Here are a few ideas and shows to help you plan a dinner party around your favorite series to binge-watch.

"The Crown"

Actress Claire Foy lets us see what it was really like for Queen Elizabeth II to come to the throne during her young years as daddy's little girl. The show shines a real-life light onto the fairy-tale image many people have of the royal family. 

To enjoy this show properly, pair it with:

• Tea
• Finger sandwiches
• Cake

"Orange Is the New Black"

Who knew prison could get so popular? When the orange jumpsuits are on your TV screen, there are plenty of antics and weird conversations that can ensue in your living room. Feed your crew with:

• Meatloaf
• Corn on the cob
• Frito cake
• Red wine

"Bloodline"

Every family has its problems, but the secrets that reside in the Florida keys are serious. If you're taking a binge on "Bloodline," stack your table with:

• Marinated fish tacos 
• Key lime pie
• Rumrunners

"Godless"

Let the ladies of the wild, Wild West show you how it was really done. Get ready to see history a little differently as these gals take on the good, the bad and the ugly. If this is your pick for the night, serve up:

• Barbecue ribs
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Whiskey sours

If you're more of a "Longmire" fan, this setup works perfectly for that show, too. It's really just about finding recipes that give a nod to those rustic, Old West roots.

Our Taluswood Apartments are the perfect place to entertain guests. Whether you're hosting a few friends for a Netflix binge or you'll have overnight guests in from out of town, we'll welcome them with open arms. Take a look at our available floor plans!

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We spend a lot of our time in the kitchen: cooking, eating, entertaining, and cleaning. Keeping a clean kitchen is supposed to be good for you, and it is. Some cleaning agents, however, contain harmful chemicals which are dangerous to breathe, touch, and inadvertently ingest on contaminated food. Incorporate the following green cleaning tips to help you maintain a spotless kitchen in your apartment in Mountlake Terrace free from mess and toxins.

CLEANING YOUR WAY TO A GREEN KITCHEN

1. REPLACE YOUR ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

You can use a variety of safe substances to create alternatives to common household cleaners. Mix up concoctions of vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice. Fill a spray bottle to spritz countertops or dilute with water to mop the floors.

2. SCENT IT UP

DIY green cleaners do not mean you have to go without the smell of a freshly cleaned kitchen. Even if you love the fresh scent of store-purchased cleaners, candles, and fragrance mists, you can make your own natural and safe replacements using essential oils. Add a few drops of lavender, lemon, peppermint, orange, clove, or another essential oil to your homemade cleaners for a personalized, aromatic touch.

3. SET THE MICROWAVE TO SELF-CLEAN

No, microwaves do not actually have a “self-clean” mode, but popping in a bowl of water and lemon comes pretty close. Slice half of a lemon into a bowl and fill with water. Heat it in the microwave for about five minutes, until it steams. Remove the bowl wearing oven mitts, enjoy the fresh scent of lemon, and simply wipe away the newly softened splatters.

4. A CLEAN SEASON

After cooking up perfection, clean and season your cast iron skillet the safe way. Mix equal parts of olive oil and sea salt in your cast iron skillet. Use the mixture to simultaneously scrub away remnants of the last meal and season the skillet for your next.

With these simple green cleaning tips, you can rest easy while you enjoy your kitchen, knowing you and your family are safe from dangerous bacteria and toxins. Still looking for the perfect kitchen to keep green? Check out Taluswood Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, WA to find a residence built to accommodate all of your home-life endeavors.

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Although many living spaces come carpeted, there may be wood flooring or tile areas that could benefit from a good rug. Here are five reasons to invest in a quality rug that we hope our residents of Taluswood Apartments will consider.

ENTRANCE WAY DÉCOR

Many people like stepping on to a firm rug as they enter a living space. And, a quality rug makes a terrific first impression about your personal lifestyle taste. Color, thickness and the way it accentuates the space are veritable calling cards. Consider it being whimsical, traditional or modern in a way that expresses your uniqueness. You only get to make a first impression once.

QUALITY AREA RUGS SAY “WELCOME”

Yes, some rugs literally have the word “welcome” on them. Most people call them “welcome mats.” But in a non-literal sense, area rugs have a way of subconsciously directing friends and loved ones to communal spaces. Fixing an area rug between a group of chairs turns it into a sitting area where intimate or relaxed conversation can take place. A good rug expresses that this is a comfort zone where we can enjoy each other’s company.

AVOID SLIP AND FALLS

After car accidents, slip and fall impacts rank among the most common personal injuries and many occur in the home. Our valued elders are at particular risk of injury and a sturdy rug over tile and wood flooring can go a long way to providing traction. The last thing anyone wants is an injury.

GOOD RUGS MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

Robert Frost penned the famous “Mending Wall” poem that expresses the importance of boundaries in terms of enjoying good neighborly relations. Rugs, like walls, can reduce the risk of potential noise intrusion. If you have downstairs neighbors, they may be subject to the sounds of pounding snow off boots or youngsters running around. Having a quality rug that absorbs occasional heavy foot noise can be a blessing. And, rugs also trap sounds from music devices and television. At the end of the day, a good rug will make you a good neighbor.

AVOID MORNING FOOT MOOD SWINGS

If you, like many people, enjoy walking around in socks or bare feet, high-quality rugs can be a comfy game changer. Consider getting out of bed in the morning and your toes touching a soft rug. Strolling to the bathroom on a warm rug instead of a cool floor can make a real difference in your morning mood. A quality rug feels good underfoot and is a great way to start the day.

We hope our community members enjoy these quality rug ideas. If you or a friend would like more information about our Mountlake Terrace apartments, call us today.

The post 5 REASONS TO INVEST IN A QUALITY RUG appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

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Even though the weather is getting colder outside, there are still a lot of fun things that you can do with your friends. If you are looking for some fun activities, be sure to try one or a few of these this winter.

THINGS TO DO WITH FRIENDS DURING WINTER

TAKE A WINTER WALK

When the weather is nice outside, you can opt for a winter walk. You can do this with friends whether there is snow on the ground or not. Just make sure you have the right shoes on if there is snow on the ground. You can do this in your neighborhood or at a local park and take in the beautiful scenery.

GO ICE SKATING

A favorite thing to do during the winter is ice skating. There is no other time that you can do this activity and it is one that will not only get your blood pumping in the colder weather but it is also really fun to do with friends or that special someone in your life. You can likely find a local rink that offers ice skating or you can get your own gear and head to a very solid lake in the area. Just make sure the ice is not too thin.

HAVE A FRIENDLY SNOWBALL FIGHT

Heading to the mountains and having a friendly snowball fight is one of the best ways to bring people together. You can have an impromptu one once the snow starts sticking to the ground or you can plan to separate your group of friends into teams and make it a legitimate game. Either way, you and all of your friends will have a good time.

GO SLEDDING, SNOWBOARDING, OR SKIING

Get outdoors and go sledding, snowboarding, or skiing. You will need some hills in order to do this so take a day trip to the mountains. You can also find a place near some mountain areas, such as Mount Rainier, that will offer special events for a full day of these activities.

If you are looking for a new place to call home and stay warm this winter, stop by our office to take a look at our apartments in Mountlake Terrace.

The post THINGS TO DO WITH FRIENDS DURING WINTER appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

New Year’s is the perfect time for starting over with one of our apartments in Mountlake Terrace. Along with all your other New Year’s resolutions, why not take this time to focus on your own well-being with some resolutions for building healthy habits that will last a lifetime? If you haven’t already made your New Year’s resolutions list, here are some suggestions for healthy habits for the new year.

VISIT YOUR DENTIST

Many people avoid making dental appointments due to dental anxiety. But, the more you make dental appointments part of your health routine, the less you’ll have to worry about what the dentist might find. So, for your first health New Year’s resolution, visit your dentist and then schedule routine exams every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

THINK POSITIVE

Positive affirmations have been shown to enhance self-esteem, improve moods, and even lead to greater overall happiness. You can start thinking positive by saying nice things to yourself every morning when you wake up. When things go wrong, try to see them as a part of everyday life instead of taking everything personal.

CALL A LOVED ONE ONCE A WEEK

Social media and emails are great for keeping in touch with long-distance loved ones. But nothing will ever replace the joy you get from hearing a human voice. Start this year right by vowing to call a loved one once a week. It can be the same person or several different loved ones. As long as you’re making contact with that person, you’ll reap the benefits of improved personal relationships, which will ultimately lead to a healthier you.

INVEST IN A JUICER

Juicing is considered a viable way to get the nutrients you need to be at your physical and mental peak. There are many different kinds of juicers on the market. Find out what kind is right for you, and start juicing a few times a week. With a juicer, you can make green juice, fruit juice, and even your own version of the popular tomato-based spicy vegetable juice. Once you start practicing this healthy New Year’s habit, you’ll likely notice a difference in the way you feel very soon!

There’s no better way to start the new year than by moving into your very own Mountlake Terrace apartment. Contact us today to view our floor plans and find out why life at Taluswood Apartments is a move in the right direction!

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As winter arrives in the Pacific Northwest, most residents curl up in their Mountlake Terrace apartments with blankets, warm drinks, and comfort foods. However, it’s easy to pack on the pounds during the winter if you stop getting enough healthy fruits and veggies in your diet. The great news is that you can find some great fruits and veggies that are in-season during the winter. Here’s a look at some of the best winter fruits and vegetables to add to your meals for better nutrition during the chilly winter months.

DELICIOUS WINTER FRUITS

If you’re looking for some sweet fruits to enjoy this winter, citrus fruits are great during the cooler months. Choices like clementines are wonderful, since they are small and make a healthy snack. Grapefruits are also great winter fruits that offer some great metabolism-boosting benefits. Kumquats are a small citrus fruit available in the winter and you can even eat the peels. Oranges add a bright boost of vitamin C to your winter eating. Depending on the variety, pears have a season that can run into winter as well, and persimmons come available for a short time early in the winter.

TASTY WINTER VEGGIES

Plenty of veggies come into season during the cool weather months, so you’re not just stuck with potatoes and onions this winter. Cauliflower is at its best during the winter months, and celery is great in the winter too. Brussels sprouts are a winter veggie that is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and protein. Radicchio is a winter veggie that is packed with vitamin K and vitamin C and it’s low in calories. Try it in salads or in pasta dishes. Dark leafy greens like collards and kale pack a powerful nutritional punch, are low in calories, and are easy to find in the Pacific Northwest in the winter. Make a salad with chard, collards, or kale to enjoy these antioxidant-rich leafy greens.

You can still have a healthy diet packed with your daily servings of fruits and veggies during the winter months. Try finding new recipes that incorporate this winter produce into your diet. Serve them up to friends and family members that come to visit, and if they’re looking for apartments in Mountlake Terrace, have them call us today to learn more about our available floor plans.

The post THE BEST WINTER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

With the fall season in full swing, now is the perfect time to reinvent your apartment decor to include more comfy and cozy pieces. Whether you are a regular home decor pro or you’re new to the design game, with a few simple tips you can easily transform your space. Check out our favorite decorating ideas to make your bedroom a relaxing and cozy retreat this fall.

MAKE YOUR BEDROOM FEEL COZIER WITH THESE EASY DECORATING TIPS

1. KEEP THINGS LIGHT

While the colder months tend to make people feel like adding more rich and dark colors, lighter hues in the bedroom are much more relaxing. Create a warm and inviting space with a lighter color palette that includes whites, creams, light blues or light greens.

2. SOFTER IS BETTER

While it’s nice to mix hard and soft in the bedroom, shoot for bold focal pieces like metal bed frames or wooden side tables mixed with soft linens and other accents. Mixing and matching these hard and soft pieces is a great way to bring balance to the space.

3. PLAY WITH PRINTS

Soft and light can get boring very quickly, so don’t forget to add a punch to the room with a few fun prints. Go for a chunky throw in a tasteful animal print or a couple of floral pillows to help make your bed comfier.

4. BRING NATURE IN

Nothing can bring a bedroom together more quickly than the addition of a few well-placed natural elements. Whether you go with house plants, fresh flowers or a few bouquets of everlasting fake flowers, natural elements help to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

5. TRY VINTAGE

Give your bedroom a fall refresh by going on the hunt for the perfect vintage blanket or comforter. Choose classic colors and patterns that aren’t too busy to help make sure that your vintage find will look great for years to come.

STAY COZY AND COMFY ALL YEAR LONG AT TALUSWOOD APARTMENTS

Have fun with your fall decorating by creating a beautiful and relaxing bedroom oasis. For more about our amenities or to schedule a tour of our pet-friendly apartments in Mountlake Terrace, visit our office at Taluswood Apartments today.

The post HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEDROOM FEEL COZIER appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

Fall’s crisp air and colorful leaves make it a beautiful time of year to appreciate. Don’t let the season go by without doing a few fall-related activities. You can make the most of the season by trying one or more of the following autumn activities this year.

MAKE LEAF CRAFTS

Gather up fall leaves or purchase artificial ones at your local arts and crafts store. You can use these leaves to make seasonal works of art to display around your home. For example, you can create a wreath with fall leaves and other seasonal decor items, or decorate pumpkins by covering them with these leaves. You can also make imprints with your fall leaves and turn them into framed art for shelves.

BAKE IN PUMPKIN BOWLS

Make a fall casserole dish right inside miniature pumpkins. Hollow out the pumpkins, then fill them with sausage, onions, sautéed pumpkin, chopped apples, dried cranberries and spices, such as thyme. Put the pumpkins in a baking dish, cover them with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover the pumpkins, then bake for about ten more minutes.

DECORATE YOUR PATIO OR BALCONY

Celebrate the season with decorations for your patio or balcony. You can give this part of your home some autumn flair by adding decorative gourds or mini pumpkins, as well as fall flower arrangements in vases, such as sunflowers and marigolds. Turn your patio or balcony into a cozy place, and you’ll have somewhere to sit and enjoy the fresh air all season long.

GO FOR A HIKE OR WALK

Take a walk in your local area to admire fall foliage, or go a bit farther away to hit hiking trails in the great outdoors while it’s mild out. Take a thermos of warm apple cider to sip along the way, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. If it’s chilly out, bundle up in a thick sweater, boots and a coat before heading outdoors for your hike or walk.

Our apartments in Mountlake Terrace, Washington come with a patio or balcony that’s perfect for decorating this fall. Contact us to learn more about our community and apartment amenities.

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Everyone adores an afternoon tea party, and our apartments in Mountlake Terrace are the perfect place to host one. If you’re thinking about hosting a quaint gathering with your friends, make it memorable by following these helpful pointers below.

INVITATIONS

Two weeks prior, send out invitations that convey the tone and style. Will it be a dressy occasion or an event that’s more casual? When choosing a date, remember to take work schedules into consideration. Keep the list small if you want a more intimate setting.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

TEACUPS AND TEAPOTS

Before people arrive, boil some water in a teapot for brewing. Be careful that the water doesn’t over-boil, a process that releases oxygen and can dilute the flavor of the tea. Place milk, sugar, honey, and lemon wedges on the table next to the teacups and saucers. Display your best china for a fancier celebration.

TEAS

There are many types of teas, from loose leaf to prefilled tea bags. For guests that may not like tea, supply coffee, lemonade, or a fruity cocktail. If you feel inclined, boil a large batch of your favorite tea. Popular flavors include earl grey and chamomile. Don’t forget the spoons.

TREATS

When hosting an afternoon tea party, make sure to provide a delicious spread. Many teas pair well with scones and fruits. Serving bite-size pastries allow guests to socialize without the hassle of juggling large plates with oversized food. Keep it light and fluffy.

Cranberry-orange scones are ideal for tea parties, but make sure to supply bowls filled with flavorful jam on the side. Strawberry cake pops are perfect for adding more to the mix. Use a cake tier for cinnamon-swirl bread slices and pumpkin flavored cupcakes. Don’t forget the almond wafers or British biscuits.

Arrange all your treats on a designated serving station adorned with colorful flowers and paper decorations. To create an unforgettable affair, think of offering a fanciful party favor for your guests to take home.

Whatever the occasion, excitedly introduce your friends to the wonderful tradition that’s growing in popularity—it’s a great way to meet new community members too. Visit Taluswood Apartments today to find a floor plan perfect for hosting your next afternoon tea party.

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