Here at University Square Apartments, we’re proud to be part of the Flagstaff community. For us, this means giving back when and where we can! One of our favorite local organizations to support is Hope Cottage!

Hope Cottage provides an invaluable resource for some of the most vulnerable members of the Flagstaff community. The beautiful and welcoming facility provides shelter, meals, clothing, and more for women and children who come to them for help. We love their goal of providing “assistance to heal from the inside out.”

Hope Cottage offers a number of volunteer opportunities to the Flagstaff community. Just a few ways you can help out include: helping to support a food drive, preparing meals, helping to maintain the facilities, serving as a mentor or teacher, distributing food boxes, and more! We look forward to having the opportunity to join with Hope Cottage in serving the people of Flagstaff!

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Hope Cottage, visit their Volunteer Page! Join us in showing our Flagstaff neighbors that we do more than love to live here … we live to love here!

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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.

1. Pick Your Meals: Pick out all your weekly recipes in advance. Look carefully at the recipes you choose and plan your buying accordingly: don’t buy a whole bag of potatoes when one potato is all you need for three different meals!

2. Use Themes: Maybe one week will be salad week, and the next week pasta week. Or, instead of weeks, use days: you can plan to have a different theme night for each dinner and still cut back on your shopping when you buy easily stored supplies that can last more than one week.

3. Plan for Leftovers: If you live alone and always cook meals meant for two, don’t waste the second serving … find ways to “recycle” it! Either save the leftovers for lunch the next day or plan to repurpose them for another meal later in the week. Or, start the week with one big casserole dish and plan to eat from it all week with a variety of sides.

4. Early Prep for Faster Meals: Once you get home from the grocery store, start prepping your ingredients before you put them away! Slice, square, or shred your cheese for the various meals you’ll make during the week. Grill, brown, or bake your meats for an easy warm up come meal time. Prepare and store as many ingredients as you can early in the week so that by the time you’re pulling them out to cook, more than half the work is done!

5. Your Freezer is Your Friend: One of our favorite meal tricks is prepping dishes that freeze well. Why buy those frozen microwave dinners when you can enjoy a tasty reheated homemade meal? Make double batches of sauces, soups, stews, pastas, etc. and freeze them to satisfy the stomach of future you!

Happy Cooking!

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Chances are, when you first move into a new apartment, you see every surrounding door as a new stranger. Well we’re here to encourage you to look at those doors differently: as unique opportunities to meet new people. One thing that sets us apart is our sense of community, and we want to encourage you to embrace your part in it. We’re a puzzle, and you’re an essential piece! Not sure where to start? Here are five tips to help you meet your neighbors:

Check the Mail. You get your mail key on your first day here … which means you have an opportunity to start meeting people from Day One! When you check your mail, also check out who’s around you. It only takes a moment to catch the eye of the other person checking their mailbox and say hello. Introduce yourself!

Hit the Gym. One way to easily meet people with mutual interests? Head to the gym! Leave your iPod at home and be open to starting up a conversation with the other folks working out with you.

Walk the Dog. Head to the dog park and swap tips (or horror stories) with the other animal lovers there. Walking the dog isn’t just the way guys in 90’s movies pick up girls anymore … It’s a great way for anyone to spark up a conversation!

Count on CARES. Are you shy when it comes to meeting new people or starting conversations? Our awesome CARES Team is here to help with that. With free events every month, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors. And the CARES Team is more than happy to chat with you and help get you started meeting new people and feeling more at home!

Take Chances. Walking to your car and pass a neighbor? Say hi. Taking the trash to the dumpster and pass a neighbor? Say hi. Doing the laundry? Say hi! If you feel comfortable with it, leave your door open while you’re home, and say hello to anyone who catches your eye through the door. Stop by the Welcome Center and talk to whoever else is waiting. Don’t be afraid to turn every day into an opportunity to meet someone new!

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February is a month full of heart … No, not because of Valentine’s Day! February is also National Heart Month, which makes it the perfect time to think about what you can do to be “heart happy.” After all, your heart is one thing you quite literally can’t live without. Everything from diet and exercise to your levels of stress and happiness contribute to how your heart performs. Keeping your heart healthy and happy, then, is about more than just getting in a good workout every once in a while (though it couldn’t hurt). It’s about making good lifestyle choices to do what’s right for your health! Here are a few suggestions to help you concentrate on heart health this month!

Kick Up the Cardio

Add a little exercise to your daily routine. Go for walks. Join a Zumba class. Take advantage of the free Fitness Center! Aim for 15 minutes of activity three times a week to start, and gradually increase your activity level as you feel more comfortable!

Kick Out Bad Habits

If you’re a smoker, now’s a good time to quit. Quitting can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, among other things! Wave farewell to fatty foods. Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. Use spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food. Say goodbye to bad habits and say hello to a happier heart!

What’s Up, Doc?

Don’t forget the importance of regular check-ups with your doctor … even when you’re not sick. Your doctor can help you set heart healthy goals. Doctors are also great resources for asking questions about your health in general; remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health! And make sure you’re willing to trust their advice … because they’re doctors, and you’re not.

Just Relax …

Raise your hand if you’ve NEVER had a stressful day at school, work, home, the store, church, the park … Yeah, we’ve all had stressful days. It’s impossible to avoid stress, but it is possible to learn to manage it. Take time daily just for yourself. Take a long bath or an extra long shower. Do some yoga. Take a nap. Meditate. Listen to relaxing music. Do whatever it takes to allow the stresses of your day to simply melt away … even if it just means putting your stressor on the back burner for now. Your heart will thank you!

Heart health is not magic. It is simply the process of making good choices. Celebrate National Heart Month by showing your heart a little extra TLC!

The post Have a Heart: Stay Heart Happy for National Heart Month appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

1. How Much Do We Love You …

… Let us count the ways. 
 

2.This Seat's Not Taken

In other words we really like having you here.
 

3. A Hunk, A Hunk of Burnin' Love

You set our hearts on fire. (Get it?) 
 

4. To Quote George Takei …

"Oh myyyyyyy …"
 

5. Recipe for Love

A dash of you. A pinch of us. Stir for 2-12 months. 
 

6. We'll Give You Space

Here at University Square, we're not clingy. Trust us … we'll give you all the space you need.
 

7. Never Change

We like you just the way you are … aka, living here. With us.
 

8. Treat Yourself

'Nuff said.
 

9. Relaxation Station

We're like a warm blanket … we've got you covered.
 

10. "Chair"ished Memories

We made one the day you moved in. We hope you make many more during your stay!

Thanks for making University Square your home, and spending Valentine's Day with us! You complete us. 
 

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The Grammys are coming! The Grammys are coming! It’s the biggest night of the year for music, and you can be part of it from the comfort of your own home. Of all the annual award shows the Grammys are probably our favorite: it’s like an amazing concert from all the hottest artists in the industry! Not only that … the Grammys are also an excuse to throw an elaborate show. And we’re not just talking about on TV. What better reason to gather friends and family for awesome food and music than a Grammy party?

Here are some award-worthy tips for making your Grammy Award party “sing”:

Rock the Casbah

The Grammys are a big night for music … So how can you even imagine celebrating without a rockin’ playlist?! Power up your cellphone, laptop, or tablet and make a playlist of all the nominated tracks. Not sure who’s up for an award? You can find the full list of nominees here. Pick your favorite artists or categories and download the nominated tracks. (And we’re talking legally here, folks … remember, piracy is NOT cool, no matter what Jack Sparrow may say.) Pre-party with your favorite songs, and you’ll dance even harder when they take home the gold!

Dress to Impress

Come on, guys … This is the Grammys we’re talking about! Don’t leave the dressing up to the nominees. Break out your fancy dress and celebrate in style! Make your Grammy Awards party a dress-coded affair with everyone arriving in outfits worthy of the red carpet. Or, have your guests come in character. Invite your guests to dress as their favorite Grammy-nominated star. Bonus: Have special party favors for guests dressed like the actual winners! When their performer wins, have the guest dressed liked the winner give their own little award speech during the commercial break, and make sure everybody gives them a solid round of applause.

Deck the Halls

Turn your living room into the red carpet, or a pre-show dance club. It’s all about the glitz and glamor, so go all out. Head to the Dollar Store, Party City, or Michael’s for all the decorations you’ll need. Black and gold are the traditional colors of the Grammys, but don’t feel the need to limit yourself to those colors. Take cues from the nominees’ albums and music videos. Have goody bags for all your guests, and special snacks and appetizers fit for the occasion!

Pass the Mic

Encourage the celebration of music with plenty of song and dance. We’re talking about making sure there’s plenty of room to dance around … and a karaoke machine. Find the karaoke version of nominated songs on YouTube and share in a little friendly competition with your friends by performing your best live versions of the songs!

Fun and Games

No party is complete without plenty of fun and games. Beside karaoke, have print outs of the nominees and challenge your friends to pick the winners before the awards start. Have a prize for the winner. Remember the costumes you’re all wearing? Have a prize for best dressed, or the person who best emulates their musical icon. Create a custom party hashtag and have your friends share their photos from the party to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all night to share all the fun you’re having! (Hint: Follow and tag us on Instagram as you post! We’d love to see your photos, too!)

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have a blast before, during, and long after the awards! Tune in to the Grammy Awards on Monday, February 15^th, at 8ET/5PT on CBS!

The post Go for the Gold: Throw an Awesome Grammy Party! appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

1. I Will Step Out On Limbs

Remember that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Indy has to take a leap of faith? It’s not easy—in fact, it can be downright terrifying—to take risks when you can’t see the path ahead, but it is usually worthwhile. It sounds contradictory, but don’t be afraid to try something that terrifies you this year, whether it’s a new food, a new hair color, or a new job opportunity!

2. I Will Forgive Myself

We all make mistakes. But as Shakespeare said, to err is human; to forgive—even yourself—is divine. Even when you fumble at the ten yard line, you can still recover; maybe not that play, but the next one. And you’ll be wiser for it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and smarter. So stop ticking off mistakes as points lost and start tallying them as lessons learned and experiences gained.

3. I Will Eat Something AMAZING

No, seriously. Get out there and try a new dish. If life is all about the living, then a good meal should be about more than just filling your stomach. Maybe, just maybe, it should be about pampering your taste buds. And yes, that means you, too, weight-loss-resolvers: just because you’re dieting or on a new healthy eating plan does not mean you should completely cut off your sweet tooth.

4. I Will COOK Something Amazing

Yes, you. Whip out the skillet and go at it. Raid your pantry for unexpected dishes. See what happens when you just toss some things in the same pot, even things you think might not usually go together. Check out sites like Yummly for quick and easy recipes. And once you’ve mastered a few dishes, take one night—just ONE, out of 365, is not asking too much—and cook yourself a three course (minimum) meal, including dessert.

5. I Will Dance

Hello, Pandora mix! Hello, speakers! Hello, open floor space! Hello, closed blinds! Do a little dance, make a little noise, and get down tonight. Dance alone, or dance with friends. Learn a line dance from YouTube (we recommend The Wobble, but that’s just us!). Take a night and learn the Thriller dance in its entirety. Buy a copy of Just Dance for your gaming system (or find some tutorials on YouTube). Just do it. Get up and move. You’ll feel better.

6. I Will See Something I’ve Never Seen Before

Go on a road trip. Watch a documentary. Sit and observe a crowd of people. Get yourself out there to see something beautiful and new, even if it’s just your first time actually watching the sunrise.

7. I Will Let Myself Get the Feels

It’s okay to cry. Your laugh is amazing. Verbal road rage is (relatively) okay … as long as the windows are up and your passenger seats are empty. Stop bottling up your feels. Just let ‘er rip. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling, even if you have to put a cap on it. A good five minute cry works wonders. A nice, long laugh after a lousy day is bliss.

8. I Will Face a Fear

Real talk. The person who wrote this is deathly afraid of clowns, and yet has resolved to either go to a circus or watch a movie with a (non-homicidal) clown before June. Why? Because fear can be crippling, and it really bugs us that some THING can hobble our ability to live. It’s not easy, but facing a fear is a big deal. Even if it’s just allowing yourself to really take a look at that spider in the corner before you scream. Even if it’s just peeking out the window from a great height before you scream. Even if it’s just sitting through one clown juggle before you scream. The scream is okay; it’s a release of pent up fear energy. It’s keeping it in that’s keeping you back.

9. I Will Remember How Awesome It Was To Be a Kid

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Maybe it was swinging as high as you can on the swing set, or playing with your food, or splashing in mud puddles, or playing in the rain. Guess what? Growing up doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing those things. Pick a favorite childhood thing—finger painting, video games, adventures in the land of make believe—and relive it as an adult. Grab your cardboard sword and slay an imaginary dragon. Invest in a Play-Do set and reinvent the universe. Watch an episode of Sesame Street. Be a kid again, if only for a day.

10. I Will Let It Be

When you find yourself in times of trouble … let it be. When the world is crashing in, let it be. When you feel like an outsider, let yourself be. Be yourself, and let your life be lived. Embrace your world for what it is, changing what you can and accepting that while some things can’t be changed it doesn’t mean they have to ruin the wonderful world you live in. Let 365 days of living, of loving life, of being you, of making change, of being change, of feats and failures, trials and triumphs … be. Go boldly, not gentle, into that bright day, that good night, that wild world. And when the broken hearted people living in that world agree, there will be an answer: Let it be.

Welcome, 2016 … We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our doors!

The post 10 New Year’s Resolutions We Can All Live With appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.

Christmas Tree Wire Ornament Holder

For this project, you’ll need crafts wire, an old frame, plenty of ornaments, and a handful of other accessories and craft tools. We love that this untraditional “tree” gives you the chance to take something old and make it new! It also makes a wonderful tree alternative if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment for a full-sized tree. Hang your tree in a central spot in your home, or lay it wherever you’ll be doing your holiday gift exchange! For a full tutorial, pack up your crafty sleigh and head on over to Better Homes and Gardens!

DIY Pallet Christmas Tree

Looking for an easy decorative piece for your patio or balcony? Check out this easy guide to making a Christmas pallet tree. This is a project that you can size to meet your needs; if you want a bigger tree, just get bigger pallets, or go small for a corner tree for your living room. You’ll need several pallet slats, paint, tools, and maybe some holiday lights and ornaments to make your tree extra festive! Get all the supplies and instructions you’ll need to bring this project to life at Hometalk.

Paper Christmas Tree

We’ve seen this project done a few different ways, but one thing they all have in common is that they are super easy! For a homemade paper tree, all you’ll need is tape, several pages from old books or sheet music, twine, and something decorative to serve as your tree’s star. We’ve seen folks use empty frames, wooden cutout stars, favorite family photos, and more. Simply hang your pages in the general shape of a tree, securing them with tape (or adhesive putty) to the wall and each other. Decorate your “tree” with twine, lights, or any other décor you’d like (just keep in mind … your tree is made of paper, so avoid fire hazards). Hang your “star” at the top, and lay your gifts at the base. You can find a ton of tutorials for making a paper Christmas tree, but we used this one from My Sweet Savannah!

Upcycled Sparkly Christmas Tree

This tree DIY calls for the use of cemetery vases, but you can easily replace them with paper mache cones or doll cones, which can be picked up at almost any craft store. The project has you wrap the cemetery vase in craft paper, but with our craft cone alternative, you can easily skip this step! The main craft supplies you’ll need are hot glue and strands of gold beads! You can find the beads you’ll need at a craft store or a Dollar Store (just head to the party section). This is an easy tree to place on your table or bookshelf. Just set it down as it is, or place it on top of a pretty matching candlestick! For easy to follow instructions, visit Vintage News Junkie … and scroll all the way down for a ton of other fun DIY tree ideas!

“From Trash to Trees” Book Spine Tree

Unless you’re a diehard book junky who thinks dismantling a book is sacrilege, we think you’ll love this project as much as we do! All you’ll need is a pallet wood or other sturdy craft background and pretty spines from some vintage books (head to a second hand or consignment shop to find some if you don’t have any of your own), plus some craft glue. (If the idea of taking an old book apart is giving you heat palpitations just scroll down on the tutorial page for a tutorial for another tree project; it calls for vintage book pages, but you can easily replace them with craft paper or old newspaper!) Check out the full tutorial from Vintage with Laces.

In these final days until Christmas, we wish you happy crafting, and much joy!

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Print a Present

The ultimate last minute gift is one that’s worth more than a thousand words (so save your excuse on why you didn’t bring anything!). Think of a moment of significance for you and the recipient, and share a photo from that moment! Whether it’s a real picture you took during the event—like a birthday party, wedding, vacation trip, etc.—or a snapshot you can take that captures the moment, the photo memento will mean a lot! You can print the picture at home (save your color ink … black and white is SO in!), and snag a nice frame and gift bag on your way to the party!

Subscribe and Save (the Day!)

There are so many subscription services out there these days, it would be hard to NOT find one your special someone will enjoy! Monthly boxes make great gifting options: try Blue Apron for meal deliveries, Birchbox for a health and beauty bounty, or even KitNip Box for your fellow cat lover! Then there are the subscriptions everybody loves: Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Pandora are all monthly subscriptions that won’t set you back too much! You can also shop great bargains on magazine subscriptions from Amazon or Blue Dolphin!

Ye Basket of Gifting

Ah, the old tried and true gift basket … Rather than going out and ordering or buying a premade gift basket, head to the store and get creative! Think about your host or pal’s favorite colors, and find household items and other fun trinkets that go along with a color theme. Or, pick a theme you know the recipient will love. For a foodie, snag some tea towels, a nice cutting board, wooden utensils, fancy spices, a few tried and true recipes (or a cookbook), etc. For a pampered pal, try chocolates, scented candles, pleasant smelling bath and shower products, and a fluffy robe. For a techie, grab some tools, a fancy USB drive, a wireless speaker, computer cleaning supplies, etc. Remember: a gift package is just as much about the presentation as the present, so be sure to get creative and pick out the perfect packaging to make your gift really shine!

The Gift of Learning

Sign your friend—and yourself!—up for a fun class! Check out Groupon for great deals on local classes from yoga to cooking, or see what some local shops might have to offer! Check out Creative Live for a ton of great classes you can sign up for online and find your friend’s interest to get them started. Check out Brit + Co for classes on coding, calligraphy, crowdfunding, and more! It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Give Some “Me” Time

Does your host love hosting but hate cleaning? Chip in for a housekeeping service for a day! Maybe you’ve been listening to your friend complain about some much needed car service. Set up the appointment and prepay for the labor … you can even volunteer to take their car in for them so they can just relax and wait for it to be done! If finding a service isn’t something that’s easy for your friend, maybe you can try a day or night out: buy them some movie tickets, concession stand vouchers, and for friends with kids find a babysitter (or offer to do it yourself). You could do the same with a spa day, a dinner out, a sporting event, or whatever tickles your friend’s fancy.

Remember: Just because it’s a last minute gift doesn’t mean you didn’t put a lot of thought (and love!) into it! Find something simple and unique to give this holiday season, and take joy in the simplest gift of all: the gift of giving!

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