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!   

Health and Fitness in The Union Flats Apartments

Fitness is vital to good health. But you may wonder how you can do this at home in the Union Flats Apartments. Help is on the way. You can build a solid at-home exercise and healthy eating plan. Working out and eating right helps more than your body. Fitness and healthy eating helps improve your mental health. Here are some great tips that are sure to keep boost your health and fitness this summer. 

How to Eat Healthy At-Home

Preparation is key to eating healthy at-home. Nothing will hurt your nutrition more than trying to decide what to eat when you are hungry. The good news is that it’s simple and easy to cook healthy meals right in your apartment.

First, decide on your nutritional plan. Many experts recommend a 40 protein/40 carbohydrate/20 fats macro-nutrient approach. Next, plan your meals. An easy tip is to use the size of your closed fist as a guide to the 40% portions. Each meal should have a protein (like chicken, fish, lean beef, or tofu), a carbohydrate, and a serving of healthy fats. Prepare three meals a day and a few healthy snacks, like yogurt or bananas, and you are all set.

Make sure you eat healthy snacks throughout the day because people tend to overeat when they get hungry.

Home Workouts 

The current health crisis has made working out a real challenge. Gyms are closed and most in-person classes are cancelled. The good news is that it’s easy to give yourself a challenging workout in your apartment using just your body weight and minimal equipment. Health and Fitness can be successful at home. 

Cardio and Strength-Based Workouts

Complete fitness takes both cardio and strength-based workouts, and both can easily be done at home without a gym. Walking is one of the most efficient cardio workouts around. Just pick a field, a park, or even the streets in your neighborhood and get ready for some interval walking. A good interval plan is three to one, so walk quickly for three minutes (you should be breathing hard) and then recover with a slower walk. Try to shoot for 10 intervals or a 40 minute walk. You should be burning about 10 calories per minute. You can burn 400 calories in that workout. If you do interval training, then you will also increase your resting heart rate for hours after the workout, giving you an even longer burn.

Strength-Training at Home

All you need for strength training at-home is your body weight. Start with an 8-minute warm up of calisthenics. Your warmup should be 8, one-minute long sets, of body weight exercises. During each set, work as fast as you can for 45 seconds, and rest for 15 seconds. Try this mix for a full-body workout: high knees, jumping jacks, front or rear lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, up-downs, and jump squats. Once you have mastered that, then grow your strength by adding to the routine. You can do that by extending the time for each set (first to a minute and a quarter, then to a minute and a half, etc.) or adding in sets. Do a little each week, and you should see the difference.

Yoga or Pilates

If you prefer a more relaxing workout, then you can do yoga or Pilates inside or outside your apartment. All you need is a towel or a yoga mat. There are many exercises you can do including planks to build your core, down dogs to strengthen your arms and legs, and sun salutations to improve your breathing and strengthen your body. Yoga workouts can burn 160-460 calories in an hour depending upon your weight and the level of activity you are doing.

Whatever form of exercise you choose, make sure you have a bottle of water and a towel to keep you hydrated and to wipe sweat.

Improve Your Mental Health

The current state of our nation’s health crisis has increased stress, isolation, and loneliness for just about everyone. Rest assured, there are things you can do at-home to improve your mental health. Consider taking a break from the news. Try setting some limits on the news, like a certain time of day or specific days of the week, and step away from all the negativity.

Schedules Help Keep You on Track

Set and follow a schedule. Schedules help establish some certainty. Although being stuck at home or working from home can make you lose track of time, a schedule will help you remember what you need to do and when to do it. Be sure to move every day and spend at least twenty minutes in the sun. Soaking in the sun and increasing your oxygen levels through exercise have proven mental health benefits.

Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

Make a point of keeping in touch with your friends and family. Social media is fine, but nothing beats a call or a video chat to catch up and stay connected. If you can see your friends and extended family with proper social distancing, then that can lift your mood and keep you all safe. Follow these tips and you are sure to flex your mental health muscles.

Gym closures, eating-in, and social distancing are serious challenges to physical and mental health. Luckily, you can stay fit with at-home exercise and healthy eating. With a little work you can be the best version of yourself this summer.

 

Ice Cream Union

Has anyone ever just had one scoop of ice cream? With something so delicious we feel it could be virtually impossible and who would torture themselves with just ONE SCOOP? Ice cream as amazing as it is, is also the noted hot commodity of the summer. When the air thickens and the temperatures rise we all scream ICE CREAM.  However, with so many types of ice cream it’s hard to just choose one. 

 

You may be wondering about the types of ice cream and which to try this summer. Initially, there was always just the standard scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry known as soft serve however ice cream has taken on more personality through the years. For a quick tutorial on the most common types visit the following link: Ice Cream Types. 

 

While you’re likely to find all these types and more at your local grocery store, there’s magic in making your own. You can DIY ice cream with just a few simple ingredients and plastic zip-up bags! Check out this recipe from Delish that walks through how to make at-home ice cream in minutes. If you’re dairy-free, you can replace dairy creamer with a vegan substitute. Once you’ve made your ice cream, dress it up with toppings of your choice! Try salted caramel sauce for a decadent pair to plain vanilla, or add a pop of color with edible flowers.

 

Ice cream prep may not be for all of us. So to those who would rather purchase than create, here a few options to try this summer to satisfy your ice cream craving. For classic flavors, you can head to Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone Creamery. If you’re looking for something a little different you can head to FroZone Gelato for a creamy Italian dessert or Sweet Mex for some frescas cream and savory Spanish flavorings. 

 

Stay cool this summer by enjoying a sweet treat of your liking. Be sure to grab a cup, bowl, or scoop of chilled sweet delight this July in honor of National Ice Cream Month.