Peanut Butter Truffles

• 2 1/2 cups softened confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Truffle accompaniments: sprinkles, crushed nuts, coconut, mini-chocolate chips or candies

Beat ingredients together with an electric mixer until well-combined. Form the mixture into teaspoon-size balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Roll truffles in accompaniments. Chill until firm.

Corn Dip

• Cooking spray
• Two 11-ounce cans Mexican corn, drained
• Two 4.5-ounce cans green chiles, drained
• 2 cups grated Monterey jack cheese
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Corn chips

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients. Spread the mixture into a baking dish. Bake uncovered, until mixture bubbles around the edges (30-40 minutes). Serve warm with corn chips.

Holiday Roll-ups

• 2 packages softened cream cheese
• 1 package ranch dressing mix
• Ground black pepper
• 5 flour tortillas
• 1/2 finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 sliced green onions

Thoroughly combine ranch dressing mix, cream cheese and black pepper. Spread mixture on the tortillas, sprinkle the vegetables over them and roll up tightly. Wrap the roll-ups in plastic and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Christmas Tree Melts

(These make great cake or cupcake-toppers.)

• Pretzel sticks
• 1 cup green candy melts
• Rainbow nonpareils

Arrange pretzel sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Microwave green candy melts at 30-second intervals until completely melted, then transfer to a piping bag. Draw zigzagging lines to create a Christmas tree shape over the top half of each pretzel stick. Sprinkle with nonpareils. Let stand 10 minutes to set. Make a few extras in case some break.

The kitchens in our Chicago apartments are equipped with premium appliances, so they're ideal for whipping up your favorite holiday recipes. Contact us to learn more about the amenities we offer and available floor plans.  

The post Popular Holiday Party Snack Ideas appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Get a Flu Shot

By now, you've probably been bombarded with ads in the grocery store and on public transit that remind you to get a flu shot. The vaccine offers protection from the current season's most prevalent strain of flu. Even if you do get sick, your symptoms should be much less severe than they would be had you not taken this precaution.

Wash Your Hands

Healthcare providers recommend scrubbing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand-washing is especially important before eating.  Additionally, it's a good idea to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible since these areas are great germ conductors.

Get Moving

Exercise helps you manage stress, which improves your well-being overall. Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances immune system functioning, especially in the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to these wintertime ills. Exercise promotes healthy sleep, too.

Get Enough Shut-Eye

While we're on the topic of sleep, it's important to note that getting adequate shut-eye is crucial to maintaining good health. Aim for about eight hours per night.

Watch Your Diet

Eating a healthy diet, especially foods rich in vitamins C and E, can help boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to illness. Sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, and corn and sunflower oils. Citrus fruits, green peppers and broccoli are great sources of vitamin C. Sugar hinders immune functioning, so try to keep your intake to a minimum.

Manage Your Allergies

During cold and flu season, it's vital to keep your allergies under control. If they're wreaking havoc on your body, then your upper respiratory tract is likely inflamed, which makes it vulnerable to cold and flu viruses.  

Residents of our Chicago apartments are staying healthy year-round by taking advantage of our 24-hour fitness center. Contact us to learn more about floor plans and amenities.

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Start by Walking

Get your body used to the idea of exercise by taking a few brisk laps around your block. Walking warms up the muscles and gets your blood flowing. It's a great way to enjoy low-impact exercise that prepares your body for bigger and better things ahead.

Take the Stairs

Skipping the elevator in favor of the stairs is a great way to get your heart rate up gradually and in a healthy way.

Invite a Friend

It's a lot less scary to face the workout situation when you're not going it alone. Invite a friend who has similar fitness goals to join you at the gym, or consider joining group classes where you'll be in the company of other like-minded individuals who are looking for ways to be their best, healthiest selves.

Download an App

If being in the presence of other people is intimidating, try working out a few hours a week in the privacy of your own home. There are plenty of workout apps that will help you get motivated while simultaneously tracking your progress. YouTube is also filled with a plethora of fitness videos you can partake in from the comfort of your living room.

Set Reasonable Goals

Sure, working out seven days a week might sound like a great idea on paper, but is this a reasonable goal? Probably not. Setting unreasonable expectations will often lead to failure, which can further make you feel bad. Instead, set reasonable goals that are completely attainable, then adjust your goal-setting process as your fitness regimen progresses.

The post How to Start Working Out When You Haven’t Been to the Gym for a While appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Have you sometimes felt less than truly at home when celebrating the holidays in an apartment unit? Maybe you were still new to the place, or you discovered that your roomful of decorations wouldn't suit the available space. Maybe you simply didn't know how to give your apartment the proper atmosphere of holiday cheer. This year, however, will be different. Check out these simple yet effective tips for creating a holiday-ready Chicago apartment.

Seasonal Scents

When you think about this time of year, you probably recall the smells of gingerbread cookies, candy canes, vanilla-rich desserts and, of course, pine needles. You can create some of these lovely odors simply by baking your favorite holiday treats. When it comes to scented candles, however, you run the risk of violating apartment rules, setting off the smoke alarm or even causing a fire. Instead, look for seasonal aerosol sprays or scented odor-absorbers. A spritz of scent here and there, and it's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas.

Spirit-Warming Beverages

A lot of holiday ambience can be evoked by the hot or cold beverages you serve to your loved ones. For instance, ginger and cinnamon can both be brewed into delicious, warming teas that evoke the spirit of the season beautifully. You can also mix cranberry and pomegranate juices into a delicious, ruby-red drink that matches your holiday decor. A delicately-spiced "virgin" eggnog will make even Santa envious — unless, of course, you leave some out for him.

Festive (Yet Sensible) Decorations

You can get away with minimal holiday decorations if you've downsized to a modest apartment. Consider getting a mini-size tree that fits handily on a table and comes with its own tinsel. You've just made one major aspect of holiday decoration much easier, while leaving plenty of foot traffic for guests. If you're allowed to hang lights that are visible from the parking lot, go with a more minimal look so your neighbors don't regard your apartment as an eyesore.

An apartment in Chicago, Illinois, can be the perfect place to enjoy a happy holiday. If you're in the market for one, contact River Park North!

The post Make Your Apartment Festive This Holiday Season appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Get Outside

We often tend to become more lethargic in the winter because of the decrease in daylight. Getting as much natural light as possible can boost your energy levels. Chicago has so many parks and walking trails that you can enjoy, even when it's cold. On a crisp, clear winter morning, you can find people watching the sunrise as they stroll the majestic lakefront.

Take a Fitness Class

During the winter, we may not think about going to the gym until it's time to make New Year's resolutions. But you don't have to wait until then to get started on your fitness goals. Most workout facilities have classes going on in the fall, so now is the time to sign up.

Work Out at Home

On those days when you may not feel like going to the gym, you can still exercise from the comfort of your living room. Pop in a workout DVD or use an exercise app. Even if you're just watching TV, you can do calisthenics and stretches during the commercials.

Make It a Team Effort

Exercise can be more fun when it's not a solo venture. Find a friend to work out with. You can keep one another accountable and cheer each other on as you work toward your fitness goals.

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

During the holiday season, our schedules can be jam-packed with activities. If you're short on workout time, find creative ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Take the dog for a longer walk than usual each morning. Park the car farther away from your workplace or the grocery store to get some extra steps in.

Residents of our Chicago apartments like to stay active by taking advantage of our 24-hour fitness center. Contact us to learn more about the many amenities we offer.

The post Tips for Staying Active This Winter appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Dishwashing Gloves Remove Pet Hair

You know those stubborn furs that Fido leaves behind after he's had a slumber on the sofa? It seems like no matter how much you vacuum, you can never get all of the hair to go away. When you run an ordinary pair of dishwashing gloves under water, they instantly collect pet fur like it's their business. This works on all types of sturdy fabrics, including upholstery, carpeting, and heavy outerwear.

Lemons Clean Microwaves

No matter how hard you try, it seems like the goo from food always finds a way to explode when it's in the microwave. Over time, this buildup can become crusty and quite difficult to get clean. This is when lemons enter the picture. When microwaved in a bit of water, the citrus from the lemons and the steam from the water come together in a way that makes it easy to wipe off most stuck-on messes.

Seltzer Water Fights Rust Off Cast-Iron Cookware

Cast-iron cookware isn't cheap, so it only makes sense that you'd want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Pour a little seltzer water into your skillet or pot, and the bubbles will know exactly what to do. Swish the liquid around for a minute or two, then use a scrubbing pad to easily remove the residue. 

White Rice Cleans Coffee Grinders

Run a handful of rice through your coffee grinder to get it squeaky clean and ready to grind your next cup of Joe. The rice helps removed trapped coffee grounds and stale odors.

If you're searching for a Chicago apartment that's in the heart of it all, look no further. Schedule a tour with our River North Park Apartments team today!

The post Kitchen Elements That Do Double-Duty on Cleaning Day appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

1. Mindful Breathing Practice

As the Sanskrit proverb goes, “Breath is life, and breathing well promotes longevity on earth.” Apparently, abdominal breathing triggers a relaxation response in the body as it slows respiration, boosts energy and reduces one’s concept of perceived pain and stress. Simply taking time to mindfully breathe — breathing in the goodness and expelling the "bad" — is an easy way to recharge any time of day.

2. Flex and Flow Motions

By taking on a posture such as Cat/Cow, you can gently circle the wrists and ankles, point the toes and flex those knee joints. While the motions aren’t complex or fancy, they do help you reconnect with the rhythm and flow of the energy force surrounding us. The body in turn stimulates the lymphatic system, warms the muscles and alleviates mental tension and stagnation.

3. Mountain Pose

Also known as Tadasana, the mountain pose simply involves standing on the toes and reaching as high to the sky as possible. This opens the lungs and pathways to the meridians where negative thoughts, energy and stress are often harbored. This correctional posture keeps us mindful that by simply being in "balance," we can stave off numerous ailments as we age.

4. Standing Balance Poses

By incorporating Mountain Pose into your routine, you will increase spinal flexibility. If you need a more intense back-stretching yoga position, Eagle Pose and Standing Tree are more advanced body manipulations ideal for core work and relaxation. You can gently move the body down in a crescent-moon-shaped bending pose in alternating breaths to increase body awareness and mental focus, and to challenge those core muscles.

5. Downward Facing Dog

This classic hatha yoga position creates a sense of harmony between the lower and upper body, as you place yourself on hands and knees and allow the chest to open while bending forward with gentle stretches. Easily modified to suit anyone’s age or current physical condition, downward facing dog promotes mental acumen and whole-body flexibility.

Looking for Chicago Apartments?

Find a new home here at River Park North Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, where you can take respite in our private community yoga studio. Contact us today to learn more about our floor plans and availability.

The post 5 Beginner Yoga Poses to Boost Your Wellness Journey appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

There's a Trick To It

The first step to cleaning stainless steel: Get to know the grain. A vinyl countertop can be scrubbed and wiped in any direction you like. Straight across, zigzag, crazy circles — it doesn't matter. With stainless steel, you're going to need to get familiar with the grain. Take a close look and check the direction of the grain. Do the same for knobs, handles and other areas of your appliances as these might not match the surface. When you clean with the grain, you'll always get a better shine.

It's true that you should avoid using most off-the-shelf cleaners on stainless steel, but you may be surprised at the broad range of products you can use to clean and polish stainless steel: Baby oil, WD-40, white vinegar, olive oil, club soda — even flour. With acids like white vinegar, you can use a spray bottle and wipe the stainless steel with a cloth as many times as needed to get rid of grime. Then you can polish with oil: Apply a little to a cloth, wipe with the grain, then wipe away the product with a clean cloth. For fingerprints, a bit of window cleaner should do the job for spot cleaning.

And we weren't joking about flour. However, you may want to reserve this trick for the sink as it leaves you with a bit of a mess to sweep up after use on a countertop or fridge. Clean the sink using whatever method you choose, then, instead of polishing it with oil, wait for the surface to dry and then cover it with flour. From there you can use a circular motion to polish the stainless steel with the flour, and then rinse the sink clean.

If you'd like to see what a modern apartment looks like with all that beautiful stainless steel, get in touch with us at River North Park for available floor plans. There are a lot of apartments in Chicago, Illinois, but few are this amazing.

The post Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Looking Fresh and Clean appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

A Few Reasons Why River North is a Great Part of Chicago

• Spybar. A trendy basement nightclub featuring hot indie and underground music with VIP tables and private events. Pure class, Chicago-style.
• All the cool diners. It's harder to find a bad meal in Chicago than it is to find a good one, and that's doubly true in River North where eateries like Atwood and the Doughnut Vault will help you kick off your morning right.
• The Gene Siskel Film Center. Named for the Chicago-native film critic, the Gene Siskel Film Center is one of a dying breed: a real-deal, independently owned movie theater featuring classic and indie movie screenings and events.
• The Art Galleries. River North is nothing if not artsy. The neighborhood exploded onto the art scene in the 1970s and today hosts several galleries including the Addington, the Golden Triangle and Gruen Galleries. You'll never be at a loss for a cool place to go to expand your mind.
• Ward (A. Montgomery) Park. As fun as all that urban splendor can be, sometimes you just need to feel the sun on your back, grass at your feet and fresh air in your lungs. That's what the Ward (A. Montgomery) Park is here for. With acres of lush green hills and ponds and paths, Ward Park has all the space you need for walking, biking and chasing a Frisbee around.

River North is currently seeing an uptick in new residents. This is great news for the local businesses, but a ticking clock for anyone who wants to get in while there are still spaces available. If you're looking to stake your own claim in Chicago's hippest neighborhood, give us a call at River North Park to see available floor plans for apartments in Chicago, Illinois. When a neighborhood starts to blow up, it only gets tougher and tougher to get your foot in the door.

The post Great Things about Living in Chicago appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.

Incorporate a Room Partition

Foldable room partitions are one of the most common ways residents like to separate their convertible space in our Chicago apartments. These can be semi-sheer, opaque for maximum privacy, or they can feature ornate patterns and designs to enhance your interior decor. The best part of folding dividers is that they easily store in the oversized entryway closets we offer at River North Park Apartments.

Creative Room Dividers

A semi-permanent room divider option such as dual-faced or open cubical shelving with drawers can serve as a barrier between rooms and as a place for storage. Open shelves will permit more natural lighting to flow through, while traditional shelves or portable walls will provide more privacy and allow less light.

Maximize Space With Double Duty Furnishings

While room dividers can serve this purpose, there are more ways to make the most out of your convertible apartment space. By choosing small-scale pieces that offer both surface space and storage space such as opening ottomans or coffee tables, the space will feel larger and less cluttered. Other ideas include using totes for extra under-bed storage and television stands with concealed storage.

Look Up…Envision Storage

Thinking vertically can literally transform the way you view and utilize your space. Upright bookcases, vertical racks, over-the-door hooks or shelves, ceiling racks and stackable bins can become displayable pieces of art where you showcase your goodies or keep frequently used items handy. Vertical pole stacking shelves in bathrooms offer extra storage for towels and hygiene necessities without needing to drill holes or alter the bath whatsoever.

Discover River Front Living at Our Chicago Apartments

Our convertible apartments in Chicago, IL are comfortable and offer our residents pristine river views, ample space and provide access to many of the most desirable community amenities in the Windy City. Contact River North Park Apartments today to inquire about our current availability.

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