Blog Posts

Basics for Everyone to Include in Their Wardrobe

Welcome back to the Liv Avenida Blog! Last week we pointed out items in your home that you should get rid of. We mentioned the importance of clearing old clothes from your closet. Today, we want to delve deeper into that issue and point out some tips for keeping your wardrobe up-to-date and full of clothes you’ll wear, in or out of your apartment in Chandler, AZ. The Mindset Before you start donating everything in sight, approach the task of organizing your closet with the right mindset. Let yourself become ok with getting rid of items by realizing that it’s ok to rotate items in your closet out that you no longer love or fit into. It’ll be easier on your budget to do this if you thrift shop, if you choose low-cost (ethically made) items, and if you invest in basics that can be worn in a variety of situations and seasons. Then get rid of everything else! Evergreen Pieces Classic pieces like jeans, a leather jacket, and white sneakers are always in style. Different prints, cuts, and accessories are things that change with the trends. Look for staples like nice tees in neutral colors, fitted jeans in black or blue, and even short-sleeved bodysuits are good for layering to create different looks. For Warm Weather Jean and linen shorts are items that can look classy and fun and that can go well with all sorts of tops. Flowy skirts and dresses made of cotton are also good for keeping you cool, especially for dressier occasions. Find a good pair of sandals or flip flops and a swimming suit you love for your summer outings. The Perfect Shoe It’s a good idea for everyone to have a great pair of nice quality shoes that work well for a variety of outfits. For women that may include basic black pumps , sleek nude heels , and a stunning red shoe . For men, Real Men Real Style suggests looking for black leather oxfords for formal occasions, brogues for everyday use, dress boots for less formal occasions, loafers for casual days and weekends, and a wildcard pair. Get creative, but look for shoes that will look nice with what you have and will suit the purposes of what you’re doing. Loungewear Sometimes your favorite item in your closet is a cozy robe or the most comfortable pair of sweats or leggings you can lounge in. Invest in those and take care of them so they can last. What other tips do you have for updating your wardrobe? What basics do you include in your closet? Share your thoughts with the rest of us in the comments. Thanks for reading! We hope these tips help you curate your style the best you can, with the space you have available.

Things in Your Home to Get Rid Of

We hope you’ve had a great start to July in Chandler, AZ! Last week our blog covered ways to celebrate Independence Day. As you’re recovering from your celebrations, clear your apartment of the unnecessary to further give you peace of mind. Back in April, we shared tips for how to go about decluttering your Liv Avenida apartment . Today, we want to give you more specific ideas of what items to purge from your home. Expired items. If things are expired, they are no longer good! Go through your purse, wallet, pantry, and bathroom cupboards and get rid of coupons, canned goods, and medications with “sell by” or “best by” dates that have come and gone. It’s easy to think you might use it, but time passes quicker than you think, and if you forget about it, that’s just another pointless piece of junk crowding your space! Old clothes. This can be a complicated issue, especially if you want to hold onto items that might fit you later or items that you simply don’t wear because they’re not in season at the moment. But be sure to distinguish between what’s seasonal and what you simply no longer love. Old magazines. These and other papers that may accumulate as you take notes just take up space, and you probably rarely get around to appreciating them anyway. Keep around three magazines, max, if you really want something for guests to browse. Broken items. Sure, if you’re going to repurpose something right now and actually use it, you can keep it around. But usually if something’s broken, that probably means you haven’t used it in a while and you’ve learned to adapt without it. So let go. It will reduce the risk of you accidentally hurting yourself on it, too! Duplicate items. Whether it’s for the kitchen or your closet, having duplicate items might seem functional, but it can really just crowd up your space. Evaluate your habits and keep the item that will last you longer or the item you most often use. Entertainment you don’t use. Sometimes you buy a book or movie thinking you’ll love it, but you only enjoy it once — or you even don’t like it. Sell or donate it so someone else can. This also goes for items like cassette tapes or videos on tape that you no longer use or have means of watching. If you can’t bear to throw away some of these items (especially if they’re new, lightly used, or vintage), donate or sell them to your friends, a family in the community, or a thrift shop near you. What other items do you make a point to get rid of in your home? How do you keep yourself accountable for purging your home of these items? Share your thoughts with the rest of the apartment community by leaving a comment! Thanks for reading. Good luck!

How to Celebrate Independence Day in Chandler

Welcome back to the Liv Avenida Blog! Independence Day is this Wednesday, so plan your celebrations today to make the most of this holiday, in or out of your apartment at Liv Avenida. Today, our blog is highlighting the event not to miss in Chandler, AZ as you’re celebrating the 4th of July this year and offering ideas for other things you can do in honor of the holiday, too. In Chandler July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at Tumbleweed Park July 4th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Head to Tumbleweed Park for an evening of fun, without breaking the bank! Bring five dollars for parking and funds for food and any shopping at vendor booths you may want to do. Or simply come and enjoy the live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks show at the end of the night. See the site for detailed information about parking. At Home Of course, if you can’t or don’t want to make the Fireworks Spectacular show at Tumbleweed Park, stay in your apartment and celebrate in your own way with your loved ones. (This way, you can escape the heat!) We suggest throwing a barbecue or pool party if you still want some time outside, or watching your favorite movie with patriotic themes or set around the 4th of July for a relaxing day inside. Top Gun , National Treasure , Jaws , All The President’s Men , Remember the Titans , Independence Day , and A League of Their Own are all perfect movies for the summertime and the Fourth of July. And don’t forget the treats and activities! You can make almost any food (especially dessert) patriotic by incorporating red, white, and blue into your decorating. We suggest these 4th of July firecracker dogs for a fun snack, appetizer, side, or even main part of your meal and this firework poke cake for dessert! What are your favorite 4th of July traditions or events to attend near your apartment? Let us know by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading! We hope you have a happy Independence Day!

Cool Drinks for the Summer to Make in Your Apartment

No one is spared the harsh heat of Chandler, AZ, but everyone can take a reprieve from it here at Liv Avenida by relaxing by heading to our community saltwater pools and spas. Of course, if you want to enjoy the comfort of your own home, stay in and enjoy your apartment, which is equipped with ceiling fans and central air. Add a delicious, cool drink to your evening for a little something extra. Try these recipes! Kiwi Watermelon from Betty Crocker Blend together these frozen fruits for a fun and delicious smoothie. You’ll need a kiwi, watermelon, and green or purple grapes (or both!). Check out the Betty Crocker website for even more great make-ahead smoothies recipes that can be stored in the freezer before being blended. Fresh Peach Lemonade from Gather for Bread This lemonade is a perfect refreshing drink you can enjoy, whether you have a blender handy or not. You’ll need three large peaches, pitted, and cut into quarters, half a cup sugar, a cup of real lemon juice, and water. Click on the link above to learn the tips and tricks to make this a delicious and thirst-quenching drink. Copycat Sonic Cherry Limeade from Lil’ Luna Sometimes the thought of leaving the comfort of your cool apartment just to get a drink that will leave your hands sticky in a few seconds doesn’t sound like the most appealing idea. If that situation sounds familiar to you — or if you simply want to try making your own version of a classic drink — try this recipe! All it takes is 7UP or Sprite, cherries, lime wedges, ice, and maraschino syrup. What are your favorite drinks to make and enjoy for the summer? Leave your recipes or links to any great ones you’ve tried and loved in the comments so the rest of our apartment community can also enjoy! Thanks for reading. We hope you love these suggestions!

Pantry Musts

Stocking your pantry can seem like an overwhelming, expensive, never-ending chore. Today the Liv Avenida Blog has ideas to make it easy, or at least doable! Try these tips and stock up on these things to keep in your pantry for a comprehensive stock of items you’ll actually use in your apartment kitchen here in Chandler, AZ. Baking Supplies This can include anything and everything under the sun, but some staples include baking powder, baking soda, flour, salt, sugar, brown sugar, confectioners sugar, honey, canned pumpkin puree (and other fillings for your favorite pies), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, corn starch, corn syrup, and dried fruit. Herbs, Spices, and Flavoring Having the right spices for your dishes can add not only a pretty garnish but that extra kick of flavor that makes a recipe stand out. Include basics such as garlic and onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, Italian seasoning mix, oregano, cloves, cream of tartar, ginger, paprika, rosemary, and anything else you love in your collection. Pastas and Grains Find whole-grain pastas, crackers, and breads to find healthier options, or simply go for the normal ones. Spaghetti and various types of noodles, and rice are important ingredients to have on hand for your meals. Oils and Fats Whether you’re cooking or baking with them or even using them for other household purposes, you’ll thank yourself for planning ahead when you stock up on oils like coconut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil. Learn more about the 4 types of cooking oils you should have in your kitchen . Fast Meals It’s not always realistic to stick to a strict menu or to prepare a full-on meal. Busier nights often call for quick meals, and that’s ok! Decide what ingredients you need for your favorites. That may even include microwavable dinners. Have a variety of options to amp up the excitement and nutritional value. Snacks Healthy snacks make all the difference for when you’re craving something to satisfy you after a hearty meal. Include things like nuts, low-fat popcorn, applesauce, granola bars, and anything else you love. And don’t forget the fruits and veggies! As you put a few of these items into your grocery list each time you go, you can go about stocking your pantry with all the musts, low stress. What tips do you have for cleaning, organizing, and stocking your pantry? What items do you think everyone should keep in theirs? Share your thoughts with the rest of us by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading! We hope these ideas help.

Tips for Being Good to the Earth this Summer

Welcome back to the Liv Avenida Blog! Chandler, AZ is a beautiful place to live, although definitely a hot one! Do your part to do good to the earth this summer by being mindful of how you are consuming energy and impacting the earth. Last year we offered up tips for easy ways to conserve water in the summer . Today we have ideas for other ways to be environmentally conscious, in or out of your apartment. Air-dry. Air-drying clothing instead of putting them through the dryer can be a bit more space- and time-consuming, but it can save a lot of energy. If you don’t want to go to the effort, then you can set your dryer to use the auto-sensor function so it doesn’t keep running after the clothes dry. Most dishwashers have an air-dry setting, too, which uses less energy than the heat-dry setting. Plus, it keeps your clothes bright and in good shape! Recycle. Recycling is one of the best and easiest ways for you to lower the amount of waste you contribute to the world. Keep a separate bin for recycling near all of your trash bins, and check out what items can and cannot be recycled to do it right. Do it yourself. Reduce even more potential waste in your home by making your own products, such as non-toxic home cleaners , or crafts to decorate your home with. It’s a great way to develop skills, make use of the things you already have in your apartment, and use products that aren’t going to negatively impact the environment or the air you breathe. Support companies that care. You can’t always make, repurpose, or recycle things, so be sure that the things you do buy come from companies that put the environment first. They can greatly impact your local community and others worldwide, so support companies that are doing good to the environment or making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Check out these 8 eco-friendly brands and how you can learn from them. What other ways do you like to stay environmentally conscious? Share your experiences and suggestions with the rest of the apartment community by leaving a comment. Together we can make a huge difference! Thanks for reading.