Island Beach , or Inspiration Point . These beaches are full of beautiful scenery and are sure not to disappoint!

Food and Shopping Near Anaheim

If you want to know what the best places to shop and eat in Anaheim are, then look no further! The Anaheim Packing House is full of restaurants that will be great for everyone’s different tastes—from gelato and crepes to fish n’ chips and sushi. Another option for variety is Center Street Promenade , which has a huge range of both restaurants and shops. No matter what satisfies your taste buds, there is sure to be something to keep you happy and full while in Anaheim!

Concerts in Anaheim

Anaheim is a fantastic place for summer concerts. You won’t want to miss the upcoming concerts that are planned! These concerts have enough range to satisfy everybody, from the popular rock band All Time Low to the violinist Bijan Mortazavi. No matter how you enjoy your music, Anaheim’s concerts are sure to please!

In addition, this summer in Orange County, the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema Film Series are back! From June 23 to August 25, there will be 10 free concerts and 12+ free movie showings. The concerts will be on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., with the music beginning at 6:00 p.m. The movie nights will be on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at sundown. Visit the website to see a schedule of the events.

These are just a few activities that will help you better appreciate your time in Anaheim and feel just like a local! Whether you prefer beaches, shopping, or concerts, there is sure to be something to keep you entertained during your summer in Anaheim, California! And if you decide to stick around past the end of the season, The Lincoln on Grand offers studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Anaheim, California.

How Online Rent Payments Will Increase Your Credit Score

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:48:00 GMT

Looking to increase your credit score? Don’t worry: Paying off a loan isn’t your only option. You can just pay rent online!

It may sound too simple, but check this out: In 2017, TransUnion studied 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus over the course of a year. The study found that renters’ scores rose an average of 16 points within six months, and the benefit was greatest for those who started with a credit score below 620.

Try paying your rent online and see what it does to your credit score. When you pay online,

your payments are reported, it shows credit bureaus what they are looking for, and it can combine with credit card payments to increase your score even more. Here’s how.

Send Your Payments to Credit Bureaus

Paying rent is a pretty simple way to increase your credit score! But how does it work?

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

Okay, so you have to make sure your payments are recorded. But how? At The Lincoln on Grand , our online rental payment system reports information to the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus then receive a record of your on-time rental payments, contributing to your good credit.

Beef Up Your Payment History

Online rental payments help beef up your payment history—a crucial factor in determining your credit score. What exactly goes into a credit score? Experian, for one example, calculates credit scores through the following elements :

So, when you make an online rent payment, those payments become part of your payment history. As you pay on time and in full and continue to do so, that becomes part of your score, too.

Boost Your Score Even More

You probably already knew that paying off your credit card can boost your credit score, so here’s an idea to try: Get a credit card specifically for paying your rent!

“Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Increase your credit score by paying your rent online through our online rent payment system . You’ll get your payments reported and look good to the credit bureaus. And if you use a credit card exclusively for rent, you may see even more of a boost. Best wishes in your journey towards the best credit score of your life!

Learn about Green Living at The Lincoln on Grand

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:47:00 GMT

Less than 1 percent of the world’s fresh water is readily available for human use. The amount of water that’s safe for us to use is declining sharply due to pollution and contamination, and daily activities like washing dishes, showering, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and watering yards consume precious gallons.

Here at The Lincoln on Grand Apartments , we want to do all we can to protect the environment and promote sustainable living—not just by preserving water, but also by reducing unnecessary waste. Here are three ways we embrace green living at The Lincoln.

Water Conservation

We have taken multiple actions to reduce the consumption and waste of water on our property. Many of these changes have been made in landscaping. We use drought-tolerant plants, like succulents, that are native to the area and consume much less water than other commonly used plants. We have also replaced some of our grass and mulch areas with beautiful stone, and we use a drip irrigation system that uses much less water than most sprinkler systems. This allows us to save thousands of gallons of water!

We have also made changes in our plumbing to conserve water. We have placed low-flow toilets in our units, which use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets. Each of these low-flow toilets can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. It’s amazing how small changes like these can make such a big difference!

Paper and Plastic Reduction

At The Lincoln, we practice green living by doing everything—rent payments, service requests, applications, and notices—online. Not only does this eliminate the need for unnecessary paper waste, but our residents love the simplicity and convenience. In addition to this, we have a water bottle refill station located on the property to reduce waste produced from disposable plastic water bottles.

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!

Recycling

One of the best ways to practice green living is to recycle. As a staff, we recycle as much as we can, and we encourage our guests to do the same! Recycling bins have been made available in our office. Items you can recycle include plastic bottles and containers, empty cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. However, you cannot recycle food, liquid, plastic bags, plastic wrap, or cups with wax or plastic coating.

Here in Anaheim, you can take your recycling to the Anaheim Recycling Center . This small change in habit can make a big difference for our 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. You can learn more about organic waste recycling here . 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 and encourage green living. If you are looking for an apartment complex that cares as much about the earth as you do, The Lincoln on Grand Apartments is the perfect place for you!

Looking for Anaheim Apartments? The Lincoln on Grand is the Perfect Choice

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:18:00 GMT

Is it any wonder people love to call Anaheim home? The city is well known for being host to Walt Disney’s famous creation, Disneyland, scheduled to reopen to the public in April . It’s also the birthplace of Knott’s Berry Farm, which plans to reopen its doors in May . In addition to world-class entertainment, Anaheim boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, and a highly-rated school system. All-together, this makes it the perfect place to call home.

Looking for Anaheim apartments? The Lincoln on Grand is a stellar choice to settle in, take advantage of all Anaheim has to offer, and, of course, live happy.

The Ambiance

On a stroll between buildings, you’ll notice a well-kept trellis towering over the walkways, covered in lush foliage and sweet-smelling flowers. The landscape is open and well kept. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the gazebo, where picnic tables and benches are out and available for use. The outdoor pool is clean and the perfect temperature to cool off in the warm California sun.

Here’s our complete list of amenities:

Our residents love having all of their essentials on-property. When it comes to apartments in Anaheim, you couldn’t ask for a better place to call home.

Convenient

We understand the business of daily life. In our current world, it’s nearly impossible to slow down and smell the roses. This leaves many individuals scrambling when faced with an emergency. At The Lincoln on Grand, we’re pleased to offer our residents onsite maintenance staff. When our residents need our help, whether it be a leaky faucet or otherwise, we are here to help.

In addition, we boast onsite laundry facilities and a top-notch fitness center, so you can fulfill all of your basic needs from the comfort of your home.

The Lincoln on Grand in Anaheim is a charming place to call home. With our cozy atmosphere and convenient amenities, The Lincoln checks all the boxes for a top-notch place to live. For our current availability, reach out to our team today!

Setting Goals the Right Way

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:25:00 GMT

Do your goals have a way of just . . . slipping away from you?

According to research conducted by Harvard Business Study, 83 percent of participants had no specific goals, 14 percent had goals but had not written them down, and only 3 percent had written goals. This indicates that most people today don’t set goals, and even fewer write them down. But setting goals is proven to significantly increase our success in life. So, here are a few key strategies for setting goals the right way.

Set SMART Goals

A simple strategy to set the right goals is to use the SMART acronym, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. First, the more specific your goals are, the better. It’s much easier to track your progress on a goal like “play basketball with my son on Saturdays” than “be a better dad.” Similarly, it’s easier to gauge your progress when goals are quantified. Next, if your goal is impossible to achieve, it won’t be very motivating, so make sure it is something you can realistically accomplish. Then, confirm that your goal is relevant in that it is worthwhile and applicable to you. Finally, set a time frame for your goal to ensure that you reach it as quickly as you can!

Write Your Goals Down

Did you know that you are 1.4 times more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down? One reason for this is that keeping a written goal makes it easy to access, and you will be reminded of it when you flip open your notebook or glance at the sticky note on your desk. But even more than this, when you write something down, your brain is more likely to store it in your long-term memory. Just a small extra effort in writing your goals down can make a huge difference in your success at achieving them.

Make a Plan to Overcome Obstacles

Finally, when you are trying to reach a goal, there are sure to be obstacles along the way. So, take some time when you are setting goals to plan ahead. Think of what has prevented you from accomplishing your goal in the past or imagine things that could come up in the future. Then, decide what you will do if those obstacles come up. If you have a plan, you are more likely to overcome obstacles instead of letting them discourage you and giving up on your goal.

We want our residents at The Lincoln on Grand to be successful in all of their endeavors. Spend some time evaluating your ambitions and setting goals. When you do, follow these strategies to set the most effective goals that will lead to success!

Our Favorite Local Restaurants in Anaheim

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 22:23:00 GMT

There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and businesses. With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to the permanent closure of over 100,000 restaurants , we need to help them stay in business. Millions of people are out of work because of it, and our communities are struggling to support each other throughout the crisis.

Eating out doesn’t mean putting your health at risk. Many restaurants have adopted social distancing guidelines and enforce additional safety measures to protect their employees and customers. There are also a variety of takeout and delivery options that will help you stay safe at home. Even better, there are so many great restaurants for us to try in Anaheim! Here are three of our favorites.

Rosine’s Mediterranean

One of our favorite restaurants is Rosine’s Mediterranean because of its authentic cuisine. The owner and chef brought her own family’s recipes with her straight from Lebanon and Syria when she immigrated to the United States in the 70s, and she has been cooking them ever since. You can clearly taste how much she loves cooking her recipes.

Rosine’s has been open in Anaheim since 1995, providing a quaint and homey space to all of its customers for almost three decades. There’s a reason why this place has been open so long: It is seriously delicious. If you need a recommendation, we suggest you try their falafel sandwich or any of their kebabs. And please, let us know what you think!

Baci di Firenze Trattoria

If you’re craving some classy and authentic Italian food, we recommend Baci di Firenze Trattoria . Their fish is one of our favorite meals in Anaheim, and the chef is so talented that he will cook anything for you even if you don’t see it on the menu.

We love ordering food from here when we want to pretend we’re vacationing in Italy because the place really does feel like it’s transported from Florence. During the pandemic, they offer online ordering for takeout as well as patio seating.

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

Our favorite bakery in town is Porto’s Bakery and Cafe . Not only do they have delicious pastries and breakfast options, but they also have incredible potato balls, empanadas, and desserts. You’ll never run out of snacks or meals to try.

They offer delivery and takeout options during the pandemic and have even launched a bake at home option for people around the United States to order their baked goods to bake in their homes. You absolutely will not regret trying Porto’s after tasting their cookies.

It is so important for us to give back to our community and support local businesses, especially during a difficult economic time like now. You won’t regret treating yourself to meals from any of these three restaurants, and you can feel good about helping them stay in business too. If you end up trying any of our favorite places, let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!

Wondering How to Improve Credit? Pay Rent Online

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 23:29:00 GMT

The post Wondering How to Improve Credit? Pay Rent Online appeared first on The Lincoln on Grand Apartments.

4 Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 21:51:00 GMT

Summertime can be absolutely magical for kids. And, it doesn’t take much to get them excited! Anything involving dirt, noise, experiments, or the outdoors is sure to be an instant hit. Here are four kid-friendly activities to do this summer that check each one of those boxes:

Tend to a Garden

Kids love to play in the dirt—so let them! Plant some seeds in small pots and watch your windowsill garden grow. Or, if you’re not quite ready to commit to letting your little ones grow their own garden, you can still teach them all about the process at the nearby Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab . Here, they’ll have all kinds of hands-on, gardening-geared learning opportunities. There’s truly something to interest everyone—including you!

Get Musical

We all know how much kids love noise! And if that noise is actually music, there are plenty of brain-boosting benefits as well. Create your own instruments , have a dance party with different styles of music, or even delve into introductory music theory together through an online course . It could even be as simple as sharing your favorite songs from your growing-up years with them. Thanks to the incredible nostalgia-inducing abilities of music , you’ll probably enjoy that walk down memory lane too!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Kids seem to often find their “happy place” in the outdoors. Go on a walk around the neighborhood or find a spot at the park and play some fun games together —while practicing social distancing, of course. You could do a water balloon toss, hold a three-legged race, or simply throw the frisbee back and forth. Being outside together will make for a great time while keeping your family active and healthy.

Conduct a Science Experiment

Kids love to experiment with new materials and textures. There are lots of kid-friendly science experiments that use common household supplies that you likely already have on hand. From making snow fluff to a paper hovercraft, there’s something to interest every child. As an added bonus, you may begin to recall some forgotten scientific principles from your school days.

Summer is an exciting time for kids! Try these four fun summer activities with them to make this time even more magical. The time you spend together may very well become cherished memories that will last long past summertime!

There’s No Place Like Your Apartment: 5 Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:21:00 GMT

There are few things as exciting as moving into a new apartment. With a new space, new routines, new places to go, new friends, and new sights to see, you’re starting a fresh chapter in your life. And decorating that new space is so much fun!

Despite how enjoyable it is to decorate, sometimes people don’t know where to add that personal touch to make their new apartment feel like home. But feeling at home in your apartment is vital, so here are our best tips for doing just that.

Use Some Elbow Grease

First things first: give your apartment a deep and thorough clean . Declutter, throw any garbage away, and give all surfaces a good scrub. With your apartment now a clean, blank canvas, you can clearly see where your apartment could use that personal touch.

Get the Lighting Just Right

Have you ever stepped into a poorly lit room and felt sluggish and even down? Lighting , whether good or bad, can affect your mood in many ways. While insufficient lighting can contribute to depression, better lighting can actually help people feel more energized. If the lighting in your space is a little off, experiment with lamps that help you feel relaxed or alert—whatever the situation calls for.

Get Those Sentimental Items Out

Once you have the new place clean and the lighting is just right, get out the sentimental pictures and items that give you warm fuzzies. Doing this will really give your apartment that personal touch as you see familiar memories all around.

Spritz a Scent You Love

Speaking of memory, smell is a powerful way to remember positive emotions and events. Is there a scent that helps you feel calm or happy? Go to the store and look through the air fresheners to find the smells that help you feel great. Spritz your home regularly, and you’ll feel a difference!

Throw Yourself a Housewarming Party

Even if you aren’t finished setting everything up the way you want it, consider hosting a get-together when it is advisable to do so. If you can’t wait, give your friends a virtual tour of your new place! Having people you care about see your home makes it feel more like yours.

The sooner you’re all settled in, the sooner you can feel at home in your apartment. So try these tips and see the transformation!

4 Ways to Keep Your Air at Home Clean

Thu, 14 May 2020 06:22:00 GMT

When we talk about keeping the air clean, we’re usually thinking about the environment and doing our best to stay green. But the air inside your home matters just as much, especially for your health. So in honor of National Clean Air Month, let’s look inside.

Fortunately, cleaning your apartment air is much simpler than closing a hole in the ozone layer. By throwing out bad cleaning chemicals and fighting dust mites, you can keep irritants out of your lungs and live a healthier life.

Cut the Chemicals

It’s a bit of a pickle: You need to clean up pet dander, junk, and dust, but cleaning products can often contain lung irritants. Even walking into a freshly cleaned home can hurt your lungs, and wearing a mask won’t always help. If you use chemicals sparingly, you should be okay, but even better would be to start using vinegar and regular soap with water—anything without fragrance. You should also stay away from glues, paints, hair spray, perfumes, and—believe it or not—air fresheners if possible.

Keep Dust Mites Away

Dust mites love to burrow down into your mattresses and bedding. Using mattress covers, however, and bug-proof pillowcases can be very effective. When choosing your pillow, pick the kind that is made out of foam rubber—not feathers or goose-down. Washing your linens in water above 130°F once a week will also help keep those pesky dust mites away.

Stay Away from Smokers

In the US alone, cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year. That includes more than 41,000 deaths from inhaling secondhand smoke. To protect our residents, we are a smoke-free zone. While you won’t have to worry about smoke inside your apartment, try to stay away from smokers. If you smoke (outside of the apartment, of course), now’s the time to work towards quitting—for the sake of your family, the community, and the air we breathe.

Just like the food you put in your body, you have to be careful about the quality of the air you breathe in your home. Reevaluate your cleaning supplies, fight dust mites, and stay away from smokers. Remember, no one has ever regretted taking care of their health before.

Three Common Courtesies of a Good Neighbor

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:36:00 GMT

Just like people, families have their own personalities. And so do apartment communities! Some are shyer and keep to themselves, while others are more likely to plan and party it up at community functions. No matter the vibe in your building, there are standards of etiquette that apply to all. Here are some tips:

Keep It Quiet

Rule number one: don’t run around and scream at the top of your lungs in the middle of the night. Be courteous to your neighbors who live on the other side of your walls and take your band practice elsewhere.

Instead of honking your horn every time you pull into the apartment parking lot, use your cell phone to get the attention of the person you’re picking up. Or, if you’re picking a special someone up for a date, consider showing how classy you are by knocking on the door.

Make the Outside of Your Apartment Look Nice

Whether it’s your front porch or even the apartment parking lot, the outside area of your apartment sends a message about you and your neighbors. So keep it clean! Throw away your trash. Alert maintenance if there is mold or peeling paint. Make sure that any potted plants or decor don’t creep over into your neighbor’s space.

And when it comes to toys, skateboards, and bicycles, make sure each has a designated place and looks neat. There are times when it’s appropriate to use your patio for an organized storage space and times when it’s better to keep these items inside. When in doubt, check with the office.

Smile and Wave to your Neighbors

Remember those personalities we talked about earlier? If you’re an introvert, it might be hard to introduce yourself to your neighbors. You don’t have to become everyone’s best friend, but do your best to show your neighbors that you’re a friendly, contributing member of society. You’d be surprised just how far a single smile and wave can go.

When you get the opportunity, spend a few minutes getting to know them. If someone ever tried to break into your home while you were gone, would anyone that lived next to you go the extra mile to call you to let you know? Or call the cops for you? Whether or not you care to make friends, getting to know your neighbors can really help you out when hard times come.

Being a friendly neighbor helps everyone involved gain a sense of calm and comfort. There’s peace of mind in knowing that you are all surrounded by people who could look out for each other. The community will look more beautiful, and chances are you’ll be more content at your home.

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

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:09:00 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 19:26:00 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 03:12:00 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.