Lifestyle Archives | Apartments at Weatherby

How to Make the Most of Your Weekend

“Some people say that Friday is the end of the week, but for me, it’s only the beginning.

Happy Friday, and say “Hello” to the weekend.” ― Anthony T. Hincks

weekend ideas Are you always looking forward to the weekend? And then do you find that it just goes by way too fast? That you didn’t get as much done as you should? Or, that you should have gotten more done than you did?

If you’re looking to make the most of your weekends, then try these tips. You may find that your weekends just keep getting better and better.

Have a Plan: While you may want to spend the weekend resting and relaxing, you may be better off with a plan. A plan can help you keep track of projects and things that need to be down around the house. It can help you schedule time with family and friends. It can allow you to keep track of the events you want to attend.
But Don’t Overplan: Yes, a plan is useful and can help keep you organized, but you want to be sure not to overplan, too. If your weekend is overplanned, you could put unnecessary stress on yourself if you find that you are behind schedule or don’t get a chance to complete your tasks. It also doesn’t allow for impromptu plans that may crop up.
Keep a List of Ideas: Have you ever had a weekend where you were…bored? It’s hard to imagine, but it does happen. That’s why you might want to keep a list of ideas for your weekend. It could include home projects that you need or want to do, restaurants you’ve been wanting to try, or a new place you’re looking to explore.
Schedule Relaxation: Scheduling relaxation is a great way to make sure your weekend is not all hustle and bustle. Whether it’s time for reading a book, watching a movie, or getting a massage – be sure you have some relaxation scheduled.
Check Others’ Schedules: Weekends are a prime time to get together with family and friends, but you can’t expect that their schedule is always going to match up with yours. If you’d like to get together with someone, be sure to check what their schedule looks like, too.
Resist Doing All of Your Chores: As tempting as it may be to do all of your chores on the weekend, it’s not very fun or relaxing. See if you can tackle a few of your chores during the week, so you don’t spend all weekend on home projects, cleaning or other things around the house.
Put Your Phone Down: If you’re attached to your phone all week for work, the weekend may be a great time to put it down – at least temporarily. Go put it in a drawer for a few hours and spend some quality time with friends or family, doing a project that requires your full attention, or just enjoying being free of your phone.
Leave Work Behind: If you feel like you’re at work even when you’re not at work, then you need to take a break and leave work behind. Like your phone, try not to think about work all weekend. If work requires your attention, plan a specific time to tackle it and then move on to other things.
Plan Your Upcoming Week: Do take a few minutes to look at your upcoming week. Planning things will help alleviate stress.
Don’t Worry About Monday: And last, but not least, don’t spend your weekend worrying about Monday. It will be here soon enough.

Are you ready to start enjoying your weekends just a little bit more? Hopefully, these tips will help you do just that.

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Playing Golf

Etiquette and integrity are intertwined in the game of golf. If you are a newbie, then it can appear to be a snobby list of unwritten rules. In actuality, the code of ethics is there to provide a fair and fun game for everyone. There’s a certain touch of class that comes along with the game of golf. Most courses want to maintain their integrity as a respectable place, which is why they enforce their rules on everyone. That’s why there is a dress code and designated places to set bags. Here are a few pointers to fitting in at your new golf course.

Do

Yell “Fore!”: After you take a swing, it’s courtesy to yell “fore!”, so that other golfers know to take cover. A small ball traveling at a high speed over a long distance can do some damage. The last thing anyone wants is to be struck by a fast moving golf ball. Golfers know that word means to get down fast, and they will.
Arrive Before Tee Time: Tee Times are tightly scheduled to allow for the maximum amount of players to enjoy a round of golf. If you are late, then you’ll back up the entire day of golfing for everyone else. Also, you’re friends won’t enjoy standing around waiting for you receiving heat from other players.
Change In The Locker Room: Any wardrobe changes need to happen out of sight. Golf courses know they have a strict dress code and have provided locker rooms to accomodate you. Change your shoes and socks, shirt, or shorts in the locker rooms instead of in the parking lot, on the course, or in the club house.
Stand Back: As a fellow player measures up to take a swing at the tee, give them plenty of space and quiet so that they can concentrate. It’s rude to be absentmindedly standing in someone’s swing space.

Don’t

Bring Cellphones: No noise making devices should be on the course at all. If they are, then they should be turned off. A phone ringing while someone is taking a shot can ruin their putt. It’s so serious, that if you were at the Masters, they’d have you removed and banned from ever returning.
Take Forever: The biggest complaint amongst other golfers is the amount of time on the course. It’s understood that you want to get the perfect shot, but it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to line up and complete your swing. Don’t waste other people time by not paying attention and chatting away.
Step In Front Of A Putt: Golfers work hard at getting their ball to the green. As you carefully walk across the delicate grass to make your putt, be cautious not to step in front of someone else’s ball. The squished grass can change the way their putt moves.

Make the game fun for everyone by being aware of how you look and act around others. Keep your voice down while someone is about to swing, move the game along, and be on time. Simple acts of courtesy show respect for your fellow players and for the game. Happy golfing!

Coffee Alternatives That Will Wake You Up

The first thing that you do in the morning is walk into the kitchen to find your perfect cup of Joe. You tell yourself that you can’t think like a real person until you’ve finished your cup or two of brew, but that’s not true. There are other ways to wake up your brain and body that will do it a much better service than coffee will.

Ginger Tea: Ginger is a strong flavor that will make your taste buds stand at attention with each sip. It’ll perk you up and make your eyes open wide. For centuries, people have been using ginger to calm the stomach, so one of the happy side effects of ginger tea is a happy tummy throughout the day. You’ll have the digestive benefits of coffee without the jitters.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Shoot back a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar to wake up fast. It’s a big jolt to all of your senses, and it will kick start your metabolism. A tablespoon in the morning should be plenty. ACV is one of the best ways to ward off any lingering disease because it clears out your lymph system. Chase your ACV with something like water, juice, or tea. You’ll want to put a little something in your stomach along with the ACV so that the acidity doesn’t bother you.
8 Ounces of Water with Lemon: There’s nothing better for your body and brain than waking up to a tall glass of water. The lemon adds in the acidity that starts the metabolism. You’ll feel refreshed, your skin will look brighter, and you’ll be thinking clearer by waking up with water.
Chicory Root: It’s the closest tasting herbal alternative to coffee. This plant is from the dandelion family, and can be eaten or used in teas. It can help with high blood pressure, heart failure, upset stomach, constipation, and rapid heart beat. It is technically caffeine free–so don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll get your caffeine just because it taste like coffee.
An Apple: It’s argued that an apple can give you more energy than a cup of coffee. The coffee will stimulate your nervous system, but it doesn’t give you true energy. An apple, on the other hand, gives your body fuel in order to be energized. It levels out bloods sugars, it gives you good carbs to burn, and it hydrates you with juices. The fiber and carbs will help you feel fuller longer, which also means you’ll be energized for longer.
Tea: This is the only one on this list that actually contains any caffeine. All tea leaves contain caffeine–even the “caffeine-free” teas technically still have caffeine. Green teas have less caffeine than black teas. The stronger the taste, the more caffeine it has. While it’s not the ideal option for cutting out caffeine, it’s still a better alternative to coffee in the morning. You’re hydrating yourself instead of dehydrating yourself, as well as taking in less caffeine overall. Coffee is also notorious for having cream and sugar in it. Teas aren’t usually paired with as much cream or sugar, which makes tea a healthier option.

Coffee isn’t the enemy, but caffeine can be. If you’ve been a coffee drinker your entire life, it’ll be a big change at first. You’ll want to wean yourself off of the caffeine to avoid bad headaches. After adapting to a few of these other alternatives, you’ll start to feel better, reduce bloat, and want to make healthier choices throughout the day.

6 Ways To Actually Support Veterans In Your Community

The veteran community makes up about 1% of the entire population. They are a group of people who decided to forego their own personal goals and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Some veterans are left with traumatic memories, feelings of guilt, and a skillset that isn’t marketable in the “normal” workforce. It’s important that we come alongside those who gave up so much for us to show them that we appreciate them, and help them where we can. Here are six ways to support veterans in your community.

Drive A Vet To A Doctors Visit: A number of veterans need to see doctors regularly from exposure in combat, disabilities, and mental health visits. The struggle that many of them face is transportation. It’s not easy to get around when you are limited without a dedicated caretaker. They often forget appointments, or are unable to get the necessary help they need due to being without a vehicle. If you have a neighbor who is a veteran, ask them if you can offer them a ride to wherever they need to go.
Bring Them/Pay For A Meal: If you spot a veteran in a restaurant, request to pick up their tab. Don’t offer it to them, because odds are, they will decline. Do it anonymously, and watch their gratitude. If you know a veteran nearby, bring them meals to ease the stress of cooking and cleaning. Little acts can mean a great deal.
Job Training Exercises: Many veterans have training in a very specific skill set, that isn’t always applicable to every day jobs. Help coach them on other occupations that they could enjoy after their life in the military. Show them what certifications to take, and give them tips on how to interact in a civilian workplace environment. Offer financial help to pay for certifications, and/or prep them for interviews.
Volunteer At Your Local VA Hospital: The VA has been going through a major shift in the past few years. They are improving, but still need as much help as they can get. Offer to help sort files, direct people, answer the phone, or whatever their needs may be.
Ask Them To Tell Your Their Story: On of the most impactful ways to show you care is to take time out of your life to spend with a veteran. Ask probing questions to see if they want to open up and share about their experience. It can be a lonely life when most everybody around you never lived through what you did. Try to connect with them by trying to understand what life must be like. If they would rather not share about their life, then company and a great conversation will brighten their day.
Shovel Snow/Yard Maintenance: Offer an act of service in return by shoveling their sidewalk and driveway so they don’t have to. Cut their lawn, or pull some weeds in their flower beds. Help them by doing little chores so they don’t have to worry about it. This is especially important for those who are older or have disabilities, but every veteran deserves an act of kindness.

Sure – fun runs, green lights, and yellow ribbons that “support our troops” are encouraging, but it doesn’t directly touch the life of someone who served our country. Be more proactive and reach out to someone to be their support system. Our veterans need to know that their service mattered. By putting actions behind your words, you’ll show a veteran that they are loved.

7 Classic Books That Everyone Needs To Read

As the weather gets colder, it gets more difficult to spend time outside. Keep your mind active by reading instead of watching show after show. A great place to start reading is with the classics. You know that you’ll get a fascinating story that will keep you captivated, and you’ll begin to understand when references come up in other cultural settings.

Harper Lee | To Kill A Mockingbird: It was published during the height of the civil rights movement. A little girl’s father is a lawyer who takes a tough case in a polarized town. It’s based in the deep south, and asks questions about race and the mentally challenged. It encourages people to not jump to conclusions about people.
George Orwell | 1984: In the early 1900s, Orwell wrote about a futuristic, dystopian society that he saw the culture moving towards. This book is about how the human psyche can control others and manipulate power. It’s an unnerving cautionary tale about how human greed and complacency could get the better of us.
Mary Shelley | Frankenstein: When Shelley was just 18 years old, she started this novel as a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends. After the first few pages, she was encouraged to keep writing. This novel dives into what it means to be human, what scientific interference can do to our humanity, and the ethics of scientific discoveries. It comes from the interesting perspective of the monster.
Jane Austen | Pride and Prejudice: This is a romantic tale of a stubborn woman named Elizabeth and her equally stubborn suitor, Mr. Darcy. It asks questions about what love is, and touches on how to maintain your values while finding happiness in marriage.
Ray Bradbury | Fahrenheit 451: This book tells the story of a futuristic society that prizes virtual reality experiences over education. Firefighters are the ones who start fires, instead of putting them out. Both owning a book and reading are illegal, and the firefighters are taught to burn books at the temperature of 451 degrees. It discusses the importance of how quickly an idea can infiltrate people’s minds and cause change.
J.D. Salinger | Catcher in the Rye: This book was once banned from being published. It’s written in a form similar to stream of consciousness. It’s like peaking into the mind of a young boy who is coming of age. You see and walk with him through his strange impulses.
Charles Dickens | A Tale of Two Cities: Dickens is a critically acclaimed author whose work has stood the test of time. This work is about a father who was imprisoned for most of his daughter’s childhood. When he’s reunited in England, there are two men who fall in love with his daughter, Lucie. It’s a story of love and sacrifice.

One of the best ways to spend a cold day is to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. Unwind every night by reading a chapter or two, and soon enough, you’ll have a library of literature under your belt. Reading opens up a whole new world waiting to be discovered.

How To Prevent Catching A Cold/How To Get Rid Of A Cold Fast

As the temperature drops, so does our immune system, opening ourselves up to more contagious illnesses like the common cold. The cold can last for weeks, leaving us feeling exhausted both mentally and physically. Keep yourself healthy this year by doing a few things to prevent catching a cold.

Prevention

Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is one of the best ways to prevent any illness. It’s a natural cleanser for the lymphatic system. The lymph system is the body’s way of removing waste. We have lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, appendix and other organs that are involved in the lymph system. Mucus is part of the lymph system expelling our waste. We’ve all heard the rhyme, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Taking a quick shot of ACV is another way to keep the doctor away.
Wash Your Hands: It’s something simple that we learn at an early age, but it’s something that we can neglect as we get older. Don’t wait to wash your hands after you use the bathroom. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, even if you don’t think that they are dirty, and especially before eating.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids keeps your body in top working order. The lymph system can’t move the waste out of your body if it’s sluggish from a lack of water. Drinking plenty of water will make your digestion better, your skin brighter, and will help you think clearer.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals: Give your body what it needs to fight against outside bacteria and germs. Having enough vitamins and minerals in your body will prevent your body from running low on resources. Give your immune system the solid boost it needs with fresh fruits and veggies every day.

Healing

Apple Cider Vinegar: Just like we mentioned above, ACV is one of the best natural remedies for cleaning out the lymph system. Your body is in mucus overdrive with a cold. Help it flush everything out with a tablespoon of ACV a day, followed by a glass of water.
Warm Fluids: You not only need to be hydrated, but you need to be drinking plenty of warm fluids. Water is excellent, but you should also have warm chicken broth and herbal teas to help drain the sinuses and keep the body flushing out the illness.
Vaporizer: Moisture in the air can also aid your chest and sinuses to push out the bad junk to help you heal quickly. Breathe slowly and deeply to get the moisture deep within your chest to knock out chest congestion. You can add essential oils or medicated vaporizers to the steam to make it more effective.
Rest: Even though rest is the most common sense cold cure, it’s the most difficult for us to do. We all have hundreds of things to do a day, and it seems impossible to slow down and rest a little. We need to avoid putting added stress on our bodies and give our immune system a chance to focus all of our energy on feeling well. Once we’ve had a few days of rest, it can also help to get moving a little bit in exercise to knock out the remaining mucus in our system.

If you happen to catch the cold, start treating it right away. The soon you start fighting it, the shorter it will be. Take Vitamin C, Zinc, and stay hydrated to flush out the system. You’ll be back to normal sooner than you’d expect.

6 Indoor Kids Play Date Ideas

Kids need social interaction to learn how to communicate with others. Besides–everyone needs a friend, no matter what age you are! Get together with other moms who have kids in the same age range as your child. You can host the play date at your place, or you can go somewhere else indoors to keep out of the weather. Here are six great indoor kids play date ideas:

Library Story Time: Reading becomes much more engaging when kids are in a group. It’s exciting to see other kids enjoying the same story. The storyteller changes the voices and acts out part of the story. The kids can ask questions and interject their own thoughts into the group to make storytime more fun. You’ll see your kid’s passion for books ignite with a storytime. It’s nice to have a buddy to go with to make the experience even more fun. If they are older, they can share books or read to each other after the storytime is over.
Puppet Play: Find a local children’s puppet play that tells a familiar story. It’ll be fun to see their childhood story books come to life in a silly puppet show. If you can’t find one nearby, then create your own! Make sock puppets or buy puppets. Let your kids’ imagination run wild while they come up with their very own play. Let the kids play, while the adults catch up. The adults can watch the final production after the kids have figured out what they want their puppet show to be about.
Ball Pit Party: Running and jumping around in a massive ball pit is fun regardless of what age you are. Take the kids to an indoor play area where they can get their energy out and play with one another. Ball pits, inflatables, and indoor play places are tons of fun for active kids. They’ll climb, slide, jump, and laugh with their friends. After an hour or so, they’ll be worn out and ready for a good nap.
Dress Up: There’s nothing like the time old tradition of playing dress up. Pull out the old halloween costumes, capes, plastic crowns, and funny shoes to let your kids turn into someone new. They’ll have a blast transforming, and they’ll love pretending to be someone new. They can become anything that their imagination thinks up.
Science Experiments: Research a few at-home science experiments that you can do. Give your kids the tools they need, and let them explore the world with some supervision. Pop mentos in coke bottles, pour vinegar on baking soda, or make slime. Encourage your kids to investigate the world around them so that they learn while playing.
DIY Friendship Bracelets: Something that will never go out of fashion is the friendship bracelet. Get a few colored packs of string, beads, and clasps. Give your kids a table top, and let them make beautiful bracelets to give to each other to wear out and about.

Give your kids a focused activity to do while playing with their new friend. A simple ice-breaker can help the kids get to know one another better, making friends for life. Don’t force it if your child isn’t connecting with the other child. Invite other moms and kids along to give your child more friendship options.

8 Fresh Date Night Ideas

Doing things together reconnects us to the people we love. It’s important to make time for each other and spend time with each other doing different things. A dinner and a movie is great, but switch it up every now and then.

Take Dance Lessons: One fun way to stay connected to your partner (and have an excuse to be close to them) is to take dance lessons. Dancing is something that you both will benefit from learning in life and will continue to enjoy. Learn everything from swing, ballroom, latin, and anything else in between. It’s no big deal if you’re not super good at dancing. It’s about having some laughs together and doing something new and fun.
Go to the Zoo: Usually we think of the zoo as something for kids, but it can also be a really fun time for adults, too. Take a casual stroll through the park and see all of your favorite animals. Spend a little extra to feed the giraffes or hold the parrots. It’s exciting and simple all at the same time.
Stargazing at an Observatory: Take a look at the wonder and expanse of the night sky with your loved one next to you. It’s romantic and fascinating. You can go to an observatory or a planetarium to enjoy the sky with some educational guidance, or you can always find a spot away from the city and watch a meteor shower.
Karaoke Night: Put your pipes to the test and sing a love song to your sweetheart at a karaoke night. It’s a lot of fun to become the star of the night and dance along with the other songs being sung. You’ll have a blast bouncing song ideas back and forth with one another.
Pub Quiz Night: Become a dynamic duo and take over the pub trivia night. Have a few beers and put your brains together to try and win prizes. Even if you don’t answer a single question right, it’ll be a fun new way to spend time together. Laugh at the ridiculous answers you come up with. You might learn something new about your partner from all of their knowledge on random topics.
Reenact the First Date: As best as you can, try to reenact the first date. Try to wear similar clothes, go to similar spots, and try to rekindle that excitement you felt with that first kiss.
Window Shop Walking Downtown: You don’t have to spend money to have a great date. Take a walk through a local downtown area or city street and window shop. Discover the things that your partner likes and dislikes, and share in the things your have in common.
Go Cruising Around in a Car: Pretend you are young kids again and go riding around in your car with nowhere to go. Sing your favorite songs as loud as possible crusing the streets holding your SO’s hand. Try a duet together and roll the windows down so everyone can hear.

The best parts about date night are the laughs and memories that you’ll make. You’ll learn new things about yourself and your partner on the new adventures that you’ll take. It’ll push you out of your comfort zone and help you both grow closer together.

5 Weekend Warrior Projects for Fall

Who doesn’t love to hear, “Where did you get that? I love it!” It’s even sweeter when you get to reply with, “I made it!” Weekend warrior projects can be quick changes that make a huge impact on the style and design of the room. Any skill level craftsman can do a weekend project to transform the home into a new space.

Refinish Furniture: Do you have old furniture that needs a little TLC? Tackle your design project over the weekend to update an old piece of furniture. The dated style can be brought into this decade with a little inspiration. Figure out what style you want to use for your piece, and go to town. You can remove the varnish, paint it, distress it, sand it, or refinish the piece by adding in new hardware. Cover the table top with a wallpaper print that you love, or make it mid century modern by adding funky legs to the ends. Do some research online to see what direction you want to go, and give your hand a try at refinishing it. The best part is that you can’t mess up. The worst that happens is that you need to sand it down again or repaint it.
Mount Collage of Pictures: Picture collages are a great way to show off your personal style. Creating a collage takes planning, buying frames, measuring, and then hanging them on your favorite wall. The collage style with various size and design frames is very popular. It becomes an artwork in and of itself. Find a common theme among your pictures, print them out, and put them in the frames. Then lay out your frames on the floor or a table top to figure out the placement. Start by hanging the center picture, and move outward.
Create a Window Garden: Adding greenery to your window or patio space is easy with a little planter garden. You can make your own planters by finding reclaimed wood. Nail it together, line it with plastic, and punch some holes in the bottom to let water drain. Fill your new planter with soil, and plant flowers, vegetables, herbs, or succulents.
Chalkboard for Kids: Get a large piece of particle board and prime the wood by sanding and painting. Then, buy chalkboard paint and apply several layers to the board. Once it’s dry, you can add a wood trim border and paint it with your child’s favorite color. They’ll have hours of fun drawing or learning how to write their letters with their own chalkboard.
Make a Headboard: Another great way to use reclaimed wood is by creating your own headboard. Bring a rustic feel to your bedroom by distressing the wood, using a chalk paint, and fitting different sized pieces together. It’ll add tons of dimension to the room, and turn your mattress into a cozy bed.

Once you start creating, you’ll have a hard time stopping. Make a storage container into a comfy ottoman, or make a bookshelf that matches everything in the room. Whatever you can think of, chances are that you can make it. Save money, and add a touch of your own creativity to the room by DIYing little projects throughout your apartment.

Meditation: Why, How to, Is it right for me

Meditation sounds very Hipster and New Age, but it’s not. It’s an old practice that people are reviving because they recognize the value in it. It’s about taking time out of the day for you. Meditation puts an emphasis on you and your mental health. Every day we give little pieces of ourselves to our family, work, friends, and chores. Our work and house chores demand a lot of our time, energy, and brain power. Our friends and family need our emotional love and support, and after a while, all of this giving leaves us empty. We have some much that drains us, and meditating is one way of replenishing the pot. It puts a little more back in so that we can continue to give.

How To Meditate

Set aside time to not be around others or “do” anything. Maybe you only have 10 minutes, or maybe you can give yourself a little more time. Make a place in the house that is for the purpose of meditating. Make it comfortable and a place of relaxation for you. The main thing is to be still and avoid thinking on things. You’ve heard about the importance of “clearing your mind,” but what does that mean exactly? We can’t really turn our mind completely off, but we can stop trying to control it. Relinquish control for a while. Let your brain go, and stop trying to control the thought traffic/process. Let your mind ebb and flow as it wants to and give yourself the space to zone out.

It can be still and in your home, or it can be in the bath, or on a walk, whatever and wherever you feel at peace. You don’t have to sit with legs crossed in the way it’s traditionally portrayed. You should, however, be deliberate about letting go, and take deep breaths.

After having your meditative moment, give yourself some action items for the day. Tell yourself to be mindful of others while you go throughout your day. See other people and recognize the needs that they have. Give kindness to others and spread your peace wherever you can. Be present for activities and open up to listen to people. Listen to others with respect and the intent the hear them. Being present will deepen the relationships that you have and create a stronger connection to those that you care about.

Meditation Isn’t for Everyone

That sounds strange. Why wouldn’t it be for everyone? Some people have gone through traumatic experiences, and letting the mind wander with no control will eventually lead them back to those memories. It’s not healthy for someone to relive their traumatic experiences with no help. They shouldn’t let those instances continue to fester and inhibit their lives, either. The best course of action is to see a therapist to get more assistance in mental health. Once you have taken measures to heal from the trauma, then you can start to meditate on your own.

Everyone needs time to themselves. It’s important to break away when you need it to rest your mind and give some love back to yourself. Be open about what you need with those that are around you. The people that care about you, want you to be healthy and happy, and will support you however you need.