Studio, One and Two Bedroom Apartment Residences

3 Podcasts to Listen to on Your Run Near Your San Mateo Apartments

February 11th, 2017

MP3 PlayerWhen you are pounding the pavement to complete your run for the day, you may benefit from using podcasts to distract your mind from the burn. Completing your run near your apartments in San Mateo relies on your ability to quiet the voice that can sap motivation and strength as you continue through your routine, after all. Thankfully, you have a ton of podcasts to choose from, including the three following programs you absolutely must add to your playlist.

The Fat Burning Man Show

The four-time award-winning Fat Burning Man Show covers fitness and health topics in great detail. While listening to this podcast, you can learn all you need to know about alternative diets and the top techniques for building muscle. The host presents scientific sources to back up the information while taking strides to ensure it remains accessible to all.  Guests on the show share their industry expertise to help you reach new heights on your health and fitness journey.

Balanced Bites at Your Apartments in Foster City

Since losing weight, and remaining trim, relies on your ability to follow a healthy diet, it is important to stay informed about this topic by listening to Balanced Bites. This podcast explores the paleo lifestyle with a modern take. The hosts talk about meal prep, healthcare, medical conditions, fitness and much more on this program. In addition to the helpful nutrition and fitness talks, you can also learn about delicious recipes and beauty regimens to add to your daily routine at your San Mateo apartments.

The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show gives you a clear glimpse into the lives of professionals in every industry. You will hear from industry experts across the globe as they dive into the details of their work life. With each recording, you will learn all there is to know about social work, psychology, business, construction, design, dance and many other fields worldwide. The program helps reveal the fine inner workings of each position to lift the veil of mystery on the most and least interesting jobs out there today.

As you kick up your feet and relax after your run, consider if it is time to upgrade your dwelling. You can make a meaningful improvement to your life by ensuring your apartment home always meets your expectations. If you are ready to make this change, contact the team at 888 San Mateo to inquire about the apartment floor plans available right now.

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Three Memory-Making DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts

February 2nd, 2017

Candy HeartsLooking for a way to create a custom-crafted Valentine’s Day experience that go beyond the classic cliches of a dozen red roses and chocolates? Following are three ways that residents of apartments in San Mateo can make the celebration memorable.

A Customized Gift Basket

Shopping for a customized gift basket should be almost as fun as receiving one. Buy a big, gorgeous basket, and fill it with small things that you know your loved one will love. Ideas include lusciously scented soaps, bottles of specialty syrups and liqueurs, books of romantic poetry, tickets to an upcoming concert featuring a favorite performer, jewelry and other personal adornments, and other assorted small items that your Valentine would like. To make it really fun, collect stuff all year round and hide them for when the time comes to put them all together in a customized gift basket.

A Weekend Travel Experience

The gift of a weekend getaway is just what many people need to give them the necessary boost to get past the winter doldrums. Booking a weekend in a lovely romantic spot within driving distance is a great way to have a relaxing mini vacation — as an added bonus, many of the cozy inns and charming bed-and-breakfast establishments in nearby Napa Valley may be offering seasonal discounts during this time of year. If you and your Valentine are nature lovers who relish solitude, February is a great time for a sojourn to California’s Lost Coast — winter has a special stark beauty in this area, and you’ll be far from the maddening crowd. On the flip side, if the two of you are urban environment aficionados, book the best hotel in San Francisco that you can afford and soak up that city life for a couple of days.

A Windowsill Culinary Herb Garden

This is an excellent Valentine’s Day gift for everyone from serious cooks to those who’d rather dine out the majority of the time. Serious cooks know the value of having a supply of fresh culinary herbs on hand. Even those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen will appreciate the visual appeal and delightful aroma provided by a culinary herb garden. They will also appreciate having fresh ingredients on hand for when they do cook or need a fresh sprig of mint for a cocktail of cup of tea.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind after all the hectic holidays of 2017, give us a call. We’d love to give you a tour of our community.

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How to Decorate for Winter

December 2nd, 2016

Winter SpicesSeasonal decorations help brighten the interior of our San Mateo apartments. After you take down the holiday lights, try a few of these winter decorating ideas to make your home cozy and bright all winter long.

Winter Decorating Tips

  • Bring some of the outside in. During the winter months, we tend to spend much of our time indoors. While San Mateo doesn’t get as much snow as other parts of northern California, the weather outside can be wet and dreary. Use some beautiful white birch logs paired with fresh greens in a stoneware crock to bring a sense of rustic style to your foyer or living space. The white logs are bright and crisp against the greens. For a more fragrant arrangement use bright green eucalyptus branches.
  • Add some twinkle to your art. Lights aren’t just for the holidays. Clear twinkle lights can brighten up the dark days of winter. Pick up an inexpensive canvas at your local home decor outlet. Using the tutorial at Love Grows Wild, add clear lights to the canvas and brighten up your evenings at home with a warm glow.
  • Change your door decorations. Don’t let your holiday wreath linger on your door into 2017. A winter-themed wreath will welcome your guests and lighten the spirits of your neighbors as they pass by. Forgo the pricey store wreaths and find a DIY option that you love. Use twine to arrange a few simple white branches into a frame and hang some pinecones in the center. You can also spray two simple vine wreaths with white paint and arrange into a snowman to guard your entry. Don’t forget his hat and scarf!
  • Embrace the bright white.  Sometimes white can be seen as sterile and impersonal. When contrasted with the early evenings of winter, white can bring a sense of light and brightness to your living space. Cozy white blankets, sparkly, silver throw pillows and arrangements of white candles in glass, silver, or sparkly gold holders light up the night and bring warmth to your home. Contrast the white accessories with bursts of your favorite color to add a personal touch.

No matter how you choose to decorate this winter, the apartments at 888 San Mateo are ones you will be proud to call home. With more than a dozen floor plans to choose from, these studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments are spacious and beautifully designed with updated kitchens and fixtures. Call today to schedule an appointment and see what floor plans are currently available.

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3 DIY Knitting Projects

December 2nd, 2016

KnittingKnitting is a very common pastime for many people and it can also be a great way to create lasting items that people will cherish. Even if you are a beginner, you can still create some very cool things while keeping your fingers nimble, your mind young and putting smiles on the faces of those you love. The next time you want to try a knitting project, try one of these DIY options.

DIY Knitting Projects

Knitted Baby Bow Hat

Do you have new young loved one in your life? If so, then this is the hat that they need. It is a fairly easy project and will be adorable on the baby you love. It is ideal for newborns up to 3 months but you can make it bigger if you want for an older child. All you need is a simple hat pattern. Then, you will alter the design slightly to add the bow knit into it. The finished project is super cute and you may want to make one for all the babies you know. learn more about the project here.

Knitted Chevron Blanket

Everyone loves a comfy and warm blanket and the chevron design is very popular these days. This is a perfect project to complete for yourself or someone else who loves chevron and cuddling up on the couch with a warm blanket. All you need is some colorful yarn in the colors you want to use and a little bit of time. You can make it as big or small as you want. Get the tutorial for the blanket here.

Knitted Scarf

Who doesn’t want a warm, knitted scarf to wear in San Mateo? Ok, so it may not get cold enough to wear one here but if you know people who would use one in colder climates, these make great gifts. You can get creative with these and make different designs with varied colors. If you have someone in mind while making them, you can create it based on what they would want and like. There are also many different types of scarf styles available so you can make multiple scarves for one person if you use different patterns, colors and styles. The options are endless. You can learn more about it and get a tutorial for an infinity scarf, one of the most popular styles today, here.

Knitting is a pastime that many people enjoy. You can find the perfect spot to knit in one of our San Mateo apartments by stopping in for a tour today.

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You’re Purr-fect: 3 Ways to Tell Your Cat You Love Them

October 17th, 2016

Living in a pet-friendly apartment is a must for anyone who loves cats. Whether you’ve had your cat for a decade or are on the hunt for a new kitten to add to the family, showing your cat just how much you love them is a great way to keep them happy. But unlike your best human friend, cats can’t always understand that a big hug means you care for them. Check out these simple cat-approved ways to say, “I love you!”

3 Easy Ways to Tell Your Cat You Love Them

1. A Full Body Message

While cats are super responsive to touch, there is a right and a wrong way to pet them. For maximum good vibes and a true bonding experience, try the nose-to-tail rub. When your cat rubs their body against your leg from nose-to-tail, this is their way of rubbing their scent on you and claiming you as their person. So show them you’re happy to be their family and love them too by petting them from nose-to-tail.

2. Making Eye Contact and Snuggling

Sometimes the best way to share a special moment with your cat is to make eye contact. Cats often use a slow blink and a simple head bonk to show affection to each other and their owners. Aside from scent marking, when a cat points their head down, they are more vulnerable and this shows how much they trust the person that they’re nudging. Return the love by slowly blinking your eyes back at them and giving them a few head bonks with your forehead!

3. Train Your Kitty

While most people think dogs are better at doing tricks and being obedient, cats actually love to be trained as well. Cats are very trainable and enjoy the mental stimulation that comes along with learning a few tricks. Training your cat is also an ideal way to strengthen your bond and show them that you love them. Reward your kitty for a job well done with healthy treats and they will be your best friend for life. An active and engaged cat is a happy cat, so be sure to keep up with your training efforts and practice your tricks often.

Share the Love with Your Cat

Owning a cat shouldn’t keep you from living in a great apartment community in the Bay Area. For more information on our pet-friendly apartments in San Mateo, be sure give us a call or check us out online today!

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5 Camping Spots in the Bay Area

October 3rd, 2016

Living in San Mateo means residents here are lucky enough to enjoy some of the most beautiful outdoor views in the country. Whether you’re heading out towards the beach or want to explore the hidden valleys, there are plenty of great camping options for the whole family to enjoy. From the secret and secluded to more “glamping” style campgrounds and everything in between, follow this simple guide to find the perfect camping spot for your next trip!

Top 5 Camping Spots in the Bay Area

1. Steep Ravine Cabins

Located in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, these 10 primitive camping cabins are situated in one of the most gorgeous areas in the state. The cabins overlook the ocean at Rocky Point and give campers access to a secluded cove/ beach area. Here you can also enjoy access to several trails including Steep Ravine Trail and Dipsea Trail.

2. Wildcat Trail Camp

Set up camp at the Point Reyes National Seashore in these private campsites that are nestled nicely back into the vegetation. You even have a secluded terrace above the wilderness beach. When you want to get away from it all, go explore Alamere Falls with a 10 mile hike.

3. Angel Island State Park

Not every great camping spot has to be far from home! Enjoy some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge from the Ridge Sites 4-6 Trail Camps in Angel Island State Park. These 3 primitive campsites are perfect for roughing it for the weekend.

4. Kirby Cove

This campsite is located in the popular Marin Headlands and has plenty of picturesque spots to relax with friends and family. Here you’ll find peace and relaxation in a beautiful and secluded valley camping area. If the beach is more your style, you can also trek out to 4 small tent sites perched above Kirby Beach.

5. White Gulch

Perfect for the experienced outdoorsman, the White Gulch camping area is located at Tomales Bay and can only be reached via kayak. With 20 dispersed campsites set well back in the cove, you’ll be protected from the elements and can enjoy your time out on the water or exploring the natural beauty of the Pierce Ranch area.

Get Out and Explore the Bay Area

With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s easy to see why so many are proud to call the Bay Area home. For more information on the available floor plans at our San Mateo apartments, be sure to visit us online today!

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3 Healthy Fall Recipes to Try

September 15th, 2016

With fall now close at hand, the residents of San Mateo apartments are now thinking about how to eat healthy with simple autumn-inspired recipes. As the weather starts to change, try these three delicious and healthy fall recipes.

Make Creamy Pumpkin Soup at Your Apartment in San Mateo

Nothing says “fall” quite like pumpkins, so try a creamy pumpkin soup for your next dinner. Begin with one 15 ounce can of pumpkin. Add two cups of chicken broth, half a cup of cream (you can sub half and half to make it lighter) and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Whisk it all together over medium heat until it bubbles up. This is not only a delicious way to welcome fall into your home, but it is also comforting and warming against the crisp fall weather.

Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is not only healthy, it packs a delicious flavor punch. Since it has such rich and delicious flavor on its own, very little is needed to make it into a great meal addition. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Begin by peeling a butternut squash, then cutting it into one inch cubes. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and a clove of finely minced garlic to a bowl, and then toss the squash in. Mix the squash thoroughly to coat each piece. Place the squash on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and then roast in the oven for about half an hour, until it is lightly browned on the edges. This is a great side dish for nearly any meal during the fall months.

Fall Harvest Salad

Many people associate salads with summertime eating, but there is a salad that feels uniquely fall: The Fall Harvest salad. Start with fresh spinach leaves, either baby spinach or full-size spinach torn into small pieces. Add half a cup of chopped walnuts, half a cup of dried cranberries, two chopped tomatoes, half of a finely diced red onion, and half a cup of blue cheese crumbles. Make a dressing using two tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup of olive oil and two tablespoons of raspberry jam. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over salad, coating everything evenly. This makes for a healthy and delicious salad that feels very fall-like.

Looking for a great new apartment home in the heart of the city? 888 San Mateo may be the perfect place. Give us a call today to learn more about our apartment homes!

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