Blog Posts

4 Simple Ways to Keep Your Apartment Cooler This Summer-image

While living in Irving, Texas, has its perks, the incoming summer heat can be both a pro and con.  Enjoying the warm weather outdoors is fun, but most of our community residents want to stay cool while in their apartment homes.  AC is the obvious way to keep temps down indoors, and Texas has historically been involved in the development of air conditioning.  Texas is home to both the first air-conditioned public building (Orange, TX) and full building to be completely air conditioned (San Antonio, TX)!  Check out this article to learn more about the history of AC . However, heavy AC usage can also increase your electricity bill.  Here are 4 simple ways to keep your apartment cooler this summer: Block Out the Sun One of the best ways to cool down a room is to invest in curtains.  Blocking out the sunlight keeps the room cooler throughout the day.  It can be a pain to purchase, hang, and maintain curtains, but it will have a noticeable impact on your home’s temperature.  This is especially useful for individuals or families that are gone for work, school, or other activities during the day.  Keep in mind your family’s lifestyle when selecting curtains.  Light, floor-length curtains might work perfectly in the space, but for those with active toddlers or pets… it will likely be more effort than its worth.  Plus, installing curtains does not have to mean sacrificing style.  Check out this blog post for some great, aesthetic ideas that might work in your apartment.  Meal Prep Turning on the stove can make your kitchen space feel hot and stuffy.  Reducing the number of times you use the stove in your day can help keep your home cooler.  One way to strategically do this is by meal prepping so that the bulk of your cooking is done on one or two designated days.  It may also be fun to check out different “summer” or stove free recipes.  Love baking?  Try a no-bake cookies instead!  Our community also has outdoor grilling space that is perfect for summer nights.  There are countless ways to get creative in the kitchen to use the stove less on particularly hot weeks (or months…).   Check On Your Ceiling Fan If your floor plan has ceiling fans, you need to double check on what direction they’re spinning! Most people do not know this, but the direction your ceiling fans spin should change with the seasons.  In the hotter months, your blades should be spinning counterclockwise to push the air in your room up.  Check if your fan has a switch to flip the direction of the fan if its spinning in the wrong direction.  If you live in the Verandah at Valley Ranch community, contact our service team with any issues regarding your fans.  (P.S. In the winter, make sure you turn your ceiling fans to spin clockwise!) Change Your Laundry Swap out heavy blankets and comforters for lighter bedding materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are more breathable and will help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep.  100% cotton sheets to cooling gel pillows, there are great summer bedding options available to try.  - The heat should never discourage you from enjoying all that Irving has to offer!   Living in a community like the Verandah at Valley Ranch presents unique opportunities to beat the heat together. Take advantage of communal amenities such as swimming pools, shaded lounging areas, and outdoor recreational spaces to stay cool and socialize with neighbors. Lastly, keep an eye on local weather forecasts and heat advisories to plan ahead for particularly hot days. Knowing when to expect extreme temperatures can help you prepare by adjusting your cooling strategies accordingly. By incorporating these tips into your summer cooling routine, you can ensure that your apartment remains a comfortable oasis amid Irving's sizzling summer temperatures. Whether you're relaxing indoors, exploring outdoor attractions, or connecting with neighbors in your community, staying cool and refreshed will enhance your enjoyment of everything Irving has to offer. Moving soon?  Check out this blog for tips for moving in the heat! 

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4 Ways to Celebrate National Pancake Day-image

  February 28 th  is the official date for 2024’s National Pancake Day , and this delicious holiday should be on every breakfast lover’s radar.  Due to their simplicity, pancakes have been around longer than you may expect.  Some estimate that pancakes originated as far back as the  Stone Age , and it was a dish enjoyed by Ancient Romans, Shakespeare, and more! Pancakes are loved by many and carry a lot of relevance in different cultures around the world. In fact, they’re so loved that IHOP carves out a separate day each year to celebrate – this means two chances each year to indulge in National Pancake Day activities!  There are so many ways to enjoy pancakes that everyone is sure to find a way to take part in this holiday.  Below are just a couple of ways to celebrate this year.  Find A Restaurant With Pancake Deals While IHOP won’t have their special discounts till their brand’s recognized Pancake Day, that doesn’t mean that other breakfast locations won’t have special deals.  Local breakfast spots in the Irving like  La Peep  and the  Corner Bakery  both have amazing pancakes on their menu.  It’s always great to shop local and celebrating National Pancake Day might create the perfect opportunity to try a new -or return to a local favorite- restaurant.    If you visit somewhere local, considering tagging them on your social media to drive some traffic to local favs.  Story shout outs will also bring this fun holiday to more people’s radar- sounds like a double win! Throw A Pancake Day Party From an extensive pancake bar, an adorable charcuterie board, or a simple get together, the opportunities are endless for a pancake party!  Get the kids, coworkers, or besties involved for a fun breakfast-themed meal.  With a theme as simple as pancakes, there is room for creativity, individuality, and collaboration.  Bring Your Own Pancake (BYOP) or Bring a Topping to Share are two easy ways to divide the labor and create a fun event! There’s an endless number of ways to spruce up pancakes, and their simple flavor makes them widely enjoyed. Party goers will be able to get as creative or stay as classic as they desire.  Enjoy An Alternative Pancake Option From protein-packed to Nutella-filled, the world of pancakes has never been so diverse.  Head to Pinterest or social media for inspiration and consider trying a brand-new take on the classic pancake.  For example, this cinnamon bun pancake recipe looks like a delicious way to try something different.  Pancakes can also be made to fit a variety of dietary restrictions - vegan, gluten free, keto, dairy free, allergen friendly, and more! There are easy ways to make sure no one is left out this holiday.  Try A New Way of Topping Your Pancake Syrup and butter might be a classic that can’t be beat, but there are a ton of different ways to top your pancake.  From covered in candy to savory, consider trying something new!  You may find a new favorite way to begin the day. It might even be educational to learn how countries around the world top their pancakes.  For example, Norwegian pancakes are often topped with jam and/or a sweet cheese called brunost.  This sounds like a delicious combo and a great educational activity! -  Ultimately, we hope you take some time out of your week to indulge in this fun holiday.  Pancakes may be simple at their core, but National Pancake Day can help you enjoy time with loved ones, reimagine a childhood classic, and learn more about cultures around the world.   

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3 Meaningful Ways to Give Back to Your Irving Community This MLK Day-image

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions, the third Monday of January is celebrated as a "National Day of Service." This day serves as a reminder that we all play a role in creating a better world, whether through volunteering, raising funds or participating in small acts of kindness.  In Irving and at our Morguard communities, there are numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful service on MLK Day and year-round.   Finding Ways to Give Back Volunteer Websites Websites like VolunteerMatch allow you to search for volunteer opportunities based on location, cause, and skills. VolunteerMatch makes it easy to find projects that align with your interests and availability.     Connect directly with Local Nonprofits Many organizations welcome volunteers and can provide information about ongoing projects or specific needs on their websites.  Your workplace, school, or local community might have a non-profit partner that you could connect with.     Consider Participating in The Verandah at Valley Ranch 's Charitable Initiatives Our Morguard communities nationwide actively engage in initiatives such as holiday donation drives and fundraising for organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Connect with our team or check out  our social page  to discover how residents can participate in these meaningful initiatives. Have fun with whatever you decide to do!  Consider getting your family, friends, or even coworkers involved, and you might be surprised with how much good you can do as a team.   Remember that every small action has the power to create a lasting impact in our neighborhoods. Together, we can continue to build a community that reflects the values that Dr. King advocated for throughout his life.  

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