Twin Pines Apartment Homes

Pet-Friendly Living in Anaheim: Discover Twin Pines Apartments

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:11:42 GMT

A Pet-Friendly Community Designed for Everyday Living

If you’re searching fo r pet-friendly apartments in Anaheim, CA, Twin Pines Apartments offers a welcoming community designed for both residents and their pets. Conveniently located in the heart of Anahei m, this thoughtfully designed apartment community blends comfort, convenience, and pet-friendly amenities, making it an ideal place to call home.

At Twin Pines Apartments, pets are truly consider ed part of the family. The community is intentionally designed to support a comfortable lifestyle for pet owners, offering both spacious apartment homes and outdoor areas ideal for daily routines. Residents can enjoy open living spaces that provide room for pets to rel ax, play, and feel at home. In addition, the community’s location makes it easy to step outside for walks through nearby neighborhoods and local Anaheim destinations.

Convenient On-Site Dog Park

One of the standout features at Twin Pines is the on-site dog park, giving residents a dedicated space for their pets to exercise and socialize. This amenity provides:

A convenient, on-property space for daily activity
Opportunities for pets to socialize with other residents’ dogs
A safe, designated area for off-leash play

Having a dog park just steps from your front door enhances everyday convenience. Eliminating the need to travel for quality outdoor time with your pet.

Thoughtful Pet Policy

Twin Pines Apartments maintains a considerate pet policy de signed to create a positive environment for all residents and their animals. While specific details should always be confirmed with the leasing team, general guidelines include:

Pets are welcome, including dogs and cats
A maximum of two pets per apartment home
50 pound Weight limit and breed restrictions may apply - view our full Pet Policy here

These policies are in place to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable living experience for the entire community.

Prime Anaheim Location for Pet Owners

Living at Twin Pines means enjoying a central location within Anaheim, one of Orange County’s most vibrant cities. The community is just minutes from major attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, while also offering easy access to everyday conveniences.

For pet owners, this location is especially appealing thanks to:

Walkable surrounding neighborhoods
Nearby parks and open spaces
Pet-friendly shopping and dining options throughout Anaheim

Whether you’re heading out for a quick walk or planning a weekend outing, Twin Pines places you and your pet in the center of it all.

More Than Pet-Friendly, A Complete Lifestyle

Beyond its pet-friendly features, Twin Pines Apartments offers a well-rounded amenity package that enhances everyday living, including:

Resort-style pool
BBQ and picnic areas
Fitness studio
Gated access
On-site maintenance and laundry facilities

These amenities create a balanced lifestyle where both residents and their pets can thrive in a comfortable, community-oriented environment.

Find Your Pet-Friendly Home in Anaheim

If you’re looking for apartments in Anaheim that welcome pets, Twin Pines Apartments offers the ideal combination of location, amenities, and thoughtful design. From the on-site dog park to the pet-inclusive community atmosphere, every detail is designed to make coming home the best part of your day, for you and your furry companion.

Schedule a tour today and experience pet-friendly living in Anaheim at its best.

Your Guide to Holiday Fun in Anaheim, CA!

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:32:38 GMT

Home to Disneyland, Anaheim, CA, is already a pretty magical city year-round. But add in the holiday spirit, and there’s nowhere more spectacular to be this time of year than Anaheim! Holiday cheer fills the city as streets are lit up with decorations and holiday music pours from every shop.

Anaheim puts out a wide array of holiday festivities with dozens of fun activities this time of year. Whether you live in Anaheim or are just visiting for the holidays, you are sure to find joy in one of the many activities, shows, shops, or volunteer opportunities happening this year!

Activities

Home to both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, Anaheim is obviously the perfect place for holiday activities! After enjoying the magic and delight of these parks, be sure to check out the other fun holiday activities Anaheim has to offer as well!

Disney Festival of Holidays : There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than at Disneyland! With multicultural music, food, and entertainment, Disney goes all out! From November 10 to January 7, Disney throws a multiholiday festival in its California Adventure Park celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings’ Day. Learn about the various holiday celebrations around the world while enjoying music, dance, and interactive experiences for the whole family! Tickets are on sale now, so don’t wait to purchase them!

Knott’s Merry Farm : This yearly Christmas celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm is one that the whole family will enjoy! Filled with special attractions, live entertainment, nightly tree lighting ceremonies, holiday decorations, ice shows featuring the cast of Peanuts, and even nightly snow, you won’t want to miss this! Running from November 17 through January 7, be sure to stop by and make some fun holiday memories!

Aquarium Holidays : For a fun and memorable holiday activity that is especially perfect for kids, The Aquarium of the Pacific is the perfect place to go this year! At Aquarium Holidays, you’ll see festive decorations, shop for souvenirs and holiday gifts, and even get to see the Santa Diver and aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. Photo opportunities will also be available, so you can document this experience and remember it for years to come.

During Aquarium Holidays, you can also participate in Hanukkah storytelling, with opportunities to play the dreidel, as well as a Kwanzaa celebration. The Aquarium’s holiday celebration runs December 2 through 23 and has many holiday experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Piecemakers Christmas Festival : With over 70 of the finest vendors of hand-crafted items, the Piecemakers Christmas Festival will be the perfect place to get some thoughtful holiday shopping completed! Make sure to set December 2 aside to enjoy this festive shopping event!

Shows and Performances

Whether you like exciting circuses or story-filled ballets, you will love the shows happening in Anaheim this year! With a truly spectacular lineup for this holiday season, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker : The Nutcracker is a traditional holiday ballet, and The American Ballet Theatre’s performance is one of the best! With more than 100 performers, set and costumes designed by Tony-award-winner Richard Hudson, and amazing choreography, by Alexei Ratmansky, this show is truly breathtaking. Critics have described this rendition of The Nutcracker as a “colorful, cinematic creation filled with spectacle, humor and eye-popping costumes.” The event, accompanied by the Pacific Symphony, is showing December 8–17, and tickets are on sale now, so don’t wait to get seats for this spectacular show!

Disney on Ice presents Encanto and Frozen : Set the mood for the holidays by checking out the blades of glory on display in the annual Disney on Ice spectacular. This is a show for the whole family, and let’s not hear any talk about being too busy. Between matinees and evening shows, there are nine different performances on December 14–18 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Kids will have a blast singing and dancing along with Mirabel and her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. They can then join the race to find Elsa and end the eternal winter in this frigid holiday extravaganza.

Shopping

The holiday season doubles as the season of giving. There isn’t a better time to show your loved ones how much you care about them! If you are looking for a truly unique gift for your loved ones this year, check out one of these places!

Arts and Crafts Marketplace : This arts and crafts marketplace is the perfect place to stop by if you’re looking for a gift that’s truly unique. This event, scheduled for November 19, features custom-made clothing, ceramics, jewelry, baskets, hand soap, holiday decor, and more from various unique vendors. Check the website for more details.

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair : Considering this is the 52nd annual Candy Caneland and Craft Fair, you know this is a huge tradition for many Orange County families and visitors. So pack everyone up and check out this popular event in nearby Buena Park on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. The kids can play on the snow slide and visit the petting zoo, and the adults can shop. There’s also general entertainment, food, and a raffle in store. It all goes down at the Ehlers Event Center on Knott Avenue. Entry is free, but please use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park).

Opportunities to Share

The holidays are a magical time of year, but not everyone gets to experience the holiday cheer. If you have the time and resources, consider donating time or toys to a charitable organization. Your donations can help those less fortunate to have a taste of the holiday joy.

Grandma’s House of Hope : Getting involved with this nonprofit organization in Orange County is the perfect way to give back to your community! The organization gives free meals to those in need and is looking for volunteers who can cook and deliver these meals. Whether you’re a great cook or not, this is a great way for you to help feed the hungry and get involved in your community!

Christmas Together 2023 : This annual event hosted by Families Together of Orange County serves thousands of families in and around Anaheim by providing toys to underprivileged children in the community. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center and is gearing up to give away 30,000 toys along with other entertainment. Christmas Together is a free event, but preregistration is required for admission and to receive a gift.

Safe Celebration

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice winter candle this time of year? Candles can be hard not to love, but did you know that up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles? Be extra careful while enjoying your holiday candles, and consider eliminating the risk completely by using battery-powered candles that can achieve the same ambiance. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended!

Another fire hazard you should be aware of this time of year is Christmas trees. If these trees fall over, they can lead to a fire or other damages. Real Christmas trees are extra dangerous because their pine needles become more flammable when they dry out. If you do have a real Christmas tree, make sure to keep it watered. Keep all open flames—whether they come from a candle, a fireplace, or something else—away from the branches, and make sure to turn all holiday lights off when you leave the house. Following these simple precautions can help you to have a safe holiday season!

With so many activities, performances, places to shop, and opportunities to give service, Anaheim, CA, is set for a splendid holiday season. From all of us here at Twin Pines Apartments in Anaheim, CA, Happy Holidays!

Your Guide to Holiday Fun in Anaheim, CA!

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:27:00 GMT

Make Our Pet-Friendly Apartments Feel Like Home for Your Pets

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 15:40:00 GMT

No matter where people live—whether in a house or an apartment, they love their pets. A study from the American Apartment Owners Association reported that 80 percent of respondents wanted pet-friendly apartments . These days, many apartment complexes have started complying with this desire. At Twin Pines Apartment Homes , though, we don’t just allow pets—we encourage them!

At our pet-friendly apartments in Anaheim, California, your pets can have the time of their lives playing outside and socializing with other pets. Plus, here are a few extra things you can do to make your pets feel at home.

Pet-Proof the Apartment

To start, you will want to make sure the apartment is safe for your pet . That means no hazardous materials, nothing the pet can chew or choke on, and no messes waiting to happen. Here are a few things to consider:

Check each of these things and do your best to avoid general clutter so that your pet can safely roam the apartment and you can rest assured that you won’t come home to a giant mess.

Keep Things Tidy

Since owning a pet requires extra supplies, staying organized is key. Take some time to make space for all of your pet’s things, including crates, cages, toys, and food. If needed, check out these 10 ideas for organizing pet supplies.

Get Outside with Dogs

Since it can be difficult for dogs to stay confined in a small space, it is essential to spend time outside every day so your dog can get some exercise. Go for walks, run together, or play in the park. The pet-friendly apartments at Twin Pines have plenty of open space and grassy areas for your pet to move around. Plus, our dog park, complete with agility equipment, is perfect for dogs to run and play! Exercise for dogs is shown to have a number of positive effects , including making your dog happier, healthier, and more obedient.

If you do these things, your pet will love apartment living! And if you are searching for apartments that allow pets in Anaheim, California, consider living at Twin Pines. We offer studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent—all pet-friendly!

Anaheim Spotlight: Authentic Oaxacan Cuisine at “El Fortin”

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:04:00 GMT

Anaheim is a beautifully diverse city, with people hailing from all over the world. Not only do they bring their unique traditions and languages with them but also something very easy to share with others: their food!

Located in southwestern Mexico, the state of Oaxaca has a long history of tradition, nature, and flavor, which is what the founders of El Fortin Restaurant brought with them when they opened their location in Anaheim, California. With a rich history, authentic ingredients, and traditional offerings, El Fortin has everything you need for a delicious night out.

The History of Oaxacan Cuisine

As a region of Mexico, Oaxacan cuisine reflects traditional staples while also including a local flair. A number of dishes rely on locally grown ingredients—including corn, chiles, and herbs—that can only be found regionally and have remained sustainable thanks to the state’s relatively isolated geographical location, including certain types of cebollin and marjoram.

Oaxacan cuisine also utilizes a number of different moles, or chili sauces. Frequently referred to as “ the land of the seven moles ,” Oaxaca takes the traditional styles of mole (amarillo, chichilo, coloradito, negro, manchamanteles, rojo, and verde) and expands upon them, incorporating things like native plants and grains, as well as a number of regional chilis, including pasilla Oaxaqueno and chihuacle.

Preserving Authenticity

Oaxacan culture is at the center of El Fortin, celebrating its 570 municipalities, 9,000 localities, and 16 linguistic groups in a way that only authentic food can. As El Fortin puts it, “In Oaxaca, you live to eat, and in California, you eat to live.”

El Fortin imports 100 percent of its ingredients from Oaxaca in order to create authentic dishes. Along with ingredients, they also offer a number of Oaxacan products, including chorizo, quesillo, chocolate, tlayudas, and totopos at all three of their locations, including Anaheim.

Traditional Menu Offerings

The menu at El Fortin offers a wide variety of Oaxacan dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Many dishes use regional terms, so a helpful glossary explains what some dishes are, including ingredients, flavors, and spices.

Some of the more unique items on the menu include the popular Plato Especial, which includes fried plantains, and the Tasajo Con Nopalitos, which is served with a side of fresh cactus. You might consider starting off with the Quesadilla de Chapulines, which is stuffed with Oaxacan cheese and grasshoppers, or ordering the Oaxacan beverage Chilacayota, made using fresh pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

With El Fortin and other restaurants providing so many unique flavors steeped in authentic tradition, Anaheim is a delicious place to live. If you’re searching for a new place to start your own traditions, Twin Pines Apartment Homes in Anaheim, California can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Must-Visit Spots in Anaheim with a View

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:24:00 GMT

“As a city built on imagination, Anaheim is where all of your inner enthusiasts can have their day,” says VisitAnaheim.org . Disneyland might be its most famous attraction, but that imagination is expressed in more than just the magic kingdom: the streets, buildings, and coast all add up to a beautiful picture—one you’ve got to find the right vantage point to take in.

Anaheim is full of beautiful parks and places to catch a glimpse of the city at night. Here are some of our favorites.

Anaheim Coves

At Anaheim Coves , you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a major urban area. This 26-acre park sits along the Santa Ana River between Frontera Street and Ball Road. If you want to get your heart rate up, you can walk, bike, or ride a scooter on the 2.5-mile trail system or get some exercise in the fitness zones. There’s also a native habitat area and a nature play area with a zipline and an archeological dig. Or you can simply sit and enjoy some of the best views in Anaheim.

Oak Canyon Nature Center

The Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre park that consists of three adjoining canyons. You’ll find four miles of hiking trails through one of the last remaining areas of coastal sage shrub and oak woodland in the region. There’s also the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, which is a small museum with natural history and live animal exhibits. If you just want to enjoy nature, sit and listen to the native wildlife and year-round stream that meander the park.

The FIFTH

Are you looking for city views? The FIFTH ’s rooftop bar offers diners views of Disneyland and Anaheim at night. Open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, it’s right across the street from Disneyland and has local brews, craft cocktails, and lite bites. Reservations are recommended if you don’t want to risk missing your chance to experience one of the best views in Anaheim.

We love all the beautiful parks, hiking trails, and restaurants Anaheim has to offer. Anaheim Coves, the Oak Canyon Nature Center, and The FIFTH are some of our most-loved spots, though. Do you have a favorite place or know of any hidden gems in the city? Maybe you’re planning on making the city your home? If so, Twin Pines Apartments offers studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Anaheim, California.

Want to Quickly Improve Your Credit? Pay Your Rent Online

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:57:00 GMT

Are you in need of a better credit score? A good credit score can allow you to access the best credit cards, get insurance discounts, get the lowest interest on loans, and get approved for housing rentals. Luckily, we have a quick and easy way that you can start increasing your credit starting now!

Paying your rent online can have a surprisingly positive impact on your credit score! Online rent ensures that your payments are being recorded and that they are contributing to your credit score. It can also be paid with a credit card, increasing your credit even more! Let’s take a closer look at how this works.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

Paying your rent online will allow your payments to be recorded and reported. “Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

At Twin Pines Apartment Homes , we offer an online rental payment system that reports information to the credit bureaus. That way, credit bureaus receive a record of your on-time rental payments, which contributes to your good credit. These online payments can be accessed through the resident portal .

Your payment history is important when it comes to how credit scores are calculated . A consistent payment that is regularly being paid on time and in full is going to look amazing on your payment history! This is just what credit bureaus like to see, and if you’re already paying your rent every month, you might as well have it contribute to a positive payment history!

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

In addition to paying online rent, a credit card can give your credit score an extra boost! “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Although the benefits of online rent are impressive already, it can be even better when combined with the benefits of using a credit card !

Do we have you convinced? Online rent is a great way to quickly improve your credit. It records your payment history, reports to credit bureaus, and can be combined with the benefits of using a credit card! With these small changes of habit, you can change your regular rent payment into an easy and effective way to improve your credit score! We wish you the best on your way to improved credit!

Twin Pines Apartments Makes It Easy to Go Green at Home

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:13:00 GMT

Every year in the United States, we waste 1.7 trillion gallons of water. Washing dishes, showering, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and watering yards are everyday household activities that use the most water. Currently, 3.6 billion people live in areas where water is scarce. Southern California is one of the many areas that can face severe droughts.

Here at Twin Pines Apartment Homes , we want to do all we can to protect the environment and promote sustainable living by preserving water and reducing unnecessary waste. Here’s how to go green at Twin Pines Apartment Homes.

We Save Water

Since Anaheim is prone to droughts, we do all we can to use water sparingly. Our property has drought-tolerant landscaping, which means we use plants, such as succulents, that don’t require much water. We’ve also installed a drip irrigation system and replaced some grass and mulch areas with beautiful stone. This allows us to save thousands of gallons of water!

Indoors, we go green by saving on water with our plumbing system. Most toilets use about 3.5 gallons of water every time they flush, but not ours! We have low-flow toilets , which use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets. Each low-flow toilet can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

We Reduce Paper and Plastic

At Twin Pines Apartment Homes, we go paperless by making everything—rent payments, service requests, applications, and notices—online. Not only is this convenient for our residents, but it eliminates the need for unnecessary paper waste. In addition to this, we have a water bottle refill station on the property, significantly reducing the waste from plastic water bottles.

In our community, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Visit our new resident portal to pay your rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more!

We Encourage Recycling

One of the best ways to go green is to recycle. We have recycling bins in our office, and we encourage all residents to recycle as well. Items you can recycle include plastic bottles and containers, empty cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. However, you cannot recycle food, liquid, plastic bags, plastic wrap, or cups with wax or plastic coating.

Here in Anaheim, you can take your recycling to Anaheim Recycling Center . This small change in habit can make a big difference for our planet.

We’re Excited to Announce Organic Waste Recycling!

Organic waste recycling will be coming soon to our local community, and we can’t wait to participate! This initiative will help keep millions of pounds of food waste out of landfills and turn them into compost and renewable natural gas. You can learn more about organic waste recycling here . We’ll keep you up to date as this program expands throughout the state.

We want to do everything we can to take care of the environment and go green. If you are looking for an apartment complex that cares as much about the earth as you do, Twin Pines Apartment Homes is the perfect place for you!

Learn Why Twin Pines Apartments in Anaheim Would Make the Perfect Home

Wed, 05 May 2021 19:08:00 GMT

Anaheim, the second-largest city in Orange County, is well known for being host to Walt Disney’s famous creation Disneyland, scheduled to reopen to the public in April . It’s also the birthplace of Knott’s Berry Farm, which plans to reopen its doors in May . In addition to world-class entertainment, Anaheim boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, a highly-rated school system, and comfortable neighborhoods. Altogether, these factors make Anaheim an ideal place to call home-sweet-home.

Searching for apartments in Anaheim? For charming and modern living spaces, consider the Twin Pines Apartment Homes .

The Ambiance

On a stroll outside your apartment, you’ll find a colorful playground with benches and well-kept stone walkways with areas to entertain, grill out, and relax. The resort-style pool is the central feature, clean and sparkling in the California sunshine. It’s the perfect place to cool off. Our apartments include access to a laundry room, fitness studio, and community room, which means you never have to worry about leaving the grounds to fulfill your basic needs.

The interior of our apartment homes is spacious, with custom cabinets, granite countertops, and air conditioning. We offer the choice between a one-, two-, and three-bed apartment to fit every individual need. Perhaps most importantly, Twin Pines Apartment Homes is pet-friendly. We understand the love and connection between you and your pets, so bunnies, turtles, dogs, and cats are all welcome!

Here’s our complete list of amenities at Twin Pines:

Our residents love having all of their essentials immediately accessible. When it comes to apartments in Anaheim, you couldn’t ask for a better place to call home.

Convenient

We understand the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Many of us live in the moment, which can cause trouble in an emergency. Luckily, our team at Twin Pines Apartment Homes has your back. We’re pleased to offer our residents on-site maintenance staff to assist with last-minute maintenance issues.

The Twin Pines Apartment Homes in Anaheim is a charming place to call home. With our welcoming atmosphere and convenient on-site amenities, Twin Pines is an ideal place to call home. For our current availability, reach out today, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you!

How to Set Goals You Can Achieve

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:12:00 GMT

Do you find yourself scrambling to come up with as many resolutions as you can when January gets here? Setting goals can be a great way to keep ourselves motivated and accomplish the things we most want out of life. They are particularly beneficial because they can boost energy levels and lead to an increase in higher and more persistent effort .

The problem is, most of us set too many goals or make them too unrealistic for us to actually achieve. It can be tempting to layer on as many goals as we can when the new year approaches, but it’s much more efficient to focus on a few goals that are particularly important to us. If you’re looking to create a few goals that you will actually be able to achieve, we’ve come up with three tips that will help you out.

Prioritize Your Purpose

Before you set goals, you need to evaluate what your purpose is. What do you most want to accomplish, and how does this specific goal help you achieve just that? Why does it matter to you? How does it fit into your life?

The key is to create goals that are relevant to your current situation and also take your desired future into consideration. The more passionate you are about your goal and how it fits into the larger picture, the more likely you are to follow through, regardless of what it takes to achieve.

Hold Yourself Accountable

It’s okay to slip up and struggle with staying on track with your goals. Nobody can possibly stay completely dedicated to everything they care about, and that’s okay. Instead of putting undue pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly, define a way to hold yourself accountable in relation to the bigger picture.

The most effective way to keep yourself on track throughout the entire process is to break your goal into smaller step-by-step tasks. As you complete each step, remember to celebrate your accomplishments and reward yourself. Not only will you appreciate the reward you give yourself, but you will also be much more likely to continue working towards your goals. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review , the best way to foster hard work is to accomplish something small every day.

Prepare for Roadblocks

Nothing is perfect, and nothing ever goes as seamlessly as we expect it to. While you set goals, prepare to hit a roadblock at some point throughout the process. What problems can you see yourself facing based on the goals you have created? How will you work around them? How can you keep them from leaving you unmotivated?

The more you prepare for setbacks, the better you will be able to address them when they do come up. Plus, if you head into your goals knowing that it is impossible for you to do everything absolutely right, you will be much easier on yourself when you struggle with something. Just because you have hit a roadblock doesn’t mean you aren’t cut out for your goal. It simply means you are human.

Goals don’t have to be particularly challenging or complicated for them to help you get things done. In fact, the simplest goals can often be the most beneficial. With these three tips, you will set goals for yourself that leave you more motivated, happier with yourself and your life, and passionate about what you do.

Three Benefits of Our Pet-Friendly Community at Twin Pines

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:10:00 GMT

Few things turn an apartment into a home like a four-legged friend sharing the space. That’s why searching through pet-friendly apartments is so vital: You want a space in which you, your family, and your pet can be happy.

That’s why Twin Pines Apartments works hard to provide a positive environment for you and your furry friends. Keep reading to learn about three benefits of pet-friendly apartments like ours.

Benefits of Owning a Pet

First, let’s get into the reasons why owning a pet is so beneficial to you. According to HealthScope , research has shown that those with pets reap significant physical and mental health benefits: Pet owners often have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, a lower risk of heart disease, and a stronger immune system.

Think that’s great? Well, it doesn’t stop there! Owning a pet has also been tied to stress relief and improved mood. Twin Pines recognizes these important benefits, which is why we work so hard to provide pet-friendly apartments. Let’s get into why our apartments are the perfect fit for you and your pet.

Plenty of Space for Quality Time

One of the greatest benefits of pet-friendly apartments is having the space to spend time with them! Our three floor plan options ensure you and your pets have more than enough room to lounge around or cuddle up next to each other. When it comes to getting some fresh air, our grounds offer garden pathways that are perfect for daily walks, with Pet Waste Stations throughout the community making cleanup quick and easy. Our location is also centrally located, with dog parks like La Palma, Garden Grove, and Arbor only 15 minutes away by car . Your pet will love spending time with you and exploring its new home!

Our Fair Pet Policy

Because we offer pet-friendly apartments, we know what you and your pets need to have a happy life. That’s why we have implemented a considerate pet policy for you. There is a maximum pet weight limit of 50 pounds, and we allow for cats and other small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, and birds—though we ask that smaller pets be caged and kept in a sanitary condition. We also ask that additional or other pets be approved by management as only authorized pets are allowed on the premises. Finally, we have breed restrictions due to size and behavior traits. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to answer them.

Owning a pet is so beneficial to your overall well-being and key to leading a healthy lifestyle. Not only do they improve your mood, but they are also linked to several significant physical health benefits. We know your pets will love taking advantage of all the benefits our pet-friendly apartments have to offer!

Have You Done Your Appliance Maintenance Checkups?

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 22:39:00 GMT

What are the holidays without time with family and plenty of festive food? Memories are made around the perfect roasted turkey or baking dozens of your favorite holiday cookies.

What is not often planned for during the holiday season is when a kitchen appliance doesn’t perform properly. Don’t let household dilemmas ruin your festivities. By scheduling regular appliance maintenance before the holiday season starts, you won’t receive any unwelcome surprises during the holidays.

How often should you check on major appliances? Here is a basic schedule and simple ways to keep three essential kitchen appliances running smoothly.

Dishwasher

Simple preventive appliance maintenance tips will keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and running efficiently. Once per month, experts suggest adding a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar, positioned upright on the top rack, then running a hot cycle. This will eliminate those pesky odors. Then, be sure to remove food particles from the basket at the base.

Refrigerator

Check regularly for expired food. But also schedule time quarterly to remove everything from your fridge to wipe down the shelves, drawers, and sides of the refrigerator. Try combining one tablespoon of baking soda with one quart of warm water for an effective cleaning solution.

If possible, pull your fridge away from the wall to vacuum dust and remove dirt. Be sure to check the condition of cords and tubes. If you see a problem, call a professional for repairs.

Stove Top and Oven

Splatters and stains are a breeding ground for microbes. With that in mind, be sure to wipe down the stove top every day. As for the oven, depending on how often you use it, experts suggest cleaning it every three months.

Since an overcooked turkey can put a damper on your holiday meal, Joy Wilson of joythebaker.com, has a helpful tip to check your oven temperature: Place six slices of white bread in a cold oven, then set the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Check the bread slices at 12 minutes, 18 minutes, and again at the 20-minute mark.

“After 18 to 20 [minutes] take the bread out of the oven and place on a baking sheet on the counter in the same configuration as the oven shelf,” says Joy. “Take a good look. What pieces of bread have more browning?” Depending on the shades of browning, you can identify the oven’s hot spots and uneven temperature. If it looks too brown, it’s time to call for appliance maintenance help.

Reach Out to Our Maintenance Crew

At Twin Pines Apartments , we want your holiday celebrations to be as magical and memory-filled as you envision. To help ensure that seasonal magic, our on-site management and 24-hour maintenance teams are ready to help if you are having any sort of problems with your appliances.

If you have discovered that a stove burner or the dishwasher has quit working, simply visit the Twin Pines Apartment s Resident Portal a nd submit a work order. Our team will respond right away and schedule a time for the repair, getting you back on track to holiday happiness.

With regular upkeep and scheduling repairs with appliance maintenance, you can be sure your kitchen appliances will be ready to help make this holiday season delicious. The entire staff here at Twin Pines sincerely wants your holiday wishes to come true this year!

The Top Three Pros of Renting an Apartment

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:06:00 GMT

If you enjoy the freedom of paying rent instead of a mortgage payment, you are not alone. Over one million people are currently renting homes, apartments, and other properties around the country.

Sometimes it’s hard to decide between renting an apartment or buying property. Here are three pros of renting an apartment that may help you decide.

You get a flexible financial plan.

You have to own a home to reach long-term financial stability, right? Not quite.

“The smart strategy for renters is to take advantage of their financial flexibility while adopting the good money habits of homeowners,” says Penelope Wang at Consumer Reports. She suggests focusing on paying down debt and adopting a strong saving mindset.

You don’t have to worry about repairs.

People want to enjoy the advantages of living in a comfortable home, but that doesn’t mean they want the responsibility of caring for the property. “When you’re renting, you don’t have to think twice about all of the little things that make home ownership such a big day-to-day responsibility—in fact, you probably won’t even notice them most of the time,” says Laura Mueller , a consumer expert.

At Twin Pines Apartment Homes in Anaheim, we have a knowledgeable and friendly staff who are trained and certified to make repairs. When you report something is broken or in need of attention, our team will schedule a repair time, ensuring that your home stays in tip-top shape.

You have more freedom to live where you want.

Do you enjoy summer nights on the beach? Perhaps you prefer living closer to the downtown nightlife. The choice is yours when you rent an apartment instead of purchasing a home.

“Renters can live practically anywhere, while homeowners are restricted to areas where they can afford to buy,” said Amanda C. Haury for Investopedia.com. “Although rents can be high in areas where home values are also high, renters can more readily find an affordable monthly payment than home buyers.”

While we aren’t eager to say goodbye, at Twin Pines Apartment Homes, we do want to be sure that you are taken care of wherever you go. That’s why we instated our loyalty bonus: If you move from Twin Pines to another AMC property or vice versa, we’ll give you $250 to help you hit the ground running.

With a difference in costs, less responsibility, and more freedom, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to rent. At Twin Pines Apartment Homes, we want to make coming home the best part of your day; give us a visit and see what the pros of renting an apartment can do for you.

Three Dog Beaches Near You

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 03:46:00 GMT

Are you and your dog feeling a little cooped up? It’s nothing a little California beach time won’t fix! There are some great dog beaches near Anaheim that will accommodate you and your furry friend so you can both soak up the sun! Here are three great options to check out:

Rosie’s Dog Beach

This highly-rated dog beach has dog owners singing its praises! For example, one yelp reviewer said “Rosie’s Dog Beach is a wonderful place to take your water-loving, well-socialized dog for some off-leash fun. If your dog loves to dig in the sand, bring them here and wear them out!” The beach is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily . Restrooms and trash cans are available. In addition, there’s plenty of low-cost parking, and you may even be able to find free street parking nearby as well. Come enjoy California’s coast with your pup on this clean, dog-friendly beach!

Huntington Dog Beach

U.S. News & World Report named Huntington Dog Beach as one of the “Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S.” This 1.5-mile beach is located between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street along the Pacific Coast Highway. There aren’t any pet hour restrictions here either, so you can enjoy the beach with your pup year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also, enjoy some unique annual events such as the Surf City Surf Dog Competition and Corgi Beach Day !

Corona Del Mar State Beach

This beautiful beach in Newport is another great place to bring your dog to enjoy the beach, waves, and sunshine. Visit Corona Del Mar State Beach any time before 10 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. to be within the designated pet hours. While there, stroll the beach together, watch the sunrise or set, and enjoy some safe swimming thanks to the jetties. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash (six feet or less) at all times.

There are plenty of great options for dog beaches near Anaheim! So, get out of quarantine with your favorite furball and explore California’s exquisite dog beaches! It might just be the perfect way to recharge yourself (and your pup) during these stressful times.

Improving Your Credit Score by Paying Rent Online

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:12:00 GMT

Is the stress of improving your credit score wearing you out? You can ease your worries by doing this one simple thing: paying your rent online! A 2017 TransUnion study followed 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to the credit bureaus for a full year. This resulted in an average credit score increase of 16 points within six months! And for those with an initial credit score of below 620, the point increases were the greatest.

If you’d like to see a similar increase to your credit score, try paying your rent online! Doing so reports your payments to the credit bureaus, offers credit bureaus relevant information, and can be used with credit card payments for higher score gains. Here’s how.

Make Sure Credit Bureaus See Your Payments

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit— especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

So how do you make sure your rent payments are submitted to the credit bureaus? At Twin Pines Apartment Homes , our online rental payment system takes care of the reporting for you. The credit bureaus will receive a record of your on-time rental payments, which helps to increase your credit score. In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

Give Credit Bureaus What They Need

What actually goes into a credit score? In general, the major credit bureaus look at the same information. Experian, for example, determines credit scores through the following elements :

When you pay rent online, those payments bolster your payment history. As you pay in full and on time each month, you’ll be improving your credit score with this relevant information as well.

Use a Credit Card for Higher Score Gains

To strengthen your score even more, consider using a credit card to pay your rent online. “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.” You don’t have to pay your rent with a credit card, but it can be a nice little boost to your credit score in combination with the benefits of paying your rent online.

Improving your credit score doesn’t have to be difficult. Give your score a boost by paying your rent online through the resident portal . As you do so, it reports your payments to the credit bureaus, offering them the relevant information they need to potentially improve your score. Plus, if you pay rent with a credit card, you’ll see higher score gains. Happy credit-score-boosting!

8 Fun Facts about National Bagelfest Day (Plus Other Bagel-Related Info)

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 20:50:00 GMT

July 26 is National Bagelfest Day! If you’re wondering what that’s all about and how to celebrate it, you’re in luck! Here at Twin Pines, we’ve done all the bagel-related research for you! So, without further ado, here are eight fun facts about National Bagelfest Day and its history!

We hope you’ve enjoyed these eight fun facts about National Bagelfest Day! We also hope you celebrate this unique food-inspired day by eating bagels, making bagels, or engaging in a combination of the two! Truly, there are so many ways to dress up that bagel of yours—be creative! As part of the celebration, don’t forget to post about it on social media (the designated hashtag is #bagelfestday ) and tag us at Twin Pines on Facebook or Twin Pines on Twitter so we can see how you celebrated the day!

Clean Up the Park for a Fun, Memorable Day

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 22:20:00 GMT

We have many beautiful parks nearby that benefit our residents by providing outdoor areas for recreation and relaxation. But, did you know that if that same park is full of litter, it can negatively impact its visitors by increasing their anxiety and depression? And that’s just one effect: Litter does plenty of damage to the health, safety, and economy of our cities.

Here at Twin Pines Apartments, we believe in keeping Anaheim happy and vibrant! Each summer, as members of AMC, we get together to do a beach and park cleanup in Anaheim and surrounding areas. This year, due to COVID-19, we will each conduct our own clean-up efforts with our immediate households to allow for social distancing.

Clean up the park—or beach—on July 25 or another day that works best for you and your crew. Here’s some more information on why it’s important, what you’ll need, and how to stay safe.

Here’s Why It’s Important!

“There is satisfaction to say, ‘I removed ten pounds of trash from my beach,’” says Kara Lavender Law, a research oceanography professor. “Even if it’s only ten pounds, that’s ten pounds that isn’t going to go into the open ocean.”

In addition to protecting wildlife, “clean beaches provide economic benefit to local communities in the form of tourism dollars,” says Laura Parker at National Geographic . “In southern California, researchers calculated that in Orange County alone that potential could translate into $46 million in just one summer.”

Whether you head to Twila Reid or Stanton Central Park or take a trip to Seal or Sunset Beach, your contribution of picking up litter is making our world a more beautiful place. And if you want to burn some extra calories, picking up trash can easily double as a fun workout!

What You’ll Need for July 25

Mark your calendar for the 25th, then start preparing! Here are some suggested supplies for your cleanup event :

Also, remember to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up! A personal water bottle and some protein-packed snacks should do the trick!

Staying Safe

Your household-only crew will make for a small group this year, due to COVID-19 guidelines. If you do include people outside of your household, be sure to stay six feet away and wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible.

Our annual beach and park cleanup in Anaheim this year will look pretty different than in years past. That doesn’t mean it has to be any less memorable! Join us for our beach and park cleanup effort on July 25 or anytime during the month of July! Tag Twin Pines Apartments in your photos and use the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy. We can’t wait to see how you make Anaheim even more beautiful!

5 Fun Activities to Do with the Kids This Summer

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 21:28:00 GMT

This summer is unlike any other in living memory. Despite the challenges, there’s still time to make good memories with your children. Here are five fun activities to do with the kids this summer:

1. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

We all need a little outside time to break up our quarantine; why not make it engaging for your children by going on a neighborhood scavenger hunt together? With this free scavenger hunt checklist , put your kids on the lookout for items they may have seen but never taken notice of before (lawn statues, swingsets, fun mailboxes, etc.). It’s a simple activity that’ll have them looking at your neighborhood in a whole new way.

2. Arts and Crafts

When boredom strikes, an arts and crafts project can unlock new levels of creativity. For those new to the world of construction paper and glue, here are 50 crafting ideas to get you started .

3. Cooking Together

Want to bond with your children while teaching them important life skills? Cooking is just what you need! Start out simple—no macarons or Beef Wellington quite yet. Try your kids’ favorites first, or maybe a simple recipe designed with kids in mind . Not only will they learn as they go, but this could be the way to get your picky eaters more willing to try something new.

4. Nature Hike

Enjoy the beauty of California’s outdoors by taking your kids on a nature hike. Fullerton Loop Trail is only 20 minutes away from us here at Twin Pines. Of course, you’ll need to observe social distancing regulations while out in public, and the governor has recently issued a new mask mandate , so plan accordingly, and bring plenty of water to keep you and yours well hydrated.

5. Movie Night

Summer nights are the best, especially outside as the air begins to cool and the stars peak out. As everyone cozies down, pop some popcorn, gather together, and put on a new movie to enjoy as a family. With more movies following the lead of Trolls 2 and Onward , you’re bound to have more and more options to stream for a family movie night. For an extra measure of fun, go “drive-in style” by letting your kids build their own cardboard box cars to sit in during the show.

This summer is all set to be memorable. Make sure it’s memorable for the right reasons for your children with these and other fun ideas.

4 Mobile Apps that Help You Stay Mentally Fit

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:49:00 GMT

Everybody has a different way of practicing self-care. For some, grabbing a treat from Glee Donuts & Burgers and having a picnic in Harry Dotson Park is just what they need to help clear their head and find some peace. Others may practice self-care by visiting with family and friends. Whatever your method, consider boosting your mental fitness by incorporating these four mobile apps into your self-care regimen:

1. Center yourself with Headspace.

Life can get pretty harried. When we get overwhelmed, it’s easy to zone out and scroll through social media. Rather than view one more meme, why not take three minutes to clear your mind and calm your spirit? Headspace is the premier mental health and meditation app on the market. They feature guided meditations that start at just one minute. Users can choose a focus depending on their needs at the moment. From waking up and winding down, to calming anxiety, Headspace is sure to have something for every need. Give it a try for free .

2. Practice great yoga anywhere with Down Dog.

Yoga is a wonderful way to align your physical and mental fitness. According to Harvard Health, the scientific study of yoga has shown that “ mental and physical health are not just closely allied, but are essentially equivalent .” Down Dog offers both free content as well as in-app purchases. Users of all skill levels will enjoy their customizable yoga practices with guided videos and a variety of calming background audio tracks. From simple chair yoga you can perform at your desk to full-on workouts, Down Dog has you covered .

3. Balance what you eat and do with myfitnesspal.

As noted above, your mental and physical health are inseparably tied together. This includes both your physical activity as well and the food that you consume. If you’re looking for a great place to keep track of both fitness and nutrition in one place, then check out myfitnesspal . This app gives you an easy way to track the nutrients you consume and to make sure your diet is in balance. It also includes excellent features to help you keep on track with your exercise routines.

4. Share with others using OLIO.

Humans are social creatures. As HelpGuide puts it, “Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.” OLIO is an app with a mission that can help you do just that. It allows users to connect with the community around them to share food and other household items with neighbors for free. Items that may be taking up space in your pantry could be a tremendous blessing to others in need. Don’t let unwanted food go to waste. Instead, share it with somebody that can put it to good use!

Your mental fitness is important; prioritize it! If you’re struggling to find ways to focus on improving your mental health, give one of these four apps a try. Whether you’re meditating with Headspace, practicing yoga with Down Dog, working on your diet/exercise with myfitnesspal, or sharing with your neighbors via OLIO, you’re sure to see improvement in your overall sense of well-being and happiness.

What Helps Clean Apartment Air?

Thu, 28 May 2020 19:25:00 GMT

What Helps Clean the Apartment Air?

Did you know that, according to the EPA, indoor air pollution is in the top five environmental dangers ? The EPA estimates that indoor air can have nearly five times the amount of pollutants as outdoor air—and some homes face 100 times more!.

Celebrate National Clean Air Month by taking steps to improve the air quality in your apartment. Here are five ways you can do just that:

1. Open the Windows

Don’t be shy about opening your windows and doors to let some fresh air in. Even a few minutes can circulate enough fresh air to cut down on the contaminants in your indoor air—and help you save on indoor cooling costs at the same time.

2. Run an Air Purifier

An air purifier is another great way to improve your air quality . This device basically sanitizes allergens and toxins in the air. Certain versions also filter particles out. If you go this route, make sure the air purifier you use is large enough to tackle the room it’s in. You may need multiple units in your home, or a larger unit to benefit your entire apartment.

3. Diffuse Essential Oils

Fire up your diffuser, because essential oils have been shown to hinder the growth bacteria in the air . Not only that, but you’ll also enjoy the other benefits of essential oils like stress reduction and pleasant scents .

4. Keep Houseplants

That’s right: A number of houseplants have been shown to effectively remove toxins , like formaldehyde and benzene, from the air. Just be sure to do your research before becoming a plant owner. Pick the plant variety that will thrive in the natural light conditions that your apartment presents, and be aware that certain plants could be harmful to pets and children. Do your research, and be selective based on your circumstances!

5. Reduce VOCs

Did you know that many furniture items and cleaning supplies, to name a few, create pollutants in your air? These pollutants are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are linked to both mild and serious health complications. Reduce your exposure by selecting high-quality furniture and textiles manufactured with natural ingredients (that declare low VOC levels). In addition, consider making your own natural cleaning products . They are safe, clean well, and both your health and wallet will thank you!

Cleaner air is a first step to a healthier you! By implementing these five steps, you can enjoy cleaner air this month and all year long!

4 Ways to Create a Meaningful Memorial Day

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:24:00 GMT

Memorial Day is here again! A chance to take a break from our busy lives to relax and honor the brave men and women who fought and died while serving in the US Armed Forces.

With parades canceled and social distancing measures still in place, this Memorial Day will be different than any in living memory. All the more reason to do what we can to make it worth remembering! Here are four ways to create a meaningful Memorial Day.

1. Raise the Flag

Every year, a group of holidays are designated as flag holidays —days on which the American flag should be raised and displayed, with instructions for how to do so. Memorial Day is designated as a half-staff day, which means the flag should be raised to half-mast until noon. Even if you don’t have a flag pole, you can participate by displaying a flag somewhere in your home.

2. Remember a Fallen Soldier

As a day of reflection, Memorial Day is a great time for some family history. Look through your family tree for relatives who have served, and ask around for their stories. Maybe Grandpa served in WWII, or an ancestor died in the Civil War. Connections to servicemen and servicewomen abound, whether those family members fought for the US or another country. Take this chance to connect with your family more than before.

3. Talk to a Veteran

While Memorial Day is specifically for those who have fallen, you can’t go amiss by honoring those who have served and lived. Connect with a family member, friend, or neighbor. Due to quarantine, we could all benefit from some human connection right now, and a phone call or video conference can go a long way. You can even find an opportunity to volunteer among our veterans .

4. Watch a Movie

Instead of binging another series on Netflix or Hulu, make your next viewing selection with some thought. Find a historically accurate war film and watch it with your loved ones. No matter what conflict they served in, we could all stand to learn more about those who gave their all for our country.

This year’s Memorial Day will be different no matter what we do. We can still exert control and make it memorable for the right reasons. Raise the flag, remember a fallen soldier, talk to a veteran, or watch a movie—whatever it takes to remember this day and the fallen.

How to Live a Green Lifestyle

Fri, 01 May 2020 22:44:00 GMT

Arbor Day celebrates the importance of trees in our ecosystems and communities. Usually, people celebrate by planting new trees, but it doesn’t hurt to implement a green lifestyle all year long. Here are some ideas to help you shop, live, and dispose of items in a more eco-friendly manner:

Shop Smart

Live Smart

Smart Disposal

Living green doesn’t require a ton of big changes to your daily life. And not only is green living good for the planet—it’s good for your conscience and wallet as well! Implement these eco-friendly ways to shop, live, and dispose of waste, and you’ll instantly live a greener lifestyle. It could be your way to celebrate Arbor Day this week and all year long.

5 Tips to Keep Your Mind Healthy While Working Remotely

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:42:00 GMT

Remote work has seen huge growth over the past five years ( 44 percent growth , in fact). With more people working from home than ever, it’s logical to assume that these remote worker numbers will only continue to grow.

There are plenty of benefits that come from working at home (such as increased productivity and reduced expenses), but some find that these remote working conditions create additional stress . So, if you’re feeling the stress, here are a few tips and tricks to keep your mind healthy while working from home:

1. Spend Time with the “Outdoors”

Being outdoors has been linked to better mood, creativity, vitamin D levels, focus, immunity , and more. So, interact with the outdoors in whatever way you can during the workday. This may be a walk around your apartment grounds, breathing in some fresh air from your porch or balcony, buying a houseplant, or just opening the windows.

2. Take Breaks

Have you ever been so focused on a project that your brain started to feel fuzzy? With remote work and potentially fewer coworker distractions, you might find this sensation occurring more often in your workday. Take this brain fog as permission to carve out a break. Better yet, schedule those breaks throughout your day as preventative measures. If anyone questions this practice, they’ll find comfort in the fact that breaks contribute to better decision-making outcomes and added creativity , just to name a few benefits.

3. Recharge with Hobbies

Give your brain a break from work tasks and instead use your brain to enjoy an engaging hobby. You won’t regret it, and your work may actually benefit from it. It turns out that certain hobbies can actually benefit your brain in a number of ways, depending on the activity. For example, painting can increase your creativity and memory, while language study helps with brain connectivity and slows brain aging. Even video games benefit your reflexes and strategic thinking abilities.

4. Exercise Your Body

It’s well-established that your brain and body are interconnected. But did you know that exercise has been linked to new cell growth in the brain? Stepping away from your work to get some exercise could be hugely beneficial and serve as a great remedy for stress.

5. Feed Your Brain

When you’re working from home all day, it can be tempting to grab convenient (often unhealthy) snacks instead of being selective about the foods you consume. Putting forth more effort in the food department could prove to be extremely helpful to your workday. There are plenty of foods—such as broccoli, nuts, fatty fish, and blueberries—that are considered “brain foods.” Each food that made the list has shown to boost the brain in one way or another, from memory to mood.

If these new remote working conditions are stressing you and your brain out, don’t forget to add these tips into your daily routine. Spending more time in the outdoors, taking breaks, pursuing beneficial hobbies, adding in exercise, and making better food choices may be just the prescription you need to keep your brain healthy and invigorated in your new remote work scene.

Looking for the Recipe to Healthy and Happy Living? Try Being More Kind.

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:15:00 GMT

Kindness. We just can’t get enough of it. Millions of us click on viral posts of random acts online: people proudly post images of the exorbitant tip left to an unsuspecting waitress or videos of a rescue team saving a horse from drowning. Even today’s workplaces are exploring the emotional effects of kind acts among coworkers.

“Office culture can be cutthroat and competitive, leading to hurtful criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication,” says Dr. Pragya Agarwal . “However, now we are increasingly talking about wellbeing in the workplace, and bringing an authentic quality to our work, being gentle with ourselves, and with others around us.”

Research shows kindness and well-being are closely linked. Although the benefits to the recipients of kind acts are evident, science is uncovering connections between kindness and one’s health and overall happiness.

If you need an incentive to take the high road when you interact with people, here are four healthy and happy rewards for choosing kindness.

1. Improves Heart Health

There’s a reason why kind people are known for having big hearts—literally. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , the emotional reaction to acts of kindness release the hormone oxytocin.

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels,” explains Hamilton. “This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).” So it seems science proves that having a heart is actually good for it, too.

How can you reap these heart-health benefits? Plenty of studies have shown that social support is associated with better health, including cardiovascular health. So get out there in the community, make friends with your neighbors, and see how it benefits your heart—emotionally and physically.

2. Reduces the Risk of Depression

A study headed by Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we share our time, resources, and other selfless acts, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced, and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.

At Cedars-Sinai , scientists are studying the links between kindness and increased dopamine levels. As dopamine is known for elevating feelings of euphoria, research is focused on the effects dopamine has on mental health.

“Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” say doctors at Cedars-Sinai. “The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Essentially, practicing kindness increases your dopamine levels, which ultimately helps improve your overall happiness and health.

3. Reduces Anxiety

In a study published by the University of British Columbia Study , a test group comprised of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction, as well as a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. The act itself didn’t need to be big to be effective. Kind acts took larger forms like donating to a favorite charity and small gestures such as putting a quarter in a stranger’s parking meter that was about to expire.

“We found that any kind act appeared to have the same benefit, even small gestures like opening a door for someone or saying ‘thanks’ to the bus driver,” says Dr. Lynn Alden, who led the study. “Kindness didn’t need to involve money or time-consuming efforts, although some of our participants did do such things. Kindness didn’t even need to be ‘face to face.’”

In other words, it isn’t the size of the act that promotes happy feelings but the act itself. When anxiety creeps in, try being more kind. Doing so can help reduce your anxious feelings and replace them with positive ones.

4. May Extend Your Lifespan

Some experts believe one of the keys to a long life is our social network. “What we call loneliness—the feeling that you have no one to turn to, that no one understands you—is a form of stress,” explains Health.com writer Ray Hainer . “And if it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your blood vessels and heart.” With heart disease being the number one killer among Americans, the connection between improved heart health and avoiding stress contributes to a longer life.

Socializing with purpose also has healthy effects. “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains,” writes Christine Carter in her book Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

Looking for a new strategy for better health and happiness? Try kindness. Studies show that performing kind acts have a positive effect on everything from reducing depression and anxiety to longevity. “We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai . “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”

The Surprisingly Wonderful Benefits of Rental Living

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 20:34:00 GMT

If you are considering moving into an apartment, you are not alone. Experts estimate there are just over 43 million renter-occupied housing units in the US. And while renters are renting for a variety of reasons, there are some common perks that renters enjoy.

Here are four of the most common benefits of rental living.

1. Location, location, location

Sometimes, the easiest way to live close to the communities you frequent isn’t to buy property, but to rent. “Renters can live virtually anywhere—a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village or a townhouse in Queens,” says professor of economics Teresa Ghilarducci . “Homeowners are more restricted to neighborhoods they can afford.”

There are certainly times when paying rent over is more expensive than paying a mortgage. For example, many renters will see their lease increase the moment their contract is up for renewal. But in some cases, experts say there are financial advantages to renting in desired locations rather than trying to buy property. “If you live in a market where you can rent an apartment for substantially less per month than you could own a home, you can invest the difference,” explains David Weliver , founder of Money Under 30. “The difference doesn’t have to be huge.”

Weliver presented an example like this: If you compare $1,000 rent per month versus a $1,300 mortgage payment on a comparable home, that generates $3,600 each year that you can save or invest. “And, unlike home equity, those savings are liquid,” added Weliver. “You can use them to build an emergency fund, pay down student loan debt, or fund a retirement account. None of which you can do with home equity.”

2. Awesome amenities

Most of us haven’t included installing an in-ground pool on our to-do list. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t enjoy having access to recreational amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center, or tennis courts. And today’s rental properties are offering even more options to entice would-be renters.

Some of the more popular features include onsite laundry facilities or a washer and dryer within the unit. Many offer cable or satellite television and free Wi-Fi. Others offer fully-furnished units. And as a person just starting out on their own, having options for these types of services can help the transition to apartment living.

3. Flexible career options

The workplace model is changing, with more employees at varying job levels working from their homes. Experts estimate that almost half of the US workforce works remotely. But that also means employees are more mobile. And that is where the convenience of renting a home or apartment works well. Renting gives workers the freedom to move more frequently than they could otherwise. Additionally, some apartment communities offer amenities for workers. In some of our communities, for example, we offer dedicated workspaces, perfect for individuals who work remotely.

Have job, will travel. That’s an effective way to set the pace for job promotion or move to a better job opportunity should the need arise. “You need to be able to credibly leave a job to be well treated by employers,” says Ghilarducci . “Mobile workers can move for a pay raise or to make a career move.”

4. A sense of community

There are varying degrees of socializing among renters. You can be as social or reclusive as you choose; the fact remains that you are sharing common space with other people. Whether it’s the parking lot, the pool area, or the fitness center, apartment living offers a unique opportunity to befriend your neighbors.

“Apartment buildings draw an array of residents and visitors. Your neighbors, their families, their friends, their delivery people, and anyone offering an at-home service will pass through your shared entryway. Your children will learn to share a space with these people—and perhaps even open the door for them,” says Natalie Saaris , writing for Zillow. “While living in an apartment may deprive you of the privacy of a standalone home, the feeling of community may more than compensate for the loss.”

Whether your apartment is a temporary arrangement or a permanent decision, the benefits of apartment living offer pleasant and financially strategic opportunities for you.

Reasons Why Setting Goals is a Good Thing

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:49:00 GMT

Don’t let New Year’s resolution failure fool you. Setting goals is a good thing.

Let’s talk about goals.

Wait! Not New Year’s resolutions. I mean regular, everyday goal setting; those goals that you can (and should) start at any time. Although around 80 percent of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, setting a goal—a SMART goal—will make you feel better. And in some cases, literally.

A SMART goal is a task based on something Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. And while resolutions may bite the dust two months after we set them in place, the truth is that almost half of us (40 to 45 percent) continue to make goals for ourselves each year.

We, as humans, struggle with following through on New Year’s resolutions. But the practice of continually setting goals is a good thing. Here are six reasons why.

Do you know how it feels to merely coast through life, where you find yourself simply reacting to things? When you target your energies into achieving a specific goal, you are forcing action.

“ Goal setting helps you align focus with behavior because you get feedback on your progress,” says Forbes contributor Jeff Boss . “The actions you take—or avoid—offer clues about your values, beliefs, challenges, strengths and weaknesses which allow you to course correct as necessary and reset your goal achievement strategy (and subsequently, your focus).”

Goals that truly make an impact are those that are specific and follow a timeline toward completion. For example, instead of making a goal to be thinner, a well-thought-out goal will include a series of smaller goals that encourage weight loss and are arranged over a month, a year, or two even years.

“ Think of your goal as the destination. Now think of each step you take toward that goal as a smaller yet attainable step to get you there,” explains Dave Richards , a performance and leadership coach. “If your goal is to launch a business someday, your smaller steps would include defining your products or services or getting funds to start up.”

There is no better feeling than one of accomplishment. And when you set attainable goals, your success at achieving those goals is an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Keep in mind the operative word here is “attainable.”

“By setting goals and achieving them, you send a signal to your brain that you are successful which builds confidence and pride in yourself and that helps build your self-esteem,” says Jennifer Silvershein . “We all love to feel accomplished and meeting or exceeding your goals does just that.”

By setting up a primary goal, which is your main objective, and secondary goals, which are the stepping stones that move you toward your primary goal, Silvershein believes “you can set yourself up for success with the right mindset and the right tools.”

This process of identifying a primary goal that’s supported by secondary goals boosts your self-image. But it can also stave off mild forms of depression. “ Setting goals and targets can sometimes help when a person is feeling demotivated,” reports Jayne Leonard . “However, it is important to make sure that goals are achievable, specific, and realistic.”

For instance, a goal to no longer be depressed may not be all that successful as a stand-alone goal. But setting a goal that is proven to help treat minor forms of depression, such as to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables every day or exercise daily, makes reducing or eliminating depression an added benefit to your primary goal, which may be losing twenty pounds. This brings us to the next benefit: your health.

Of Inc.com’s ten top New Year’s resolutions of 2019, five dealt with improving our health. So while we may not always follow through on those resolutions, they are certainly on our minds. In fact, out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 71 percent of them wanted to eat healthier in the coming year. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed planned to exercise more, and over half (54 percent) hoped to lose weight. Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, making conscious goals about lifestyle changes will have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Staying engaged in life as you age is essential for your health,” say experts at Harvard Health . “Goals should revolve around a purpose in your life: What matters to you now? What is important?” Once again, setting up a SMART goal will help connect your goals with a meaningful outcome within a specified amount of time. And when it comes to goals about your health, the end result feels great.

Let’s consider for a moment what the process of setting goals is doing. According to research by goal-setting theorists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, goals not only affect behavior and work performance, but they also ignite a desire to put forth a higher and more persistent effort. And because with every action there’s a reaction, people around you are impacted by your efforts.

For example, if your goals are to be more productive and efficient at work and to manage your time better, you’ll likely return home sooner. Depending on what goals you’ve made regarding your habits at home, your family will benefit from the time you are able to spend with them. Perhaps you’ve made a goal to be more patient or a better listener. Those efforts impact others.

You will likely see similar positive effects if you have a goal to volunteer in your child’s school every month or plant a vegetable garden and share your harvest with neighbors. And as the cycle of goal-setting continues, you’ll be motivated to set more goals because of the positive feedback you receive from those who’ve benefited from your efforts. See? Win-win.

Don’t let the bad publicity surrounding resolutions fool you. Setting goals is a good thing. Nothing else is more effective and empowering than setting goals that improve your health, quality of life, focus, and contributions to the things you care about most. So let’s hear it for the new year and make it a goal to ensure it’s the best one ever.