Gather Supplies Ahead of Time

Make sure you have pet shampoo, towels, a dog brush and any other bath supplies you need in easy reach before getting your pet into the tub. This makes it much more convenient for you to grab the items you need without having to worry about your dog jumping out of the tub.

Use Treats as a Lure

If you have pets who don’t like being in the tub, getting them into it can be the biggest challenge at bath time. You can use treats to lure pets toward the tub. Place a couple of small treats on the far side of the ledge around the tub to encourage your dog to get into it in order to reach them. Even if you have small pets who can be picked up and placed in the tub, treats can help them stay calm. Using treats also forms a positive association with the tub, which can make even the most skittish pets eager for bath time.

Get Three Towels Ready

Have three towels ready to use for bath time. Place one on the floor, so your pet won’t get water all over it after getting out of the tub. Drape another towel over your dog right after getting out of the tub to prevent water droplets from getting on the walls and other surfaces. Use a third towel to dry your dog off.

Our pet-friendly community allows up to two pets per apartment. Contact us to learn more about the pet policy for our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ.

The post Tips to Make Bathing Your Pets Easier appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Ways to Use Your Apartment Community's Clubhouse

Crafting Nights

If you want to get to know your fellow community members better, why not offer to host a crafting night? Find a night that works best for the majority of residents and encourage everyone to bring their favorite crafting projects to work on. If you're good at your chosen craft, you could offer to teach a class. Provide popcorn and something delicious to drink, such as hot cocoa in the fall and winter and sparkling cider during spring and summer. Who knows — you might even start a regular tradition.

Study Groups

Study groups help students avoid procrastination as well as provide them with motivation and commitment. Most students also find it helpful to hear different perspectives, and you'll also be able to compare class notes with others. Whether it's a one-time group to get past a particularly tough midterm or something ongoing for a challenging course, your apartment community's clubhouse has large tables that are ideal for study groups. 

Book and Hobby Clubs

If you're a voracious reader or have a hobby that you enjoy and would like find others who have the same interests, consider setting up a book or hobby club using your apartment community's clubhouse as a meeting place. Your community manager should be able to help you with the specifics. For instance, perhaps there's a community bulletin board in the office where you can tack up a notice, or maybe your apartment complex has a social media page where you can reach out to interested parties. 

Our pet-friendly community offers studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Please feel free to contact us for more information. 

The post Three Ways to Use Your Apartment Community’s Clubhouse appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

It’s springtime, which means it’s officially time for spring cleaning. Before you run screaming for the hills (We’re at 7,000 feet, guys, is running uphill really a better plan than cleaning?), we invite you to consider a new way of cleaning and decluttering your home: The KonMari Method. The KonMari Method is focused on helping you get rid of clutter forever. Here are five tips to help you tidy up your apartment and keep it that way!

Find What “Sparks Joy”

The idea of throwing things away is probably one of the most miserable thoughts we deal with when cleaning. Instead of thinking about what you’re losing, focus on cherishing items you love. As you declutter, hold each item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to go. Part of this process is physically touching every. single. thing. in your home and asking this question. It’s about getting more emotionally in tune with what compels you to keep things, and more realistic about what actually brings joy to your home.

Clean By Category

The key to effective tidying, according to the KonMari Method, is tidying the right categories in the right order. Use this order to start tidying your home: clothes, books, papers, and miscellaneous. You can break down each category into subcategories, but the key is keeping them in this order. Did you notice how the order works from least emotional attachment to greatest emotional attachment? Consider, for instance, which is harder: tossing a sweater you never wear and don’t love, versus throwing away a letter from a friend. We love this method because it gives you time to build up to the hard stuff.

Tidy All At Once

This method takes some time, and depending on how much stuff you have can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Don’t rush the process, but also don’t let it get too drawn out. Resist the urge to read every piece of paper you come across. Resist taking extended breaks. Resist bulk tossing.

Stop Decluttering By Room

Many of us grew up using the “clean each room” method of decluttering and tidying. But think about what you risk when you clean this way. Think of how many times you might move an item from one room to another to avoid dealing with it. Instead, use the categories above, and gather all items from that category in one place at one time to declutter. That means when you start with clothing, open every drawer, and pull every item of clothing from socks to scarves to Halloween wigs, and have at it all at once.

Picture Where You Want to Be

This might be one of the most important steps of the KonMari Method. The method asks you to clearly define where you want to be and how you want to live after you’ve finished decluttering. It’s not as simple as saying, “I want to live clutter free.” It needs to be more specific than that. Think about how you envision living, and ask yourself why you want to live that way. This helps you really take hold of the decluttering mission you’re about to undertake, and creates a stronger commitment to the task at hand! Why do you want to be tidy? What difference will it make in your life? Consider this long and hard, and then get started.

Part of what the KonMari Method teaches is to have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. The first part of discovering this place is to get rid of everything that doesn’t belong. It may be hard, but during this spring cleaning season we invite you to give it a try and see what a difference the KonMari Method can make in your home! Want to learn more about the method? Check out “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, the founder of the KonMari Method!

The post Spark Joy: How to Declutter Using the KonMari Method appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Summer is the prime time to travel, which is why our summer bucket list includes taking a road trip! If that’s on your list of things to do this summer, remember that part of the thrill of the journey is getting there. A road trip means a long ride, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable on your journey. We’re here to help with a list of essential items for your summer road trip!

Audiobooks
Pick out a fun audiobook you and your passengers can listen to. (We’re a little partial, but Jim Dale’s reading of the Harry Potter series is kind of the best thing ever.)

Snacks
Rather than the traditional junky road food, be sure to stock up on some healthy treats—apples, granola bars, etc.—that will keep you full in between stops!

Facial Spray
Road trips can wreak havoc on your skin’s moisture, so grab a face or skin mist to carry with you on the road. Check out this article from Refinery 29 that covers some of the best facial mists to keep you hydrated this summer!

Travel Wipes
It’s not always easy to get out of the car to freshen up or wash your hands. Travel wipes help solve the problem of sticky skin on the go! We love Seventh Generation Free & Clear Wipes … They may be baby wipes, but they’re really perfect for any age. Use them to wash your hands, refresh your face, and, yes, pep your pits.

GPS
This is kind of a given, right? While you should always have a map, you should also invest in a good GPS to help make your travels a little easier. You can rely on your phone, but you probably want a stand-alone device, especially if you’re using your phone for anything else (music, movies, entertaining passengers, etc.) to preserve your battery. If you’re using your phone, check out Waze, an awesome social traffic reporting app that gets you live updates on road conditions from fellow travelers!

Travel Charger
Speaking of devices, you definitely want to make sure you bring a good car charger! Especially if you’re riding with more than one person, we recommend at least a dual USB car charger. We like the Anker PowerDrive 5, a 5-port USB car charger that will soon become your ultimate travel companion!

Tummy Drops
Traveling can take a big toll on your tummy … and that’s where Tummy Drops come in. The ginger drops contain a special blend that some folks swear by for general stomach upsets and motion sickness. And bonus: these drops are Gluten-free and non-GMO, making them an awesome natural option!

Car Emergency Kit
Everyone should have a first aid kit in the car. And you definitely want to have a kit for roadside emergencies. The AAA Excursion Road Kit is our favorite, because it has both these must-have items in one package. It includes first air supplies, batteries, booster cables, accident forms, tools, duct tape, and more to ensure a safer trip while you’re on the road!

Drinks
Some folks may think that a long drive means drinking less to avoid potty breaks, but the reality is you NEED to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of water and juice to keep yourself and any passengers refreshed on the road.

Cooler
Along with snacks and drinks, you may want to bring a travel-sized cooler to keep your items fresh on the road. Grab some ice, or an insulated cooler, and keep it tucked in the back seat for easy access for your passengers, or in the front passenger seat if you’re driving alone.

Digital Camera
Again, you could use your phone, but we recommend you keep a separate camera with you to document your trip. You never know what you’ll see, and a camera will help you preserve those treasured moments forever! (PS: Have you seen these Fuji Instax cameras? Make it a retro road trip with some instant camera action!)

Car Vent Clip
We’re not saying you stink or anything, but after a few hours in the car the air is bound to get a little stagnant. Give your car a fresh scent, and yourself a little travel pick me up, with a Febreeze car vent clip!

Car Games
Especially on a long trip, you’ll want to make sure you plan to entertain yourself and anyone traveling with you. There’s always the license plate game, but we recommend trivia, car karaoke, or any other game that’s going to keep you all entertained for a while!

Road Trip Playlist
No road trip is complete without the ultimate playlist! Get together with your traveling buddies and create a playlist of songs to keep you jamming until you reach your final destination. If you’re traveling alone, have your friends send you some of their favorite songs so you can take them with you in a small way.

Safe and Fun Travels! Share your road trip memories with us on Instagram!

The post Summer Road Trip Essentials appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Here are five trending shades that are quite popular these days to theme your interior decor around:

• Blue and white: White and different shades of blue have always been a popular combination. The blue could be royal blue, light blue, sea blue or darker shades of navy. It gives a soothing effect and can be matched up with coastal decoration and sea-inspired ideas.
• Coffee and cream: This is one of the trendiest combinations. The mix of brown and beige gives a warm and comfortable feeling to the ambience. Based on the color used, the furnishing and accents can vary depending on your personal style and preference.
• Jazz it up with black and white: This combination is powerful and classic. It gives a feeling of cheerfulness and optimism. It also leaves plenty of room to add colorful accents in the form of vases, flowers, pillows, etc.
• Powerful gray and white with metallic accents: The timeless beauty of gray shades, when combined with metallic accents, can give a lovely look to your rooms. The rooms will look more futuristic and modern.
• Go green: Green is always associated with eco-friendliness, and it gives a nice natural look to the rooms. It can be combined with other neutral shades to give a lovely, picturesque effect.

These were 5 of the trendiest colors and color combos that are ruling interior design right now. Experiment with all kinds of shades in the rooms of your apartment, and incorporate them through rugs, linens, wall decor, and table toppers. The color that you use will reflect your personality, so use the color that defines you. And, give different designs to it to make them look unique. You will feel your mood change while you move through your rooms.

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This April our focus is RYAS: Rocking Your Apartment’s Socks! We’ll take you from recipes to try in the kitchen to thrifty apartment décor and much more!

Our mouths started watering the moment we heard that April is National Grilled Cheese Month! Nothing will rock your apartment’s socks quite like filling your apartment with amazing smells from your kitchen … and with all the variety cooking up a grilled cheese has to offer, we have no doubt you’ll love celebrating your apartment and this tasty sandwich in tandem! Check out these five amazing grilled cheese recipes that will leave your taste buds dancing this month!

Grill Your ABCs

The basic grilled cheese is already divine. A grilled cheese with bacon? Amazing. But a grilled cheese with bacon and some nice thinly sliced apple? … Whoa. All you need is some sliced sourdough, sharp cheddar, a few strips of crispy bacon, and an apple of your choice sliced thin. Get an easy-peasy recipe here: Apple, Bacon, and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Ooh, Honey!

This is apparently Oprah’s favorite grilled cheese … and we all know that what Oprah loves, we pretty much all love right there with her. We never would have thought of putting honey on a grilled cheese, but this recipe sounds too delish to miss. Here’s your recipe: Havarti, Honey, Tomato & Basil Grilled Cheese

The Green Goddess

Ooh-la-la! You’ll want to make sure you have a good melty cheese for this recipe that’s oozing with flavor. We’ve seen this recipe on white or wheat bread, but the real mouth-watering ingredients are all the greens: baby spinach, avocado, and Green Goddess Herb Peso? Yes, please! Check out the recipe here: Green Goddess Grilled Cheese

Kiss the Melon!

Melon? On a grilled cheese? We weren’t sold until we started reading this recipe for a Sugar Kiss melon and Chorizo-Manchego Grilled Cheese. Since it can be a little tricky to find a Sugar Kiss melon, we made this one a twofer with a Prosciutto and Melon Grilled Cheese, too! Don’t judge too quickly … we definitely encourage you to try this one out for yourself! Find recipes here: Sugar Kiss Melon and Chorizo-Manchego Grilled Cheese and Crispy Prosciutto & Melon Grilled Cheese

Holy Sweet Potato, Batman…

Here’s another twofer … because how could we say no to sweet potatoes on a sandwich?! First there’s the sweet potato and cheddar, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, which sounds almost more like a dessert than a sandwich. Then there’s the sweet potato and toasted pecan grilled cheese that sounds more like a pie than a sandwich. It’s basically dessert sandwiches … How could you say no?! Take on both these sandwiches with recipes here: Sweet Potato Cheddar Grilled Cheese and Sweet Potato and Toasted Pecan Grilled Cheese
Happy Grilling!

The post 5 Tongue-Tempting Grilled Cheese Recipes to Try appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Did you know March is Optimism Month? To celebrate, we’re focusing on a ton of tips for bringing extra touches of bliss into your life and home!

It’s often all too easy to find the things about our apartments that don’t make us happy. But how much time do we really spend thinking about those things in our apartments that make it a home instead of just another set of rooms?! Let’s face it … We spend a lot of time at home. So this week, let’s focus on five ways we can embrace our living spaces as private sanctuaries where we can find our own personal bliss in each and every room!

Claim “You” Space

Do you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning? Indulge in a bubble bath or extra-long shower every night? Indulge in a new book on lazy afternoons? Whatever little moments make your day, make sure you claim the space in which you enjoy them to really call your own. Set up a special reading nook with a comfy chair and plenty of light. Or, if you share living space, make sure you always bring your favorite blanket or pillow into the space where you enjoy your moment. Have a special table for your coffee, or always use your favorite mug. Line the tub with tea light candles or invest in a shower speaker to enjoy your favorite playlist. Make your moment into a true daily ritual that’s yours and yours alone.

Clean … and Then Don’t

One of the best habits you can establish for your home and happiness is taking 10 to 15 minutes to straighten up one or two rooms in your home on a daily basis. Whether it’s putting books back on your bookshelf, folding laundry, or finally clearing the dishes from the sink … a little bit of time spent tidying up will save you hours in deep cleaning. And even better, spending those 10 to 15 minutes during the week makes sure you can take a day—just one day during your weekend, at least—to just relax and enjoy your home. Even if you spend all day Saturday cleaning, make sure you set aside Sunday as your day to just kick back and enjoy all the bliss your home has to offer.

Indulge Your Ears

We challenge you to take one day this weekend and cater a few playlists with your favorite music. Have one programed for when you get home from work or school. Have one for doing the dishes or laundry. Have one for cleaning day. Have one for when you’ve had a really crummy day and just need to shake it off. Music is a great way to unwind, relax, or have a few minutes of fun just for yourself. Kick off your shoes, play a tune, and just do you!

Treat Your Taste Buds

Have you ever had a three, four, or five course meal? There’s nothing like finishing one phenomenal dish only to have another appear! At least once a week, plan out a special meal for yourself, indulge in the preparation of it, and really take the time to enjoy it. Plan your meal for a day you have no major obligations and few obligations, and save the cleanup for the next day so you’re not spending time you could be savoring your meal worrying about how much dish soap you have! It doesn’t have to be a four course meal; it could just be your favorite homemade mac and cheese, a plate full of fresh strawberries, or whatever else you love that you might not have on the regular!

Treat Yourself … and Your Home

You know those fancy napkins you only break out for company, or the special set of sheets you snagged for a visiting friend? Use the special items you’ve been saving for “special occasions” to make every day a little more special. Instead of just having dinner on a paper plate, set yourself a full table setting in your dining nook, including candles and the finest place settings you have. Indulge in at least one special, ultra comfy pillow for your bed. Make sure you have at least one special or specialty item per room so every day can be a special day.

What are you favorite parts of your home? Take some time to really appreciate them, and you’ll be home happy in no time!

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