Best Essential Oils for Winter

Typically, the essential oils (EO) that have a high base or middle note are associated with winter scents. These include cinnamon, clove, frankincense, and ginger. Base-note EOs linger in the air longer than the top and middle note scents like lemon, orange, bergamot, and lavender. During the manufacturing of a perfume, the first sniff of a product will be the top and middle note scents, but the long-lasting, lingering smell of the perfume will be the base note flowers or plants.

Top note oils are light and breezy, making them perfect for setting a spring or summer mood. The best essential oils for winter are deeply fragrant and woodsy. These oils soothe and comfort, and may also inspire happy childhood memories or winter events. Here is a good list of essential oils to use leading up to the holidays and in the winter months after:

• Ylang Ylang
• Rose or Lavender
• Cedarwood
• Ginger
• Myrrh
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Clove

Holiday-Scented Essential Oil Blends

There is no one way to blend a unique essential oil recipe. Experimenting with just a few drops in your diffuser of two or three of the following essential oils is all you need for an apartment full of holiday merriment.

• Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon, Sweet Orange, Clove
• Frankincense, Fir Needle, Cedar Wood
• Ginger, Orange, Cinnamon
• Wintergreen, Sweet Orange
• Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
• Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary

Diffusing essential oils during the holiday season can reduce stress, bring back happy winter memories, promote good health, and usher in the hopes of a Happy New Year.

If you're looking for a new Flagstaff apartment home where you can create a warm and festive vibe, consider Butterfield Apartments. You will find comfortable interiors and modern finishes to highlight each newly renovated apartment. This includes gorgeous kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, in-home washers & dryers, and some floor plans that include stunning fireplaces as well. Contact us today to learn more.

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Mirror Jewelry Armoire

Are you in need of a full-length mirror? Do you have a lot of jewelry? Then don't just buy a regular full-length mirror. Instead, look for a free-standing full-length mirror that opens up to reveal an armoire for your jewelry. The best part of this mirror is that your valuables remain hidden and secure behind the glass.

Ottoman Storage

It's nice to have a place to put your feet up after work, and an ottoman is the perfect furniture piece for that. But why have an ottoman that just sits around doing nothing when you're not using it when you can get one that opens up to reveal extra storage? Ottoman storage pieces are a great place to hide books and other small items that can clutter up your living area. 

Entryway Hall Tree

If you buy the right hall tree, this piece of furniture can perform many duties. It should, for example, have a bench that opens up to reveal more storage. Hallway trees should also have hooks to hang up coats and items, such as dog leashes, and some also have little cubbies. 

Have you been searching to upgrade your lifestyle with a new apartment home and furniture? Then, please check out our apartments in Flagstaff. Our spacious floor plans have private balconies or patios and washers and dryers. Contact us today to learn more!

The post 3 Must-Have Multipurpose Furniture Pieces appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

4 Steps To Take To Reduce Your Heating Use and Costs

Put On More Clothes

This one sounds simple, but it really works. Even if you have to buy a few comfortable pairs of sweats to wear around the house, you can still save money on heating costs. Dressing warmer is the best way to avoid the cold without heating the entire apartment.

Use More Blankets At Night

Some people really like to sleep in warmth, so they keep the heat blowing at night.  The truth is, however, overnight is the best opportunity to save money.  Turn the heat down as low as possible, and invest in more blankets.  Again, no reason to heat the entire apartment when an extra covering can keep you toasty.

Consider A Couch Blanket

Never underestimate the great convenience of a couch or home office blanket. If you get really cold in certain areas, consider a designated blanket for that room.  You might find that if you can keep yourself warm in that space, you don't need extra heat everywhere else.

Open & Close Vents According To Where You Spend Your Time

If you work all day near a computer and want to stay warm, make sure that the heating vent in that area remains open.  Meanwhile, you may be able to get away with closing the bedroom vents if you won't be back for a few hours. Also, if you cook frequently in the kitchen, you may be able to close the vent in that room as well.

These simple actions can reduce energy usage and save you money. If you're looking for a cozy new space to call home, contact the staff at our apartments in Flagstaff today.

The post 4 Things To Remember Before You First Turn On The Heat appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Decide on your needs first.

There are so many reasons why people set out to practice yoga. Therefore, you have to ensure that you know your personal needs and goals before embarking on your yoga journey. Suppose you want to attain spiritual growth or simply maintain your physical health. Once you identify your reasons for yoga, you will be in a position to do it. After identifying your needs, it will be easier for you to select the types of yoga that will help you achieve your goals.

Get the best yoga teacher.

This is a very important tip for the people who are just starting out with yoga at Butterfield Apartments. Having a good yoga teacher ensures that you have the knowledge to practice yoga mindfully on your own. It also prevents you from getting any injuries that could come from a lack of familiarity with postures and breathing techniques. When choosing a yoga teacher, ensure that you get someone who is qualified and experienced in the field, and consider how well their personality meshes with your own. A little online research could go a long way in helping you find the right fit!

Avoid making comparisons with other people.

If you've seen others in person or online practicing yoga, ensure that you do not compare yourself with them. It's not always fair to compare yourself to people who have been practicing yoga for a very long time. You'll feel more encouraged to continue with your yoga practice once you accept that others may be more experienced than you and that you will learn on your own terms and timeline. Just show up to the mat and try your individual best.

Select the right clothing.

When you are starting yoga at home, ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices. You don't want to get distracted or frustrated in clothes that keep you from moving the way you intend to or make you feel self-conscious.

In conclusion, yoga can be the perfect activity for you to stay fit, healthy, and mindful right in the comfort of your Flagstaff apartment. If you or someone you know are looking for a new home where you'll have the room to practice, contact us for more information on our spacious floor plans at Butterfield Apartments!

The post Tips For A Successful Home Yoga Practice appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Blueberry Dream Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 11 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 16 ounces of whipped topping

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (you can use frozen if fresh ones are not available)
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

For the Topping:

1. Add cornstarch and sugar into a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk together until mixture is lump free.
2. Add the water and blueberries.
3. Cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until mixture is thickened. 
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Set aside.

For the Cheesecake:

1. For the crust, add melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar in a bowl, then stir ingredients together.
2. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish.
3. For the filling, add cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar into a bowl. Beat ingredients together until smooth. 
4. Spread the mixture on top of the crust. Be careful not to break your crust.
5. Top cheesecake mixture with whipped topping (if you prefer, you can use real whipped cream.)
6. Spread the blueberry mixture very carefully on top of the whipped topping.
7. Chill overnight or for at least 7 hours before serving.

Have you been searching for a new fully equipped kitchen where you can make all of your favorite desserts? Then, we would love for you to visit our beautiful apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. Our apartments feature several lovely places where you can enjoy a slice of blueberry cheesecake, including either a patio or a balcony. Give us a call to learn more!

The post Beat the Heat with a No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Use the Ceiling Line

If you don’t have any leveling tools, you could just use your eye. Once you’ve positioned the picture where you’d like it, line it up to the line where the ceiling meets the wall. To do this, squint your eyes just a bit and focus on the top edge of the frame and the ceiling line. When they’re exactly parallel, you know the picture is straight.

Use Painter’s Tape

If your picture frame has two hanging brackets on the back, use painter’s tape to hang the picture straight. To do this, lay the frame so the back is facing up. Place a strip of painter’s tape across the top so it’s just below each bracket. Use a nail to puncture the painter’s tape in the center of each bracket. This makes a template for you to mark the nail or removable Command hook placement in the wall. Now, remove the painter’s tape and apply it to the wall. Use a level to make sure the tape is straight. Now, just hammer the two nails or attach the hooks in through the holes in the tape. Remove the tape and hang your perfectly straight picture!

Use a Level App

If you’re lacking a level, you can download a level app to your cell phone. Place the picture on the wall and hold the cell phone on top with the level app working. Mark the location lightly on the wall with a pencil. Hang your picture and erase the pencil line.

Your apartment in Flagstaff will look better now that you’ve personalized it with your own pictures! To get more inspiration, why not view our available apartments now and contact us today to learn more? We look forward to speaking with you!

The post Use These Tricks to Hang Pictures Straight appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Frozen Yogurt and Apple Treats

This is a relatively healthy frozen treat that will be very refreshing for your pup to eat on a hot day.

Ingredients:

2 apples, chopped into pieces (do not use the seeds or the core)

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Place the apple slices, yogurt, and water into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. 
4. Serve when frozen solid. 

Bacon, Peanut Butter, and Banana Pupsicles

Bacon makes this frozen treat irresistible to pups.

Ingredients:

32 ounces plain yogurt

1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter

1/3 cup water

1 large banana, chopped into pieces

1 to 2 slices of bacon, crumbled into bits 

12 bone-shaped dog biscuits

12 small (3-ounce) paper cups

Directions:

1. Place the yogurt, peanut butter, water, and the banana pieces into a blender.
2. Puree until smooth.
3. Stir the bacon bits into the mixture.
4. Spoon or pour the mixture into the paper cups.
5. Push one dog bone into the middle of each mixture, so that it is standing on end. The bone will serve as your pupsicle stick.
6. Place in the freezer. 
7. When frozen, remove pupsicle from cup and serve to your pup (you may need to tear off the cup).

Have you and your furry best friend been looking for a new place to live? Then, check out our pet-friendly apartments in Flagstaff, featuring convenient amenities and services that both humans and pets will love!

The post Homemade Frozen Treats to Make for Your Pup this Summer appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Enjoy this simple and easy pasta dish that can be served at any time!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter, unsalted
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 cup of milk
• 8 ounces of uncooked fettuccine
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper for taste

Melt your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Stir in garlic for one to two minutes until you get a fragrant aroma. Add the milk, broth, and fettuccine along with your salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower it to a simmer. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in your Parmesan and serve with the parsley for garnish.

Zucchini Mushroom Pasta

Here’s a tasty way to increase your vegetable intake for the day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound thinly sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 2/3 cup of peas
• 2 thinly sliced and quartered zucchini
• 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper for taste

Add the mushrooms, spaghetti, peas, zucchini, thyme, and garlic to a stockpot or Dutch oven containing 4 ½ cups of water. Stir in the salt and pepper for seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then lower it to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Add in the Parmesan and cream, then serve immediately.

Spicy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Liven things up with this tasty shrimp dish!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces penne
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Whisk olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes together in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and olive oil to a gallon Ziploc bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cook your pasta in a pot of boiling water. Add your shrimp and sauce to a medium saucepan and cook for two minutes. Stir in the pasta and season with salt and pepper.

Let us know how much you enjoyed our pasta ideas by contacting Butterfield, and we'll be happy to help you or someone you know find a new Flagstaff apartment home!

The post Three Delicious Pasta Ideas appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Skip the Fumes 

One of the worst parts about cleaning your oven is having to be cooped up in a small space with a lot of chemicals. Instead, opt for things you probably already have, like baking soda and vinegar. The only catch with this method is that you'll need to invest some time before everything comes out clean. 

Attack All Surfaces 

Once you've taken out every last rack from the oven, you'll need to apply a paste of baking soda and water. The ratio is roughly a cup of baking soda for every 6 tablespoons of water, but you may need more or less depending on how thick you want it and the size of your oven. This concoction should go over the whole oven minus the heating elements. The greasier your oven is, the more paste you'll need. 

Wipe It Out 

Wait about 12 hours for the paste to do its work, clean out the racks, and wipe down the oven with a damp cloth (use a silicone spatula to help get out all of the paste if need be). Use vinegar from a spray bottle or cloth to react with any leftover paste. From there, you should be able to wipe it down one last time for a true sparkle.

Your Flagstaff apartment will be a healthier environment when you take the time to clean. If you're looking for a kitchen that's stacked with the appliances you need to make truly great meals, call Butterfield Apartment Homes to learn more about our availability today. We're here to help you find a space that truly fits your needs.

The post How to Get Your Oven to Really Sparkle appeared first on Butterfield Apartments Blog.

Luckily, you don't need to have much of a green thumb to grow an indoor herb garden in one of our Flagstaff apartments. All you need are some basic gardening supplies, a sunny surface, and a bit of TLC. 

Know what to plant

Low-maintenance herbs including basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, and chives all do very well indoors. It's recommended to start an herb garden from seeds, which you can find at your local home improvement store.

Pick a planter

Herbs can be grown in almost any container but will need to be re-potted if they start to outgrow it. The soil also needs to be able to drain, so be sure your container has holes on the bottom and a saucer for excess water.

Soak up the sun

Herbs need six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive, so find a sunny spot for the plants. Windowsills or patios are ideal.

Just add (a little) water

One of the reasons people like herb gardens is that they require very little water. The soil should be just visibly moist. Watch for yellow or wilted leaves, which are signs the plant is being over-watered.

Enjoy fresh herbs

Once your herbs have started to grow, it's time to harvest them. Pay attention to when their flowers begin to bud and cut herbs just before they bloom. Use shears and never take more than a quarter of the plant at once.

At our apartments in Flagstaff, spring is the perfect time to plant an indoor herb garden. Contact us today to check out our newly renovated apartment homes!

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