Author: Mckinlie Ganong

Fall Decor Ideas For Your Luxury Apartment in Houston, TX

If you’re looking for a fall decor design that is less kitsch, and more stylish, this is the place to be. Keep reading for some of our favorite fall decor items that will add a touch of elegance to your luxury apartment in Houston, TX.

Leaf Wreaths

No matter if you decide to take the DIY route or simply head to Target to buy one premade, leaf wreaths are a tasteful way to let everyone know that fall has entered your home. While many opt for the standard door hanging wreaths, don’t limit yourself to just one location! Mantles, shelves, and event countertops are all great places to incorporate this simple, elegant fall staple that everyone should include in their fall decor.

Wheat Centerpieces

There is a simple elegance to incorporating wheat into your fall (or even your everyday) decor, but it’s one that we love no matter what! The best part about this simple decor is that you can have as much or as little as you desire, and you can choose to display it in any manner of your choosing. Vases and containers that match the color scheme of your fall decor, empty wine bottles, or even a simple clear vase are all tasteful options to add into your fall rotation.

Mini Pumpkins and Gourds

Bonus points if you opt for the real deal! The best part about pumpkins and gourds is that you can find them in any size, shape, variation, or color you could need to incorporate into your fall decor. Simply casting a few here and there around your apartment will add a level of natural coziness that’s sure to make any fall-lover swoon.

Seasonal Plants

Embrace the natural fall vibes by incorporating some orange and yellow foliage into your decor! This is another choice where you can opt for the faux option or the real deal, but either way will take your apartment to the next level! Mums and dahlias are a great place to start if you don’t consider yourself the green-thumb type.

Taper Candles

The best part of incorporating taper candles into your fall decor is the flexibility they pose for your vision! No matter if you choose colored, white, scented or plain, staked or contained - you hold the power. There’s just something about having different sized tapered candles surrounded by the ambiance of fall-centered decor and color scheme that provides an unmatched level of coziness to any home.

Knit Blankets

Even if the temperatures haven’t dropped to tremendously cold levels yet, knit blankets are one of the coziest ways to let fall into your space without inviting clutter into your home as well. Depending on the color scheme of your decor, taupe, champagne, orange, yellow, or brown are all staple colors to be included with your fall decor to add a sense of home to your apartment.

We’d love to see how your fall decor in your Houston, TX apartment turns out this season! Let us know in the comments what else you think should be included as a fall decor staple or tag us in your social posts to show off your beautifully decorated home!

For more recommendations on Houston life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips for Maximizing Closet Space In Your Luxury Austin Apartment

Tired of feeling like your closet can’t function the way you need? We’ve created some helpful tips and recommendations to help maximize your closet space, both in your closet and around your bedroom in your luxury Austin apartment.

Closet dividers

Closet dividers allow you to utilize any and all empty space in your closet and repurpose it into valuable space for your clothes, shoes, accessories, and other belongings. Shoe racks, accessory hangers, and similar dividers are all great ways to multiply your space, without having to leave your closet!

Hooks

Whether you have a large enough closet to add hooks to your walls, or you simply add a few on your closet door, hooks are a great space saver. Clothes, bags, necklaces, and more can all be easily contained in a small area, and free up your rack or shelf space at the same time. Plus, you can put your favorite items on display, gaining much easier access for those days you’re running a little behind (don’t worry, we all do it!).

Clothes rack

A clothes rack, whether it is able to fit in your closet, or if it is able to be kept in a corner or on a wall in your bedroom, is a great way to free up small closet space. If you have larger clothes like coats, jackets, sweaters, etc., a clothing rack is a great way to keep those clothes hanging on display, while freeing up space in your small closet at the same time. Plus, another added benefit of utilizing a clothes rack is that they can be seasonal, so show off (and easily access) your coats during the winter and switch them out for breezier outfits during the summer.

Modular shelving

Shelving is one of the best ways to free up space and eliminate clutter. Modular shelving to store clothes, shoes, and other accessories out of your closet is a fantastic way to maximize your apartment closet space. On a wall outside of your closet door or on a bathroom wall are great areas to capitalize on modular shelving. Shoes and bags can be easily accessed, as well as put on display, so have fun when you decide which of your favorite items to showcase!

Seasonal clothes

There’s no reason to keep a parka in your closet in the middle of July, just like there’s little use for tank tops in January. Free up closet space by only keeping out your clothes for the current season, and move out of season clothes to a storage closet or storage tub. This way, you’re not having to look through bundles of sweaters to find your favorite sundress for a day at the beach or pool!

That’s all for now on our tips and tricks to maximize your small closet space! Which one are you going to try out first? Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

5 Self-Care Tips To Reduce Your Stress

You may have heard the term “self-care isn’t selfish” from any number of platforms, events, or postings, and we want to emphasize that. Here’s a list of 5 ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine and work to eliminate unnecessary stress.

Meditation

Whether you decide to make meditation a part of your daily routine, or use it as a resource when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s a great way to regain your headspace and composure. Meditation aids in relaxing you by encouraging mindfulness through focus and breathing exercises. If you’re new to meditation and are looking for a place to start, we recommend apps like Calm and Headspace.

Spend time outside

Our bodies naturally crave sunlight and clean air, so taking a few minutes to step outside can be a great way to calm yourself in those moments of stress. Focusing on your breathing and your 5 senses when outdoors is a great technique to ground yourself and release tension to get you back in the right headspace to continue your daily activities.

Get organized

Lack of organization, whether it be your home, office, or even your agenda, can cause unnecessary added stress to your day to day life. Take time to ensure your space, as well as your mind, is organized and well maintained. As they say, a cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. By regaining that control, your mind will realize a new level of comfort and confidence as you continue on in your daily activities.

Snuggle your pet

There’s a reason animal therapy has grown so popular in recent years, and it’s because it really does work. Engaging the part of your brain that produces dopamine and serotonin when petting, playing with, or even being in the same room as an animal, can cause a significant decrease in your stress levels. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to focus on spending time with your dog, cat, or any other animal in your life that brings you joy.

Be sure you’re getting enough sleep

Even though we can’t always stop what we’re doing to get some rest, working to incorporate an adequate sleep schedule into your daily routine will work wonders for your stress management. Knowing the healthiest amount of sleep for your age group, and finding ways to implement and maintain it throughout your daily routine will keep your mind and body fresh enough to handle any challenge that comes your way.

That’s it for our self-care tips to reduce stress. As always, if you’re looking to live in a community that makes it easy to practice self-care, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Antonio, TX

Our pets are family, so why wouldn’t we want them to tag along whenever they can? Luckily, San Antonio is home to some of the best dog-friendly restaurants and patios. Here are a few of our top picks that are close to our communities of luxury apartments in San Antonio.

Hops & Hounds

Beer, burgers, and pups - does it get any better than that? At Hops and Hounds, you can bring your pooch with you to the bar, enjoy outdoor seating, and let them off leash at their dog park. They have a wide selection of beer, burgers, and other comfort food options. Hops and Hounds is located at 13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd, and is open 7 days a week, so it’s an easy choice for those living in North San Antonio luxury apartments.

The Friendly Spot Ice House

Not far from some of our Downtown San Antonio apartments luxury apartments, you’ll find that kids AND pups are welcome at The Friendly Spot Ice House at 943 S Alamo St. American and Mexican food alike are served here, paired with over 250 brews, margaritas, and cocktails. Open 12pm-12am 7 days a week, so bring the whole family to this dog-friendly location for a delicious variety of food and drinks!

The Cove

Looking to support a San Antonio business that’s sustainable, organic, and buys local? The Cove is just that - celebrating Texas by supporting local ranchers, farmers, and craftspeople. Located just north of our apartments near Downtown San Antonio, The Cove has something for everyone from vegan nachos to burgers to Texas brews. Visit 606 W Cypress St, and bring your pup to hang out on the patio while listening to live music most nights of the week.

The Hoppy Monk

Dogs are always welcome at the Hoppy Monk’s outdoor seating area, as long as they’re leashed! Be sure to check out their wide selection of beers on tap and get a bite of their delicious pub-inspired food. Open 7 days a week, this upbeat local bar is located on N. Loop 1604 E near our North San Antonio luxury apartments.

Tycoon Flats

Home to the best burgers in San Antonio, Tycoon Flats offers 30 specialty burgers! Not only does Tycoon Flats offer a beautiful shaded beer garden, but this long-time favorite San Antonio restaurant is located in the original 1920’s Historic Magnolia Petroleum Service Station, at 2926 N St Mary's St, preserving a little history while serving up the best burgers in town.

The Hangar

Bring your pup to the patio at The Hangar, and enjoy any one of their many choices of wings, burgers, and other pub style food. Come in any day of the week to check out their happy hour, or visit the bar and grab one of their many drink specials. Located at 8203 Broadway, just down the street from our apartments in Alamo Heights.

That wraps up our favorite dog-friendly restaurants near our San Antonio luxury apartment communities! The hardest decision is going to be where to go first. For more recommendations on San Antonio life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

5 New Book Recommendations for 2022

For many of us, summer is a great time to enjoy some peaceful reading, whether it’s while enjoying the summer weather, or avoiding the heat at our luxury apartments in Austin. Here are 5 new books to look forward to reading this summer, no matter where you choose to relax!

The Children on the Hill

If you are looking for a suspenseful read, look no further than bestselling author Jennifer McMahon’s newest novel, The Children on the Hill. Directly inspired from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the story follows two children, Vi and Eric, who live near a private psychiatric unit in New England. When their grandmother brings in a new child, Iris, the children begin to explore the world of monsters, both real and imagined. As the story shifts back and forth in time through the perspective of Vi as a child and as an adult, the world of real life monsters comes alive.

Something Wilder

Bestselling romance author Christina Lauren’s newest novel Something Wilder follows the story of Lily Wilder, the daughter of a treasure hunter who, as an adult, makes her living off of scamming tourists on fake treasure hunts. When her old flame Leo returns to town, all he wants is to reconnect with Lily, and all she wants is to take him on one of her “treasure” trails, and leave him behind. After the trip backfires - for everyone involved - Leo and Lily must confront their past love in the hopes of saving their futures.

Nightwork

The perfect mixture of love and suspense is found in Nora Roberts’ newest novel, Nightwork. Harry, a lifelong master thief, falls in love with Miranda, who is not as criminally apt as he is. After his past demons come to his present, Harry leaves Miranda in order to keep her safe. But, as life would have it, Harry and Miranda’s connection is too strong to keep them apart, and Harry must find a way to confront his demons in order to avoid losing Miranda forever.

The 6:20 Man

Travis Devine is your typical entry-level analyst at Manhattan’s most prestigious investment firm. That is, until he discovers that his ex-girlfriend is dead in one of the storage closets in his office building - and he’s next. David Baldacci’s The 6:20 Man follows Travis’ investigation into the lives of the uber-glamorous, that he had previously only experienced through the window of his train seat each day, in order to discover who killed Sara, and to keep himself from being their next target.

Book of Night

Holly Black’s adult novel debut is the fantasy book of the summer, no doubt. The story follows Charlie Hall, who is trying to move her life away from her past of aiding evil magicians called gloamists. As she attempts to start a new, magic-free life for herself, she realizes getting out of this business will not be so easy. Add Book of Night to your reading list if you are looking for something new in fantasy to kick off your summer reading!

Let us know what your favorite reads are this summer from your luxury apartment in Austin!

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How to Lower Your North Austin Luxury Apartment Energy Bill

Are you looking for ways to save money (and the environment) in your North Austin luxury apartment? Check out our tips below on how to lower your ever-growing energy bill.

Unplug your appliances

When not in use, unplugging appliances such as toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers, etc. is one of the easiest ways to prevent wasted energy from racking up your bills each month. Only plugging them in when you use it is also going to prevent outlet overuse in your apartment, and will keep you from having to spend money on maintenance later on down the road.

Eco-friendly lightbulbs

Using eco-friendly lightbulbs in your lamps and light fixtures will help to reduce the amount of energy being used throughout your day, and can help reduce your carbon footprint as well! In addition to eco-friendly bulbs, turning off lights when you leave the room, or leaving your lights on timers during the day and evening is another way to reduce unnecessary light energy in your apartment.

Cool naturally

Closing blinds and curtains during the peak heat hours of the day and leaving windows open on cool evenings and nights are great ways to naturally cool down your apartment without having to run your A/C unit.

Seal windows and doors

Drafty windows and doors, while they may not seem like a big deal, can cause multiple degree differences in your apartment temperatures, causing your HVAC to run more than it needs to in order to heat or cool your apartment to a comfortable temperature. Resealing your doors and windows, or even keeping a blanket in front of those drafty areas will cause you to see a drop in your energy bills every month!

Limit hot water usage

Hot showers, baths, as well as dishwasher and laundry loads can cause your energy bills to rise. That’s why being aware of your hot water usage and trying to limit it as much as possible can cause a huge decrease in your energy bills each month! Being mindful of the size of your dishwasher and laundry loads, and not running them when they are barely full, is a great way to make a subtle change to your day to day activity, and lower your bill at the same time.

That’s all for our list of ways to lower your energy bill in our North Austin luxury apartments!

If you found this post useful or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues! If you want to find your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips for Moving to Your Apartment In Dallas, TX

Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also cause some anxiety if you are not familiar with the area. Here are some tips if you are planning to move to one of our apartments in Dallas, TX.

Traffic

There’s no denying that Dallas is a large and very densely populated city, and the traffic is a great reflection of that fact. When relocating to Dallas, many people underestimate the difference in traffic patterns from their previous city - don’t let that be you!

If you choose to drive, as most Texans do, always account for a little extra driving time. Dallas roads have been constructed to carry a high-volume of cars, so traffic-jams are frequent. Plan accordingly by checking your map apps before heading out to see how long it will take you to get to your destination. If you prefer to use public transportation instead, take advantage of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which provides rail and bus services.

Restaurant and bar scene

If you’re wondering if Dallas can keep up with your love for food and entertainment, spoiler alert, it can. Restaurant life is HUGE in Dallas, and there is something for everyone! We encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone when trying to find your new favorite eateries in the city. In Dallas, there is no shortage of food festivals either, so take advantage of what your new city has to offer!

Dallas is also well-known for bars & nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a bar and grill, cocktail bar, speakeasy, nightclub, or anything in between - the sky's the limit when it comes to Dallas nightlife.

Arts and culture

Dallas’ arts and culture scene is known to rival even the likes of New York City with its impressive display of the arts. Museums and music halls, galleries and concert venues - Dallas certainly does not lack in arts and culture displays! The Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, The Echo Hall and Music Lounge, and Reveler’s Hall are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a list of artistic venues worth visiting in Dallas!

Weather and climate

If you’re moving to Dallas, especially if it’s from somewhere typically unfamiliar with hot temps, be sure to educate yourself quickly! The summertime heat in Dallas is no joke. You and your pets will want to stay hydrated and try to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon. Enjoy some exercise with your pup early in the morning or once the sun starts to go down. Pups get hot too, so make sure their feet are protected when walking on paved paths and concrete. Even though it’s hot in Dallas, the heat brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy pool days or an air-conditioned stroll through a museum.

Acquire a love for Tex-Mex

If you are new to Texas, get ready to love Tex-Mex. In Dallas, we love our twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, and it is everywhere! If you’re learning to love Tex-Mex, find a staple dish to get acquainted with Tex-Mex. If you’re not entirely sure where to start, we’d recommend the enchiladas con carne. Play around with customizing your Tex-Mex favorites, and run with it. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the State Fair of Texas

Whether you’re a lover of State Fair food and culture, or you’ve never been, the State Fair of Texas is an experience that EVERY Dallas resident should have. Deep-fried bacon cheeseburgers and fried flan cakes are just the beginning of the delicacies that the State Fair of Texas has to offer! Don’t forget to say “howdy” to Big Tex while you're there and grab a Fletcher’s corny dog for the road.

Good luck on your move to your apartment in Dallas! For more recommendations on Dallas life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How To Personalize Your Space in Your Luxury Apartment in North Dallas

Knowing how to make your space your own is one of the best ways to truly love your space in your luxury apartment in North Dallas. Even if it feels perfect, take a look at how you can improve the personalization of your space to reach maximum comfort and serenity in your home.

Know your colors

Before you can find the right supplies for your space, you need to know what colors you want to see more (and less!) of in your home. If you’re not sure, Pinterest can be your new best friend! Once you decide what color schemes you want to follow in your home, then you can move on to the fun stuff! Like…

Curtains

If you are looking to add in some more color to your space, curtains can be a saving grace. Bright, bold curtains could be exactly what your space is missing to add in that pop of color you seek! If more color is not what you are looking for, try finding a neutral color in your space (white, beige, grey) and capitalize on it! Make sure to know how much light you want to let in before deciding on your material type!

Pillows

Accent pillows, as fun as they are, can be tricky! You want to incorporate enough color and design to brighten or bring together your space! Though, you don’t want to be “the pillow lady” with so many pillows that you can’t sit down. Be sure to know where to draw the line! Similar to curtains, accent pillows can add in that pop of color you feel you are missing. Alternatively, they can be a way to tone down your space if you feel it has too much going on.

Smart storage

Whether you're someone who likes everything on display, or you like to keep things minimal, this is for you! Knowing how to keep things stored in your space is the key to personalizing it to perfection! Remember: shelving, storage tables, bins, and ottomans are ideal when it comes to keeping your space functional, while preventing clutter.

Area rugs

Finding the perfect rug for your space is like having a perfect hair day, but every day! Again, this is one of those times that Pinterest can be your best friend! Decide what size, shape, and color of rug will fit perfectly in your space, and give it that “you” touch!

That’s all for now on our tips and tricks to personalize your space! Which one are you going to try out first? Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Best Places to Swim Near Your Luxury Apartment in Midtown Houston

Beat the heat this summer at these awesome swimming locations around your Luxury Apartment in Midtown Houston! Whether you choose to hang at the pool, beach, or lake, we’ve got you covered in this list!

Lake Longhorn

Lake Longhorn has areas for fishing, swimming, boating, and the option to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for the day. Entry is $15 per person, and to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe for the day is $15. Spend the day with friends and family, full of activities for everyone to enjoy on this 30 acre plot! Only 1 hour from downtown Houston.

Lake Livingston

At $5 per person aged 13 and up, Lake Livingston is an affordable swimming location with enough space and activities for everyone to find something to do! Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent for $18 per hour. There is a ladder entry into the swimming area, as well as a small beach area located near the boat ramps.

Wolf Creek Park

For $5 per person, this kid-friendly park is the perfect place to bring the family! The swimming area is large and roped off to ensure that the water is never too deep to be deemed safe. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are also available for rent to those who wish to do more than swim. Open Monday - Thursday, Wolf Creek is a great location to spend the day cooling off in this summer heat!

Emancipation Swimming Pool

Fully equipped with a full size pool, kids pool, and water slides, the Emancipation Swimming Pool is a great place to bring the whole family to enjoy for the day. Feel free to spend the day here, as there are tables and concessions available to enjoy lunch by the pool!

Moody Park Swimming Pool

Located at the Moody Park Community Center in Houston, this public swimming pool is open Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-8pm. Moody Park features adult and kid swimming areas, so there is an area for those with and without kids. Best of all, it's right near your luxury apartment in Midtown Houston!

Let us know if you have any other recommendations for local swimming spots for our Houston residents! If you found this post useful or interesting, we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues! If you want to find your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Summer Grilling Tips at Your Luxury Apartment in North Austin

Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to break out the grill (if you haven’t already). Take a look at these 5 tips for how to maximize your grilling experience this summer at your luxury apartment in North Austin, both for safety and flavor!

Always Start With a Clean Grill

Whether you clean your grill as soon as you’re done, or you clean it before starting your next meal, as long as the grill is getting cleaned, you’re good. Without cleaning the grill thoroughly between meals, leftover flavor, residue, and seasoning will be left on the grill and can tamper with your meat, veggies, or any other grilled food.

Keep a Spray Bottle Nearby

Juices, seasonings, and marinade can drip down into the fire and cause some flames to come above the grate and onto your food. While it’s not always an unsafe flame that can pop up, it can potentially char your food past the point of perfection, and into the territory of just plain burnt. Use a spray bottle of water to fight those rogue flames and keep your food from burning.

Buy a Meat Thermometer

Just like no one likes their meat to be undercooked, you don’t want to overcook it either. Getting a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your food is at its safest and tastiest this summer. Be sure to follow the guidelines for each type of meat you cook- they're all different! Be sure to wipe down and clean your meat thermometer after each use. This helps to prevent the spread of salmonella and cross contamination.

Rest the Meat

As tempting as it can be, don’t dive into your plate as soon as the food comes off the grill! Letting your meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows for everything to set and soak in. This helps to maximize the flavor of both the meat and the marinade. Additionally, it allows the meat to cool off and not overwhelm your senses. That way all that you and your guests will be focused on is the masterpiece you have created.

Keep Em Separated

Separate your meats! Both for reasons of flavor and safety, keep your different types of meat separated from each other. This includes when marinating, on the grill, and after being taken off. For safety, this ensures that there will be no cross contamination directly onto your meat. This also reduces any risk of salmonella or food poisoning. For flavor reasons, it ensures that different meats and marinades will not be mixing together. This will definitely ensure you are keeping your flavor experience at its peak.

We hope you are looking forward to a summer full of grilling at your luxury apartment in North Austin using these simple tips!

If you want to find your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.