River House Apartments

Activities Abound for Celebrating Holidays in Santa Ana, CA!

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:50:32 GMT

Of all the places one could choose to live or visit during the holidays, at least if you are looking to escape frigid winter temperatures, Southern California would likely rank high on the list. The temperate climate in Santa Ana provides the perfect backdrop for getting out and about to experience myriad holiday celebrations and events.

From Christmas tree shopping and toy drives to night cruises and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the beach, Santa Ana and its surrounding areas have a full list of things for you and your family to do during the holiday season.

Santa Ana is a diverse city, with a wide range of people honoring a multitude of traditions. Whatever brings you or your guests here for the holidays, enjoy the magic of the season with all Santa Ana has to offer.

Activities

Families Together of Orange County Annual Christmas Together Toy Drive : This year’s event will be bigger than ever this season, with 30,000 toys expected to be given away. Create an unforgettable experience for children on December 10. Quantity is limited, so register early.

Newport Beach Christmas Light Cruises : Experience Newport Bay like never before as multimillion-dollar estates and ships show off their holiday decor. Cruises are available the entire month of December, with tickets starting at only $32.

Christmas at Calvary Church : Celebrate the birth of Christ at Calvary Church with Sunday services, a tree lighting, a toy drive, carol singing, and candlelight. All events are free and open to the public.

Plaza Navideña : This tree lighting event takes place at Plaza Calle Cuatro in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana on November 18. The festivities are free and feature a tree-lighting ceremony, live holiday entertainment, and photo opportunities. Plaza Navidena runs from 5 to 8 p.m., so come and get your lights fixation turned on.

Shows and Performances

There is a plethora of holiday magic in Santa Ana this year, with some diverse performances scheduled to unfold. Concerts, circuses, cultural celebrations, and vocal performances will all brighten stages throughout Orange County.

Concordia Christmas: Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem : Concordia University puts together a spectacular Christmas concert every year, featuring vocals, instruments, and even handbells. This event is a popular Christmas tradition, and Concordia’s Christmas concert sells out every year, so don’t delay! Get your tickets soon!

Nutcracker for Kids : Do your kids struggle to sit through performances? This condensed version of The Nutcracker is designed specifically for children ages five to 11. Even better, the concert ends with a visit from Santa and a holiday sing-along! Additionally, pre- and post-concert fun includes a coloring station, craft station, S.T.E.A.M. station, and holiday photo backdrop in the lobby. Reserve your tickets now for December 2!

Tis the Season! : Ring in the holiday season with Grammy award-winning Pacific Chorale! The event, held December 17 and 18, will feature a selection of holiday favorites seasoned with delightful surprises in a concert the entire family can enjoy.

Opportunities to Share

Receiving gifts is great, but the true meaning of the holiday season is giving to others. If you have the means or the time during this special time of year, consider giving to those less fortunate so they too can feel the joy of this winter season. Here are some great volunteer opportunities in Santa Ana:

Operation Santa Claus : Unfortunately, thousands of children in Orange County won’t be having a very merry Christmas without our help. 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 happiness and hope to our most vulnerable children in Orange County who wouldn’t have otherwise had much at all.

Winter Wonderland Toy Drive : A toy drive will be held on December 9 at Huntington Park. Children who attend will be able to receive a toy, and attendees will have access to health screenings, haircuts, and additional resources and information. Further kids activities, like an artificial ice rink, will also take place. The event is free and open to all families.

Volunteer with The Salvation Army : Have you ever had a secret desire to play a musical instrument so exuberantly that fans felt compelled to empty their pockets of excess coinage into a festive nearby container? If so, the Salvation Army has the perfect gig for you. OK, so that instrument is a bell, and the fans are harried shoppers, but the basic premise remains the same. If performing in this manner isn’t in your wheelhouse, how about helping pick out gifts for kids or serving as a personal shopper for a needy family?

Shopping

For many, the holiday season means covering the house from roof to floor with tinsel, Christmas trees, lights, and a host of other decorations. Then, of course, there are presents: Is there anything better than seeing a loved one’s face light up as they open a holiday gift you picked out for them? Whether you’re looking for unique seasonal decorations or a special gift to show someone how much you care, Santa Ana is the perfect place to be!

Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees : It’s all fir one and one fir all at Pumpkin City’s Christmas Trees near Santa Ana. A wide selection of fresh-cut trees features the following types: noble fir, grand fir, Douglas fir, Nordmann fir, and Fraser fir. In addition to trees, Pumpkin City also sells Christmas decorations and wreaths.

Sugar Plum Holiday Festival : This vintage market’s offerings will dance—if not outright take up residence—in your head. Over 100 artists and crafters will be selling a mix of vintage, upcycled, chic, and handmade gifts and decorations.

MainPlace Mall : MainPlace Mall is a favorite shopping destination in Santa Ana all year round! With stores like H&M, The Children’s Place, and Bargain Book World, you’ll be sure to find something for all of your loved ones here. Plus, if you stop by after November 16, you can even get a photo with Santa Claus!

Safe Celebration

Who among us has not burned a cinnamon-scented candle during the holidays? But did you know that up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles? Be sure to take extra care when lighting candles in your apartment, especially your bedroom. Consider using battery-powered candles or scented spray instead to address all your aroma needs while avoiding any inherent dangers. And if you do use candles, do not leave them unattended.

Christmas trees can also create another fire hazard. If you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment for the holidays, 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!

With so many activities, performances, shopping experiences, and opportunities to give, Santa Ana has all you need for an unforgettable holiday season. From all of us at River House Apartment Homes in the heart of Santa Ana, Happy Holidays!

The Santa Ana Zoo: The Perfect Family Outing

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 18:22:00 GMT

It can be easy to get caught up in your regular, busy daily routine and forget to take time to step away and do something fun! If you are looking for an activity that will be perfect for the whole family, spend a day at the zoo! Zoos are fun and different from regular daily activities, and they can also teach the importance of conservation and animal care while you’re at it!

Here in Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Zoo is the perfect place to spend a fun day out with your family. With lots of amazing animals and fun attractions, this will be an experience you won’t soon forget. Here are three things to know before you go and see it for yourself.

About the Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo opened in 1952 and has been a favorite local destination ever since. Its 20 acres focus on the animals and plants of Central and South America . The land was actually donated by Joseph Prentice , but he had one clear stipulation: They would always have to keep at least 50 monkeys present in the zoo at all times. Santa Ana zoo has kept its end of the promise.

In addition to the abundance of monkeys, the Santa Ana Zoo has plenty of other animals! With over 120 different species and 350 individual animals , there is a lot to see. Whatever your favorite animals are, chances are you’ll find something you love here at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Zoofari Express

While you’re at the Santa Ana Zoo, there are some exciting attractions you can experience! One of the most popular attractions is the Zoofari Express. The Zoofari Express is an environmentally friendly, electric locomotive that takes children on a journey through the zoo. Make sure not to miss this attraction during your next visit.

How to Make Your Zoo Visit Even Better

With all the incredible animals and attractions, your time at the Santa Ana Zoo is sure to be a great time! But, to make your day even more fun, Mother Natured has put together a useful article of tips to improve your visit to the zoo . Here are their 10 suggestions:

All these things are simple actions that can make your day more enjoyable and memorable. Tip #10, Act, is encouraging you to take away one thing you learned at the zoo. The Santa Ana Zoo, along with most zoos, teaches you a lot about how you can help wildlife. Pay attention to this the next time you are at the zoo. It is surprising how easy it is to make a difference!

We can’t wait for you to come and experience the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana, California, for yourself! There is so much to do, see, and learn. The Santa Ana Zoo is one of many places to love in Santa Ana. If you are interested in finding a place to stay, though, River House Apartment Homes in Santa Ana offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent. Complete with a soothing spa, a sparkling pool, a playground, a fitness center, gathering areas, and more, this could be the perfect home for you. We hope you love Santa Ana as much as we do!

How You Can Improve Your Credit Score With This Simple Change

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:51:00 GMT

Rent: It’s one of the first items on your monthly budget, and paying rent is such an ingrained habit that you barely even have to think about it. If you’re not in the habit of paying rent online , though, you might consider starting. Why? Because paying your rent online can raise your credit score!

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.

When you pay rent online, your payments are reported, it shows credit bureaus what they are looking for, and it can combine with credit card payments to improve your credit score even more. Here’s how it works.

Send Your Payments to Credit Bureaus

Paying rent is a pretty simple way to improve 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.”

So you have to make sure your payments are recorded. But how? At River House Apartment Homes , 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

To understand how online rental payments make you look good, it helps to understand what goes into a credit score. Experian, for 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

For another added boost to your score, you might try getting a credit card that you only use to pay 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.”

It’s just one extra step to add to your rent payment each month, but when you pay off that bill, it pays off for you!

Improve your credit score by paying your rent online through the resident portal . 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!

Check Out These Eco-Friendly Apartments in Santa Ana at River House

Thu, 27 May 2021 22:04:00 GMT

Air monitoring shows that over 90 percent of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of one or more air pollutants during some part of the year. The need for eco-friendly change is greater than it ever has been.

Here at River House Apartments , we want to do all we can to protect the environment and promote sustainable living. Here are some things that we are doing here at River House to be more eco-friendly and improve our environment.

Saving Water

Since Santa Ana is one of many places prone to droughts, we do all we can to use water sparingly. We have cut down on water waste by planting drought-resistant plants and replacing some grass and mulch areas with beautiful stone. In areas that need watering, we have a drip irrigation system that wastes much less water than traditional sprinkling systems. These measures allow us to save thousands of gallons of water on our landscaping.

Concerning our plumbing, we have low-flow toilets , which use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets. Each low-flow toilet can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year!

Reducing Paper and Plastic

At River House Apartments, we are cutting down on paper and plastic waste. We go paperless by doing everything—rent payments, service requests, applications, and notices—online. This switch to paperless has helped us to be much more eco-friendly while also providing a more convenient process for our residents.

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!

In order to reduce plastic waste, we have provided a water bottle refill station on the property. This has been significantly reducing the waste from plastic water bottles.

Encouraging Recycling

One of the best ways to be more eco-friendly is to recycle. Our residents are encouraged to recycle along with our staff. Recycling bins have been conveniently located 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.

Recycling can also be taken locally in Santa Ana to OC Recycling . 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. 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 make a difference right here in California. If you are looking for eco-friendly apartments, River House Apartments apartments is the perfect place for you!

Here’s Why River House Has the Best Apartments for Rent in Santa Ana, CA

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 17:39:00 GMT

Located in the heart of Orange County, Santa Ana, CA, is a gorgeous and diverse city home to the Santa Ana Zoo, Bowers Museum, a museum showcasing Native American art and relics, and the Discovery Cube, an interactive play-and-learn science museum. Not to mention, Santa Ana is within close proximity to the world-famous Disneyland, scheduled to reopen to the public in April , and Knott’s Berry Farm, scheduled to reopen in May . It is no surprise, therefore, that many individuals and families choose to reside in Santa Ana.

Searching for apartments in Santa Ana, CA? Here’s why River House boasts the best apartments on the market.

Appealing Atmosphere

Ask our current residents at River House what their favorite part about our property is, and they might be stumped. There are so many things to appreciate. What brought them to us, however, might have been the curb appeal. Our gorgeous apartments are open, comfortable, and cozy. Residents enjoy having maintenance staff on site, along with access to covered parking, a clean and well-maintained resort-style pool, and a gorgeous spa. Take advantage of the charming, family-centric vibe.

Amazing Amenities

Not only is the ambiance appealing, but we offer our residents top-notch amenities. Our outdoor offerings allow residents to take advantage of the incredible California weather all year round.

We offer our residents the following amenities:

Our residents appreciate having all their everyday needs fulfilled right at home on our property. Our onsite laundry facilities and fitness center allow you to wash and exercise at your convenience without having to leave the comfort of home. River House is also pet-friendly, so furry (and non-furry) friends rejoice!

Santa Ana is a great place to call home. And as far as apartment rentals go, River House is a top-notch choice! With our appealing atmosphere and excellent amenities, River House is truly one of a kind. Reach out to our team today to see what apartments are available for you!

Supporting Local Restaurants in Santa Ana

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:53:00 GMT

With so many restaurants closing their doors forever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to join together to support our favorite small businesses. Luckily, supporting local restaurants isn’t too hard when there are so many great places local to Santa Ana. Not only can you support restaurants by ordering food to go, but you can also consider purchasing their merchandise or gift cards or simply making a donation straight to them. Another important way to support them is to tip well every time you eat out.

There are so many places in Santa Ana that we eat at regularly. Here are three of our favorite local restaurants near River House Apartments that we think you would absolutely love.

California Juice Authentic Mexican Grill

If you’re looking for a fresh Mexican meal to pair with a delicious juice or smoothie, California Juice is the place to go. Not only are their tortas super yummy, but they also have so many options to choose from. On top of authentic Mexican dishes, they serve fruit bowls that are perfect for a fresh and healthy breakfast before work. Plus, you can walk away with a full meal and a wellness shot all from the same place.

California Juice offers takeout for delivery or pickup, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your apartment while supporting local restaurants.

Kitchen 9

Kitchen 9 is one of the most unique restaurants we’ve tried. Combining Asian cuisine with American cuisine like sandwiches and fries, this restaurant has a wide variety of great food to choose from. And we love to have a great Asian restaurant around, especially when the area is dominated by Mexican food. We personally recommend their pho and egg rolls, which are so good without breaking the bank.

On top of their great food, Kitchen 9 also has a clean and nice interior, is run by a welcoming staff, and stays open 24/7. Whenever you have a late-night craving, this could become your new favorite place to go.

Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

Owned by an award-winning chef, Mix Mix is inspired by flavors from around the world, including dishes influenced by traditional French, Italian, and Filipino cuisines. This restaurant has won so many awards that it’s easy to understand why it’s one of our favorite local restaurants. Mix Mix not only has a menu full of unique options to choose from, but they also have fun promotions that change throughout the year. Currently, they offer takeout options as well as wine nights, which feature a full three-course meal with free wine. Regardless of what you end up ordering, your taste buds are sure to thank you for the great meal.

Supporting local restaurants is easy when there are so many delicious options to choose from. If you end up trying any of our three favorite restaurants here in Santa Ana, let us know! We would love to hear from you.

Image courtesy of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

Tips for Setting Goals in the New Year

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:43:00 GMT

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that you ended up giving up on within the first month? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Luckily, it’s that time of year again, which means you can set some new goals you are passionate about .

The key to setting achievable goals is to make them as specific as possible. With the right goal, you won’t be too intimidated to get started, and you’ll stay motivated throughout the process. But setting goals that are the perfect level of challenging is hard! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips that help you create goals you will actually accomplish in 2021.

Reward Yourself Regularly

A great way to keep yourself motivated and form mindful habits is to use a habit loop. According to Charles Duhigg , the author of The Power of Habit, achieving goals is largely based on the power of your habits. Every habit has three parts to it: cue, routine, and reward. The key to forming lasting habits and hacking into this habit loop is a good reward.

Every time you complete an aspect of your goal, give yourself a small reward to keep you motivated. For example, if your resolution is to exercise more often, every time you go for a run, reward yourself with a delicious meal when you get home. Each time you reward yourself, you’ll be more likely to complete the task again.

Make SMART Goals

You may have heard of setting SMART goals before. This acronym breaks down the necessary components of a well-rounded and achievable goal. Unlocking these characteristics will leave you much better equipped to accomplish anything you want. Here’s exactly what each letter stands for and what it means:

Give Up on Perfection

The greatest barrier to achieving our goals is the idea that they have to be perfectly accomplished. Not only is this unattainable and untrue, but having this idea will often cause us to procrastinate. Those who are too stuck on perfection have lower odds of accomplishing anything because the stakes are too high. Instead of focusing on this idea of perfection, acknowledge the constant progress you’re making.

Be easy on yourself and celebrate every step along the way. Self-love is important while setting goals, too.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be silly, unattainable goals we come up with only to have something to say to our loved ones when they ask about them. They can help us grow, build confidence, and inspire us to work harder. Invest in yourself by setting goals you can actually achieve by following these three tips. The new year is the perfect time! Here’s to 2021.

The Benefits of Living at River House’s Pet-Friendly Community

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:18:00 GMT

Do you own a pet? If you do, you know how much joy pets bring to life for those who have them, and that happens to be a lot of people. In fact, in America, 67 percent of households own a pet. But finding a place to live that is perfect for both you and your furry friend can be tricky.

At River House Apartment Homes , we know how important and beneficial pets are. That is why we offer pet-friendly apartments with lots of comforts for your pet. Interested in what those might be? Read on to learn all about the specific benefits of pet ownership, the amenities we have to offer to you and your pet, and which pets we welcome to River House.

The Pros of Having Pets

Beyond just bringing a daily dose of cuteness, pets have marked positive effects on the lives of their owners. Did you know that owning a pet actually makes you healthier? Research by the CDC shows that having a pet lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Not only that, but it is proven that having a pet lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease . One of the reasons for this could be that pets get you on your feet. Chasing a puppy around or taking it on walks helps pet owners achieve their recommended daily exercise, an important component of general health.

Not only do pets make you physically healthier, but they improve your mental health as well. Studies have shown that having pets lowers the level of stress hormones in your body . If you have a pet, you can stay calm in stressful situations, which keeps you happier overall. Pet owners are also less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. Finally, pets help their owners feel less lonely. For example, in a study of 148 college women, those who owned pets ranked lower on the UCLA Loneliness Scale than those without. With all these benefits, it is impossible to ignore how beneficial it is to have a pet in your home.

Amenities for Pets and their Owners

At River House, we want your pet to have the best experience possible. That is why we provide several amenities to ensure their comfort, as well as your own. First, we make sure that our apartments are spacious enough for you and your pet to have plenty of room to lounge around and play together. As far as outdoor play goes, River House has a nice spacious green area for you and your pet to enjoy together without having to travel anywhere, with Pet Waste Stations conveniently placed throughout the property.

If you would like more space, River House is also located just a stone’s throw away from Riverview Park, as well as Edna Park. Both of these beautiful parks have plenty of room for your pet to run around to its heart’s content and play some competitive games of fetch. River House is also situated near the Santa Ana Riverbed Trail, perfect for scenic walks. All this and so much more make our residences the perfect pet-friendly apartments.

Pets at River House

It is so important to us that our residents feel welcome bringing their pets with them. That is why we have a few guidelines to make sure everything runs smoothly for you and your furry friends. When you first move in, we ask that you make sure your pet is approved by management. We have breed restrictions due to size and behavior traits. Cats are always welcome. We also love to host your hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, or other small pets, but they must be caged and kept in a sanitary condition. Any other pets have to be specifically approved, but don’t worry too much: Almost all animals get the seal of approval!

All of us at River House are proud to offer you pet-friendly apartments and hope to meet you and your four-legged friends soon!

Wondering How to Improve Credit? Pay Rent Online

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 23:29:00 GMT

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

How to Stay Optimistic During These Crazy Times

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:07:00 GMT

Staying optimistic can be difficult even in the best of times, but when the news seems to be consistently bad, it’s hard for even the most optimistic person to remain positive. But that only means we have to make an effort to focus on the good things. Not sure how? Here are three things you can do:

Take a trip down memory lane.

You have probably endured many other unpredictable life disruptions. Perhaps you’ve had a death in the family, or your friends lost a home in an earthquake or hurricane. Or perhaps you were severely affected by the financial fiasco in ’08? Think about how you got through those times—because you did. And you’re a much stronger person because of all of that. Take some time out of every day to remind yourself that you do have resilience .

Take care of the people around you.

It’s important to follow CDC guidelines and remain safe. If someone you know does get sick, just take a few moments to call them or safely check in on them. Doing this will not only make them feel special, but it will also make you feel much, much better about our current predicament, especially if you ask them what you can do to help—then act.

Send surprise gifts through the mail.

You may not always be able to stop by with baked cookies , so sending someone you love a care package or even a card in the mail can be a wonderful surprise. This is an especially effective way to show you care to the older generation who may not be able to reciprocate. Many nursing homes have shut their doors to visitors, making the elderly who live there feel even more vulnerable and isolated.

When the world seems to be caving in on itself, it’s hard for anyone to remain positive. But we have to keep going. We have to remember that we’ll get through this. And if it’s in our capabilities, we have to show others that it’s going to be okay as well.

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

Sun, 20 Dec 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!

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

Tue, 15 Dec 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

Sun, 06 Dec 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 lobby, 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

Tue, 01 Dec 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.