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The last few years have seen increasing numbers of people working from home. While working remotely offers considerable flexibility and freedom, it also comes with its share of challenges and distractions. Whether you work from home once or twice a week or full-time, here are some tips for making the most of your telecommute.
Establish a Schedule
When you're telecommuting, it may be difficult to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Establishing a regular schedule can help you keep work tasks separate from other responsibilities and reduce the pressure of feeling as though you're always "clocked in."
Set Boundaries
When you work from home, people may think they can contact you 24/7 about anything job-related. Decide that, after a certain time, you will no longer respond to work-related calls or emails, unless it's an emergency. Likewise, friends may think it's all right to call or visit anytime, just because you're at home. Consider ahead of time how you will handle these interruptions, and tactfully remind others to respect your schedule.
Have a Designated Work Area
When you work from home, it can be tempting to grab your laptop and camp out in your recliner or on the couch. You'll likely get more accomplished though, if you have a designated workspace, such as a home office or even a desk in a corner of your living room.
Take Breaks
When you're working solo, you can become so absorbed in what you're doing that you may not take time to come up for air. Take breaks periodically to re-charge your brain and avoid burnout. Every so often, or whenever you complete a major task, give yourself 15 minutes to browse social media or take a brisk walk around the block.
Avoid Isolation
Telecommuting can be an isolating experience. Consider taking your work to a nearby coffee shop occasionally or even renting a co-working space. A little human contact can provide much-needed motivation. Reach out to others regularly and make a point to spend quality time with friends and family when you're not working, too.
Telecommuting residents of our Cypress, Texas apartments enjoy frequenting our business center and computer lounge. Contact us to learn more about the many amenities we offer.
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A messy kitchen counter is something that many residents of apartments in Cypress, TX, struggle with. That nice flat surface seems to invite clutter! Junk mail, textbooks, tools, rarely used appliances and more just seem to pile up until the clutter is out of control! A clean and clutter-free kitchen counter can give you peace of mind and speed up meal prep time. So, how do you make that happen? Check out these simple tips to help organize your kitchen counter.
Find a Home for Non-Kitchen Items
Take an hour on your day off and spend it finding a new permanent home for anything you don't use in the kitchen. Set up an inbox tray on a coffee table or desk for your mail, and make that the new permanent home for it. The same goes for textbooks, magazines and anything else that doesn't go in the kitchen. Part of the reason why items end up as kitchen counter clutter is that they may not have a "permanent home" of their own.
Minimize Appliances
A good rule of thumb for kitchen appliances is that if you don't use an item every day for cooking, store it in a cupboard. If you only use an appliance for making seasonal meals, snacks or desserts, there's no need to have it on the kitchen counter year-round.
Get Creative With Kitchen Storage
Things like spice jars, utensils, and other items can take up valuable space on the kitchen counter when they really don't need to. Jars of spices, for example, actually stay fresh for a longer period of time when they're stored away from the light and heat of the kitchen. Utilize spice racks that fit inside cupboards or hang inside a cupboard door. A designated drawer for cooking utensils is a must for freeing up extra space.
It just takes a little time and effort to get your Cypress apartment kitchen counter looking beautiful and clutter-free. You'll be ready for your next dinner party in no time! Summer is also a big moving time, as you know, so if you have friends or family looking for apartments in Cypress, have them call the leasing office at 877-655-7991 to see our available units.
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Apartment living carries many benefits, and one of those is the ability to build connections within the community among fellow community members. Nearly a third of America’s population lives in apartments, so you are surrounded by people you can connect with if you wish. But those connections do not happen without a little effort. If you are hoping to build some connections with your own community of Cypress apartments, here is a closer look at how you can make it happen.
Take Part in Community Events
If your community has community events, then become an active participant. These are great opportunities to see who is living in your community, so you can mix and mingle while hopefully making some meaningful connections. Even if the event is not your favorite type of event, take time to participate to build your connections.
Be Neighborly
It is not out of line to knock on the doors of the apartments around yours to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Being neighborly will go far to help you build connections. It will also help should you need the help of a neighbor in the future. It would be strange to ask a neighbor to borrow an egg or a cup of sugar if you have never even said “hello” before.
Create Group Events
If your community does not have regular group events, take the initiative to plan some. Chances are you have others within your community who are craving a sense of connection, and you can work together to build that community. Send out fliers or post online announcements about a community meeting, and see who comes. Then, plan a big community event, such as a breakfast, pool party or something similar, to draw even more people out.
Utilize Community Amenities
Your apartment community is packed with amenities. The pool, fitness center, clubhouse, common areas, greens, walking paths, and other community amenities are places where you will bump into other residents. By utilizing these amenities, you position yourself to build connections within the community more easily.
If you are looking for a vibrant, welcoming apartment community in which to build connections, schedule a tour of our Cypress apartments at Carrington at Barker Cypress.
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If you have good self-confidence, you can do anything! Unfortunately, many people struggle with poor self-confidence, and as a result, they limit themselves when it comes to all sorts of things — relationships, jobs, opportunities and more.
Low self-confidence can be a problem for a variety of reasons. But the good news is that the following tips will help basically anyone improve their self-worth, self-esteem and confidence levels.
Let's get started!
How to Boost Your Self Confidence Starting Today!
1. Make a habit of listing the good things about yourself.
As someone who may have low self-esteem, you're probably in the habit of thinking about all the things you are not good at. But this is a good way to focus on the negative in your life, and who needs that?
Instead of always thinking about areas where you need work, think about areas where you excel; think positive! Absolutely everyone is good at certain things, has positive qualities and most importantly, has worth.
The things you listed don't have to be huge. For example, you might be someone who finds it super easy to get up early in the morning. Not everyone has that! On the other hand, you may be someone who is great at cooking, a good friend to others, stylish with their wardrobe, good at handling money or even good at something like cards or ping-pong.
2. Don’t listen to the haters.
There are unfortunately a lot of people out there who like to put others down. They may not be openly mean or cruel, but you'll be able to note their sarcastic and unhelpful comments from the get-go. This can limit your self-growth, so it's important not to listen to these individuals (otherwise known as "haters").
3. Look for areas to improve, and don’t compare yourself to others.
Lastly, remember that there's a big difference between putting yourself down and realizing that you need to improve in certain areas. Absolutely everyone should be improving certain parts of their life, but this doesn't mean you need to be cruel to yourself.
When you do designate a couple of areas where you’d like to improve, remember that you only need to compare yourself today to yourself yesterday. Never compare yourself to others.
A mighty boost in self-confidence can come from outside forces as well — such as a brand-new apartment for yourself in Cypress. Have you been on the lookout for Cypress apartments to tour? Call our office today to see which floor plans are still available.
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The outstanding array of amenities is one of the great aspects of living here at the Carrington at Barker Cypress apartments in Cypress, Texas — with the car care station being one of the more unique and useful amenities offered. Here, residents can easily wash and clean their vehicle on their own terms. But if you do enjoy washing your own car, why not go the extra mile and give it a proper detailing inside and out? Check out these three must-have types of auto detailing products that are sure to take your vehicle to the next level:
3 Must-Have Auto Detailing Products to Add to Your Car Washing Supplies
- Carpet and cloth upholstery stain remover. Spills are a fact of life, but just because things fall, break, and splash across your beautiful upholstery does not mean you have to allow the mess to become a permanent stain. Add a quality, car-specific upholstery stain remover and keep it in your vehicle. Use it both to clean up spills as they happen and when washing your vehicle, for those areas that were missed before.
- Window and glass cleaner. While it is possible to use most car wash products on your vehicle's glass surfaces, for best effects you should purchase a cleaner specific for this purpose. Quality glass cleaners won't just give your vehicle that extra shine, they can actually improve your driving experience. That's because clean headlights can result in brighter nighttime driving and windshields kept clean of buildup and smears can greatly enhance your visibility when driving at night and during rain or fog.
- Wax and electric buffer. Don't just save waxing for a once-a-year event! Waxing at least once a month will go a long way in preserving your vehicle's paint job which helps your vehicle retain its value and increase its lifespan. Plus, driving around in a freshly waxed vehicle simply feels good.
Want to Learn More About the Car Care Center and Other Carrington at Baker Cypress Amenities?
Interested in learning more or have questions about using the car care center or other Carrington at Baker Cypress amenities? Don't hesitate to contact our front desk staff to learn more!
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Make a splash this summer with new window and shower treatments in your Cypress apartments. Window treatments do more than provide privacy and keep out the weather, they can be used to personalize your apartment and set a unique tone for your furnishings.
Window Treatment Update Ideas
Functional window treatments keep the sun out or let it in without giving up a great look. Choose light fabrics and materials you can combine for the formal or informal, elegant or laid-back look your modern home deserves.
Roman shades have clean lines that enhance modern designs. They enhance your privacy and light options.
Plantation shutters add a tropical elegance to your apartment and are easy to operate. They come in wood and faux wood materials and are usually moisture resistant, with insulated and light control options.
If you're more of a traditional curtains-and-blinds person, they can work in an apartment too, but be careful not to create a dated or slovenly look by mismatching the treatments in different rooms or installing them improperly. In fact, it may be a good idea to hire a handyperson with plenty of experience hanging shutters or curtain rods to be sure to get an even, professional finished product.
While layering is still popular, you should end up with clean lines and a color palette that works with rather than overwhelms the space. Blending like colors typically achieve this better than contrasting ones.
Shower Curtains Don't Require a Fishy Theme
Skip the underwater motifs that are super cute but a yawn thanks to their ubiquitous appearance on showers across the nation. Trade in your clear curtains with colorful fish for bold prints that resemble artwork. Other great looks include subtle florals, simple stripes, and, on trend for this year — tassels!
The key point to keep in mind while re-outfitting your windows are clean, crisp looks in tasteful prints and colors that also appeal to you. If you're still stuck in the days of heavy drapes and swags, it's time to visit a window treatment store to garner ideas and update your taste profile. If you're curious about what's available in terms of floor plans in our apartments in Cypress, TX, contact us today for more information.
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Taming your big closet may seem like a feat better left to heroes, such as Hercules and Martha Stewart. However, armed with a few good ideas, you can make progress rather quickly. As a rule of thumb, design from the bottom up. This means placing the items you use every day on bottom shelves, where you can get at them easily. Use clothing hooks and organizing rods to divide your closet into several horizontal zones — instead of the traditional style of one rod for hangers with lots of wasted space between your clothing and a pile of shoes on the closet floor.
Hanging racks and hooks are fantastic ways to organize smaller essentials like ties, belts, scarves, and gloves. Reserve floor space for large items, like a shoe rack, mobile carts, small dressers, and organizing cabinets.
Tips for a More Organized Large Closet
Here are some tips and tricks to help give closets a makeover in apartments in Houston:
- Pegboard on the inside of the closet door helps you put together your look for the day.
- Plastic shoe boxes let you stack shoes neatly and find the perfect pair quickly.
- Clear plastic drawers or a clear plastic dresser works for neatly T-shirts, shorts and other small items.
- A customizable set of wire drawers is easy to install and can be used for a variety of items.
- Durable hooks keep purses organized without losing their shape.
- Bins and hanging shelves can be combined with a series of two or more organizing rods to stow away seasonal gear.
- A slanted shoe shelf on the floor or above your clothing rods helps you quickly coordinate outfits.
- A canvas box keeps holiday decorations contained and out of the way.
There's a dizzying array of gizmos and gadgets to help you get control of your closet and maximize your storage potential. However, the simplest plans often make the most sense. For example, an armoire gives you lots of extra storage, and you can add baskets to hold socks, under-clothing and jewelry items.
If you find yourself still needing more space, consider larger floor plans available at Carrington at Barker Cypress, Cypress, Texas apartments.
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Residents of Cypress, Texas apartments are used to seeing their electric bills go up during the hot summers and cold winters. This doesn't mean these costs are out of your control, though. There are a few small steps you can take to make your apartment more energy efficient.
Hang Curtains
Curtains aren't just for decoration. Even if you're happy with the privacy and lighting levels provided by your built-in blinds, curtains can help boost your energy efficiency.
Curtains provide an extra layer of insulation between your air-conditioned air and the uncomfortable outside temperatures. For maximum effectiveness, they should hang all the way to the floor.
Notify Your Maintenance Staff of Any Drafts
Tiny gaps in the weatherstripping around your doors and windows can allow enough outside air in to be almost as bad as running your air conditioner with the windows open. Our team works hard to keep your apartment in top shape, but some drafts are impossible to notice unless you're sitting in just the right place when the wind hits the window just right. Let us know if you experience any drafts so we can get them sealed.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
When you buy new light bulbs, don't shop on price alone. Newer bulbs are designed to give off less heat and use less energy. By upgrading to an energy efficient bulb, you might pay a little extra now, but you'll save much more on your electric bills.
Skip Space Heaters
Some people like to use space heaters during the winter. They think using these small units to heat up one room is much better than heating their entire apartment with the central HVAC system.
In reality, space heaters are so inefficient that they usually cost more than just running your main heat. In addition, you're creating a potential fire hazard.
Watch Your Furniture Placement
Make sure your furniture isn't blocking any air vents either for output or intake. This includes both physical obstructions of the actual vent and blocking air flow. Good air circulation helps your AC to run more efficiently.
You're not on your own to improve your energy efficiency. Ask us about our energy-efficient appliances and other money-saving features.
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With all of the new grocery delivery services serving Cypress, TX apartments, it's hard to ignore the convenience. But is the easiest way of getting groceries good for your wallet? Here's what you need to think about.
Costs of Grocery Delivery
There are several ways grocery delivery services make money.
- Monthly or annual membership fees.
- Delivery fees.
- Higher prices on food items.
- Driver pay covered by tips.
Many services charge multiple fees. For example, you might need to buy a $50 annual membership, pay $5 per delivery, pay 25% more than store prices on what you order, and tip the driver $10. Of course, this is a worst-case scenario, and you may be able to find better deals — especially as competition increases.
Costs of Going to the Store
Going to the grocery store isn't free. You're not just spending $10 to pick up a few things you forgot for dinner. You're spending your gas and time. Even if a grocery trip only takes a gallon of gas, that's almost a delivery fee.
You also need to think about the way you shop. Do you keep going to the store every time you need something? If so, that could cost more than ordering because ordering online requires you to plan ahead instead of making multiple trips, and you're less likely to buy impulse items.
Other Things to Think About
You should also think about your life in general and how grocery delivery fits in. If you don't work a traditional nine-to-five job, it's very easy to get in and out of the grocery store on a weekday morning after rush hour dies down.
If your only option is going to the store after work during the afternoon rush, you get stuck fighting rush hour traffic and dealing with the thousands of other people who can only shop at that time. In addition to the inconvenience, this could make it more likely that you'll feel like spending money on eating out or picking up takeout instead of cooking at home.
To learn more about the grocery options near our apartments, call our office today.
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Many of the residents of our apartments in Cypress, Texas, are interested in improving their lives through the use of natural or organic products. They are shopping for more organic fruits and vegetables and are looking for more “all-natural” labeling on the products they use. Those willing to take the next step can create a number of natural cleaning products right at home they can have even more confidence in. With a little effort and using some products you may already have, you too can create these natural cleaning solutions.
Window Cleaner
You can easily make an all-natural window and glass cleaner by simply mixing a 50/50 blend of white distilled vinegar and water. Yes, it is just that easy. If you mix the solution in a spray bottle, it makes the application even easier. You can even recycle newspapers by using it to wipe windows or glass surfaces dry. While the vinegar odor may not be initially appealing, it quickly dissipates.
All-Purpose Cleaning Solution
A terrific all-purpose home and floor cleaner can be made with a bucket of warm water, a couple of tablespoons of natural dish soap, a couple of tablespoons of vinegar, and a few squirts of lemon or orange juice. This is a natural, homemade solution that is inexpensive and clean smelling.
Natural Laundry Detergent
You can make your own natural home laundry detergent easily and in just minutes with only three ingredients, including a bar (4.5 ounces) of Fels-Naptha soap, a cup of Borax and a cup of washing soda. Just grate the bar of Fels-Naptha soap and mix with the other ingredients and use like any other powdered laundry detergent. In fact, you may find you can use less! It may not foam as much as chemically produced brands but will be just as effective and smells nice!
Leading a simpler, more natural life is the direction many are deciding to take. It may not always be about saving money, but about doing the right thing. Trying these homemade natural cleaning products may help convince you a more natural way is better. If you know someone who may be interested in apartment living in Cypress, Texas, at Carrington at Barker Cypress, please have them contact us.
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