Jose Tellez

One of the best things about moving into a new apartment is decorating. But you might be afraid to add personal touches due to fear of damage that would cost you a security deposit.

Fortunately, there are plenty of damage-free ways to express your personality and make your apartment your own. They can be found at local hardware or home improvement retailers as well as online.

Wallpaper a wall. Or two.

Yep, wallpaper! Pillows and throws can add pops of color, but not on the walls. Even most big box home improvement stores sell peel-and-stick removable wallpaper for any type of decor.  And application is easy, because in addition to being removable, they are repositionable. Before you go out and purchase wallpaper, be sure your walls aren’t textured or painted with non-stick paint.

Wall decals offer flexibility.

Just want some accents here and there rather than covering an entire wall? Peel-and-stick decals are your answers. Or, maybe you like to change your decor often. Decals are great because they can just peel off and be moved or replaced for the ultimate in flexibility.

Jazz up that kitchen backsplash

Peel-and-stick backsplashes? Oh, yes. If your apartment doesn’t have a nice backsplash, take it to the next level with damage-free peel-and-stick. They come in a ton of options, and again, big box home improvement stores stock it. They are a bit time consuming to put up, and require proper removal, but are well worth the effort. Other options are peel-and-stick vinyl or single tiles that come with glue dots.

Make a washi tape gallery wall

Washi tape, which originated in Japan, is decorative paper masking tape. It’s thin, durable, and it’s made of natural fibers such as hemp and bamboo. It’s also inexpensive and comes in hundreds of patterns and colors. The tape sticks easily to many surfaces,  including wood, plastic, and metal, and it’s easy to remove and doesn’t cause damage. You can find it online and at those big-box home improvement stores.

Hang drapes or tapestries

Tapestries and drapes can add color and interest. You can hang them by using Command decorating clips, which are removable and cause no damage. Just make sure whatever you hang isn’t too heavy. You can create a makeshift headboard or decorate an accent wall.

Hang some terrariums

Add some plant life with hanging terrariums. Succulents are one of the best plants for apartment living because they’re really easy to maintain and they look really cool hanging from your ceiling. Whatever plants you use, make sure you find something that won’t outgrow the terrariums or buy artificial plants. To hand them, use Command ceiling hooks, but keep in mind that these only hold a half pound, so find very small terrariums like these. Command hooks can be found almost anywhere, including office supply stores.

How about some paper lanterns

If your style is delicate and feminine, paper lanterns could be just the thing, and they come in many shapes, colors and sizes. They are very lightweight, so Command ceiling hooks work perfectly. Use twine, ribbon or string to hang them – whatever suits your style. You can also find paper lanterns that have battery-operated lights.

String lights add ambiance

Whether they’re your bedroom, your living room or, even in your kitchen you can’t go wrong with some string lights. Drape them on a tall plant or around a window, and check out this Buzzfeed list of ways to use them. Keep in mind that battery-operated lights give you more options, and once again, you can use Command hooks if they aren’t being draped over something.

How to hang posters and lightweight objects

Command to the rescue again! You can hang lightweight items like posters and unframed art with strips and hooks.

If holes are allowed and unavoidable…

If you’re allowed to make holes in the walls, when you leave, you’re still going to have to spackle, sand and paint. You can save yourself time and trouble by using Monkey hooks. These are heavy-duty wall hangers that install into drywall with no tools. They are J-shaped hooks that can hold up to 50 pounds that leave only a tiny, easily-filled hole in your wall. They work best for frames and other items like bulletin boards with tabs or wires that can attach to the end of the hook.

As you can see, there are a lot of options that will leave your walls with no or very little damage that you’ll have to fix when you move. Maybe these ideas have even sparked some of your own. Have fun!

If you live in a small space, like a studio apartment, you might find decorating a frustrating experience. You want to fill your apartment with personality, but you don’t want it to look cluttered. Yet, you want to fit in as much as possible.

There’s no need to sacrifice style – here are some big ideas for decorating small spaces.

1. Keep it clean.

The folks at “Architectural Digest” advise keeping the floor clear of obstacles. Use shelves and nightstands that have storage, and go for sconces and wall lights instead of floor lamps. And remember the old adage – “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Be sure to put things where they belong after using them.

2. How about some folding pieces?

Everyone needs a place to dine, but if you don’t need a table all day, every day, think about furniture that folds when not in use. This will free up floor space and keep you from adding clutter by piling papers, etc. If folding furniture isn’t your style, look for a drop leaf table that you can then expand for dining.

3. Let there be light!

If you don’t get enough natural light in your space, add light sources in every room. A striking ceiling fixture combined with sconces and table lamps can make things bright and cozy.

4. Mirror, mirror on the wall.

Mirrors reflect light to make the most of whatever natural light you get in your apartment. And bonus: They give the illusion of space. Add a large mirror on one wall or shop around for mirrors of different sizes and shapes and use your creativity to create a gallery wall.

5. Keep it connected.

Stick to a limited color palette. Too many different colors can make the space look cluttered, even if it isn’t. Your apartment probably has white walls; hanging draperies as high as you can will add height and can be used to pull colors together.

6. Pick furniture that does double duty.

In a small apartment, there’s not much space for furniture that doesn’t also serve as storage. A platform bed with drawers, a bench with a lifting lid to store blankets, a sofa that folds out to a guest bed, and a trunk used as a coffee table are pieces that pull their weight.

7. Create negative space.

You might feel that pressing furniture against the wall will give you more space, but optically, it just looks crammed and cramped. Pull your furniture away from the wall if you can, and ensure there’s a space between each piece. This may mean that you get rid of some furniture you don’t really need – like that accent chair that you admire looks-wise, but no one wants to sit in it because it’s so uncomfortable.

8. Go vertical.

Try floor-to-ceiling shelves with both open and closed storage – it’s a great way to avoid clutter.

9. Don’t fear large furniture or rugs

A bunch of small pieces can create an awkward feel. Even if you have wall-to-wall carpet, add a large rug and place most of the furniture on the rug, recommends Apartment Therapy.

No matter how small your apartment, these tips and tricks can help it look larger, brighter and more welcoming.

Are you a frustrated gardener? Or interested in self-sufficiency? You’d love to have a small vegetable plot, but you lack the outdoor space. Or, you’d rather use your balcony for relaxation after a hard day.

Good news! It’s possible to grow a sizable amount of vegetables in an apartment without a balcony with the right equipment. The key is identifying what crops will produce the most value per square foot, and then designing a system that costs less than buying the veggies at the grocery store.

Pick a Space and Decide What To Grow

Before you do anything else, decide how much space you can devote to an indoor garden, both horizontally and vertically. The closer to a window, the better the lighting situation, but you can grow successfully anywhere with supplemental lighting. Next, make a list of what you want to grow, and begin planning your system.

BEST CROPS FOR YOUR APARTMENT GARDEN

The main consideration which plants to pick is whether or not you need the plant to flower.

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, peas, and other flowering vegetables will take more time, space, heat, and specific lighting conditions for a decent harvest.

Lettuce, carrots, onions, radishes, herbs, and other non-flowering vegetables are less picky about their growing conditions and take up much less space, so think about growing:

• Leafy greens. These are easy to grow indoors because they need direct sunlight to flower, so it’s easy to keep them in production without flowering.

• Lettuce is the easiest crop to grow indoors. Lettuce can tolerate less light than most other vegetables. The downside is that lettuce is also extremely cheap at the grocery store. It may not be worth dedicating a portion of your apartment to growing lettuce when it is so easy to purchase, unless you eat organic and it’s difficult to find or expensive.

• Chard/Kale/Arugula/Mustard. These leafy greens are much more nutritious than lettuce, which means they need more nutrient-dense growing media. They grow best in cooler temperatures, so they handle indoor growing well as long as there is enough light. But, they are prone to pests so they need good airflow.

• Spinach. Spinach is in the Amaranth family, which is known for flowers, so it’s important to keep spinach from flowering to be able to harvest the leaves.There are lots of varieties of spinach, so it’s easy to find one that will grow indoors.

• Root Vegetables. While root vegetables can be a bit of a challenge because they need depth and flexibility in their growing media in order to expand and mature.

• Radishes & Turnips. Radishes like cool temperatures, full sun, and well-draining growing media. These root crops mature quickly and hold well. There are many different varieties of radish and turnip, including gourmet varieties that are easy to grow indoors.

• Carrots. Carrots are related to parsley, and both are easy to grow and maintain. Carrots need well-drained, loose growing media that is at least 6” deep. As long as carrots have direct light and air movement, they can grow well indoors.

• Onions & Garlic. Onions are technically a stem, and garlic is a bulb, but both have similar growth requirements to other root vegetables. These strong-smelling plants will help detract pests, so plant them with other vegetables in a soil-based grow bed to help ward off bugs.

• Herbs. Herbs are the easiest plant to grow indoors. They’re also a high-value crop.The downside to growing herbs is that they aren’t food; they’re seasonings. But, with a small investment, you can set up a growing space that lets you grow a wide variety of herbs.

• Beans & Peas. You can either grow a vining variety to help conserve space, or a bush variety to grow them in containers. Using a fan or gently shaking the plants will stimulate pollination, and with the right growing conditions, they will produce for quite a while. You can find unique, purple podded varieties and other heirloom varieties.

Your Vegetable Gardening System

Now that you’ve decided on your crops, it’s time to design your system. There are three basic setups that  can be customized to fit your space and goals.

No matter which system you choose to build, they all need these same components:

• Air movement – fans to circulate air around your plants.

• Fertilizer – Most indoor systems use a soilless, sterile media. Look for a water-soluble fertilizer to provide nutrients.

• Consistent lighting – Plants need a dark period each night to utilize the energy they create during the day, and this needs to be consistent. When day length changes, plants think the seasons are changing, and they may stop growing, so timers are a good investment.

For lighting, LED’s make the best grow lights because they are more efficient and the light can be focused in one direction.

CONTAINER GARDENING

Containers make the simplest indoor growing method. You can use almost anything, including old juice bottles, milk jugs, plastic totes, glass jars, and buckets. You can use soil, or you can use a soilless media. Pick a growing media from raised bed garden suppliers.

Use large containers for plants with complex root systems, and small containers for plants with shallow root systems. The larger the plant, the larger the container needed. Make sure all containers have adequate drainage.

To promote drainage and avoid a mess, put your containers on stands. They only need to be tall enough to allow the water to drain. Put your containers on a table or shelf with a non-porous surface, and build a small lip around the edge to stop drips. Create a slight tilt to drain water into one location.

You can also craft makeshift drain pans for your containers and empty them each day. This gives you more flexibility, but leaving the water creates pest problems, so make sure you empty them consistently.

Containers can be placed on shelves for vertical gardening spaces, or on tables to accommodate taller plants. It is difficult to support trailing plants in containers, so this system is best for leafy greens, root crops, and herbs.

VERTICAL WINDOW GARDENS

These systems maximize natural sunlight and minimize how much space you need to dedicate to your plants.

You can use PVC pipe and build a zig-zag structure, and drill holes in the top where you want to plant each plant. Then, as you water, the excess will travel down through the pipe and empty into a bucket at the bottom. This system works great for small, leafy greens, and herbs

You will still need supplemental lighting in this setup, but you can also harness the natural light by building a reflective wall to bounce sunlight back towards your plants. This greatly reduces the need for supplemental light, and may even support leafy greens and herbs by itself.

There are other, more complicated systems such as hydroponics and aquaponics. These are best for growing large amounts of vegetables, but you’ll need help to get these started and they can be messy.

If you’re an avid reader of the Northstar Properties blog, you might have noticed we wrote about how great it is to live in both Norman and Tulsa, but omitted Oklahoma City. Well, last is certainly not least, because today we want to share our favorite parts of living in Oklahoma’s capitol.

With a rich history and plenty of space, Oklahoma City is perhaps one of the most underrated large cities in America. There are countless reasons to love it, but today we’ll focus on eight of the best things about OKC.

High Wages – Low Cost

Like other cities in the Sooner state, Oklahoma City boasts some of the lowest cost of living in the country, while wages remain reasonably high. This means you can spend the same amount you would on a cramped, one-bedroom apartment in another city on something that works better for you and/or your family, like a house. And speaking of…

Raising a Family

Oklahoma as a whole but specifically Oklahoma City is a great place to raise a family. With the wide variety of entertainment options – from pure fun to educational activities – you’ll never run out of things to do. More than that, Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas boast incredibly safe neighborhoods for you and your children to enjoy.

As the kids grow older, there are secondary education opportunities in both OKC itself and nearby areas in the form of Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma State University, and The University of Oklahoma in Norman.

A Great City for Millennials

What about if you’re not trying to raise a family just yet? Well, Oklahoma City is also great for young adults. While many consider millennials the “young” generation, the truth is that millennials are now young adults in their mid- to late twenties as well as their thirties. This means that many are looking for an affordable and fun place to enjoy their adulthood.

In a recent study, Business Insider found that OKC was the #8 best city in America for happy millennials, factoring in the variety of jobs, low rent, and reasonable income. Basically, whether you’re a young adult or you’re starting to build a family, OKC could be the best place for you.

Great Food

When people think of the greatest food cities in America, they often overlook some of the best spots in the middle of the country. We discussed the food in Norman and Tulsa in our previous blog posts, but OKC might be even more underrated.

Not only does Oklahoma City have a huge variety of excellent local restaurants – like Empire Pizza, a staple; Picasso Cafe on the Paseo; and Barrio’s Mexican restaurant – it also offers critically acclaimed food, like Nonesuch, voted the best new restaurant in America in 2018.

The city also has all your favorite fast food and grocery stores, meaning whether you’re eating out, eating in, or eating on the go, you’re all set.

Outdoor Spaces

After your huge meal at an amazing local restaurant, you’ll obviously want to walk it off in a beautiful, spacious park, and if you’re in Oklahoma City, you’re in luck.

The city has devoted time and energy to their outdoor areas and it has paid off in the form of incredible city parks, such as the Myriad Botanical Gardens with year-round events as well as the brand new Scissortail Park. They even have Riversport OKC, an artificial rafting river with exciting, challenging rapids.

Live and Learn (At Museums)

Like food, many don’t consider Oklahoma City when they think of visiting an enriching, exciting museum, but they’d be surprised at the quality and variety of the local options. You can start by getting acquainted with the city by paying your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Next, for the art lovers, there’s the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, while science and history buffs can visit the Science Museum of Oklahoma, the The Museum of Osteology, or the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, famous for not just its exhibits but also an incredible quarantine social media presence. 

Plenty of Sports

From football to baseball to basketball, there is no shortage of exciting collegiate, semi-professional, and professional sports in the Oklahoma City area. Whether you’re obsessed with sports or you just enjoy having a beer at the game, you’ll love all the options in OKC.

Most people know of nearby teams like the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys, and the NBA’s OKC Thunder are a regular playoff staple, but did you know that the city also boasts a minor league baseball team in the Oklahoma City Dodgers? In the heart of downtown in the bricktown area, you can enjoy a great meal or drink at a local bar and then head to the ballpark.

Looking for a Job

Last but not least, the job market in Oklahoma City is one of its most surprising aspects. While the pandemic has definitely made job-hunting more challenging, OKC still offers a wide variety of job opportunities in industries ranging from business to marketing and advertising.

The popular job site Glassdoor recently did a study of the top 25 cities in America for those looking for a new job, and OKC landed at #12, with a strong median salary and high job satisfaction.

Whether you’ve chosen to move to OKC, Tulsa, or Norman, Northstar Properties has some options you’re going to love. Visit our website today or contact us to learn more about our versatile options!

In the last few months, we’ve all had to adapt in many different ways. Specifically, many people are now working remotely or learning remotely, and even as businesses and schools reopen, things are still not back to normal. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or maybe even a bit stir-crazy, we are here for you.

This month on the blog, we wanted to discuss some of the best ways to make your home and apartment more relaxing. After all, you spend more time there than ever, so you want it to be a place you can unwind, not somewhere that just makes you more stressed. Here are our top six ways to make your apartment a more peaceful, restful environment.

Keep Things Clean

Almost no one is good at every aspect of keeping your home clean, but the more you can do, the better. From basic clutter to deep cleaning the carpets, floors, and furniture, a clean home works wonders on your mental health. Especially when you live, work, and learn from home, it’s vital to develop a routine for your home that keeps things tidy.

If you’re not quite a neat freak, start with little things. Make sure every item has a home within your apartment so that not a single piece of clutter remains floating around the rooms. Next, deep clean everything, room by room, so that you’re starting at a nice, clean foundation. From there, you can work on a cleaning schedule, documenting when things were last done so that you know when it’s time to clean them again.

Designate Your Areas

Now that so many of us have home offices, it’s important to designate your spaces to keep them separated. If your office has been your bed these last few months, no judgment, but separating your place of sleep from the place you work could be a solution if you’re feeling stressed. Just like using your bed to study in college, working from your bed, couch, or other relaxing areas can diminish both spots, making it harder to sleep in the evenings, and harder to accomplish your work.

Make a Relaxing Environment

There are plenty of low or no-cost ways to mix things up and make a more relaxing environment for you, your roommates, and your family. During the day, you can use essential oils to liven up the scents in your home, or open the blinds and let the light in. Later, in the evening, use candles or low lighting to mix up the mood, or put on some chill music.

Whatever relaxes you, incorporate it into your home environment, whether that’s music, lighting, or otherwise. There are plenty of ways you can make your home more comfortable – it’s really up to you and your interests!

Lighting is Everything

Speaking of lighting, the way you light your home is incredibly important when it comes to your mood and happiness. If your only lights are bright fluorescents like an office, it would make sense for you to feel a bit tense. As we’ve discussed before, there are plenty of unique lighting options for your home.

You can use Christmas lights hung on or near the ceiling; multicolored lights for those looking to splurge; or use bias lighting behind your TV to set the mood for a movie at home. Get creative and again, do what works best for you and the activities you love to do. If you’re a big reader, invest in a good reading light or area. If you love puzzles, get something warm and bright that fills the space so you can see every piece.

Become a Plant Parent

Like lighting, plants can be an easy, excellent way to improve your mood and spirits in your apartment. They offer an easy way to bring the outside world inside. There are many houseplants that are robust and beautiful, offering minimal care and room for error, such as the snake plant or ZZ plant, which can live and even thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

For children in the apartment, this is a great opportunity for them to learn how to care for something that requires more patience than other care-taking activities, such as owning a pet, which can be more immediately gratifying than a plant, which takes time. Take pictures as it grows and show off your progress.

Sleep Techniques

Finally, the best way to relieve stress is by getting a good night’s sleep – but if you’re already stressed, that’s easier said than done. There are many safe, healthy ways to attempt to get better sleep. First, you can try those same essential oils from earlier. Lavender and peppermint are known sleep aids. There are also many soothing sounds and apps you can find on the app store.

To take it to the next level, pick up some blackout curtains and sleep to your heart’s content. Or create a nighttime routine that doesn’t involve screens, and instead focuses on reading, breathing, and settling down.

During this strange time, we are here for you, providing apartment and storage solutions for those in the Norman, OKC, and Tulsa areas. Contact us today to learn more about our many options!

For many of us, summer is the time to unwind, relax, and vacation, either via a long weekend at the lake or a planned trip out of state to the beach. But this year, many vacations have been put on hold or even completely canceled due to COVID-19. That means your relaxation will have to wait – or will it?

Many are learning the benefits of a “staycation,” in which you stay in your town, but still take time off from work to relax in whatever way you can. Today, we’ll discuss not only the details of how to staycation, but also give some of our favorite examples and ideas.

What is a Staycation?

The words “stay” and “vacation” mashed up into one word are fairly self-explanatory, but to give you a bit more context, a staycation is typically any sort of miniature vacation where you stay in or near your city or town. Sometimes people think a staycation means staying home the entire time, and that is completely allowed, but it’s not the only way to do it.

If you don’t go about it intentionally, a staycation can quickly become unplanned days off, which is basically just a weekend with even less structure. Adding some sort of agenda and rules to your staycation may sound a bit strange, but it can actually lead to a far better experience.

Create a Staycation Budget

The first step is to create a budget, even if that means just setting a specific number that you cannot go over. You can take it a step further, especially if you have a highly detailed agenda because that way you can decide how much you can afford to spend during each activity.

A budget might not sound like a relaxing thing to do in your spare time, but like the structure mentioned above, it actually makes things much simpler. With an agenda and budget in place, you don’t have to spend your precious free time thinking about what you’ll do next and if you can afford it.

Turning Your Own Home into a Staycation

While you can absolutely do more than leaving your house, it’s completely acceptable to plan an entire staycation that involves being in your apartment and complex the entire time. While you might be hesitant after lengthy periods of social distancing, it can still be a great way to get some fresh air.

Various Ways to Staycation

These are our favorite ideas for your staycation.

SPA DAY

While nothing can quite measure up to an actual day at the spa, getting massages and sitting in the sauna, you can still create quite a relaxing setup at home. Put on some relaxing music, light a candle you love, and do whatever you can do yourself that you enjoy doing at the spa, like a moisturizing face mask, cucumber slices on the eyes, or soaking your feet in Epsom salt.

ROAD “TRIP”

So, your massive, once-in-a-lifetime road trip is postponed until next year – that doesn’t mean you have to stay out of the car entirely. Take a trip to somewhere interesting in-state or just beyond the borders. Many experts agree that it’s safe to do most outdoor activities as long as you’re not getting close to others, so a small drive to a hike, like the ones in the Wichita Mountains, is a great way to unwind.

TURN OFF THE SCREENS

Technology is great – it gives us access to information and capabilities like never before. But it can also really take over our everyday agendas, resulting in days spent working on computers, then reading on our smartphones, and watching TV before bed on streaming services. For a staycation, it might be a good idea to schedule some time with no screens allowed, even if it’s just for an hour or two. Instead, you can read or listen to music, or simply sit and relax together.

HAVE A FULL DAY

One of the best things about a vacation is returning to the hotel or rental home exhausted after a long day of sightseeing. You can do the same thing on your staycation, too. You could start the day with a long hike, then walk around an area of town you’ve never seen before, followed by some time at your apartment pool, leading to a relaxed evening after a full day of fun.

FAMILY (OR SOLO) PROJECT

Downtime is a great opportunity to accomplish projects and tasks that you might have always wanted to do but never had the chance. If you have children, it could be fun to start a new hobby together, something you’ve never done, such as learning to play guitar, painting with lessons from Bob Ross, or doing a puzzle.

Relaxation is Key

No matter what your situation or staycation agenda, the point is to relax. A day off is different than a staycation. On a day off, you’ll often clean the house, run some errands, and maybe watch some unstructured TV. The point of your staycation is to make an actual vacation for yourself, without the hassle of travel.

During this strange time, we are here for you, providing apartment and storage solutions for those in the Norman, OKC, and Tulsa areas. Contact us today to learn more about our many options!

Our last blog post was about what you should do while sheltering in place. Now, as we reach May, many of us are still inside and will be for the foreseeable future, even as some businesses attempt to reopen. As you continue to try to stay safe, healthy, and happy during this pandemic, we wanted to share some of our favorite online solutions for retaining your sanity.

We understand that, with you, your partner, and your kids all home at the same time all day, things can get a little tense. These helpful online resources will hopefully give you ways to decompress both individually and as a team, and hey, you might even learn a little something!

Express Yourself

There are tons of resources online for those learning to draw. You can print paint by numbers out from a variety of websites, or visit YouTube to find instructional videos. For children, author Mo Willems actually hosts a drawing session every day at noon, central time, as part of his residency. Kids can follow along and have fun learning to draw various pictures.

Musical Instruments

While we encourage prudent financial planning (so don’t go buying a $300 guitar or something), if you’ve got any sort of musical instrument around the house, now could be a great time to learn. As an apartment complex, we advise you to do so respectfully and quietly, at the right hours. But other than that, thanks to the internet, learning to play guitar, piano, and more is simpler than ever.

Just Google “how to play” and the name of the song you’re interested in and you’re already halfway there. For people looking to learn the basics, there are tons of channels on YouTube that can help you with everything from basic chords to complex scales.

School, But Fun!

Virtual school for your kids can be tiresome, we know. Once the school day is over, it can be tempting to just throw on a TV show or movie so they can relax quietly while you prepare dinner, do household chores, or sit down with a glass of wine. Instead, look for resources on screens that will occupy your kids while continuing to educate them in unique ways, about subjects they love.

For example, The Dr. Is In on YouTube has fun episodes about dinosaurs and plenty of other fun topics, and is hosted by Dr. Hans Sues, the Smithsonian curator of vertebrate paleontology. There are plenty of other fun, educational shows, and a little bit of research goes a long way.

Virtual Tours

From museums to parks, there are plenty of places we’d all like to visit but won’t be able to for even longer, as they’re at greater risk for contamination by the virus. Anywhere that usually harbors large crowds or frequent foot traffic is off-limits for some time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them.

Many of the most popular museums and national parks in the world and country have created virtual tours in light of these events. Explore the Louvre, the Guggenheim, or the Smithsonian, all from the comfort of your couch. While it can’t match the real experience, it’s nice to be able to see beautiful art and views of the Grand Canyon while relaxing with some popcorn, we have to admit.

Good Hobbies

While it’s important not to push yourself and make sure to prioritize your mental health during this strange season, if you’re up to it, there are plenty of positive ways to spend your time, and the internet can help. From learning to cook via recipes on trusted websites like the New York Times Cooking or Bon Appetit, to improving your physical fitness by joining the (temporarily free) Nike Training Club, there’s a ton to do, even when you have nothing to do.

For Adults and Children

In our recent blog post, we talked about keeping your brain healthy. This is applicable for adults and children, though if your kids are spending all day doing online school, chances are they have had enough boring learning once their day ends. But if you’re looking to keep their minds active, there are still plenty of ways to do so in fun, engaging ways. For example, they can play online board games like chess or checkers, or play math and science games on sites like Legends of Learning. 

For yourself, we recommend apps such as Duolingo, offering free language learning each and every day, as well as games such as sudoku or crossword puzzles. Reading a book is one of the best activities for the brain, but that’s not always an option, and sometimes it can get tiresome. Playing games like these can help instead!

Getting Through It

Above all, your priority is to stay safe and healthy, so that when this thing ends or begins to calm down, your family comes out of it the best they possibly can. For more information about how to protect yourself, visit the CDC’s official website. To learn how we’re keeping our residents safe, contact us today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, and as most everyone knows at this point, that means “social distancing” – a term none of us had ever heard before 2020 and now, it’s the new norm. This means many people are stuck at home, spending time in ways we had never considered before.

If you’re starting to feel a little stir-crazy, that’s perfectly reasonable, especially at this point. Even if you absolutely love everyone you live with, so much time with one set of people can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a list of things you can do that will help you recharge and reconnect with your team, while social distancing and sheltering in place.

Creative Activities

When the government tells you to stay at home, there’s a little bit of guilty pleasure in knowing that you have an excuse to park yourself on the couch and watch TV, play video games, or even read a book for hours on end. However, the fun here only lasts so long. Eventually, even the most binge-obsessed among us is going to get bored and tired of staring at a screen.

Finding creative activities that help you relax, de-stress, and work your brain is vital. From jigsaw puzzles to brain games to adult coloring books, there are plenty of ways to have fun while also stimulating your brain. According to Harvard Medical School, playing games like crossword puzzles or chess can improve your decision-making and short- and long-term memories as you age.

Stick to a Routine

Like lounging on the couch, your routine can quickly get out of hand now that there are no definitive lines between home, work, or school. However, the lack of a specific routine can wreak havoc on your life in a variety of ways, including some you might not expect, such as increased stress, difficulty sleeping, and poor diet and exercise.

To combat these effects, we recommend that you establish a new routine for this new normal. Try starting your day with a cup of coffee and then a short (or long) walk – while staying six feet apart from others, of course. When you get back, your home is now your office or classroom; no messing around. Once done, you could go on a second walk, or spend 20 minutes reading. This creates dividing lines between your leisure time and working time. There are plenty of ways to do this; the important thing is the routine itself.

Try New Recipes

A social distancing quarantine is a perfect time to try out some new, fun recipes. No matter what level of chef you are, from amateurs to experts, there are always new things to learn. If cooking scares you, start with something indulgent and fun, like spinach artichoke dip – or turn it into a melt for an easy, tasty dinner!

For the more adventurous chefs, you could try your hand at a challenging (but equally rewarding and indulgent) dish, like fried chicken. Or, for the more health-conscious, try crispy, spiced cauliflower steaks. The possibilities are endless; just think of a food or flavor you enjoy, then type it into Google with “recipe” after, or go straight to Pinterest for meal ideas. You’re sure to find something that will pique your interest (and your tastebuds).

Support Local Business

Still, sometimes cooking can be exhausting when it’s practically all you’ve done all week. When it’s time for a break, take this chance to support local businesses. We’ve written about some of the best reasons to live in Norman and Tulsa, both of which have excellent dining options in the local scene. The same goes for Oklahoma City, with popular restaurants like Empire Slice House offering delivery and curbside pickup.

Many local businesses are hurting right now with the loss of revenue due to social distancing. You can help ensure your local favorites remain fixtures of the community by being a patron during this difficult time.

Spark Joy

Last year, Marie Kondo and her unique brand of decluttering methodology swept the nation, leading to many people finally taking the time to “spark joy” as she says, by removing excess from their homes. Now is the perfect time, as organizing can lead to reduced stress and a feeling of accomplishment – something we all need right now.

You can start wherever you want, or just do a bit at a time. Set a timer for an hour on a Saturday and organize your home for just that stretch. You’d be surprised what a difference it can make.

Relax

Perhaps the most important of everything on this list: we suggest trying to relax, however you can. Stress is devastating on the human body and brain (both short- and long-term), and these are stressful times. There are a variety of ways to reduce your anxieties, and we recommend trying a few to see what works.

You can try breathing exercises, releasing tension in your muscles, and stretching. You can also start journaling again for the first time since high school, or spend some time in the backyard with no phone, book, or any other distractions. Just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, even in a small space.

Stay Safe

During this unprecedented time, do what works best for you. You don’t need to emerge from this period of social distancing with a six-pack or as an expert in a new hobby. You just need to stay safe and try to be as healthy as possible. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and stick to other CDC guidelines to remain healthy.

We are here for you during this time. For information on Northstar Properties, or if you are a current resident in need of assistance, contact us today. Our team is still hard at work (from home) to make sure your apartment is in the best condition possible.

While it might lack the name recognition of New York and Los Angeles, Tulsa is an up-and-coming city with tons of benefits new and old for people of all ages. A hidden gem of the midwest, Tulsa has something for everyone.

The city is large enough to offer plenty of entertainment, options for education, and year-round fun. Great for a new family or the post-graduate lifestyle. If you’re considering a move to Tulsa, here are our top eight reasons to love this rising city.

Big City, Small Town

Some people love living in the city where they can enjoy lots of variety and options, while others  prefer wide-open spaces and a sense of community. In Tulsa, you get both.

Tulsa is home to a vibrant downtown area with museums for all kinds of interests, concert venues like the famous Cain’s Ballroom, and delicious food for a variety of appetites. At the same time, Tulsa is not a massive city, and it’s easy to get plugged into the local community. Not only that, but the neighborhood areas are clearly defined, so even though you’re in a big city, your local group is your home.

Museums for Everyone

As we mentioned, Tulsa is quietly one of the best museum cities in the entire country. From the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium to the legendary Philbrook Museum of Art – with its incredibly beautiful outdoor garden areas, there are so many great options for museum-lovers in Tulsa.

Just downtown, there’s the Tulsa Geoscience Center and the DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum. For the kids, there is also the Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab. It’s hard to run out of things to do if you enjoy museums in Tulsa.

Low Cost of Living

As we mentioned in our previous blog post about the benefits of Norman, Oklahoma is one of the most affordable states in the country. According to US News, Oklahoma ranks fourth in affordability and second in cost of living. While still moderately sized, Tulsa is extremely affordable when compared to many other comparable cities.

Nearby Activities

Tulsa boasts an excellent proximity to many nearby areas. There are state parks like the Great Salt Plains State Park and Keystone State Park, which offer both attractions and camping, but there is another underrated element of Tulsa’s location, and that’s how close it is to other states.

With both Missouri and Arkansas only short drives away, Tulsa gives its residents the ability to visit even more of the country without it being a huge endeavor. Tulsans can visit places like Fayetteville or Branson or even St. Louis in just one weekend.

Job Opportunities

In the last few years, Tulsa has been trying desperately to help people understand just how great the job creation is in the region right now. With low cost of living, businesses are thriving, with some coastal companies choosing to move their home base to Tulsa because of low costs, incentives, and workforce.

If you’re looking to not only make a change in your location but also in your career, Tulsa could be the perfect place to do it.

Delicious Food

One of the advantages of being a large city like Tulsa is the food. Dining in Tulsa is easy because there are so many options for all tastes. There’s delicious Indian food, a wide variety of pizza, and even some amazing five-star restaurants for date night.

Healthy Lifestyle

While you can take a trip to a local state park for a relaxing, healthy weekend away, Tulsa boasts great ways to stay fit without leaving the city limits. From the newly opened Gathering Place, a park for both kids and adults, to the walkable downtown area, Tulsa is great for anyone who loves exercise or would love to love exercise.

Great Weather

We know, you’ve heard it all before. “X city has the best weather!” and Tulsa’s weather might not be your thing. If you prefer the cold or you’re most at home on a cloudy day, there are better options. But for anyone who enjoys a well-rounded, moderate climate, Tulsa is a great spot.

The summers are rarely too hot, while the winters are chilly but not often frigid. It’s a great middle-ground  for anyone who enjoys the best of both worlds.

If you’re ready to make your move to Tulsa, we’d love to chat. We offer several excellent apartment options with different layouts and locations. Contact us today to talk to a leasing agent.