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When you’re looking at apartments in Cypress, there are a few things that will matter most to you. For almost everyone, the kitchen is on that list. We all want a spacious kitchen that helps us be our best when we’re cooking and entertaining. Regardless of where you finally settle, not every kitchen is big enough. These items can help you make your kitchen feel a little bigger.
The Mobile Island
Chances are that your apartment kitchen is without an island. There’s also a good chance that you don’t have abundant floor space to put an island. That’s why mobile islands are so amazing: They can be tucked in a corner or closet when not in use, and you can simply roll them to the kitchen when it’s time to cook. They add valuable counter and storage space without eating up precious room inside the kitchen.
The Pegboard
Pegboards are a great way to increase vertical storage inside your kitchen. They can hold pots and pans, cooking utensils, or anything else you can creatively fasten to the wall.
They definitely don’t have to actually be a pegboard. Wire organizers and even basic shelves can get this job done. What matters is that you put your wall space to use. When you do, you get things off the counters, and the kitchen will feel much bigger and more welcoming.
Paper Plates
OK. This is more of a process than an item, but this is important. The single biggest killer of kitchen space is dirty dishes. Even if they’re only in the sink, they feel oppressive. You need to invest the time and energy to overcome persistent dish problems if you really want to get the most out of your kitchen. Some of that will require habit changes. Some of it is really easy. If you use fewer dishes, you don’t have to clean as much. Whether you literally employ paper plates for this or not isn’t what matters. What matters is keeping your kitchen clean and clear.
Then again, you can always look into getting a bigger kitchen. Take a tour of Carrington at Barker Cypress to see what a modern, efficient apartment kitchen feels like.
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Dog parks can be a great place to take dogs for socialization and exercise. However, it’s important to follow certain rules of etiquette to ensure your visits are safe and enjoyable ones for you and your dog. Keep the following in mind the next time you head over to the local dog park.
Clean up After Your Dog
One of the most basic rules of dog parks is to clean up after your dog. Piles of dog feces can become a health risk, and they can make dog parks unsanitary and unpleasant to be in. Bring bags with you from home to dispose of your dog’s waste. Some dog parks have these bags handy, along with wastebaskets, but not all do. Clean up after your dog as soon as he or she’s done rather than letting the pile sit there. This helps prevent people from accidentally stepping in it and lowers your risk of forgetting to pick it up.
Watch Your Dog at All Times
While you’re at the dog park, your dog’s behavior is your responsibility. Even if your dog normally gets along well with other dogs, it’s important to keep an eye on him or her at all times. While you’re chatting with another dog owner or relaxing on a bench, be sure you know where your dog is and what he or she is doing. Fights between dogs can break out at any time for various reasons. Being able to deal with these potential conflicts right away can help prevent fights from occurring.
Have Up-to-Date ID and Vaccinations
Ensure your dog has a collar on with license and microchip tags that are up-to-date in case he or she manages to get out of the park and runs off. Since your dog will be around many other dogs at the dog park, it’s also important to be sure that he or she is current on vaccinations. This helps keep your pet(s) safe from certain types of diseases dogs can spread to other dogs. Have your vet administer any vaccines your dog isn't current on before going to the dog park.
At our pet-friendly community in Cypress, TX, you and your dog can spend time outside in our dog park. Contact us to find out more about our apartments in Cypress.
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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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Spring is here! It's time to do craft projects with the kids. Below are three of our favorite craft projects, which can be enjoyed by children of most ages.
1. Flowering Tree
Tools:
- Paper.
- Sponge.
- Trays for water and paint.
- Tempera paint.
- Paintbrush.
Paint the sky and grass on a piece of paper and allow it to dry. Next, paint the trunk and branches of a tree on the piece of paper.
Finally, mix some pretty spring colors (pinks, purples or light blues) onto a tray, and press the flat side of the sponge into the paint. Press the sponge gently onto the crown of the tree, applying the paint to create the appearance that the tree is flowering.
2. Bumblebee Plate
Tools:
- Paper plate.
- Trays for water and paint.
- Tempera paint.
- Paintbrush.
- Glue.
- 3 lengths of black pipe cleaner.
- Googly eyes.
- Blue construction paper.
- Scissors.
Paint the paper plate yellow and allow it to dry. This is the body of the bumblebee. Glue the googly eyes to the plate, near the bottom edge. Glue the pipe cleaners to the plate, one to the side of each eye, to represent the antennae.
Paint three thick black stripes over the back of the bee. Glue one more pipe cleaner to the bee's rear, to represent the stinger. Cut out two teardrop-shaped pieces of blue construction paper to represent the wings, and glue the wings to the center of the bee's back.
3. Spring Dried Flower Mobile
Tools:
- Sticks.
- Flowers.
- Attractive natural objects.
- Heavy books.
- String.
- Scissors.
Take a walk with your little one. Collect spring flowers, attractive rocks, interesting twigs, and other artifacts. Collect at least one straight stick, about a foot and a half long, for each person who is making a mobile. This stick will be the base of the mobile, from which all other objects will dangle.
Once home, dry the flowers by placing in the pages of a thick, heavy book for several weeks. When the flowers are dry, attach the objects to the mobile base using the string.
Come See Our Community
At Carrington at Barker Cypress, we're all preparing for spring. Come see our attractive apartments in Cypress! We always welcome new residents.
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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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Making your apartments in Cypress feel warm and cozy ensures you have a beautiful place to enjoy coming home to this winter. With a few tweaks in decor, your home can feel like a comfy retreat for you, your family, and any guests you invite over. Try some of these easy tips to make your living space feel snug and welcoming.
Tip #1 – Add a Bit of Faux Fur
Faux fur is the perfect addition to your home during the winter months. Faux fur blankets and pillows look great on a chair or sofa, and it makes it easy to grab one to snuggle with when it’s chilly.
Tip #2 – Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
Find a little space in the living room or dining room and set up your own hot cocoa bar, or even a coffee bar if you’re not into hot cocoa. Add a pretty flannel tablecloth to a small table, top with a mug tree full of pretty mugs, and add all the fixings for your favorite hot beverages.
Tip #3 – Use Copper, Brass, and Gold Accents for Warmth
Adding a few accents in copper, brass, or gold will add an element of warmth, especially if you’re decorating a white or neutral space. These warm accents add dimension and interest, and no matter what you choose, they’ll look gorgeous in your living area.
Tip #4 – Casual Candles
Casual candles sprinkled throughout the living space with other mixed materials look casual, random, and cozy. There’s something about the flicker of candlelight that feels lovely on a chilly winter evening. Candlelight also makes your space feel welcoming, which is perfect if you’ll be having guests in your home.
Tip #5 – Turn a Rug Into a Wall Hanging
Transform a room by turning a pretty rug into a wall hanging. Something in a chunky knit is perfect. It not only adds interest, but it brings a certain warmth to the walls of your home that gives it a cozy appeal.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or do anything drastic to transform your apartment into a cozy space. Just a few simple touches can make a big difference. Do you know friends and family members looking for Cypress, TX apartments this winter? Have them call our office today to find out what floor plans we currently have available.
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