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Throughout our blogs, we always like to bring you only good news to share with your family at our apartments in Austin, TX. And today, we are continuing to this mission and providing you with an educational list of things you can do in your daily life to save you time and money this spring and long into 2021 and beyond.
Below is a start to a list of simple household tips that we have collected over the years. The initial list came from my Mom who gave it to me when I was in college. Since then, similar lists have popped up all over the web. And with good reason!
Watch our blog later this month for more ways to use products that you have in your house for things that you probably have not thought of in the past.
Safe Way to Pick-up Broken Glass d of using a sponge that will retain the small particles pieces of glass, use cotton balls. They do a much better and safer job of getting the job done.
Easy Tip for Removing Dust Under the Fridge – We have talked about spring cleaning in our former blogs and should have added this tip, too. To get the dirt out from under your refrigerator, grab an empty paper towel holder and attach it to your wand on your vacuum. You will be amazed at how much dust and dirt you can remove with this household tip.
Removing Static Cling – Back in the day when most women wore slips under their dresses and skirts, they would place a few safety pins to the inside of the seams. This immediately removes and eliminates ‘static cling.” This works for shirts, too!
Easy Tip to Clean Sticky Measuring Cups – We love peanut butter, yet we don’t like the tacky mess it leaves in our measuring cups and spoons. Thank goodness we were reminded about this simple trick. Just warm up the spoons and cups with hot water, pour it out, yet do not dry them off. You will find that any sticky substance will simple slide out with no mess left behind. This works wonders on Honey in particular!
Simple Way to Rid the Foggy Windshield – Although this may be a rare occasion in Austin, this is still a great tip to share with your friends and family. To easily erase a foggy windshield, buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in your car for the next foggy morning.
Got more ideas? We would love to see them and share them with your neighbors at our apartment community in Austin, TX.
Follow this link to our Facebook page and post away!
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Earlier this month we shared some of our top tips for spring cleaning. The article was so popular we decided to do more research to help you get your apartment in Austin clean and shiny this spring!
Coffee Filter Cleaners
One of the most affordable tools in the house is probably sitting next to your coffee cups in the cupboard. Time to pull them out and put them to a new use! Did you know they worked really well as a dust rag? Just wipe and toss and you will be on your way.
Even better, when placing food into the microwave, top it off with a coffee filter and say good-bye to spaghetti stains and other colorful sauces that used to pop all over inside!
Shoe Storage Savior
The next time you cannot find a match for your left shoe or right, go out to the local liquor store and pick-up a wine box. It is the perfect home for storing your shoes together and saving space at the same time.
Computer Cord Caddy
Just before you toss that toilet paper or paper towel tube, hold on to it! They are the ideal solution for gathering all those computer cords into one tidy bundle. This works for electrical cords as well so save those handy cylinders and repurpose them today.
Another ideal container that works well for this same purpose is pipe insulation. We got some at the hardware store and found that the ½ inch is the ideal size for seizing the mess under our desks.
Pie Plate Dustpan
For quick clean-ups of spilled dirt, sugar, flour and more, keep an aluminum pie plate handy. Cut it in half, clean up your mess, and toss it all away into the trash.
Glove Dust Magnets
Here is a great tip for dusting off the knickknacks around your apartment in Austin. Grab a pair of ‘cotton’ garden gloves, spray them with your favorite natural cleaner, and dust all those small accessories that have collected dust over the winter months. This ‘fingertip’ cleaning tip is one of our favorite ways to keep our keepsakes clean throughout the year.
Designer Drawers
When was the last time you could not find something in your bathroom drawer? Gone are the days of trying to find the lip balm or toe-nail clippers! We have found that a silverware drawer insert is the ideal solution for sorting out all sorts of stuff that deserves its own space.
If you have any more ideas that we should share with your neighbors at our pet friendly apartment community in Austin, send them our way! And in the meantime, the best of success to you in your spring cleaning endeavors!
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With spring officially around the corner, our team at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin, Tx, knows exactly what that means: It is Spring-Cleaning Season.
Luckily for most of us, all the things we need to clean our apartment without the harsh chemicals that are included in most cleaning agents, are right here in our kitchen. Here is your list of items that will help you leave your apartment at Juniper Springs spic and span!
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Borax (or similar product)
- Plastic Spray Bottle
- Clean Soft Cloths
By following the tips on how to naturally clean your apartment in Austin, TX, below, you will end up with some simple and affordable ways to clean your carpets, bathrooms, windows, and kitchen, without the intrusion of chemical fumes.
White Vinegar
Place mixture of ¼ part vinegar and ¾ parts water into a spray bottle. Then get to work. I have found this combination to work well to remove hard-water spots throughout by bathroom, and well into the kitchen where it works to remove the spots on my coffee pot and other glassware. It is a good one to take with you when you are washing windows or need to get gooey stickers off products that you recently purchased.
When it comes to cleaning drains, my neighbor told me about the power of White Vinegar or Cider Vinegar. It is much better for your pipes than any of the more toxic products.
It is also great for getting any lime scales or stains on your sink, shower, or tub.
One more plug for the power of vinegar. Mix a cup of vinegar with a few tablespoons of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice – then go give your furniture a fresh and lemony dusting and polishing.
Lemon Juice
I bet you have never thought about putting lemon juice in your wash machine. Using a half cup of juice for every gallon of water will brighten those light and bright spring whites in no time. For tougher stains on your clothes, or your countertops, just spray the juice (no water) right on the stain, let it sit, then wash or wipe it down.
We have also used lemon juice to clean our toilets. Grab some baking soda and mix it with lemon juice – then use this paste to make your toilets lemony-fresh and clean.
If you are using lemons, and not the purchased lemon juice product, the juice from a fresh lemon works wonders in the fridge. Just cut it in half and leave it on the shelf for a week or so. You will know when it is time to toss it in the trash.
Baking Soda
Make a batch of this non-toxic abrasive cleaning product by mixing the baking soda with equal parts of salt.
Apply the mixture on a wet sponge or cloth and head to the bathroom to spit-shine your sinks and tubs.
This works wonders when cleaning your refrigerator. Got fresh stains on the carpet? Rub a bit on the spot, leave it for about an hour, then vacuum it out. It should remove any unwanted smell as well.
One more note about baking soda – for your teeth. Really! Add a touch to your toothpaste then brush away!
Now that is a shine that you can appreciate for years to come!
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In our first blog for February, we shared some ideas to help all of us get out and enjoy the spring season. Today, we continue to do the same with a mission to help our local economy spring into a more successful year ahead.
Within the same theme of ‘getting out of our apartments in Austin, we thought we would share some dining options where you can enjoy the fresh air dining ‘al fresco’ in Austin.
In addition to all our ideas as to where to Dine Outside in Austin that we listed in a blog last fall, here are new restaurant options in Austin that are offering outside dining.
Bon Appetit!
Always a favorite, Easy Tiger is one of the trendiest spots for dining outside. With a location in North Austin and South Austin, and NEW East Austin location (opening this month!), there are plenty of options no matter where you are within the city and outskirts of Austin.
We looked into their reviews to find a local’s opinion to share the experience with you.
“Easy Tiger at the Linc offers a spacious beer garden complete with ping pong, a stage and outside bar. The location also offers the same amazing food as downtown with a couple extra options along with a larger bakery with pastries. Parking is ample, and there is even a drive thru! There is a bar both inside and outside serving up craft beer, creative cocktails and wines. It is the perfect space for a happy hour, date night, business meeting or flying solo. I enjoyed myself so much, I didn't want to leave!” (Amy D, Austin Tx)
Whether you choose to sip a beverage alongside the river or treat your pooch to a dinner night out, this dog-friendly favorite spot of ours is always on our list when we have guests in town. Promoting its restaurant as a “Gathering Place for Family and Friends,” the setting alone will assure you and yours a delightful dining experience in the great outdoors.
They have also opened a new outdoor party venue called Rendezvous – complete with a ‘canoe bar,’ Tivoli lights, and casual seating within an open tented private setting.
Touting its establishment as The Sunset Capital of Texas, this expansive operation has more than enough outdoor seating for all who flock to the edge of Lake Travis in Austin, TX. Noted as “quite possibly one of the most spectacular sunset locations on the planet,” the views are just the beginning of what is in store for you and yours.
They are also famous for their signature cocktails. Among our favorites ~ a very unusual yet yummy Spiced Banana Colada, Oasis Mexican Martini, Sunny Peach Lemonade, and Oasis Sunset.
If you had planned a wedding in 2020 and had to wait, give them a call to find out when you can rekindle your plans for that special occasion within one of their many private event locations.
Be it indoors, outdoors, or on the go, El Alma restaurant and bar is doing whatever it takes to ensure you can still enjoy their sensational selection of food and drinks with a real local touch.
As best said by the proprietors:
“El Alma is the culmination of two great friends — Restaurateur Carlos Rivero, and Chef Alma Alcocer. Together, they bring to life a fresh approach to Mexican flavors in a cozy neighborhood restaurant.”
Rather dine at home? You can still support their business by pre-ordering and picking up their popular Dinner Kits to Go in Austin, TX!
Cheers! No matter where you go and choose to dine, our team at our apartments in North Austin thank you for doing your best to support our local restaurants and businesses this year.
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Welcome to 2021! If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to get your apartment in North Austin, TX, a little more organized and welcoming, our January blogs are for you!
Starting a new year gives us every reason to toss the past behind us and focus forward on the good things in life. With so many of us spending more time at home, this may be the best resolution to put at the top of your list!
We have just walked through our apartment at Juniper Springs and used that tour to develop our own list of how we will start the process, today! On behalf of our entire team, we wish you the best of success in streamlining and organizing your apartment this month!
Happy New Year!
Welcome Home!
We all know about ‘first impressions.’ How’s yours … as friends and family walk in the door. Shoes on the floor, coats hanging off the edge of the closet door? Perhaps your plant has seen better days? To get started on your new resolution, go outside, and then walk in and take a visual inventory. If you are pleased with what you see, fabulous! You are on your way.
If not, time to tidy up the entry. And that does not mean just throw everything in the closet. It will be there when you need to repeat that habit the next time. Maybe it’s time to donate a few jackets to the local thrift shop. Perhaps you need a small bench for the variety of shoes and boots? Whatever you can do to make that closet purposeful and not a holding tank will be a super first step to getting your entry welcoming and clutter-free.
A Kitchen is for Cooking
Are your countertops cluttered with unread mail or perhaps missing bills? Has your kitchen table become a mailbox holding ground? One of the fastest habits to break that will bring the purpose of your kitchen back to work is tossing your mail or various stacks of paper where they belong -before you land in the kitchen.
We have added a new and colorful basket right by the entry of our apartment. When we come home, we stop and assess the mail at the entrance to our home. Bills go in one pile, the useful paper goods (like our favorite magazines) go to into the basket for further review, and all other unwanted materials go directly into the trash which is conveniently located under our sink in the kitchen!
Our neighbors did it differently – yet their system works. They bought several rectangle baskets, labeled them, and placed them on a shelf. Bills into one bin, cards and other personal items in another, and junk mail in the final basket for review or removal when time allows. They also finally convinced us to go to online billing and contact the publisher of unwanted magazines to remove our name from their list.
Bedrooms are for Sleeping
There’s a favorite chair in our bedroom that brings back endless memories of family time gone by. Prior to our reorganizing spree, you could not see it as it turned into a “clothing catcher” of all sorts. Today, it proudly sits awaiting our return to enjoy some quiet time with a good book. The piles of clothing now have their own designated space. They are either placed on hangers (we bought quite a few for a great value) or live in a hamper to await laundry day.
Stay tuned to our next blog later this month for more top tips on how to organize your apartment in 2021!
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“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” – Cicero
With Thanksgiving in our focus at our apartment community in North Austin, TX, it brings back great memories of gathering together with friends and family during this time of the year.
It is also time to reflect-back to all the good in life that we may have forgotten to appreciate through our most recent challenging times. In that light, we thought we would share some ideas to help children, and adults as well, get together to share their ideas and memories about the more positive things in life.
Below you will find an easy list of ideas that we have gathered from our favorite family-focused websites. We encourage you to take some time to share these ideas before Thanksgiving and perhaps during the upcoming holiday as well.
Make Time to Say Thanks
During this busy time of the year, it is often challenging to get a family to sit down for dinner when it is usually the best time for a family conversation. Perhaps you can start the inspiration at breakfast and ask everyone to spend a moment to share what they are thankful for each morning. This will jump-start everyone’s day in positive note which they can carry with them throughout each day.
Post Your Gratitude
If you have some post-it notes, pull them out and put them to good use this Thanksgiving! This simple idea can last a long time when it comes to reminding your family how grateful you are for their love and kindness. Just write a quick note – and perhaps post it in the bathroom on the mirror. You can rest assured they will see it at some point during the day!
And then leave the post-it pad with a pen close by … to encourage their own inspirational thoughts.
Give Thanks Across the Street and Beyond
With all the delicious recipes overflowing on the internet, maybe this will inspire you and your children to make something yummy to share with the next-door neighbors?
Or help out at the local Food Bank or Soup Kitchen volunteering, safely, to help those who need it most.
Play the Alphabet Game
This is an easy one that everyone can play – be it indoors or out! Start with the letter “A” and ask everyone to name something that they are grateful for that begins with “A”. Think: adoration for my family, art, apple pie!
Try A Game of Gratitude
All you need are a few pieces of paper and pen, and a timer, for this easy and interactive game. Tell the players that they will have one minute to write down everything that they are grateful for this past year. Whoever has the biggest list can then oversee starting a similar game with a ball in hand. The idea here is to hold the ball, say what you are thankful for, then toss the ball to another friend or family member. This can be a timed event as well. Set it for a minute and see how many times the ball can be passed.
Start a Piggy Bank Filled with Love
We love this one. Give everyone seven pieces of paper on which they will write their thoughts. No name is required – just the thought. Every morning, have them place their paper in a jar through the week. On Thanksgiving, or during the holiday weekend, find time to pass the Piggy Bank around the table and ask everyone to pull out one thought and share it with all involved.
Create a Family Thank You Journal
All you need for this idea is a blank book (or large notepad) that will be a treasured keepsake. We like to start this on Thanksgiving and encourage our family to write their thoughts of gratitude within the Journal until Christmas Day. It is not necessary to write every day, yet at least once a week. We use Sundays as our days to stop and reflect on what we are thankful for during that past week.
On Christmas, we close the book and share it on New Year’s Eve. You may be surprised how all the entries can set a healthy and happy tone for the new year ahead.
Bring Back the Hand-Written Thank You Note!
If there is one act of kindness that our staff at Juniper Springs apartments in Austin appreciates most – it’s a good-old-fashioned Thank You note. These are certainly appropriate after one receives a gift yet are just as powerful as an impromptu act of kindness. No need to wait to just to tell someone you are thinking about them or appreciate their guidance and advice.
We hope you have enjoyed this bit of inspiration to kick-start the holiday season. From all of us at the Juniper Springs apartment community, we thank you for your friendship and wish you a warm and memorable Thanksgiving.
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For those have lived in and around the Austin area for quite some time, we all know how warm our region can get during the summer months. For those who know what it’s like or are new to our apartment community at Juniper Springs, we’re here to help all of you enjoy some of the best ways to keep cool all summer long.
Get Crafty
With unlimited monthly memberships or pay as you play options (that start at $10 per person), CRAFT offers a colorful selection of DIY tools and supplies to keep your mind creative and your body cool indoors – all year long. It’s an arts and crafts studio for adults that offers workshops and workstations to create whatever you want or sign up to learn a new craft. From sewing, to screen printing, dream catcher classes, and more, there’s plenty of options to keep your creative juices flowing all summer long.
Get Your Indoor Garden Growing
We love new options to bring nature inside to our apartments in Austin and thanks to Architecture Designs of Austin, you can too. Head on over to take a class on how to create terrariums, succulent arrangements, mosaics and lots more. Most materials are provided and including plants, mosses and other interesting and natural embellishments. Classes start at $55 and include instruction, ideas, and most materials.
Get Sketchy
Austin Visual Arts Association (AVAA) offers another interesting idea to keep one’s mind focused off of the heat. Every Sunday through Thursday, the Association offers a “Meet-Up” where artists of all ability levels (ages 18+) to have the opportunity to sketch a live model in creative costume, or in the nude. AVAA provides easels and artist benches with the open studio prices at a very modest $5.
Visit Hill Country Science Mill
Just a short drive to Johnson City provides a long day of mind-enriching opportunities. At the Hill Country Science Mill, you can watch a variety of 3-D movies and exhibits in their children’s museum. Some of our favorites include The Story of Water, Virtual Reality and Cell Phone Disco. Admission prices vary, and all are worth the price of admission.
View 3-D art at Dimension Gallery
If you enjoy the 3-D experience, be sure to put the Dimension Gallery on your summer to do list. The only 3-D gallery of its kind in the city, the East Side space plays host to a rotating cast of local artists who produce three-week solo shows. Another bonus, it’s free! dimensiongallery.org
Get Creative at Coldtowne Theater
Now here’s an interesting option to get your mind and body fully in tune with each other this summer; head on over to the Coldtowne Theater to learn all about the art of improvisation. The theater hosts ten levels of improv classes, from introductory sessions to advanced forms to coaching and directing.
Don’t Miss Esther’s Follies
For some real down home entertainment that will leave you up for more of all that they offer at Ester’s Follies, be sure to put this option on your summer entertainment schedule. Tickets are only $25 and worth every cent.
Read, Share, and Sip at the Four Seasons Book Club
Bring your book club downtown! The Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin offers a lovely location for sharing your favorite story while sipping on signature beverages and delving into their latest dessert. The program is called “Library Loungers,” and it’s a new book club program that cultivates reading discussions within their sophisticated living-room atmosphere. The lounge, limited to 15 guests per club, is available Sunday and Monday afternoons from 3 to 8 p.m.; reservations must be made at least two weeks before the event.
Be sure to watch for our next blog later this month of more ideas to fuel your creative talents while keeping cool in Austin this summer!
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