Teriyaki Wings

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Directions:

1. Thoroughly whisk together all ingredients (except for chicken) in a glass bowl
2. Add the wings and cover bowl with plastic
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour 
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
5. Place chicken into a greased baking dish and bake for about one hour 

Lemony Pepper Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a metal rack
3. Toss the wings in a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper  
4. Remove the wings from the bowl and place onto the prepared baking sheet 
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until crispy and nicely browned 

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 stick butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add chicken wings into a large slow cooker
2. Mix the butter, garlic and 1 cup of the Parmesan in a bowl
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Add mixture over the chicken wings and toss to coat 
5. Cook on high for approximately 3 hours
6. Remove chicken from slow cooker and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper
7. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and place under broiler for 5 minutes 

Do you enjoy cooking? Then please come check out our apartments in Cypress, TX that feature newly renovated chef's kitchens with a cable TV outlet and CleanSteel appliances. Our community is also pet-friendly and boasts a resort-style pool and a newly remodeled fitness center. 

The post Tired of Buffalo Wings? Try a Fling With These Wings! appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

Apartments in Cypress, Texas

Consider Your Setup

Take the time to figure out where everyone is going to sit during the meal if you are going to be feeding a large group. Borrow a few folding tables if necessary. Look for ways to remove clutter from your space. Rearrange furniture as needed to open up your space. It is more important to provide enough room for everyone to sit down than it is to worry about using things like lawn chairs to create additional seating. 

Keep the Meal Simple

As you are hosting your first holiday meal, keep the menu as simple as you can. You don't have to put on a fancy spread for your first gathering. You want to be sure that you know how to cook everything on your menu before the big day, and not try out new recipes when you are hosting a party for the first time. 

Accept Offers for Help

If someone is willing to make a few appetizers for your party, or they start to wash the dishes without being asked, let people help you. When you are the host of a party, you will find yourself working harder than you might expect. If you have help, don't discourage people from lending a hand. When you have a number of people cleaning up after a big meal, this can make the work go quickly.

Remember to Have Fun

You can have fun at a gathering without having every detail perfect. Know that your family and friends are there because they want to spend time with you. Try to relax and enjoy the party instead of worrying about things you can't control. If people are late or something happens to one of the dishes you are making, you have to let this go and move on with the rest of the party.

If you are looking for a new apartment, check out the different floor plans we have to offer at this time.

The post Hosting Your First Gathering in Your New Apartment appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

Use Decorative, Removable Hooks

Hooks don't have to leave permanent damage to your walls when you want to decorate for the holidays. You can find all kinds of decorative hooks that can hold several pounds of weight without leaving a permanent mark. Once you are done with the removable hook, you can pull the adhesive, and the hook comes off the wall. Choose from a variety of options when you are looking for decorative hooks to use.

Pay Attention to the Amount of Glitter You Use

Glitter can get into all types of crevices when it is abundant in the decorations that you use. Look over your decorations to see which ones could be shedding too much glitter around your home. Beyond glitter, take into consideration anything that could be falling off of your ornaments and get rid of anything that is breaking apart.

Stay Away From Fire Hazards

If you are going to use a live tree in your home, make sure that you keep the water reservoir filled. Check your tree periodically to make sure the branches aren't too dry. Check the lights you are going to use, checking the wiring to make sure it is intact. Avoid putting too many candles in your decor, and don't light candles if you aren't going to be in the room. Consider battery-operated candles instead of those that you plug in to avoid overloading your electrical sockets. 

As you decorate your home for the holidays, keep it simple. If you are looking for a new apartment in the Cypress area, give us a call to see what options we have available.

The post Enjoy Decorating for the Holidays While Protecting the Interior of Your Apartment appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

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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Take a Fitness Class

As the holidays approach, busy schedules may give us an excuse to put off going to the gym until it's time to make New Year's resolutions. But you don't have to wait until then to work on your fitness goals. Many workout facilities have classes that begin in the fall, so now is a great time to sign up.

Exercise at Home

When you just can't find the time (or the motivation) to get to the gym, you can still work out at home. Pop in an exercise DVD or download a fitness app and go through an aerobics routine without leaving your living room. Even if you're just watching TV, you can do stretches and calisthenics during the commercial breaks.

Team Up

Exercise can be more fun if you enlist a buddy to team up with you. You can keep each other accountable to prevent slacking, and cheer each other on as you get closer to achieving your fitness goals.

Spend Time Outside

Crisp autumn weather can be ideal for outside activities such as hiking or cycling. Even better, since summer is the peak time for these pastimes, you probably won't have to contend with huge crowds when you hit the trails, making your outdoor pursuits even more enjoyable.

Get Creative

No matter how much you have going on, you can probably think of creative ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park the car farther away from the mall or the grocery store for some extra walking. Or take your pet to the dog park, where you can both get some cardio.

To stay active during fall and winter, residents of our Cypress, Texas apartments enjoy frequenting our fitness center and dog park. Contact us to learn more about the many amenities we offer.

The post Tips for Staying Active This Fall appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

1. Iced Raspberry Tea

Scrumptiously sweet, this juicy tea refreshes and delights.

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 quarts water
• 12 ounces frozen unsweetened raspberries
• 10 tea bags
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Fresh raspberries and lemon slices, optional

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the frozen raspberries, tea bags and lemon juice. Cover and steep for three minutes. Strain, and discard the berries and tea bags. Pour the tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled. Pour the tea over ice and top with fresh raspberries or lemon slices.

2. Vanilla Chai Tea

Is it a dessert? Is it tea? It's a blend of both, we think you'll agree.

• 8 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (1-3 inches)
• 4 whole cloves
• 8 tea bags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups 2 percent milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
• Ground allspice

Combine the first five ingredients in a bowl. Crush the mixture (using a wooden spoon) until the aromas are released. Bring the water to a boil, add crushed spices, tea bags and honey and steep, covered for six minutes. In a saucepan, warm the milk. Strain the tea into a heat-proof pitcher, and stir in the warm milk and vanilla.

Pour the cream into a bowl and beat until thickened. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Serve the tea in mugs and top with whipped cream and allspice.

3. Spicy Mint Tea

This wonderful blend is perfect for any occasion.

• 6 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole allspice
• 2 cups mint leaves

Combine the water, cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a saucepan and boil for one minute. Stir in the mint leaves. Steep the tea for five minutes, strain into cups and sweeten with honey. Enjoy!

If you're looking for a Houston, Texas apartment that welcomes you and your guests with outstanding amenities, contact Carrington at Barker Cypress today.

The post 3 Delicious Tea-riffic Tea Recipes to Enjoy Hot or on the Rocks appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

Baskets

All it takes is a wicker basket with a cut-out handle and you’ve got a simple yet effective hiding place for that jumble of cords behind your desk or TV. Simply bind cords neatly with a zip tie and thread the plugs through the basket handle to your wall outlet. Another option is to hang a wire basket from hooks beneath your desk or cabinet and place bundled wires or a powerstrip inside for convenient out-of-the-way storage.

Hidden Among Hardbacks

Is your cable box a bit of an eyesore? An easy solution is to cover it with decorative paper and position it between a stack of books. Ugly cable box begone! You can also use this technique with unsightly cords by stowing them inside a small cardboard box covered in wrapping paper and then placing the box between several hardback books.

Adhesive Hooks

Are your cords lying on the floor collecting dust bunnies and creating a messy look? You can easily attach them to the back of your sofa or other furniture using small adhesive hooks to keep them hidden from sight.

Decorative Box

A small decorative box made of thick cardboard is the perfect charging station for your smartphone. Simply cut out a space for the cord to extend to your wall outlet and you’ve created a tucked-away spot for your phone — and a stylish accent piece to place on your nightstand or kitchen counter.

Toilet Paper Rolls

Want that tangle of cords in your living room to look unobtrusive and tidy? Simply take several empty toilet paper rolls, cover them with fabric that matches the color of your walls, and slide a bundled cord inside each one for an attractive blended-in effect.

Do you need a serene, clutter-free place to call home? At Carrington at Barker Cypress, we offer a beautiful apartment community that includes a newly renovated fitness studio, outdoor pool and spa. Contact us to find out more about our apartments in Houston, Texas, by calling 877-655-7991 today.

The post Creative Ways to Hide Electronic Clutter appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

Suit Your Personality and Decor

Art collectors will tell you that serendipity is a great way to choose pieces you love. By perusing the selections in your local coffee shop or gallery, you may come across the next big artist in your area. And you may find some beautiful works of art for your new apartment.

You’ll want pieces that mesh with your decor, but don’t worry if they don't match perfectly. If you have a particular space in mind, you’ll likely know when you see the right piece.

Frame Like a Pro

Your local area likely has several shops that can provide professional matting and framing for your new artwork. If you choose the DIY approach, keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose glass with the least possible reflection; “museum-quality” or non-glare glass may work best. For very large pieces, plexiglass provides a lighter-weight option. UV coating may leave a slight tint viewable but will protect against light damage that can wash out your artwork over time.
• Get your glass completely clean, and remove any stray streaks and dust with an ammonia-free cleaner.
• Use archival-grade matting materials, which lack the acid that can cause faster deterioration.

Display Sculpture Appropriately

If you purchase a 3D piece of art such as sculpture, you’ll want to exhibit it in the most appealing way possible. For optimal viewing, display your art at eye level — whether on a shelf, tabletop or dedicated pedestal. Choose a diffuse light source, such as natural light from a nearby window, to showcase your piece for the best effect.

At Carrington at Barker Cypress, you’ll find a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans with plenty of space to accommodate decor that brings you joy. To learn more, please contact us today.

The post Tips for Choosing and Displaying Art in Your New Apartment appeared first on Carrington at Barker Cypress Blog.

1. Squash & Lemongrass Soup With Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Fall is the perfect time of year to start getting your soup recipes ready for the upcoming chilly winter season. Even in Texas, the feel-good foods associated with autumn help to warm bellies and hearts at the same time. This squash and lemongrass soup with spiced pumpkin seeds displays a vibrant orange hue that's perfect for pre-winter preparations. If you don't use all the spiced pumpkin seeds in the soup, eat them on their own as a snack when afternoon hunger pangs arrive.

2. Cardamom Pepita Brittle

You may not think of sweet things when you think of pumpkin seeds, but this cardamom pepita brittle brings raw pepita seeds together with a combination of ingredients that make for an awesome dessert.

3. Healthy Pumpkin Granola Recipe

Leave the store-bought granola on the shelf where it came from because this homemade recipe is packed with plenty of things that'll power you through your mornings in a positive way. A combination of different types of seeds, power foods and a little pumpkin puree for good measure make this granola recipe fit for fall.  

4. Pumpkin Butter

Give your toast something to be excited about in the morning by making your own nut butter spread. Swap out the raw nuts in this recipe for raw pumpkin seeds. Add a few ingredients to a food processor after you've baked the pumpkin seeds, blend until smooth and enjoy your fresh pumpkin butter.

5. Pepita Pesto

If you're looking for a versatile recipe that can be used several nights a week without getting boring, try this pepita pesto. You can pour it on steak, chicken, pasta or anything else your family might be craving.

If you're looking for an apartment that welcomes you home with a spacious floor plan, private balcony and plenty of other outstanding amenities, Carrington at Barker Cypress is your perfect place. Take a look at our ebrochures online today!

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Keep Your Cool

For food safety and convenience, keep meats refrigerated until you're ready to grill them. Refrigerated meats generally grill in the same amount of time as those at room temperature and are less likely to have collected bacteria that could lead to food poisoning.

Keep It Clean

Nothing is less appetizing than food cooked on a dirty grill. To clean the grill, heat on high for a few minutes then scrub with a grill brush. Crown Verity suggests soaking your grill grates in a sink full of freshly brewed coffee for 60 or 75 minutes, then giving a quick scrub and rinsing with warm water. Before cooking, use tongs to rub the grates with a paper towel that has been soaked in olive oil to prevent sticking.

Add Seasoning

Bold sauces rubbed on the meat or a marinade can increase the flavor. Salt helps steaks form a nice crust as they grill; use it, as well as pepper, before putting the steaks on the grill.

Flip Once

Flip your meat just once while it's grilling. To create an even more impressive set of crosshatches, rotate the meat about 90 seconds after beginning to cook. Always use tongs to flip or rotate the meat; forks and knives create holes that allow the juices to drip out.

Ensure It's Done

Using a thermometer will help determine whether the meat is done and is especially important for large cuts of meat. For smaller cuts of meat, poke with your finger. If the meat still feels squishy, it's rare; slightly yielding, it's medium; and firm and springy, it's well-done. After cooking, set the meat aside for a few minutes before serving. This allows the muscle fibers in the meats to reabsorb the juices.

Once you've practiced these tips, you're ready to invite your friends to a grilling party at Carrington at Barker Cypress, apartments in Cypress, Texas. Among its many amenities, Carrington provides a grilling area by the pool. Call today to discover all the amenities.

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