Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies

One of the best ways to avoid stress before a holiday gathering is to be prepared. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out that you’re out of disinfectant spray or low on paper towels. Stock up on cleaning supplies ahead of time so you’ll be all set to clean the day before or the day of your gathering.

Bathroom Cleaning

You don’t have to do deep cleaning in every part of your apartment before having company over for a holiday dinner, but the bathroom is an exception. Wipe down and disinfect your sink and toilet to avoid the spread of germs. Use different wipes or cloths on each surface so you won’t just be moving germs from one area to another. Have soap and clean towels available for your guests.

Kitchen Cleaning

Your kitchen is another important area to focus on before guests arrive, especially since you’ll be preparing food there. Sweep and mop the floor to get rid of crumbs and grime. Disinfect your kitchen counters and stove with wipes or cloths to remove germs.

Living Room Cleaning

Your guests will probably spend the most time in your living room before and after dinner. Vacuum your carpet and furniture to remove pet hair, dust, and other particles. Run a cloth over shelves and other surfaces to get rid of dust.

Dining Area Cleaning

Having a clean place for enjoying your holiday food is important in order to lower the risk of illness. Give your dining room or kitchen table and chairs a good cleaning to eliminate germs, as well as crumbs and dust. Covering your table with a festive tablecloth can make it easier to clean up after eating.

Invite a few friends or family members over for a holiday gathering and housewarming party at your new apartment. Contact us to learn more about the floor plans and amenities for our apartments in Dallas, TX.

The post Cleaning Tips to Get Your Apartment Ready for Holiday Gatherings appeared first on South Side Flats Blog.

Three-Ingredient Basic Couscous

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups couscous
• 2 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Add the liquid to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Sprinkle in salt and stir.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Add the couscous.
5. Let the couscous sit for approximately five minutes (It needs time to absorb the liquid).
6. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Toasted Couscous

For this tasty variation, you can use the basic recipe above, but you will just need to toast your couscous before adding liquid.

Directions:

• Melt one or two tablespoons of butter in a saucepan (you can also use olive oil).
• Stir in the couscous and cook until it is nicely toasted.
• Add liquid and cook as directed in the basic recipe above.

Garlicky Israeli Couscous

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup of chicken broth
• 2 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/3 cup of Israeli couscous
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Warm the chicken broth until hot. Set aside.
2. Add olive oil to a skillet and place on medium heat.
3. Once hot, add the couscous to the pan. Cook for approximately two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the garlic and the red pepper. Continue cooking for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
5. Pour in the hot broth.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Cook the couscous for approximately 14 minutes or until the broth has evaporated.
8. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the couscous and mix in well.

Do you love cooking, but are unhappy with your current kitchen? Then, please come by to check out our apartments in Dallas, TX, which are graced with modern kitchens, granite countertops, and built-in microwaves. Our pet-friendly community also boasts a number of features, including a pool and a fitness center

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Bathroom Night Light

The toilet bowl night light illuminates things when you need to go in the middle of the night and you don’t want to wake yourself up by turning on the bathroom ceiling light. Not only is this great for you, but it’s especially convenient for your overnight guests who are less familiar with the floor plan in your Dallas apartment home.

Portable Home Projector

Have you ever wanted to show off your photos to friends and family but your phone screen was too small? Enter the portable home projector which turns any wall into a large projector screen for your phone images. Now you can have a cinema experience right in the comfort of your home with this smart gadget. 

Indoor Security Camera

If you have a babysitter or house cleaner in your apartment home and you’d like to be able to monitor activity in your absence, you might like to have an indoor security camera. These smart home gadgets enable you to see what’s happening even when you aren’t home. You can log in from your phone and watch live.

Recipe Helper

The Alexa Show is a 2^ndgeneration of Alexa that helps you while you’re cooking without having to use your hands to swipe or search. If you’re a cook, you know how hard it can be to use your tablet when your hands aren’t perfectly clean. All you have to do is to call out the recipe that you’re looking for and the Alexa Show smart gadget will pull it up for you. It will even read the recipe out loud so you don’t have to look at the screen while you’re cooking. This is one smart gadget that really does make life a breeze!

As you can see, there are many smart home gadgets to consider when you’re looking for ways to make life a little easier. To learn more about our architecturally significant, modern Dallas apartment homes in the artsy, culturally diverse, historic Cedars neighborhood, please contact us today!

The post These Latest Smart Home Gadgets Make Life a Breeze appeared first on South Side Flats Blog.

Still, it goes without saying that most of us are looking for ways to reduce our overall technology use, also known as screen time. Here are some tips and tricks for doing just that.

Top tips for reducing technology use and overall screen time

1. Keep screens out of the bedroom

“But I need my phone for my alarm clock!”

This is the most common protest to this tip; however, remember that there are actual devices called alarm clocks that can be used to great effect for waking up on time.

In addition to leaving your phone out of the bedroom, avoid bringing in tablets and laptops, and don’t have a TV there either. Books, magazines or your favorite music on the radio or an MP3 player are fine entertainment for this room, which should be an extra calming place for your senses. 

2. Find other hobbies

If you seem to spend most of your free moments browsing the web, shopping online, checking Facebook and Instagram, or playing games on your phone, find some new pastimes.

We recommend reading books or magazines, cooking or picking up a craft such as knitting or needlepoint. Of course, you can also try socializing more or getting outside for some time in nature. 

Lastly, remember that screen time often means time spent sitting down with your neck craned downward. Doctors and spine specialists claim this is one of the reasons an increasing number of people are experiencing neck and back problems. Therefore, consider replacing your screen time with exercises such as yoga or Pilates.

3. Figure out what it may be you’re trying to get away from

In some cases, using screen time is an escape that people use to avoid uncomfortable or undesirable aspects of life. This may be a difficult personal issue you’re dealing with, a boring job, or even a living space that doesn’t bring you joy. 

If it’s the latter, we can help you find an architecturally significant, modern home in the artsy, culturally diverse, historic Cedars neighborhood. Consider calling our office today to see which of our Dallas apartments floor plans we currently have available. 

The post Reduce Your Screen Time With These 3 Tips appeared first on South Side Flats Blog.

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car

While you may be tempted to leave your dog in your car while you run into a store for a quick errand, don't ever do it. According to the American Kennel Club, it only takes 20 minutes for the temperature inside of a car to reach 100 degrees on a 70-degree day. Dogs are especially susceptible to heat stroke because they can only cool down by panting, which is not as effective as sweating for lowering their body temperature. 

Limit Walks on Hot Surfaces

On hot days, keep your pet off asphalt, sand, or pavement whenever possible. Your pup's little paws can burn easily, especially since asphalt can be between 40 and 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature in certain circumstances. So, try to make your pup walk on grass or dirt whenever possible. 

Bring Water and a Portable Bowl

If you'll be hiking or engaging in any other outdoor activity during the summer, make sure to bring a portable water bowl and water with you. You should also keep a portable water bowl in your car for road trips. 

Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion

During the summer, it's especially important to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and stroke in dogs, including the following symptoms:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty urinating 
• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Uncoordinated movement

If you believe that your dog is displaying symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion, your first course of action is to cool your pup down. If possible, place your dog in a bathtub or use a hose to cool it down with water. Then, take your dog to your vet as quickly as possible to get it checked out. 

Have you been searching for pet-friendly apartments in Dallas, TX? Then check out our beautiful pet-friendly community. We think you'll fall in love with our apartments, which boast sleek granite countertops, a washer and dryer, as well as stunning views. Enjoy an architecturally significant, modern home in the artsy, culturally diverse, historic Cedars neighborhood by contacting us today!

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Choose the Perfect Menu

Planning the menu for your dinner party should be the first and most important task you perform. While coming up with the most delectable items may be at the top of the list, there are other issues you will need to consider to make sure all of your guests will have something they enjoy on the menu.

• Do any of your guests have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
• Will you be serving the meal at a table or buffet style?
• Will your meal follow a set schedule or will guests be coming and going?
• How much space will you have to serve the food?

Carefully Choose Your Theme

Themed dinner parties can be the perfect way to express your personality and help make your event more memorable. When deciding on a theme, make sure that it is specific enough that your guests will see it throughout your decor, food, and dress, but broad enough that it does not limit what you can do. If choosing a theme that requires a certain dress, make sure to specify it on the invitation so that your guests will have time to choose the appropriate attire.

Create an Inviting Table

No matter if you are hosting a formal sit-down dinner or a buffet-style spread, the centerpiece of your event should be your table since dinner is the primary focus of the party. Break out your most formal dinnerware and include all of the appropriate setting pieces for utensils and plates based on the courses that will be served.

If you are looking for a new apartment to be the setting of your perfect dinner party, visit Southside Flats today to find the best floor plan. Our architecturally significant, modern homes are in the artsy, culturally diverse, historic Cedars neighborhood. Contact us for more information!

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