How To Survive The Heatwaves In Your Union City Apartment

apartment interior

The summer months are well underway and have brought with them a heatwave! It can be challenging to deal with the summer heat, but when living at The Union Flats, there are plenty of options available.

Enjoy Our Outdoor Amenities
Getting outside is a wonderful way to feel refreshed during a heatwave. There is no shortage of choices at The Union Flats. You could dive into the sparkling pool to cool down from the summer heat. Alternatively, you could spend time at the indoor/outdoor club lounge, dipping between cool air conditioning and the fresh air. As the sun sets and the temperature falls, you may wish to get to know the neighbors at the outdoor fireside lounge.

Rental-Friendly Ways to Cool Down Your Home
Setting up the home for the summer months is really Apartment 101! You could install blackout curtains to keep the stream of sunlight out of your home, preventing the space from overheating. Alternatively, you could turn to the plethora of high-tech options that are available. For example, you could purchase a flex power fan that will blow cool air into the room. These utilities make apartment living in the hot weather into the peaceful experience that you deserve!

Local Attractions That Will Help You Keep Cool
The Union Flats are in an excellent location, which is particularly important when combating the heatwave. Take the 11-minute drive to the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area to swim in the glistening lake, catch the breeze by going out on a boat, or simply explore the wildlife and natural world. If you prefer the indoors, drive for 9 minutes to visit the Union Landing Shopping Center. Escape the summer heat, and spend the day shopping under the cool shelter of the mall.

Although the summer heat is difficult to manage, living at The Union Flats gives you many options to keep cool. The tips in this blog will help you to take steps towards feeling comfortable and refreshed during the summer heatwave!

THE UNION FLATS

Community Exterior

Apartment 101
THE UNION FLATS in Oaklands, CA, provides an excellent option for tenants looking for the ultimate summer fun and experience. The apartment features views of downtown Oakland and San Francisco that guarantee an exceptional experience.

Enjoy Everything Our City Has to Offer
Tenants who are shopping enthusiasts can visit the numerous shopping sites. These include Sprouts Farmers’ Market, Whole Foods, and Stoneridge Shopping Center, to refill supplies. Renters wishing to pursue education can register at various schools within the vicinity. Greenleaf Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Middle School, and the Chabot College are nearby. The apartments are strategically located near the BART station, shuttle, and bus stations, making it easier for dwellers to access their places of work in Silicon Valley as well as entertainment joints without having to endure long and cumbersome journeys.

Family-Friendly Weekend Ideas
Multiple recreational parks such as Coyote Regional Park and Lake Elizabeth – Central Park exist where individuals and families can visit for unmatched family outings, experiences, and fun. Additionally, tenants can visit pizza joints and restaurants, including The Counter Burgers and Tasty Pot, within the apartments’ proximity. The apartments have a courtyard that kids can utilize for sports and entertainment.

Hosting At Your Apartment
Tenants who wish to have guests can invite them to the resort-inspired pool and spa for the ultimate relaxation experience during the summer heat. Tenants and guests can also lounge at the indoor or outdoor clubhouse and lounge area as they count the stars or gather their thoughts while roasting marshmallows. You can also host your friends and relatives at the pool with a sundeck and utilize the grill.

Clients seeking alternative summer apartment living solutions can reach out to THE UNION FLATS for an unforgettable experience. The apartments are furnished and fitted with all necessary amenities to ensure your experience is top-notch.

Ways to Improve Your Sleep at Your Union Flats Apartments

Getting a good night’s sleep is an important part of health and wellness. These days it seems harder than ever to get the rest we need. Apartment living, work stress, relationships, and, of course, COVID-19 have made it more difficult than ever to have high-quality, deep, and restorative sleep. The good news is that at your Union Flats, there are products and tips that make it easy to sleep like a pro.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep in Your Union Flats Apartment

Many things contribute to making an apartment the ideal place to find great sleep. Open floor plans, spacious bedrooms, and comfortable surroundings can help you unwind and relax. The Avenue’s pet-friendly policy can help you snuggle up with a favorite furry pet to help you relax and sleep well. The fitness center can help you release your stress. The modern kitchen can help you feel relaxed and healthy in your food planning needs. 

Look at The Union Flats amenities page for more information. Enjoy relaxing at the pool or getting some laps in to help tire you out. Knowing that there is ample parking so it’s less stressful when you get home is also helpful. Find ways to relax by reading a book in your apartment or drinking a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Tips Before Going to Bed

Restful sleep impacts health and wellbeing. Poor sleep is linked to higher body weight, reduced concentration, and unhappiness. A good night’s sleep promotes the immune system, better moods, and a stronger heart.  Here are some key tips you should try before going to bed:

  • Try to reduce long naps during the day
  • Try to wake up at the save time every day
  • Try a natural melatonin supplement

Products for a Restful Sleep

If you have trouble finding that perfect sleep, don’t worry there are some great products that can help. Sleep could be dependent on your mattress. Today, there are a wide variety of styles of mattress and it’s important to find the right style for you. There are natural sleep aids like melatonin, which can help you make you drowsy and sleep deeper. The ambient noise from the fan can also help you relax. If you need to pick up these products, then you can typically find them online or at a local store. Some of the local stores can be found at Hollywood & Highland and the Melrose Ave Shopping District. 

Sleep is important to your health and the quality of sleep can really impact your overall wellness. Choosing the right apartment can help you find a lifestyle that makes finding higher quality sleep easier. There are some easy tips that you can do to fall asleep easier every night, and there are some great products that can help. Enjoy counting those sheep!

 

Peace and Relaxation at The Union Flats Apartments

Peace and relaxation are more important than ever this spring. All of us have been affected by a year of uncertainty that has put more strain on mental health and happiness than ever before. Wellness starts at home and here are some can’t miss ways that you can bring more peace and relaxation into your life. Peace and relaxation can be an important part of your well-being in The Union Flats Apartments.

How to Rearrange Your Furniture for a Better Flow of Energy (Feng Shui)

Your home should capture and keep positive energy in your home. This should be a place you want to be, a place that lets you relax, recharge, and live your best life. It all starts with maintaining a balance in your environment.

Because so many of us are working from home more than ever that means balancing your home as a place to live and as a place to work. Starting with the front door, make sure that you position lights or plants on either side of your door to attract success (evergreen shrubs are a great choice).

Hallways are conduits for energy, so they can’t be disrupted. Make sure they are free of clutter (like coats hung in closets with nothing left on the floor). Place your sofa against a wall and use mirrors to feature your living spaces to accelerate positive energy.

Pets for Mental Health

The mental health benefits of living with a pet are well known. But why kind of pet and why? Well, different animals can provide different kinds of emotional support. Cats are fantastic mental health support animals. They are usually silent, and they can be kept indoors. A cat doesn’t need a lot of space, keep themselves clean, and generally don’t take a lot of work.

If you have a cat, make sure you set time aside every day to play with them and keep them stimulated. They are great companions and highly adaptable to change as your life will be changing as well. Rabbits are a great choice as well. A rabbit is quieter than a cat and use up even less living space. Bunny rabbits are a bit messier and take a little more care than cats do. Unlike a cat, rabbits usually need a cage, which must be kept clean. Rabbits are especially good at helping with anxiety as they tend to be calm and quiet.

Products for Relaxation

Relaxation is a must for a happier, healthier life. There are some great products that can help turn any apartment into a relaxing haven for you to recharge every day. Plants make any space happier, and they will help turn your apartment into a living, breathing space. Books are a great way to help you feel at home and unwind after a long day and research suggests that reading is truly therapeutic.

Crawling into bed should be a great way to unplug from your stress and using soft bedsheets is a great way to make that memorable for you. Choose sheets that feel the best and most comfortable for you. Candles in your home can also help you relax. Your sense of smell has a big impact on your stress level, and there are some fantastic stress-reducing aroma candles that can make a big difference.

Apartment Features or Amenities That Help Create a Zen Home

When you are looking for an apartment, there are features that will help you create a relaxing Zen home. First, of course, is size and layout. Does the apartment fit your needs and lifestyle? If yours is cramped or living becomes awkward, it’s hard to relax.

But what do you look for beyond that? Certainly, it’s important to keep your home clutter-free, so make sure your closet space and storage are up to the task. Finally, a patio or balcony can help you bring some outdoor living into your apartment. 

The Union Flats has fantastic amenities including:

  • RESORT-INSPIRED POOL & SPA
  • PARCEL PENDING™ RECEIVING SERVICE
  • GREEN ROOF
  • STORAGE INCLUDED
  • BART ACROSS THE WAY
  • RESERVED PARKING
  • PAW SPA
  • BIKE STORAGE INCLUDED
  • OUTDOOR FIRESIDE LOUNGE
  • INDOOR/OUTDOOR CLUB LOUNGE
  • EV CHARGING STATION
  • FULLY-EQUIPPED FITNESS CENTER

Check out The Union Flats’ amenities page for more information.

This spring you can bring even more peace and relaxation into your home than ever before. It starts with organizing your home to capture and amplify positive energy. There are great products that can help you turn your home into a relaxing sanctuary. There are amenities that can help you live your best life in your next apartment. Make this spring all about achieving new levels of peace and relaxation at home.

 

Spring Cleaning in Eco-Friendly Ways

Wellness has never been more important than it is today. Living in a tidy and organized home can have a major impact on your emotional and physical health. We have all spent 2020 cooped up at home and many of us have probably let things slip. Let’s make 2021 a fresh start with a great spring cleaning in your The Union Flats Apartments.

The Mental Health Benefits of a Clean Home

There are clear and measurable mental health benefits of a clean home. A clean home relieves stress. Recent studies have shown that people who regularly spend time cleaning their homes are more relaxed and happier than people that don’t. Clean homes boost productivity. Experts agree that keeping your home organized with everything in its place has a significant impact on personal productivity. Clean homes can help you stay active. Studies show that people who spend time cleaning their homes exercise more often than people that don’t.

Ways to Go Green with Your Cleaning Process

Most of us want a clean home without contributing unnecessarily to climate change, so it’s very important that we follow green practices during our spring cleaning. The good news is that there are several easy tips you can follow to do just that. First, since many products are not safe for kids or pets, make sure you are using basic safety when storing and handling cleaning products. With that out of the way, it’s important to target green cleaning products. Baking soda is great as a gritty base for scrubbing. Vinegar is great as a disinfectant and for loosening dirt. Lemon juice is also a powerful disinfectant and it’s excellent with grease. As a pro tip, you can use all three together. Adding lemon or vinegar activates baking soda with a mild acid to really improve its cleaning power.

Local Stores for Cleaning Material or Cleaning Services for Hire

Things are starting to open up in Oakland in 2021! Target and Walmart are chock full of great cleaning materials. Need a hand with your spring cleaning? Check out Berry Cleaning and their 5 Star Reviews. They are a solid local cleaning service.

Spring 2021 is going to be all about a fresh start, which starts with a clean home. Having a clean home will really help with your mental and emotional health. This year, you can have one without hurting the environment and visiting your local stores will help them get off to a strong start, too. Have a great time making that clean, orderly, and organized house a reality this year!

Tips and Tricks to Stay Warm and Cozy in The Union Flats Apartments

Winter can be difficult. However, with a little planning and preparation, you can make winter 2021 the best winter ever!  The weather can be tough, it can be hard to stay warm, and the features of your apartment can make a real difference. Here are some tips and tricks to stay warm and cozy in The Union Flats Apartments.

Winter Weather in Oakland

Winter 2021 is expected to be mostly mild for much of the United States. This winter you can expect highs at about 59 degrees Fahrenheit and lows at about 44 degrees Fahrenheit. There may be about 24 inches of rain during the year. This year, it is likely to be wetter than in the past. 

Winter weather can be harsh on the body, inside and out. Make sure to stay hydrated as your skin and your body tend to be dryer in cold weather exacerbated by the use of a heater. Drinking plenty of water will help and if your skin gets dry, then use lotion regularly to help keep your skin hydrated, too.

Great Ways to Stay Warm

When it does get cold, you can stay warm without having to turn up the heat. Your parents were right, so make sure to dress in layers. It’s easy to add a cute sweater or jacket over a long sleeve top and an under shirt. Wearing thick socks or slippers around the house will help keep you comfy. A great cup of soup will fill you up and warm you up. A hot cup of coffee or cocoa will also help you to keep warm. A lot of us suffer from dry air, so consider using a humidifier when you do feel the need to turn on the heater. 

Apartment Features for Comfort

Where you live can really have an impact on how you live. This winter your apartment can keep you safe, warm, and comfortable. The Union Flats has some stand-out features like the fitness center to warm you up and keep you healthy. If you prefer to stay in your apartment, snuggle up with a favorite pet. Visit the spa to soak some aching muscles or warm you up. If you like hanging with friends, then enjoy the fireside lounge. Check out The Union Flats’ amenities page for more information. It’s the perfect place for you this winter.

We all know 2020 was a tough year and we are looking forward to a great 2021. This winter can be your best winter ever. You can make the most of it by preparing for the weather, planning to stay warm, and picking the right apartment. Make this your best winter ever!   

New Year, New Possibilities

It’s time to say goodbye to 2020 and say hello to 2021! With some planning, a little work, and a great attitude this can be your best year ever. Check out these can’t miss ideas to make the most out of 2021. This is a new year with new possibilities at the Union Flats Apartments.

Personal Goals to Set for the Year

Every year we tend to focus on what we can do better and that certainly is true for 2021. The New Year is a time for goal setting, for doing new things, and for making sure we improve the important things. Here are some of our favorite goals for 2021. First, learn a new skill, what could be better than investing in yourself? Money is always a challenge, so be sure to create a monthly budget.

Perhaps it’s time to stop streaming shows and movies and start reading more, so try to read 12 new books this year. Start the day off right by creating and sticking to a new morning routine. Many of us probably picked up some bad habits in 2020, so be sure to eliminate one.

We have all been separated by COVID-19, so be sure to spend less time online and more time reconnecting to friends and family. For the adventurers, travel to a new place and start a travel journal. No matter what you choose, make sure to focus on a goal that makes this version of you the best version ever! For many of us, celebrating the holidays this year will probably have to be done at home.

Apartment/Home Goals 

There are so many ways to get your apartment ready for the New Year. We all know it’s important to make a good first impression and this year that’s truer than ever. Time to throw out the old and bring in the new. Get rid of the clutter and organize your workspaces. Since you may still be working at home or your children may still be attending school from home, then it’s time to reorganize the areas around your home to help with productivity.

Organizing your living spaces and workspaces can help you to destress and we could all definitely use less stress in the new year. Take the time to clean out what you no longer use and keep only what you need. Less is more in 2021. You don’t need the stress from clutter and disorganization. Get rid of what you don’t need and keep your life and living areas simple. A clean and organized home can help you stay healthy, make it easier to clean, and help you to find what you need when you need it.

2021 Apartment Décor Trends

With a new year, you may want to redecorate your apartment. Start with a theme. 2021 will be all about a basic modern style driven by a return to minimalism. Next, make sure the new year is bright with maximized light in your living space. 2021 will see a dominance of lighter woods combined with darker color accents. Make sure to choose design elements that elevate your own style whether that’s casual, formal, elegant, or even rustic. 

A new year probably means some great new shopping. Although most shopping will likely be done online this year, you will have more options than ever. Sometimes you need to actually get out and look for yourself. Plus, most of the malls will be sure to have some new and fun things to do. If you need to pick up new decorations or gear for your great new habits, visit Bay Street in Emeryville or Fruitvale Village. They are open and sure to help you make 2021 your best year ever.

Celebrate the Holidays in 2020

The holiday season is going to be fantastic in 2020, if a little different. Sure, it’s 2020, so we need to social distance and wear masks to help us stay safe, but we can still have a healthy dose of holiday cheer. Check out these can’t miss ideas to make the holiday season a hit in 2020. Celebrate the holidays at The Union Flats.

How to Decorate Your Apartment for the Holidays

There are so many ways to get your apartment ready for holidays. We all know it’s important to make a good first impression. Most of us will keep party goers at a safe distance this year. Start with a theme. First, choose a color to get everyone in the mood for the holiday season. While red and green are some favorite traditional colors, other festive colors include gold and silver. This year, bright colors like purple, teal, white, and blue are also going to be very popular. Next, add in some holiday icons like snowmen, snowflakes, elves, or stars. Finally, keep in mind the atmosphere you have in mind. Make sure to choose minimalistic elements for your casual, formal, elegant, or even rustic themes. Make sure that you don’t forget the lights! 

How to get into the Holiday Spirit

For many of us, celebrating the holidays this year will probably have to be done at home. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit at home. Start setting the mood by baking or joining a cookie exchange. Make sure to have some seasonal comforts around your apartment like apple cider or hot chocolate. Music is a great way to get into any mood, so play some holiday favorites (Alexa and Apple both have fantastic holiday playlists). Gather with your family, in a safe way of course, to watch favorite movies or TV shows. And, as always, the best way to get into the spirit is to give back. Sadly, we all know that this year has more need than ever. 

Holiday Events Near Your Apartment

What is the season without shopping? Most shopping will be done online this year and you have more options than ever. Sometimes, you need to actually get out and look for yourself. Plus, most of the malls will be sure to have some safe and fun things to do. If you need to find that last minute gift, pick up wine or a dessert for a dinner party. Need to get out? Visit Bay Street in Emeryville or Fruitvale Village, which are open and can provide some holiday cheer.

Social distancing will definitely make the holiday season different this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and safe for everyone. Curbside and at-home delivery make it easier than ever to get the decorations, supplies, food, or gifts that you need to make the season a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with some seasonal inspiring at-home celebration ideas. Celebrate the holidays at home. 

Thanksgiving Fun at Union Flats

We know Thanksgiving in Oakland will be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make it great. Sure it’s 2020, so we must social distance to stay safe, but we can still celebrate. Check out these can’t miss ideas to make Thanksgiving 2020 better than ever at Union Flats. 

Cooking Tips and Recipes

This year make sure your Thanksgiving feast gives your family and close friends something to be thankful for with these tips and recipes. Let’s face it. Thanksgiving is about the turkey, so make sure yours is moist and delicious.

Start by brining the bird. Combine 1 ½ gallons and 2 ½ cups of salt in a large container. Place the fresh or thawed Turkey (to thaw in the fridge – allow 24 hours per 4 pounds of the bird) inside and brine overnight (up to 24 hours). 

Rinse the Turkey off and pat dry before roasting. Season with pepper, salt, garlic, and a little citrus (place cut lemons inside the cavity). If you want that golden color, then baste with a light layer of butter (this can be repeated every couple of hours). Roast for roughly 15 minutes per pound and use an instant read thermometer to pull it out of the oven at 165 degrees. Cover the bird with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Arts and Crafts

While the turkey is being prepped, it’s time for some fun. We all know it’s going to be hard to get out and spend time with friends and family this Thanksgiving. It’s up to you to make sure that your arts and crafts help your guests celebrate the holiday. 

Start with a gratitude wreath for your door. Grab some colored construction paper and shape them into flat cones (we recommend gold and brown), glue on wheat stalks, attach the cones to a metal wreath base and paint with gold spray paint. 

This is the season to be thankful, so why not help the family with a gratitude calendar? Start with an empty picture frame and run 5 lines of twine vertically inside the frame (gluing them in place). Then, use construction paper (we cut ours into leaf shapes). Write a note every day of November about what you are thankful for. Pin the notes to the twine with clothespins, and you will have a great DIY piece that communicates the Thanksgiving spirit!

Online Black Friday Shopping in Oakland

This will be a Black Friday unlike any other. No more crazy lines or packed checkout stands. Instead, many local retailers are taking Black Friday online!  Luckily, many stores are open in Oakland and will deliver as well as provide curbside pickup. Check out Union Landing and the Marina Square Center. They are sure to have some great deals!

The local grocery stores are also open for your Thanksgiving needs. Deliveries are available from restaurants and markets. This is a great time to get your supplies online and orders delivered. 

Social distancing will definitely make Thanksgiving different this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun and safe holiday for everyone. Curbside and at-home delivery make it easier than ever to get the decorations, supplies, and food you will need to make Thanksgiving a hit and to make your Black Friday Shopping better than ever. Don’t be afraid to get creative with some inspiring at home crafting ideas.

Halloween in Oakland

Halloween is going to be fantastic in 2020, if a little different. Halloween is on a Saturday, there will be a full moon, and people want to celebrate. Sure it’s 2020, so we need to social distance, wear masks of a different sort to help us stay safe, but we can still have a spooky great time. Check out these can’t miss ideas to make Halloween 2020 a hit. Union Flats is the right place to celebrate. 

How to Decorate Your Apartment

There are so many ways to get your apartment ready for Halloween. We all know it’s important to make a good first impression and this year that’s even truer as most of us will keep trick-or-treaters at a safe distance. Set the stage. Carve creepy pumpkins with stencils and easily available templates. Decorate doors with cut-outs of ghosts, goblins, witches, and more. 

Make sure the neighbors can see some colorful creatures by combining monster cut-outs and contact paper on the windows. For the inside, fairy lights, felt spiders, and glow in the dark skeletons are always hit. It’s the little things that really set the mood. Try the mirror hidden message trick, get some scotch tape and spell out a scary message on your mirror, allow the tape to set and remove. Then run some hot water to reveal hidden messages to your guests.

How to Celebrate at Home

For many of us, celebrating Halloween this year will probably have to be done at home. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to raise goosebumps at home. Start by setting the mood with Halloween baking and some apple cider. Carving pumpkins is always a hit, so each person can get involved in making their ideas come to life.

What’s Halloween without costumes? Make sure to get everyone dressed up and set up a video conferencing call with friends and family so everyone can share the scares. Set up a baby monitor on the porch, so you can have fun interacting with trick-or-treaters. Treats can be in the form of an outdoor haunted house or a video performance through your windows instead of the typical eatable delights.

Movie marathons are great since you can choose movies appropriate to any age group or audience (from Goonies to Friday the 13th, there is something for everyone) and those can be shared from the comfort of your own apartment through a number of popular streaming services (Netflix Party, KAST, YouTube, Discord, Facebook, and more). 

Halloween Hotspots in Oakland and San Francisco

Luckily, stores are open in Oakland, so you can get what you need for Halloween. If you need costume, makeup, and decorations, there are Spirit Halloween stores in the surrounding areas nearby Oakland such as Emeryville and Berkeley.

For the 21 and older crowd, the San Francisco Pub Crawl is happening on October 30 at Mayes Oyster House. Tickets available through EventBrite for $9. Looking for a more intimate event, then the Blue Moon Halloween Sail will give the passengers views of the San Francisco skyline along with the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and even a glimpse of Alcatraz and Angel Islands. The tickets are steep on the sailings at $125 to start.

Social distancing will definitely make Halloween different this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun and safe holiday for everyone. Curbside and at-home delivery make it easier than ever to get the decorations, supplies, and costumes you need to make Halloween a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with some seasonal inspiring at-home celebration ideas.