Welcome to 2021!  If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to get your apartment in El Paso, TX, a little more organized and welcoming, our January blogs are for you!

Starting a new year gives us every reason to toss the past behind us and focus forward on the good things in life.  With so many of us spending more time at home, this may be the best resolution to put at the top of your list!

We have just walked through our apartment at Cantera and used that tour to develop our own list of how we will start the process, today!  On behalf of our entire team, we wish you the best of success in streamlining and organizing your apartment this month!

Happy New Year!

Welcome Home!

 We all know about ‘first impressions.’  How’s yours … as friends and family walk in the door.  Shoes on the floor, coats hanging off the edge of the closet door?  Perhaps your plant has seen better days?  To get started on your new resolution, go outside, and then walk in and take a visual inventory.  If you are pleased with what you see, fabulous! You are on your way.

 If not, time to tidy up the entry.  And that does not mean just throw everything in the closet.  It will be there when you need to repeat that habit the next time.  Maybe it’s time to donate a few jackets to the local thrift shop.  Perhaps you need a small bench for the variety of shoes and boots?  Whatever you can do to make that closet purposeful and not a holding tank will be a super first step to getting your entry welcoming and clutter-free.

A Kitchen is for Cooking

Are your countertops cluttered with unread mail or perhaps missing bills? Has your kitchen table become a mailbox holding ground?  One of the fastest habits to break that will bring the purpose of your kitchen back to work is tossing your mail or various stacks of paper where they belong -before you land in the kitchen.

We have added a new and colorful basket right by the entry of our apartment.  When we come home, we stop and assess the mail at the entrance to our home.  Bills go in one pile, the useful paper goods (like our favorite magazines) go to into the basket for further review, and all other unwanted materials go directly into the trash which is conveniently located under our sink in the kitchen!

Our neighbors did it differently – yet their system works.  They bought several rectangle baskets, labeled them, and placed them on a shelf.  Bills into one bin, cards and other personal items in another, and junk mail in the final basket for review or removal when time allows.  They also finally convinced us to go to online billing and contact the publisher of unwanted magazines to remove our name from their list.

Bedrooms are for Sleeping

There’s a favorite chair in our bedroom that brings back endless memories of family time gone by.  Prior to our reorganizing spree, you could not see it as it turned into a “clothing catcher” of all sorts.  Today, it proudly sits awaiting our return to enjoy some quiet time with a good book.  The piles of clothing now have their own designated space.  They are either placed on hangers (we bought quite a few for a great value) or live in a hamper to await laundry day.

Stay tuned to our next blog later this month for more top tips on how to organize your apartment in 2021!

The post Top Tips for Organizing Your Apartment in 2021 (Part One) appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

1. Bring the Comfort

A sofa is the main piece to any living room, so why not make it stand out? Adding high-quality throw pillows that make a statement is a simple way to make your living room pop. Try playing with textures and stitching to find the perfect match for your space!

Sites like Wayfair.com and Pier1.com have beautiful, affordable options in all shapes and sizes. Pair your pillows along with a soft, cozy blanket that carries the same color themes and voila, your living room is transformed!

2. Add Some Borders

Prints and posters are an easy way to get our favorite art into our homes at an affordable price. However, most people leave their pictures unframed, instead tacking them up wherever is accessible in the moving craze – not to be touched again unless they fall down.

Unframed prints look unfinished. Adding a simple frame can really transform your picture – making that Monet poster from the museum actually look worthy of Monet! Take the time to measure your piece and go out and get a frame. It’s worth it!

3. Make it Match

Investing in a spice tower can really beautify your kitchen countertops and drawers to get rid of unwanted clutter. No more random jars with mismatched labels! Some spice racks even come with free refills, like this one on Amazon which refills for five years! Cooking will be more fun, too!

4. Go Green

House plants bring life into your space, but only if they’re still alive! Succulents make great house plants as they require little care and there are so many varieties.

Did you know you can buy plants from Amazon.com? Check out this 20 pack of succulents for only $40.00! You can decorate the whole house with this collection.

5. Bathe in Style

A beautiful shower curtain can transform your bathroom from something drab to something fab. Check out these options from Wayfair.com to bring your space up a notch!

So there you have it! Five easy tips to liven up your apartment that don’t require anything other than an online order. Happy shopping!

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The post 5 Ideas to Easily Spruce Up Your Apartment Décor appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

With the spring season around the corner, we decided to share some of the top decorating trends for apartments and townhouses in 2017.   We have scoured our favorite resources and selected ideas to bring some color and fun into your apartment in ElPaso.  
 
House Plants are on the Rise! 
Recent statistics from Pinterest.com note that there has been a 200% increase in house plant purchases – and with good reason.  From plants that require lots of sunshine to those who don’t, there are lots of great options, and most don’t need too much care. 
 
Not sure which are best for your home?  We found this great resource for you.  Just click here to ApartmentTherapy.com for a full list of the top house plants for apartments.
 
“Hygge” – The New Term for Comfy
Did you know the secret to happiness is now referred to as “Hygge” décor?  We didn’t either, so we had to check this new trend out.  According to our resource on this subject, here’s their take on this upcoming trend for 2017: “Finding the words to convey sentimental feelings can be hard sometimes. Yet, the opposite is true when it comes to the Danish term "hygge." Although there is literally no single translation for the concept (pronounced hoo-gah or hue-gah) the Danes use hygge to describe the warm feelings of happiness, comfort, and coziness—not unlike our idea of holiday spirit—they strive to achieve during the cooler weather seasons.”
 
Nightstands Bring New Light to Bedroom Décor
It was a bit hard to believe, yet according to the top online décor sites, the interest in ‘nightstands’ has far exceeded any former stats.  On Pinterest alone, they have seen a 721% increase in clicks to anything to do with bed stands or small table décor.  If you are a DIY aficionado, here’s a good link with step by step directions on how to make your own nightstand.
 
Color it Copper, Poised Taupe, Pink or Byzantine Blue
Be it a blanket, throw, floor rug, pillow, purse, or a new pair of shoes, the top colors of 2017 are now in;  some we are familiar with, and others have opened our eyes to new ideas.  Gone are the blankets that we have stored in the closet for unknown reasons or the pillows we have had for 20 years.  In are the Pink shoes for Easter celebrations with a Byzantine Blue accessory to complement our fresh look of spring!
 

Wicker Makes a Comeback
I can remember sitting on my Grandmother’s wicker chairs and always wondering if I would end up with their ownership?  I should have nabbed them when I could as and wicker (and rattan) baskets, furniture, and home décor accents are at the top of the charts for 2017.   FYI: we found a super way to add wicker into our apartment in El Paso by using wicker baskets for storage of towels and such.   
 
Happy decorating!

The post Top Decorating Ideas for Your Apartment This Spring appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

With the holiday season in full swing, we thought we would dedicate this last blog of the year to some good advice on how to enjoy the last month of 2016.   We found (and credit) Health.com for the following ideas that we hope will leave you merry and bright well into 2017.
 
Hike your mood with sunlight
It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year. To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days, or ask your doc about phototherapy (a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).
Take a whiff of citrus
Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood.  For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.
 
Savor a spicy meal
Hot foods trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.  
 
Walk away from worries
The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep.
 
Squeeze here
The fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying firm pressure there for just 30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breathe.
 
Do less, enjoy more
We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event.  Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more.
 
Stick with your daily routine
Prioritize your workouts, book club, etc., and don't try to squeeze in more holiday than you can handle
 
Don't neglect whatever cracks you up
Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better, says psychologist Steve Wilson, founder of the World Laughter Tour, an organization that offers therapeutic-laughter training.
 
Forget perfection
Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life. Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable!
 
Get out of the house
If your family members often pick on one another at the holiday table, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior.
 

And our favorite … Go tech-free
Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.
 

The post HOW TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE SEASON appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

Inside or out, grab your friends and family and get ready for all the fun that to be found just outside of our apartment community at Cantara in El Paso.    To help you get started, we’ve picked some of fav things to do in December, and January, too
 
December 17
San Elizario Historic District, San Elizario, Texas The Annual Posadas Presentation is an important part of the Mexican Christmas celebration. The word posada means "inn" or "shelter" in Spanish, and this celebration recreate Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The presentation will begin at Veterans Memorial Plaza in San Elizario. It will be followed by Live Music, the traditional Christmas Piñata ceremony and Cultural Dance presentations.
The Luminaria Lighting of over 5,000 luminarias in the San Elizario Historic District will take place shortly after sundown and remain lit throughout the evening. Traditional fare will be on hand. The 6th Annual Christmas Bicycle giveaway and Mr & Mrs Santa Claus will be onhand. Sponsored by the San Elizario Genealogy & Historical Society.

December 23, 2016
The biggest Christmas experience of the year! The original, direct from Russia, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! “Knock Out!” Raves the New York Times. Enchant the whole family with larger than life magical props, a 60-Foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. A must-see event, witness the world’s best dancers on stage in your city! Get your tickets before they sell out at www.nutcracker.com
 
December 30, 2016
When teams from the ACC and Pac-12 meet on the field on December 30, 2016, it will mark the 83rd edition of one of the oldest traditions in college football history, the Hyundai Sun Bowl. Since the first Sun Bowl played on January 1, 1935, as a fundraising event for a local service club, the game has grown into El Paso’s number one national attraction. With its picturesque stadium nestled between two mountains it has become a piece of the Southwest and a lesson in history.
 
December 30 – 31
LIGHTS ALL NIGHT is taking it to the next level for its seventh year on Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December 31 where   headliners deadmau5, Above & Beyond, ZEDD and other top artists will entertain you into the new year.   From state of the art production surrounding the biggest names in electronic music today to specialty food trucks for a unique dining experience as well as signature experiential elements, fans can expect all points of attending LIGHTS ALL NIGHT  in El Paso to be top-notch.
 
January 16, 2017
For those of you who love to get out for some fresh air in the winter time on your mountain bike, this event is for you!  It’s the annual  El Paso Puzzler Mountain Bike Race that starts at The Bowen Ranch Round House in northeast El Paso and has some nice cash rewards for the top male and female competitors.    
 
See you out and about in El Paso this winter!
 

The post WINTERTIME IS FUN TIME IN EL PASO appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.

With the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s holidays literally around the corner, we thought it might be fun to share some tips that can turn an apartment into a festive holiday display without taking up too much space.
 
Last year I had the opportunity to spend some quality time right here in our own apartment community in Pinon Trails.  In addition to all of the holiday cheer, I was delighted to see what my neighbors had done to decorate their home in style – while they saved plenty of space to celebrate! 
 
Here are a few of their holiday decorating tips that I’d like to share with you:
 
Hanging Christmas Tree
 
What a great idea.  These trees come in a variety of sizes and are often pre-lit; all you have to do is hang them up and plug them in.  Most come with a sturdy hook so you can hang them in a special place that begs for décor all season long.  Yet don’t stop there; be sure to add your favorite ornaments, bows and such and the angel on top!
 

Decorative Christmas Pillows

 
What a bonus to find the bounty of colors that one can add to a home to give it a true holiday splash.  No matter where you go this time of the year there will be endless festive pillows (probably on sale) that can be tossed on a couch or chair to give each room a touch of tradition.
 

Ribbons, Ribbons and More Ribbons

Perhaps the most affordable and quite possibly the most popular item to save space while you add sparkle to your apartment in El Paso is to use ribbons of all sizes and colors to adorn your home throughout the holiday season.   You can tie them on the backs of your dining rooms chairs and add an ornament to each bow as well.  And don’t forget about lamp posts, window treatments and wall hangings – all appropriate placements for a little extra special touch to deck your halls this holiday season!  

The post TIPS FOR DECORATING YOUR APARTMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS appeared first on Cantera Apartments Blog.