Working Remotely: How to Handle the Change

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Replaced the work cubicle with a home environment recently? Staying indoors while working remotely can seem stressful if you go in without a gameplan. Here are some helpful tips on how to take charge of your new remote work journey here at The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing!

 

Curate Your Own Home Office Space

 

Working from home makes it easy to work from anywhere, but some places are better than others. Instead of getting too comfy in bed and risking your productivity, set up a dedicated home office space! Consider placing your workstation near a sunny window for a gorgeous view of Aurora while you work on your daily duties. Here are some more tips on how to get your home office organized.

 

Stick to a Routine Remote Work Schedule

 

Now that you don’t have to commute anymore, it can be easy to let your regular routine slip. However, maintaining a regular schedule while working from home helps to keep you grounded and structured. Wake up and end the days at the same time, get dressed, and keep a planner going. These simple behaviors will help you stay motivated and on top of your daily tasks in the workplace and in general.

 

Remember to Take Healthy Breaks

 

While some may struggle with finding motivation while working remotely, others may find it difficult not to overwork themselves! Keep yourself in check by establishing a healthy break schedule during your shift. Get up to stretch with strengthening yoga poses, take your full lunch hour, everything you need to keep yourself refreshed. And if you’re working from a laptop or desktop, stay on top of the 20-20-20 break routine; that way, you combat eye strain from staring at harsh blue light from those screens.

 

You can make your work from home routine breezy by adopting these suggestions! How are you planning on tackling your remote work routine? Let us know in the comments!

Staying Involved While Living in Aurora

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As a new resident of The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing, you’ve also become a neighbor to the community of Aurora. Looking for ways to get involved while living in Aurora? No problem! Here are some suggestions on how to give back from the comfort of your apartment.

 

Virtually Check Out Your Local Library in Aurora

 

One of the most important assets to any community is the local library. Public libraries provide a quiet place to work, study, and access knowledge regardless of stature. The Aurora Public Library system conveniently has an online database that you can use after signing up for your free library card. Check out e-books, stream movies, get test prep and more here!

 

Order Food Delivery in Aurora From a Local Eatery

 

The heart and soul of a city are represented by the local food scene. In Aurora, there are so many eateries that are local favorites in the area. Nick’s Red Hots is a notable example! Featuring American and Greek food favorites, there’s something on the menu for every taste palate. Order food delivery in Aurora from GrubHub here!

 

Stay on Top of Local News in Aurora

 

Another way to stay in the loop as an active citizen is by checking in to local news. Most mainstream media sources don’t cover the city-specific stories that are relevant to your neighborhood, so local papers and periodicals come in clutch. The Daily Herald is a great regionally-based source to glean from instead! Check out their website for breaking headlines and consider signing up for a subscription.

 

No matter how you decide to, becoming an active citizen while living in Aurora is sure to be a rewarding experience. How are you planning on giving back? Let us know in the comments!

Tidying Up for Springtime

Spring Cleaning, Cleaning Games for Kids, Green Cleaning, Cleaning Hacks, DIY Cleaning Products

The season of spring is in the air! That means the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the natural world receives a reviving boost. If your apartment here at The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing could use a similar refresh, scheduling a spring cleaning session is key. By tidying up for the season, you clear away unnecessary clutter and reveal more physical and mental space. Here are some ways you can make your session productive and fun!

 

Try Out Cleaning Games for Kids

 

Living with little ones can pose a challenge when it comes to cleaning. If they typically run for the hills when you tell them to do their part, try out cleaning games for kids to reframe their thinking. By adding an element of play to the process, children are more likely to associate spring cleaning with positivity, helping to develop healthy habits in the long term. Plus, parents who participate can get back in touch with their own inner child!

 

Get Crafty With DIY Cleaners

 

The general mantra of springtime is, “out with the old, in with the new.” This message can reflect in the household products you use to clean with too! When it comes to using store-bought cleaning products, you’ll find that they can cut into your home budget over time. By making the switch to DIY cleaners, you’ll save money and tap into your creative side! Beginning hobbyists will love making this citrus-scented all-purpose cleaner. It takes only five ingredients to create that cost just pennies on the dollar!

 

Engage in Green Cleaning Hacks

 

The best reason to make the switch to homemade cleaning products? You get to do your part in saving the earth! Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemical additives that are harmful to use around pets and small children. Grime-fighting powerhouses like vinegar, baking soda, and borax are naturally-derived and still get the job done right. This list of green cleaning hacks is a great entry into how to use eco-friendly cleaners to clean messes all around the household!

 

Once you get that spring cleaning session underway, you’ll find that your apartment environment will feel a lot calmer and welcoming. How are you planning on tackling your clutter? Let us know in the comments!

How to Live it up on a Rainy Day

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As the rainy season approaches, it’s time to find the best ways to spend your day when you have to stay indoors. Luckily, there are a ton of things you can do to truly make that rainy day your own! Read on for some suggestions on how to celebrate the wet weather at home, here at Kirkland Crossing, and beyond.

 

Cozy Comfort Food

 

There’s nothing quite like spending a rainy day at home. Sometimes, all you need to enjoy it is a comfy couch, a mug full of tea, and a window to watch the raindrops fall. If you’re planning on staying cozy indoors, don’t forget to pair your rainy day with some comfort food. These delicious recipes are perfect to serve up and warm the soul. From hearty stews to gooey mac and cheese, the options are endless. 

 

Board Game Night at The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing

 

Feeling social? Why not host a board game night with friends? Board games take a good chunk of time to get through, meaning you can play all day until the rain goes away! The on-site clubhouse here at The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing is the perfect spot to host one. Just be sure to reserve the space beforehand to ensure your group has privacy! Here’s a good list of some board games that’ll help chase the rain away and bring on the competition.

 

Fun Things to Do in Aurora While it Pours

 

If you’re prone to cabin fever, then staying at home can be hard, even if you want to relax. When all you want to do is go outside, check out some of the fun things to do in Aurora that minimize your time outside. The museums in Aurora are a wonderful place to start! For those with kids, check out the Scitech Hands On Museum. Featuring a wide variety of engaging interactive exhibits, your little ones are sure to have a blast here. And for some local flavor, check out the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. This location breaks down the process involved in firefighter protocol and features both classic and modern firefighting equipment!

 

There are so many ways to make a rainy day truly your own! What are your favorite wet weather activities? Let us know in the comments!

2020 Predictions and You – Reaching Your Goals

Can you believe we’ve just started a new decade? With 2020 well underway, it’s a great time to set some intentions for yourself if you haven’t already. If you want to start healthier habits this year, read on. We’ll dive into some common goals set at the beginning of the year and how to add them seamlessly into your regular schedule. Continue on to learn how to make those personal 2020 predictions come true!

 

Fitness Goals in 2020 – Starting Off Small

 

Who doesn’t want to get in better shape? By setting some fitness goals in 2020, you can improve your physical health as well as mental. Setting a pace is key to sticking to fitness! Instead of going too hard too quickly and tiring yourself out, it’s best to start off small. This 20-minute at-home routine is wonderful for beginners who need to work up to exercising regularly again. By scheduling this session 2-3 times a week, your body will eventually begin building strength. Then, you can up the ante at the fitness center here at The Apartments of Kirkland Crossing! 

 

Meal Prepping in 2020 – Hack it With a Slow Cooker

 

Maybe your vice in 2019 was ordering in too often. If you frequently reach for food delivery apps for dinner, meal prepping in 2020 can help nip that bad habit in the bud. You don’t have to get elaborate in the kitchen to get back into cooking at home, however. For those short on time, slow cooker dump meals save the day. These delicious recipes are easy to prepare and begin cooking with the turn of the dial. Saving money and eating healthier has never been easier than with this common kitchen appliance hack!

 

No matter what you plan on sticking to this year, one thing remains clear: by sticking to small, reachable goals consistently, you’ll start to see progress on your 2020 predictions a lot quicker. What other goals have you set for 2020? Let us know in the comments!

Holiday Happenings in Your Aurora Apartments

Have you decided how it is that you’re going to make your December memorable? With the holidays officially here, it’s time to have fun in or near your apartments in Aurora. There’s actually lots to do if you keep an open mind. Whether you’re single or want to celebrate the season with your loved one or family, Aurora has something for you to do. Here are three suggestions of things you can do around your Oakland apartments this holiday season:

1. You can choose to have an intimate dinner at Harner’s Bakery Restaurant. This is a great place to go, whether alone or with others, that will help you remember the beauty of the holidays and the awe of winter. Harner’s is a lovely place with great customer service that will surely have you feeling the seasonal cheer. Just be sure to call ahead of time and make reservations.

2. If you’re more interested in doing group activities, then check out Eventbrite, which is a wonderful resource that will let you know what’s going on around Aurora between now and New Year’s. Some events require that your RSVP, while others are completely open. Just do some research and check out the website of the venue of the events are being held at so you can ensure that the event is legitimate.

3. Have an intimate event at your apartments in Aurora. If you need some ideas on which recipes to make for your guests, click here. Sometimes it’s nice to just stay warm and detach yourself from outdoor fanfare (and traffic) and make the most out of your apartment space. For ideas on how to decorate your apartments for a holiday gathering, check out this site right here.

How will you make the most out of the holidays this year? As you can see, you have quite a few options when it comes to how you’ll make those around you smile as you create something that’s memorable.