Tips for Keeping the Apartment Pet-Friendly and Clean

1. Learn to love your lint roller: When your roommate is furry, hair everywhere can become a fact of life. You don't have to wear your love for your pet on your sleeve when you have a lint roller handy to gather up the errant hairs
2. Baking soda and vinegar is a great all-natural, all-purpose cleaner: You're not actually going to lick your clean floors, but your pup or cat likely might. Keep a spray bottle with a solution of vinegar, baking soda, and water for a cost-effective, quick and non-toxic cleaner.
3. Get in the habit of wiping Fido's feet: You don't want to let the outside in if it means tracking in everything your pup's been stepping in. Keep a towel by the door, and if you reward the wiping of the feet with a treat, it will be a ritual your pup will look forward to.
4. Use baking soda to clean pet beds: Keep cat and dog beds clean and smelling good by sprinkling with baking soda, leaving 15 minutes and then vacuuming. Add a few drops of essential oil for an extra nice scent, especially lavender, which not only calms but also has insect repellant properties.
5. Rubber gloves for a quick trick to get fur off of furniture: Instead of using a special tool, just dampen a rubber glove and rub over the upholstery and other furniture. The fur will literally gather in your hands, ready for removal.
6. Keep toxic cleaners safe: Sometimes messes need the big guns, and for those cleaners that could be poisonous, be certain to store in a place where wandering pups and kitties won't get into trouble. 

Offering the finest in Mountlake Terrace living, Taluswood Apartments are not only pet-friendly, but they also offer a host of owner-friendly amenities. To find out more about all we offer, contact us. 

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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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Generous Portion of Apples

Give your bed of spring greens a touch of sweet-and-sour flavor with some diced apples. Consider using a mix of three different apples with varying levels of sweetness. For a classic mix, try red, yellow and green apple varieties on your salad.

Dash of Craisins

After you load up on the apples, you can place a dash of craisins on your salad for flavor and texture. These dried cranberries also have a sweet-and-sour flavor profile. Beyond that, they are chewy and delicious with many different kinds of dressing. Try them with balsamic vinegar for a particularly delicious flavor experience.

Sprinkle of Candied Walnuts 

All the acidic elements can be a bit overpowering, so balance them out with a sprinkle of candied walnuts. These sweet nuts will give your salad the crunch it needs in a big way. You can chop them finely or leave them whole when you eat this salad at your Mountlake Terrace apartments.

A Few Grapes for Good Measure

Fresh grapes bring your spring salad flavors together by adding a burst of freshness. As you cut through the grapes, their lovely flavors cover the greens and blend with the dressing to amplify your salad. Cut the grapes in half before you add them to your salad to start this process right away.

As you toss together your favorite spring salad mixes, you can begin your enjoyment of this season in earnest. With each salad that you eat, reflect on whether it is time to upgrade your apartment. If so, give our team a call at 855-450-2838 to learn about the floor plans we have available at Taluswood Apartments.

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Activity #1 – Walking/Hiking 

Simply taking a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get moving and get some time outdoors. If you want to kick the adventure up a notch, hiking takes walking to the next level. Find a nearby hiking trail or a local peak. Walking over different terrains challenges your body even more. Take your pet along for a day of walking or hiking so everyone exercises together. You can also plan a day at a fair or amusement park, so you have a blast on the rides, but you still get a lot of walking in.  

Activity #2 – Cycling 

If you have a bike, cycling is a fun way to explore the great outdoors while boosting your activity level. Research local bike trails and spend some time getting off the beaten path. Mountain bike trails can also be fun if you’re a more advanced cyclist who enjoys a challenge. Cycling is a great workout, and you’ll cover a lot of ground, giving you the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery that comes with springtime. 

Activity #3 – Outdoor Sports 

Do you like more excitement than walking or cycling? Outdoor sports might be just the thing. A game of basketball on a local court with friends gets you outside and burns calories. You may want to join a local baseball or softball team to enjoy a favorite sport with others. Another idea is to grab a tennis racket and head out to the tennis courts with a friend. You’ll get some sun, you’ll improve your fitness level, and it’s good for your mental health to engage in some recreation with friends. 

These are just three great activities you can try out this spring. Other great outdoor options include kayaking, rocking climbing, jogging, swimming, and golfing. If you meet some friends along the way who are looking for apartments in Mountlake Terrace, WA, have them give us a call to find out what floor plans we have available today. 

The post 3 Outdoor Activities to Boost Wellness This Spring appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

Clean With Lemons

Lemons are ideal for a variety of tough cleaning projects in your apartment. From tackling microwave messes to deodorizing your refrigerator and adding grease-fighting strength to your dishwashing liquid, lemon juice is a powerful cleaning component.

Need a little abrasive power for tough stains? Lemon and salt create an excellent scrub, which is great for cleaning burnt lasagna pans and other hard-to-clean messes. It’s also perfect for cleaning copper pots and pans, though not lacquered copper. Be careful when using abrasives to ensure that you don't damage surfaces.

Use Vinegar to Clean — Everything

Vinegar makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner. You can use it in a spray bottle for washing windows or cleaning around your bathtub to prevent or eliminate mold growth, or you can use vinegar instead of an artificial rinse agent in your dishwasher. You can even use it as a fabric softener and deodorizer in your laundry. Just put it in your rinse agent ball or pour it into your machine's “fabric softener” spot.

Use Baking Soda to Clean and Deodorize

Baking soda is an excellent choice for freshening the air in your home and for cleaning its many surfaces. Many people use it in refrigerators to eliminate food odors. Did you know you can also use it to get odors out of carpets?

Add a couple of tablespoons to your dishwater to tackle tough grease on your dishes. Use it with vinegar to tackle moldy messes in the bathroom, and add it to your laundry detergent to brighten colors and whiten whites in your wash.

Green spring cleaning tips like these can help you transform apartments in Mountlake Terrace into an oasis of spring and green for friends and family alike. Be sure to contact us today to see which floor plans are available.

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Ginger Sage Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Santa Margherita Prosecco 
• 2 tbsp simple syrup
• 1 cup of honey
• 3 cups of water
• 2 whole pears, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 large piece of ginger, peeled and diced
• 20 fresh sage leaves

Directions:

Heat honey and water over medium heat in a saucepan till you get a light boil. Turn the heat down low and stir occasionally until the honey has dissolved. Add the pears, sage leaves, and honey, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup into a thick bowl. Get rid of the ginger and sage leaves. Add a few pieces of cooked pear into each wine glass, followed by the syrup. Add the Prosecco and serve with some sage leaves. 

Bourbini

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Heaven Hill 6-year bourbon
• 2 dashes peach bitters
• .5 oz. Mathilde Peche peach liqueur
• Sparkling wine

Directions:

Combine bourbon, bitters, liquor, and ice, then shake ingredients together. Strain mixture into a glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with mint sprig. 

GM-P Collins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Ford’s Gin
• .75 oz fennel syrup
• .75 oz lemon juice
• 1 dash Scrappy’s celery bitters
• 2 dashes of Peychaud bitters 
• Pinch of salt
• Soda

Directions:

Combine gin, lemon, fennel syrup, celery bitters, salt, and ice, then shake ingredients together. Strain mixture into a Collins glass, add soda and top with two dashes of Peychaud bitters on the top cube. Garnish with a fennel frond. 

Raspberry Lemon & Lime Ginger Beer Cocktail

Ingredients:

• .75 oz raspberry puree 
• 1.5 oz of Brooklyn Crafted ginger beer, lemon, and lime
• Splash of limoncello 
• 4 oz champagne 
• A squeeze of lime juice
• Fresh raspberries

Directions:

Combine raspberry puree, limoncello, and ginger beer into a champagne glass and stir. Top with some champagne and lime juice. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Concrete Junglebird

Ingredients:

• .25 oz demerara
• .5 oz lime juice
• .75 oz Campari
• 1.5 oz caramelized pineapple concentrate
• .75 oz Appleton Reserve Jamaican Rum
• .75 oz chai infused Jameson Black Barrel

Directions:

Add all ingredients together and add to a mixer with ice. Shake very well and strain into a double rocks glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf. 

Sip and Enjoy the Season!

From a sweet refreshment to something more bitter, these drinks are ideal for any springtime gathering in your apartment or home. To find beautiful apartments in Mountlake Terrace, be sure to contact Taluswood apartments today to make an appointment!

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1. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Do you have some apple cider vinegar in your kitchen? This is a surprising remedy for allergies. Swallowing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can reduce mucus production and cleanse your lymphatic system, which will reduce the impact of allergies.

2. Utilize a Neti Pot

A neti pot helps clear out the sinus cavities of gunk that can hide inside, which often includes allergens like dirt and pollen. Flushing the nasal passages will remove the mucus and some of the dirt and pollen that may make your allergies worse. While this won’t cure your allergies, it can relieve your symptoms and help you feel a little better.

3. Take a Probiotic

Allergies occur because of the immune system, and when the immune system is not balanced, your reactions to allergens become more intense. Probiotics are helpful in making your immune system respond as it should. They promote beneficial bacteria in your body that can fight some of the symptoms of allergies, helping your immune system function properly and reducing your symptoms.

4. Use the Power of Bees

Bees interact with pollen when they collect nectar from flowers to make honey. This means that honey made in your local environment contains trace amounts of pollen. Taking a tablespoon a day will teach your body’s immune system that the pollen is not a danger. You can also use bee pollen to introduce small amounts of pollen to your immune system to reduce its effect on your body. The key to effectiveness is to use honey or bee pollen from local sources.

With these natural remedies in hand, you will be ready to enjoy the outdoors. Come visit the Mountlake Terrace, WA apartments at Taluswood to enjoy amenities like a natural creek walk that make enjoying the outdoors easy.

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When you go shopping, a lot of people might tell you that you can stick to good, old-fashioned 1080p because “you’d never be able to see the benefit of something like 4K in an apartment anyway.” The reality of the situation, however, is that this is something of a myth. You’re actually better equipped to handle a 4K TV in an apartment than anyone for reasons that are worth exploring.

Your 4K TV and Viewing Distance

The reason for this comes down to something called viewing distance — the maximum distance you can sit away from your TV before the eye starts to lose some of that resolution on display.

Viewing distance is always about 1.5 times the diagonal size of the television in question. So, if you buy a 60-inch 4K television set, your ideal viewing distance would be about 7.5 feet.

This means that if you were to buy the same 60-inch 4K TV and put it in a larger room where you’re seated farther away, it would still look great — but the eye would lose that additional resolution and image clarity for every foot beyond 7.5 that you sit.

In an apartment, you’re far more likely to sit closer to the screen than you would in a home — meaning that in this particular environment, you’re getting every last ounce of stunning 4K clarity that you’re paying for.

So is it worth upgrading to a 4K TV if you live in an apartment? The answer is, overwhelmingly, “yes.” Now, go out and buy some UHD discs to play on it.

If you’d like to find out more information about whether or not you really need a 4K television set if you live in an apartment, or if you’re just eager to discover some of the incredible apartments in Mountlake Terrace that are available, please don’t delay — contact Taluswood Apartments today.

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Decreased Stress Levels

With every minute you spend soaking in the hot tub, you can feel the stress of the day melting away. The hot tub achieves this feat by relieving the tension in your body, allowing your mind to relax at the same time. As stress slips away, you can make better decisions in handling the problems you face to remain stress-free in the long run.

Relief of Muscle Pain

The jets' moving the warm water around acts as a massage of sorts to help relieve muscle pain. The pleasant water temperature also helps relieve muscle tension and reduces pain. As the water heats your muscles, more blood flows to those areas, promoting healing and keeping pain levels down for good. Unlike many pain-relief medications, you can use the hot tub on a daily basis without worry about side effects and other complications.

Boosted Sleep Quality at Your Apartments in Mountlake Terrace

With the stress relief and relaxation benefits that come with chilling in the hot tub, you also can enjoy a boost to your sleep quality. You will need to time your visits to the hot tub at your Mountlake Terrace apartments in the evening hours. The later visits can prepare your mind and body for the process of falling asleep. By the time you arrive back at your apartments, you will likely be able to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep all night long.

If you cannot easily go for a dip in the hot tub at your apartments, consider finding an upgrade that will best suit your needs. To learn more, simply call (855) 450-2838 and ask our team at Taluswood Apartments about our available floorplans.  

The post 3 Benefits of Relaxing in a Hot Tub appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

Make It Special

There are plenty of ways to create an interior design you'll love while working with the specific wall colors, flooring, cabinets and countertops already installed. Hopefully, these 10 ideas will offer inspiration:

1. Choose colors that make you feel calm and spread the same palette throughout your apartment. Sticking with one color scheme will make space feel larger while also providing visual continuity. 
2. Introduce area rugs even if your apartment floors are covered in carpet. There's no rule against laying a rug over carpet, and it's an easy way to bring in style, color, and texture.
3. Opt for a few large statement pieces of art rather than walls covered with smaller pieces. Not only will your home feel less cluttered, but it will also feel more thoughtfully decorated. 
4. Create an accent wall with temporary wallpaper. As the name implies, temporary wallpaper can be easily hung (and later, removed) without damage to walls. It is available in a surprising array of colors and patterns at a reasonable price. 
5.  Show off your creativity by finding a different way to display your favorite pictures and collectibles. For example, an old-fashioned bar cart or antique buffet from a thrift shop can both be considered functional art. 
6.  Add self-adhesive wall tiles to the kitchen backsplash for a fresh look.
7.  Use decorative window film to cover windows in rooms where you want both light and privacy. They're available in a myriad of designs and are easy to install (and remove).
8.  Go ahead and hang beautiful drapes, even when there are blinds in place. Make sure to purchase something you love so you can take them with you if you decide to move. 
9.  Remove existing light switch covers and outlets and replace them with decorative covers. Remember to store the old ones somewhere safe so they can be replaced before you move. 
10. For a cozier home, add as many textures as possible. You can introduce texture through throw pillows, lampshades, and even art. 

The ideal living situation is when you're in a place you're proud of that feels good to come home to. If you'd like to find out more about the apartment homes we have to offer, feel free to contact us. 

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