Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What are you thankful for this year?
Falcon Run Apartments
Located in a quiet Englewood, Colorado neighborhood, Falcon Run offers Spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms with the peace and beauty of suburban living and within minutes of the city or the mountains.
Falcon Run Apartments
Falcon Run is a family community, offering all the luxuries you expect plus conveniences close at hand - schools, a park and shopping.
Falcon Run Apartments
We have a great location being on a bus line and close to light rail for easy access to Downtown Denver.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:37 AM
After a long day at work, sometimes coming home and collapsing onto the couch just doesn’t help you to de-stress. But imagine if you had your own mini-spa right in your apartment bathroom! Some simple re-decorating is all it takes to turn your bathroom into your oasis. Use these tips from Apartment Therapy to get started.
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| "giant bathtub" by Erica Nicol is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 |
Part of the joy of a spa is that ability to take a break from life — to step away from the stresses and just focus on you. So consider a way to create a barrier between you, your bathroom and the rest of the world. It could be an extra lovely/dramatic shower curtain. It could be a curtain that you place over the door for an extra barrier. It could be big plants that partially obscure the rest of your bathroom from say, your tub. Get creative to think of a way you can enclose yourself to feel protected and a little bit transported.
2. Consider the presentation
As you can imagine, bath salts, yummy-smelling soaps and other treats for your body are a great way to treat yourself to a spa day. But don't just line them up unceremoniously on your bathroom counter. Think about the presentation. Put products in lovely containers you like handling. If you have a tub, consider splurging on a lovely-to-you bathtub caddy that you can slip into a warm bath under.
3. Add something surprising
Maybe it's a piece of art in your shower (or something more practical). Maybe it's a giant mirror in a weird spot. Perhaps it's just a bouquet of flowers on the edge of your tub. Just add something that will surprise you and perhaps transport you to a feeling of relaxation.
4. Consider all your senses
Start with neutralizing the things that might stress you out first. Loud noises from construction down the street or neighbors? Include white noise or soothing music to cover up sounds you don't want. Hate the overhead light in your windowless bathroom? Bring in candles.
5. Surround yourself with softness
When you're ready to leave your spa-like bathroom, take that relaxation with you by surrounding yourself with softness. Make sure you step onto a plush bath mat or into fluffy slippers. Towel off from a bath or shower with an extra cozy towel. Wrap yourself in a robe.
What would you put in your spa bathroom?
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Put This In Your Holiday Hosting Arsenal: An Emergency Cleanup Kit
Posted by Larimer Associates on 12:21 PM
Ever spilled coffee or red wine on a carpet? The difference between a quick clean up and a bad stain can be preparedness! Check out this Emergency Cleanup Kit and make sure that you're ready should the worst happen.
It's hosting season and you know what that means: your home will soon be getting a workout. Be it parties or houseguests, lots of traffic means lots of messes. Since you know spills are inevitable, do yourself a favor this year and put together an emergency cleaning kit so you'll be prepared to act fast when someone slips up.
Having this quick kit on hand has two benefits. First, it'll help you deal with those messes quickly (and therefore more effectively) and more importantly, it lets you avoid the drama and embarrassment that can go along with an accident. Keeping these key things close means there's no need to frantically empty everything from under the sink in the middle of a party or family dinner (and make the spiller feel worse than they already do!).
The Emergency Kit
Put these things in a caddy and get ready to be the graceful host who can dispatch spills and get back to the party that much quicker.
(Image credits: Shutterstock)
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
3 Ways To Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix Without The Bad Stuff
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:11 AM
The smells of fall are here, and one of everyone's favorite is...pumpkin! Pumpkin spice is making its way into everything this season, be it pie, beer, coffee, or whatever! Instead of buying those items and dealing with the bad stuff that comes with them, check out this article to find "3 Ways To Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix Without The Bad Stuff"!
Photo courtesy of the author - Cassandra Bodzak
Many of you probably know that the beloved pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks (and the pumpkin syrup at Dunkin') have been exposed for the frauds they are, containing milk that barista's never warn you about in the actual syrup, chemicals like caramel coloring that are not healthy to be ingested and filled with GMO milk if you get yours with soy.
More than one friend or client has mentioned how upsetting this news was to them and begged me to tell them how to get their pumpkin spice fix without sacrificing their health. Well the good news is it's really easy and even better, you'll save a lot of money skipping out on those $5 lattes this season!
My Go-To Tricks To Satisfy My Pumpkin Spice Fix:
Sugar & Spice
Make your own latte at home using organic, gmo-free nut milk (or making your own nut milk!) and while you're steaming your milk add in 1/2 teaspoon to a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (you can buy pumpkin spice at trader joe's or most grocery stores by the spices). For those of you who want a sweeter taste, drizzle a little grade B maple syrup for a rich fall flavor with a healthier take than sugar.
Spice 'n Brew
This only works if you have an old school coffeemaker or french press and not so much with the keurigs unless you use the DIY cup where you add your own grounds. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice per cup of coffee in with grounds and brew per usual. You can experiment with vary amount of spices, as you might guess, I like mine pretty pumpkin spicey! The beautiful part of this is that you can get it just right, so you can, GASP, make your own pumpkin coffee then one of those big chains that have a standard formula for everyone.
Tea Time
Yes, I know this is NOT coffee but it's my favorite option lately and you might find that when you're going on pumpkin beverage number three you may want to do yourself a little favor and give your body a break from all the caffeine. My favorite pumpkin spice tea is Harney + Sons but there are plenty of them out there so shop around and let me know if you find a favorite! I also add some almond milk to my tea in this case to make it feel a little more decadent.
Photo courtesy of the author - Cassandra Bodzak
Many of you probably know that the beloved pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks (and the pumpkin syrup at Dunkin') have been exposed for the frauds they are, containing milk that barista's never warn you about in the actual syrup, chemicals like caramel coloring that are not healthy to be ingested and filled with GMO milk if you get yours with soy.
More than one friend or client has mentioned how upsetting this news was to them and begged me to tell them how to get their pumpkin spice fix without sacrificing their health. Well the good news is it's really easy and even better, you'll save a lot of money skipping out on those $5 lattes this season!
My Go-To Tricks To Satisfy My Pumpkin Spice Fix:
Sugar & Spice
Make your own latte at home using organic, gmo-free nut milk (or making your own nut milk!) and while you're steaming your milk add in 1/2 teaspoon to a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (you can buy pumpkin spice at trader joe's or most grocery stores by the spices). For those of you who want a sweeter taste, drizzle a little grade B maple syrup for a rich fall flavor with a healthier take than sugar.
Spice 'n Brew
This only works if you have an old school coffeemaker or french press and not so much with the keurigs unless you use the DIY cup where you add your own grounds. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice per cup of coffee in with grounds and brew per usual. You can experiment with vary amount of spices, as you might guess, I like mine pretty pumpkin spicey! The beautiful part of this is that you can get it just right, so you can, GASP, make your own pumpkin coffee then one of those big chains that have a standard formula for everyone.
Tea Time
Yes, I know this is NOT coffee but it's my favorite option lately and you might find that when you're going on pumpkin beverage number three you may want to do yourself a little favor and give your body a break from all the caffeine. My favorite pumpkin spice tea is Harney + Sons but there are plenty of them out there so shop around and let me know if you find a favorite! I also add some almond milk to my tea in this case to make it feel a little more decadent.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Stick To That Grocery Budget
Posted by Larimer Associates on 2:26 PM
Do you go to the grocery store and end up leaving with more than you should? Here are ten tips on how to keep a grocery budget and stick to it! These tips will help you avoid the temptations at the grocery store, and you may end up saving money in the future. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
Grocery budgeting is a science, and an art. So much must be balanced: time, preference, income, store availability, seasons, life situations, and more. These are my top 10 tips for creating a grocery budget—and sticking to it.
Grocery budgeting is a science, and an art. So much must be balanced: time, preference, income, store availability, seasons, life situations, and more. These are my top 10 tips for creating a grocery budget—and sticking to it.
1. Track what you actually spend for a month.
Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.
Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.
Pro tip: to make this easier when you go back through your receipts, load your groceries from cart to cashier in itemized groups.
Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.
Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.
Pro tip: to make this easier when you go back through your receipts, load your groceries from cart to cashier in itemized groups.
2. Budget per month, but plan per week.
I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.
I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.
3. Name your priorities.
I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.
→ More on my priorities: 8 Foods to Always Spend Money On
I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.
→ More on my priorities: 8 Foods to Always Spend Money On
4. Don’t eat out.
Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.
Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.
5. Prize (and plan) variety.
...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.
...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.
6. Keep a fridge list
Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.
Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.
7. Learn to love your leftovers.
They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.
They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.
8. Don’t be duped by coupons.
Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.
Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.
9. Stock when there’s a sale, but don’t overstock.
Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.
But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.
Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.
But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.
10. Take the time to comparison shop.
The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.
However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.
The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.
However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:34 AM
Sick of the same old breakfast routine? Or maybe you're skipping breakfast altogether? Well turn your morning meal into a tasty treat with these Baked Apple Cider Donuts! Try making a batch today!
What could be better than sitting around a morning fire, listening to the pop and crackle, while dunking an apple cider donut into a mug of spiced tea? Not much in my book. It's the simple act of sharing a special treat with friends that makes this time of year just precious—especially when you're tucking into something so quintessentially "Fall" like an apple cider donut! Here's an easy recipe for a seasonal favorite. No fryer required.
These doughnuts are baked instead of fried. Some purists may argue that these aren't "donuts" at all, merely cupcakes dressed in a ring–shaped form and I wouldn't entirely disagree. However, they are so much fun to eat and very reminiscent of a traditional, fried apple cider donut, that I say bake on!
When considering the preparation of a big batch of fried foods at home, the task just seems too messy and inconvenient for an impromptu morning project. By layering the apple cider flavors into a quick bread and baking them in donut form, you really get a similar effect without the fuss of large quantities of oil. These donuts are also much lighter, yet still packed with spice and apple flavor. After eating them I don't feel heavy and stomach achey as I do after the real thing.
Have you ever worked with a donut pan? Usually found in non-stick, they come in two sizes - mini and regular, they are handy to have on hand for occasions such as this. I used the regular size this time, but I find the mini donut pan to be pretty darn cute. You can pour any type of cake or quick bread batter into one of these and bake according to your original instructions and voila, a round of donuts is born!
Whether you are tired of cupcakes or just want to add some humor and fun to your baking repertoire, I highly recommend experimenting with a donut pan. A tray of these apple cider donuts make for great conversation and delight!
Baked Apple Cider Doughnutsmakes about 8 donuts, depending on size of your donut pan
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup apple cider
1/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons canola oil (plus a little extra for greasing your donut pan)
powdered sugar for garnish
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients (these are all your wet ingredients). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Don't over-mix! A few lumps are okay; they won't show in the final product.
Spoon the batter into each donut mold until about 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 12 minutes and cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with tea, cider or black coffee.
What could be better than sitting around a morning fire, listening to the pop and crackle, while dunking an apple cider donut into a mug of spiced tea? Not much in my book. It's the simple act of sharing a special treat with friends that makes this time of year just precious—especially when you're tucking into something so quintessentially "Fall" like an apple cider donut! Here's an easy recipe for a seasonal favorite. No fryer required.
These doughnuts are baked instead of fried. Some purists may argue that these aren't "donuts" at all, merely cupcakes dressed in a ring–shaped form and I wouldn't entirely disagree. However, they are so much fun to eat and very reminiscent of a traditional, fried apple cider donut, that I say bake on!
When considering the preparation of a big batch of fried foods at home, the task just seems too messy and inconvenient for an impromptu morning project. By layering the apple cider flavors into a quick bread and baking them in donut form, you really get a similar effect without the fuss of large quantities of oil. These donuts are also much lighter, yet still packed with spice and apple flavor. After eating them I don't feel heavy and stomach achey as I do after the real thing.
Have you ever worked with a donut pan? Usually found in non-stick, they come in two sizes - mini and regular, they are handy to have on hand for occasions such as this. I used the regular size this time, but I find the mini donut pan to be pretty darn cute. You can pour any type of cake or quick bread batter into one of these and bake according to your original instructions and voila, a round of donuts is born!
Whether you are tired of cupcakes or just want to add some humor and fun to your baking repertoire, I highly recommend experimenting with a donut pan. A tray of these apple cider donuts make for great conversation and delight!
Baked Apple Cider Doughnutsmakes about 8 donuts, depending on size of your donut pan
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup apple cider
1/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons canola oil (plus a little extra for greasing your donut pan)
powdered sugar for garnish
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients (these are all your wet ingredients). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Don't over-mix! A few lumps are okay; they won't show in the final product.
Spoon the batter into each donut mold until about 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 12 minutes and cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with tea, cider or black coffee.
