Tag: East Austin luxury apartments

Tips On Saving Money While Renting

Choosing to rent is a big decision that many are faced with, and we’re thrilled you chose an RPM Living apartment community! Now that you’ve decided to rent your home, even if only temporarily, it’s a good idea to look ahead and start thinking about how to save money while you’re in a rental. Here are some of our tips!

Pay rent with a cash-back credit card

You’ve probably heard people say that credit cards are “scary” and you should avoid using them unless absolutely necessary, but this isn’t true for those who know how to use them responsibly. By paying your rent with a credit card that offers cash back on all purchases, you can truly make some of your money back on your rent payments each month, all while spending the same amount of money you’d be spending anyways.

Find a roommate

This one may seem a little on the nose, but there’s a reason why many renters choose to go in 50/50 with roommates! You’ll still be able to live in a space you love in a perfect location for your lifestyle, but at only a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to choose your roommates wisely. Just because someone is your friend - or even family - doesn’t mean they’ll be a good fit to live with. There’s no point in choosing a roommate to split costs with if they aren’t going to stick around long enough to really make a difference.

Know how much space you need

It can seem tempting to choose an apartment that comes with extra space for storage, living, entertaining, etc., but if you’re keen on saving your money, choose a space that adequately suits your needs. In order to get more, you oftentimes have to pay more, so why pay for more than you really need? Trust us, you’re going to thank yourself in the long run.

Eliminate your debt

From credit card debt to student loans, it’s no secret that getting out of debt is one of the most common challenges that people are facing these days, especially with rising costs of living. Getting out of that hole is a great way to start seeing your savings grow each month, rather than sit in the same place month in and month out. Consider working with a free financial advisor to create a plan, both short and long term, to get your debt into a good place - or eliminated altogether.

Watch your utilities

It’s easy to get caught up in cranking your heat in the winter and your A/C in the summer, but how much extra are your utilities really costing you each month? While we would never suggest a tactic that would cause you to be uncomfortable in your own time, keeping an eye on your energy, water, heating and cooling usage each month could be what helps add some extra funds into your savings.

There are so many benefits to renting your home, don’t sell yourself short over fear of not being able to grow your savings in the meantime. Let us know if these tips have helped you, or if you have any additional tips that have proven effective in your time as a renter!

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

Apartment-Friendly At-Home Date Night Ideas

Prepare your favorite meal together

There’s next to nothing as satisfying as enjoying your favorite meal with your favorite person, and crafting it together is half the fun! Head to the nearest grocery store and pick up the necessary ingredients for your favorite at-home meal, or recreate one from your favorite restaurant, and enjoy this fun, delicious, and affordable night in.

Create your own spa

Everyone could use a spa day to wind down, but not everyone wants to spend the money - we hear you! Instead, opt for a spa day (or night) in with your partner full of face masks, massages, and body scrubs. Bonus points for including a bubble bath!

Double feature movie night

This one’s pretty straightforward, but we’ll give you some inspo anyway. Both of you pick a movie to watch together, and neither of you can complain, gripe, or speak negatively in any way about the other’s choice. To really enhance the moment, pop some popcorn, grab a couple of your favorite drinks, and put the phones away like you’re in a real theater - no interruptions!

Cocktail night

Just because you aren’t heading out to a cocktail bar doesn’t mean you can’t DIY your own! Each of you creates your own cocktail - or mocktail - for you to enjoy together. These can be made as a surprise for each other, or can be crafted together - your pick!

Wine tasting

Hit your local grocery store, winery, liquor store - you name it, just as long as you can get your favorite wines to enjoy together! To add to the anticipation, you can opt for drinks that neither of you has tried before, and who knows, you might even find your new favorite bottle!

While there is no limit to the number of at-home date nights to enjoy, we hope these ideas help guide you in the right direction! After all, with apartments like ours, any night at home is still going to feel romantic.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Apartment Winter Cleaning Checklist

Sterilize garbage cans & wastebaskets

As we trudge forward through cold and flu season, your garbage cans can be a breeding ground for bacteria that you may not even realize are entering your home! Washing and disinfecting your trash cans - big AND small, people - will not only aid in preventing sickness in your home but will also keep your bins from beginning to smell. No one likes a smelly trash bin.

Vacuum underneath furniture

You might have heard some say it’s important to regularly move your furniture to vacuum behind and beside it, and that’s all true! But something just as important is to flip your furniture to vacuum the underneath of any couches, chairs, etc. you may have. The dust covers found on most upholstered furniture do their job well, and collect a vast array of dust bunnies and more, so be sure and keep on top of it all! You may even notice a dip in any sneezing and coughing from allergies after this one.

Clean ceiling fan blades

If you’re someone whose ceiling fan runs virtually 24/7 (we get it), or someone whose ceiling fan is more of a decoration than a useful home appliance, dust WILL accumulate! Just because you can’t see it from underneath does not mean it isn’t there. This is another area where you could see a drop in coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-like symptoms after cleaning.

Disinfect toilet brushes and cleaners

Be honest - when was the last time you sterilized your toilet bowl cleaner, plunger, or any other toilet-use item? No shame, but for many, this isn’t at the top of their regular cleaning checklist, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done! For an easy fix, mix equal parts vinegar and water - or for a vinegar-free option, create a mixture of six parts water, and one part bleach - and let the items soak for 3-5 minutes, rinse, and air dry.

Clean your washing machine

Regular dirt and grime mixed with winter dust and germs can make a serious difference in your washing machine’s cleaning quality, and you may not even notice until after it’s been cleaned! For an easy and effective cleaning routine, pour two cups of baking soda into your washer, and run it on the longest, hottest cycle option. Once completed, pour two cups of white vinegar in, and run the longest cycle again, but this time, only use warm water. This will freshen up your washer’s interior and will result in noticeably cleaner clothes as well. It’s a win-win!

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the huge hassle chore that many think it is, and we hope this list of cleaning tips during the winter months helps take some of the dread away for you at your luxury RPM apartments.

If you’re looking for a few more seasonal cleaning tips to add to your arsenal, here are some more of our recommendations:

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Increasing Productivity When Working From Home

Dedicate a working space

Working from your bed might seem like a dream come true when it comes to being able to work from home, but to tell you the truth, it’s only going to keep you from your highest level of productivity. We wish it wasn’t true, either! Instead, create a dedicated working space that will keep your mind free of distractions, whether it’s a home office, a simple desk in the corner of the room, or even the dining room table or bar, depending on your space options. As long as it’s an area that you know won’t be tempting you to take a snooze, get caught in a Netflix binge, or get distracted by any other vices, you’re on the right track.

Implement quiet hours into your daily schedule

If this is your first time hearing the term “quiet hours'' while working, you’re in for a true treat when it comes to maximizing productivity - especially when working from home. Quiet hours are exactly what they sound like; scheduled time throughout your workday with no distractions and no interruptions. This means: turn off the TV, silence your phone (or even put it in a separate room), don’t schedule meetings, and turn your Microsoft Teams/Slack/Google/whatever-your-company-uses-to-communicate status to ‘away.’ This separation, even if it’s only for an hour or two out of your workday helps to eliminate all distractions and put your mind in a place of focus that it otherwise couldn’t reach, even if you don’t realize you’re being distracted in the moment.

Keep a schedule

So many are tempted by the flexibility of working from home due to the ability to, oftentimes, work on your own time, in your own chosen environment. While this is certainly a perk of the WFH lifestyle, it can cause a decline in personal productivity if you don’t have a set schedule in place to keep yourself on track. This is a level of self-discipline that can be tricky for those who aren’t used to working with this much freedom (gone are the days of micromanaging office managers!), but with the proper implementation, can increase your productivity in ways you never thought possible, and sometimes, in even less time than before.

Declutter your space

We already discussed having a designated working space in your home, but having a separate area in itself isn’t going to be enough to improve your productivity if that area is full of distractions and clutter. There’s a reason that minimalism is rising in popularity each day, and when it comes to working from home, it’s even better. While it’s important to personalize your space to make yourself comfortable, covering your desk or table with unnecessary items, leaving behind trash and dishes, and not having dedicated areas for important work documents and other items are going to keep you from being your most productive self.

Incorporate breaks to prevent burnout

PSA: increasing your productivity does NOT mean overworking yourself and getting burnt out!

In fact, it should mean the exact opposite. Working an 8, 9, or 10+ hour day with no breaks is one of the least effective ways to remain productive, and one of the best ways to get burnt out on your job, which is exactly what this list is trying to prevent! Even if it’s only 5-10 minutes, it’s important to allow yourself to take time throughout your day to take a step back from the screen or the papers, refresh your mind, and come back recharged. This allows you to increase not only your productivity but your creativity as well, to ensure the work you’re producing is truly your best.

Looking for more tips on crafting the perfect work-from-home lifestyle? Check out some of our other blogs:

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

Best Restaurants in Dallas

In a city as big and full of life as Dallas, having a guide to the best local restaurants can be a lifesaver for last minute plans, or even for a month in advance. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Capital Grille

500 Crescent Ct., #135, Dallas, TX, 75201

With an extensive drink list and a dinner menu to die for, this steakhouse favorite is the perfect place to enjoy a night out. After all, with a menu including everything from beluga caviar to filets, and mongo-sized portions to put the icing on the cake, you better get your reservations in now.

Fearing’s

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX, 75201

If you’re looking for a Southwestern array of options for your dinner of choice, allow Chef Dean Fearing to take over the cooking this time. Begin with some griddled lump crab cakes or lobster tacos, and pair it with a buffalo tenderloin and one of their extensive wine options. If you’re looking for a laid-back evening, head over to the Rattlesnake Bar for some Wagyu short rib and a drink of your choice.

Princi Italia

5959 Royal Lane, Ste. 707, Dallas, TX, 75230

Be sure and add this chic Italian cafe to your dinner must-visit list! Whether your heart yearns for a bowl of pasta, a bite of bruschetta, or a slice of pizza pie rather than a dessert, Princi Italia has got you covered. Don’t forget to include a glass of vintage wine with your entree, no matter which direction you choose! Wines as good as these can be paired with anything.

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, & Crab House

2401 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

As their name implies, there is something on this menu for everyone at the dinner table, whether you’re in the mood for surf or turf. As the cravings call for, keep it real with their dessert menu by ordering a slice of decadent chocolate cake to finish off your meal - whatever it looks like, the choice is yours.

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro

3020 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

If your hope is for a more intimate dining experience, St. Martin’s Wine Bistro is just the place to visit. With over 200 options on its wine list, St. Martin’s food and drink menu includes something for every taste palate. It’s also a great idea to finish off your night with their signature creme brulee, but we won’t tell you how to spend your time.

No matter where you choose to dine in Dallas, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Minimalist Decorating Tips for Your Apartment

Essential elements

Minimalism is based around only using essential elements to create a simple, functional, and clutter-free space. This is done through utilizing light, form, and materials most often in an open concept layout. Avoid excessive ornamentation and decoration, and instead opt for single pieces of artwork or other decorative elements in a large space.

Clean lines

Functionality and practicality are at the forefront of a minimalist design. This means focusing on maintaining flat, clean surfaces. Avoid lots of small decorations or furniture on tables, desks, shelves, etc., and stick to the basics. When choosing furniture, avoid excessive patterns and textures, and instead opt for a simple form, and neutral colors to your scheme.

Monochromatic color schemes

Whites, beiges, and greys will become your best friend, and are very standard in minimalist spaces. Colors are to be brought down to their most simple, natural shade rather than incorporating vibrance. When including colors, opt for the soft or baby shade rather than a hot or neon.

Textiles

To add a sense of dimension to your minimalist space without clashing designs, textiles such as linen, wool, and cotton are easy ways to add a sense of texture, color, and warmth to your space without causing distraction. Simple additions such as bedding, rugs, blankets, etc. are an easy and often inexpensive way to incorporate this element.

Combine shades

While all your shades should remain a faint, soft color as was previously discussed, it’s important to know that a blend of those faint shades in a room is key to keeping your home from looking washed out or bland, which is a fine line when it comes to minimalist design patterns. Wallpapers, fabrics used in furniture or decor, and even tile design can be used to incorporate this subtle, yet tasteful mix.

For more decorating tips, check out some of our other blogs!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Your Ultimate Guide to Austin, TX

If you are new to Austin or looking to fall in love with Austin all over again, this blog is for you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Austin, TX, and we can’t wait for you to try our recommendations.

Music in the Live Music Capital of the World

6th Street - Dirty 6th

Austin’s version of Bourbon Street is located on 6th Street between Congress Avenue (to the west) and I-35 (to the east). Here you’ll find a collection of eclectic dive bars, restaurants, food trucks, and lots, and we mean LOTS of live music.

6th Street - East Side

Find a refreshing variety of live music venues In historic Old East Austin on East 6th Street, where live music is featured every night.

Hotel Vegas
The White Horse
Whisler’s

Continental Club

They don’t call themselves “the granddaddy of all local music venues” for nothing. The bands they book lean towards blues and country, and are something any Austin local or visitor should see.

Rainey Street

Another collection of unique bars and dining, similar to Dirty 6th, but for a less grunge, more classic clientele. Check out some of our favorites:

Banger’s
Lucille
Half Step
Geraldine’s located in the Hotel Van Zandt

The Broken Spoke

If you’re in the mood to visit an iconic old honky tonk & dance hall, this is the place to be. When you enter, it feels like stepping back in time to the ‘60s. The venue includes a mini museum of the country music royalty that has performed there. Bonus: we have it on good authority that they have the best chicken fried steak in Austin.

Activities and Sights

Alamo Drafthouse

The Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse is a great choice if you’re looking for a unique activity. They show old & new features and serve you drinks and food during the show.

Austin’s Central Public Library

The Library features an amazing design, great art, green roof/patio, plus a bar and restaurant with literary-inspired cocktails. Can it get any better than that for a lit-lover?

Barton Springs

Barton Springs is the real star amongst Austin’s natural gems. It’s a spring-fed pool that is 68 degrees year round with a natural bottom. It’s really magical.

Congress Avenues Bats

In case you didn’t know, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world! Every night at sunset they fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge over Lady Bird Lake and create a ribbon in the air as they head downstream to feed on insects at night. Fun fact: farmers love them!

Tacos

Veracruz

Although they are known for their migas tacos, all are amazing! They have a food truck location as well as a permanent location at the Line hotel. The Linel’s lobby features artwork by Austin artists if you’re looking for a 2-for-1 kind of thing.

Torchy’s Tacos

Absolutely the best Austin-based taco chain. It’s something special that everyone in Austin should experience for themselves. We promise it will become a favorite in your Austin rotation!

Eats

Easy Tiger

This German beer garden and bakery offers great outdoor seating at multiple locations across Austin, and is one that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Juan in a Million

If you’re looking for great Mexican-inspired breakfast options in Texas-sized portions, Juan in a Million is sure to check all of your boxes.

Loro

Two of Austin’s top chefs collaborated and had a baby to create this Asian Smokehouse, with such a variety of choices, your hardest decision will be picking just one.

Drinks

P6

P6 is located on the top floor of the Line hotel’s parking garage, and includes great drinks and snacks, and a killer view of Lady Bird Lake. Also, the elevator ride up is an experience to try in itself!

Tiki Tatsu-Ya

This tiki-themed bar (they serve food, too!) is an immersive experience where you can sip elaborate cocktails…some of which are served with a sound and light show. Reservations book out about a month but you can often pop in and grab a spot at the upstairs bar.

Meanwhile Brewing

If you’re looking for an extensive drink menu for options that everyone will love, a great location and atmosphere, and some of the best taco trucks in Austin, Meanwhile should be your first stop on this list.

If you’d like a few more recommendations on local Austin life, here are a few other blogs we’ve created.

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

Fall Apartment Cleaning Checklist

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the stressor many think it is! We hope these tips will keep your regimen in check this fall season.

Turn Mattresses

It’s a good idea to turn your mattress front to back a few times a year. While you’ve got the sheets off and are in the process of moving your mattress around anyways, another tip for the cleanest and most comfortable mattresses is to sprinkle baking soda across your mattress. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and vacuum it up when you’re done. This helps remove any lingering odors from your mattress, and will increase its life substantially.

Baseboards + Fans

Use a damp rag or towel to wipe down your baseboards and ceiling fans, as they are the 2 top dust collectors in your home that are not usually considered a part of a regular cleaning rotation. Even if you don’t think they look dusty or dirty, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a difference when you’re done. It’s the little things that really help to spruce up your apartment.

Wash Holiday or Seasonal Dishes

Whether you’re hosting during the holidays or are just swapping out your typical dishes for some seasonal fun, be sure and give them a good wash. Though it can be tempting to believe your dishes are still clean from when you washed and packed them away last season, don’t let a lack of dust or grime deceive you - wash those dishes, and thank us later.

Wash Bedding

This is especially true if you are expecting any holiday guests, but even if you’re planning on spending the holidays solo, the changing of seasons is a great opportunity to freshen up all of your bedding, and pillows - yes, the actual pillows, not just the pillowcases this time. This goes for any couch or decorative pillows around your apartment as well.

Clean Storage Containers

As tempting as it can be to throw your storage containers back into storage after a long day of putting up holiday or seasonal decorations, don’t do it! Rinse out and wipe down your containers to keep them fresh, and avoid any buildups of dust, dirt, or other grime. Bonus: it helps keep bugs away longer. No one likes opening up containers that have been sitting for a year and finding dead spiders and other bugs in the bottom of your precious decor.

Plant Love

As we move into the colder months, be sure to keep your plants in check. Avoid keeping plants next to drafty windows that could result in a cold shock, and be sure and give them a little extra fertilizer to make up for the lack of sunshine. You might even consider purchasing a grow light to help keep your plants warm, and supplement that missing Vitamin D.

If you’re looking for more recommendations on cleaning tips, check out some of our past blogs for more inspiration.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How to Create the Perfect Home Office

The perfect home office means something different to everyone, but we have a few recommendations that will improve any home office, no matter your style.

Find natural light

No matter if you’re someone who spends 8+ hours a day in your home office, or simply uses it on occasion, the right lighting is a necessity for creating the perfect home office. Natural light allows your body to know what time it is and keep your regular pattern on track. Additionally, natural lighting causes far less strain on your eyes, which will allow you to work more efficiently without getting headaches or damaging your vision - especially if you’re looking at screens all day.

Invest in ergonomic furniture

While it may not seem like something you need, believe us - your future body will thank you a million times over for choosing ergonomic furniture for your home office. Allowing your spine, hips, and neck some support while sitting for long periods of time will drastically improve any pain you could be experiencing, your posture, and the longevity of your spine. Not to mention, they’re way more comfortable to sit in than some cute, cheap chair you found at a garage sale (no shade, just the truth).

Add personal touches

Photos, decorations, plants - anything that brings you happiness and motivation throughout your day is a great way to boost your productivity. Creating a space you feel comfortable in is one of the best ways to find yourself enjoying your work more, and getting more done throughout the day.

Choose colors that bring you joy

The colors we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our mood, productivity, and motivation. Lighter, airier, natural colors are some of the best ways to subtly incorporate mood and productivity boosters into your home office. Easily incorporate your favorite mood-boosting colors in your decor and furniture, and don’t be afraid to change those colors with the seasons.

Find ways to stay organized

We cannot stress this enough - clutter is the antithesis of productivity. Clutter produces anxiety and stress in many people simply because there is too much going. It causes distraction and makes it difficult to focus and/or relax. Keep your desk, drawers, floors, etc. in your home office organized to increase productivity.

Pro tip: always organize your desk at the end of the day, so you have a fresh start the next morning! Believe us when we say this works wonders.

If you’d like a few more tips and recommendations to perfect your home office, check out some of our other blogs!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Get The Most Out Of Your Apartment

Knowing how to get the best experience out of your apartment may seem easy, but many people look back on their time living in their apartment homes and think, “Why didn’t I do more?” We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Personalize your space

No matter the current design trends or what you see online, your apartment is YOURS, and yours alone, and your decorative style should reflect that. Choose furniture, decorations, and other items for your space that are a direct reflection of your personality, not just what you saw someone do on HGTV. Lucky for you, we have an entire blog dedicated to doing just this! Check out How to Personalize Your Space.

Use those community amenities

There’s a reason that your apartment’s community amenities caught your eye during your apartment search, so take advantage of them. Whether it’s regular visits to the gym, pool, tanning salon, or coffee bar, or even spending time in your resident clubhouse to watch the big game or your favorite TV show on a Wednesday night, your apartment’s community amenities are there for YOU to use.

Use your space wisely

No matter if you’re kicking it solo in a studio, or sharing a 3-bedroom apartment with friends or family, knowing how to use the space you have is something that can take a little practice! Identify the areas of your apartment that you will spend the most time in, and begin there. For example: don’t dedicate time, money, and energy into decorating your home office if it’s only going to be used a few times a year. On the flip side, don’t skimp on your home office if you plan on using it frequently.

Psst - we’ve got a blog about that, too! Read Apartment Must-Haves For Creating a Home Office for more inspiration!

Spend time at home

So many of us are spending significantly more time at home due to the increase in remote work. When you work from home, it can be challenging to want to spend more time in your home. We recommend separating your work space from your personal space to really get the most out of your apartment and enjoy your down-time to the fullest.

Whether you’re in the mood for some alone time or want to entertain friends or family, plan to cook a nice dinner, have a baking night, movie night, any night that suits your fancy. As long as it gives you the opportunity to appreciate and love your space, you’re doing it right.

Not in the mood for entertaining? Your apartment is there for you to de-stress and recharge. Check out our 5 Self-Care Tips To Reduce Your Stress right at home.

Perfect your living area

Even if you wouldn’t say the living room is where you spend the bulk of your time in your apartment, it is one of the rooms you will see the most day in and day out, regardless of your living habits. Perfecting your living area will ensure that the first sight you see when you walk in after a long day is something you enjoy, not a space that stresses you out.

If you’re needing some inspiration on decorating your living room, don’t worry: we’ve got some ideas. Take a look at Interior Design Ideas For Apartment Living Rooms to get a few ideas for your own apartment!

For more inspiration on how to make the most out of your apartment, check out some of our past blogs for tips!

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