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Chef-Approved Tips for Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet

August 5, 2016 by

The trusty cast iron skillet is a mainstay in any home chef’s kitchen, but it’s also one of the most confusing items when it comes to its care. Should you wash it with water? Try a salt scrub? These chef-approved tips will show you exactly how to clean your cast iron skillet properly — and tell you which techniques you should never use!

  • Never use soap. No matter what you do, never soak your skillet in soapy water. This removes the natural, nonstick coating that comes from frequent use and oil absorption.
  • Clean it while still warm. This makes it much easier to remove food particles.
  • Use a stiff brush. Using a stiff brush made of natural materials that won’t melt, run the skillet under hot water and give it a good scrubbing. This will remove food without stripping it of its natural oils and seasonings.
  • Sprinkle on salt. To remove particularly built-up food particles, sprinkle coarse Kosher salt on the surface of the pan. Scrub it dry, and then run water over the surface to remove the salt.
  • Dry. Dry your pan using a clean towel or by letting it sit on the stove on low heat.
  • Season. Finally, apply a light coating of oil or shortening to lock in that lovely seasoning.

How To Clean and Season an Old, Rusty Cast Iron Skillet [Apartment Therapy]
Cleaning and Seasoning a Cast-Iron Skillet [Real Simple]
How To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet [The Kitchn]

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How to Hang Curtains the Right Way

August 2, 2016 by

Something as small as adjusting your curtain rods can quickly change the look of your home. Follow these tips to create a better look for your window and the rest of your space!

  • Always hang your curtains up high to the ceiling. It makes your ceilings look higher and your space look larger and will enhance the overall atmosphere of your room.
  • If your curtains aren’t wide enough it will block light and make the window look smaller, therefore making your whole room appear smaller. When the curtains are pushed open, you want to see almost all of the window.
  • The most common mistake in hanging curtains is hanging them too short making it look awkward. Make sure the bottom of the curtains just kiss the floor.
  • You can also make the curtains puddle on the floor to give your room a romantic, feminine, and European vibe.

Quick & Affordable Home Makeover Task: Adjust Your Curtain Rods [Apartment Therapy]
Hanging Curtains All Wrong [Emily Henderson]
It’s Curtains, Hang Em High [Home Goods]

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Love Home Decorating? These 4 HGTV Shows Will Give You Major Design Inspo

July 29, 2016 by

If you consider decorating your home one of your favorite hobbies, then you're likely always on the hunt for new sources of inspiration. Tune into these four popular HGTV shows during your next lazy Sunday on the sofa!

  • Flip or Flop. With its high stakes gambles in the risky house-flipping market, this fun show is one of HGTV's most exciting. You'll love watching as married hosts Tarek and Christina bid on foreclosed houses and renovate them for resale.
  • House Hunters. This classic HGTV show is now in its 18th season, but you'll never grow tired of watching real people purchase homes in places around the country.
  • House Hunters International. If you love House Hunters, you'll especially love watching Americans purchase their first homes in other countries around the world. From France to India, this show gives you a glimpse into the housing market all over the globe.
  • Fixer Upper. Watch as married couple Chip and Joanna renovate houses all over the Waco, Texas, area. By purchasing older homes and renovating them on a budget, they give their clients a chance to live in their dream neighborhoods.

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Create a Cozy, Chic Look in Your Bedroom With These Simple Steps

July 22, 2016 by

To improve your sleep, create a relaxing atmosphere, and add a chic look to your bedroom, all it takes are a few smart upgrades. From incorporating plush textures to changing up the color scheme, these simple tips will show you exactly what to do.

  • Replace your current bedding with crisp, white bedding. If your current sheets and duvet feel drab and outdated, upgrading to chic white bedding will give your bed a timeless look that's just like a four-star hotel.
  • Create storage for every loose item and stray article of clothing. If you constantly find yourself tripping over clutter, head to the home goods store and invest in additional drawers, bins and other storage items.
  • Frame some art to dress up your walls. Choose soothing nature scenes, neutral abstract prints or framed family photos that will make you feel calm and relaxed.
  • Add throw pillows and blankets that will add additional depth to your bedding. Choose one statement pop of color or something in a fun faux fur for some soft, eye-catching texture.
  • Update the lighting by replacing the current bulbs with muted lights or bulbs that imitate natural sunlight.

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How to Decorate Your Apartment Using Affordable, Colorful Tapestries

July 15, 2016 by

Decorating your apartment may seem expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. By simply recycling those old tapestries that you loved so much in high school, you can create a chic, eclectic look for no money at all. Here are a few creative ways to decorate your apartment with tapestries.

  1. Create a headboard. If your simple bedframe doesn’t contain a headboard, create the illusion of one with a tapestry. Simply hang one behind your bed and keep the rest of your bedding simple to let the tapestry take center stage.
  2. Cut it into a smaller size. If your large, busy tapestry seems overwhelming, try cutting it into a smaller size to hang above a table or in an irregular wall space.
  3. Brighten up a bare wall. If you have a wall that you just don’t know what to do with, it may be the perfect place for a tapestry. Because these oversized wall hangings are too large for many spaces, they’re the perfect way to cover a whole wall in one simple step.
  4. Use them as curtains. Drape your tapestry over a simple curtain rod, or sew a loop at one end to make it function like traditional curtains.
  5. Make your own tablecloth. Cover a small dining table with your tapestry to create a colorful tablecloth.

Hanging Tapestries as Wall Art [Apartment Therapy]
Colorful Tapestries & Wall Hangings [Apartment Therapy]
How to Decorate With Tapestries [SF Gate]

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Hey Pokemon Go Fans!

July 12, 2016 by

I hope you guys are pulling for team Mystic. Our windmill in front of the property is a Pokestop, and there's a gym at the Baptist church sign on the left side of property. Get out there and explore the trails too! Be sure to stay hydrated and aware of your surroundings!

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Bring the Outdoors In: How to Decorate Using Natural Elements

July 8, 2016 by

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to decorate your home is with natural elements. Use natural materials from the outdoors and colors inspired by nature to decorate for any season. If your space could use s breath of fresh air, follow these tips and get this organic look in your home.

  • Use unique pitchers or containers to keep flowers in to give any bouquet a fresh look.
  • Add three-dimensional antlers or any kind of faux taxidermy to your wall to break up some of your framed pictures on your wall.
  • Gather some branches in your backyard to put in a vase to make a centerpiece for your table. You can also use a piece of driftwood for a centerpiece as well.
  • Use a large twisted branch to hang on the wall to add some modern dimension to a room.
  • Use clear glass lamps and fill them up with pinecones, seashells and sand, moss, or anything else you can find.
  • You can also use bowls or trays to fill up with the pinecones or shells.
  • Hang artwork with an earthy theme to hang on your neutral colored walls.
  • Place a collection of small green houseplants in different sized pots on your wooden table to add some natural character to your dining room.

15 Ways to Decorate with Natural Elements [Ebay]
Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes]
12 Easy Decorating Ideas Inspired by Nature [Houzz]

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The Why and How of Staying Hydrated While Exercising

July 5, 2016 by

Keeping your body hydrated during exercise helps your heart pump blood through your blood vessels to your muscles. It also helps your muscles work more efficiently. Needless to say, it's important to make sure you enough water before, during, and after your workout. Follow these tips on staying hydrated while exercising.

  • Keep count. It's important to drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2 to 3 hours before exercising, 8 ounces 30 minutes before exercising, 7 to 10 ounces every 10 minutes during exercise, and 8 ounces 30 minutes after you exercise.
  • Supplement. For your average 60-minute workout, you won’t need anything more than water. If you’re going longer than that, or if it's humid outside, you may need a sports drink to get the extra calories and electrolytes.
  • Drink when you feel thirsty. You body is designed to tell you when you need to hydrate, so pay attention to its signals..

Athletes: The Importance of Good Hydration [Family Doctor]
What Should I Drink While Exercising? [The Starting Line]
Staying Hydrated – Staying Healthy [American Heart Association]

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5 Stylish Alternatives to the Traditional Nightstand

July 1, 2016 by

Whether you're working with limited space or you're simply looking for something more unique than traditional furniture, there are a number of reasons why you might want to skip the usual squared nightstand and opt for something a bit more tailored to your needs. Here are just five great alternatives to the usual bedside table — and even a few that aren't tables at all!

  1. A chair. Visit your local thrift store or a stylish home goods store to pick out chic chairs that can double as bedside tables. They're perfect for creating a base for your current reads and an alarm clock, or if you prefer to go the minimal route and leave the chair's base bare, you can even use it to sit on.
  2. A sturdy shelf. If you only have a few feet to spare on either side of your bed, simply attach a small shelf to the wall and use it as a compact nightstand alternative.
  3. A vintage milk crate. Hunt for these rustic wooden crates at local antique sales or even the farmers market if you're looking for a bedside table with a bit more personality. Simply flip it upside down or on its side, depending on how tall you want your "table" to look.
  4. A desk. If you're on the other side of the bedroom spectrum and actually have more space than you know what to do with, use a desk as your nightstand. That way, you can fill empty space and create a private area for answering e-mails or planning your week.
  5. A bar cart. Everyone loves the retro bar cart, but this piece isn't just designed for housing your favorite spirits. Use it in a guest bedroom to provide your guests with a carafe of water, fresh flowers, toiletries and more.

Rethink the Table: 22 Bedside Alternatives [Brit + Co]

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Update Your Wardrobe by Hosting a Clothing Swap at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge! Here’s How!

June 24, 2016 by

Wondering what to do with all of those clothes that you just don’t wear anymore? Many thrifty fashion lovers nowadays are starting to host clothing swaps, during which groups of friends get together to trade their gently worn clothes, shoes, and even accessories. Do something good for your budget and even for the environment by using these tips to host your own clothing swap at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge!

  1. Decide on the perfect group. Choose a manageable group that you can fit comfortably inside of your home. While you don’t want to go overboard with people, you’ll likely want to invite at least three or four friends to ensure ample swapping opportunities.
  2. Send out detailed invites. Be sure to describe how the swap will work and exactly how many items to bring in your invitation, email, or text message.
  3. Create a comfortable swapping area. Set up an area in your living room or other common space where you can set up chairs, snacks, and other essentials. Designate a spare room as a "changing room."
  4. Take the reins. Since many of your guests have likely never done a swap before, get things started by demonstrating how to browse the clothes and swap for items. You may even want to give people a limit on how many items they can take home.
  5. Bring refreshments. Once the swap is done, keep the mood light by socializing over snacks and drinks.

How to Hold a Fashion Swap Party [WikiHow]
10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Clothing Swap [Woman’s Day]
13 Rules for a Successful Clothing Swap [Oprah]

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