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Are you ready to move into someplace that is new and spectacular? With so many options out there, you may be wondering which way to turn. Let’s check out a few of the reasons why it just makes sense to rent a Chicago, IL apartment home.
Amenities Galore
When you live in an apartment community, you have access to a large array of amenities that you wouldn’t likely have if you decided to buy a home. These may include a swimming pool, a gym, common areas, and even a concierge service.
Wallet-Friendly
When you own a home, you spend a lot more on utilities, such as heating and cooling costs, than when you are living in an apartment. The number one benefit of living in an apartment is the positive financial aspect of renting itself. This is because paying rent is usually cheaper than paying a mortgage.
Less Maintenance
As you know, when you own a house, you are responsible for fixing an appliance if it breaks, and taking care of any maintenance issues that may arise. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment you don’t have to worry about this. The responsibility generally falls on the landlord/owner of the apartment. This is a financial blessing, as well as just one less thing you have to worry about getting done. It is all about having peace of mind when you are renting an apartment.
A Sense of Community
Many people who live in a community appreciate the fact that they are in close proximity to other people that they can get to know, should they choose to. Many apartment communities have a sense of unity between their residents, which translates into a sense of pride for those who are lucky enough to live there.
Enhanced Security
Although some homeowners invest in security systems, the finest apartment communities are equipped with higher safety and security measures. Some have gated entry, 24-hour door attendants and security cameras throughout, for example.
Now that you know why it makes sense to live in one of our fantastic, new Chicago apartments, look no further. We are ready to help you settle into your new dream home that is just right for you.
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If you're like many residents of apartments in Chicago, IL, you look forward to the month of August every year because that's when ripe watermelons begin showing up the supermarkets. Few things taste better than a fresh slice of cool watermelon on a hot summer day. However, there are many delicious ways to enjoy fresh watermelon, so if you'd like something besides a traditional slice every now and then, consider the following three options.
Watermelon Sorbet
This one's much easier to prepare than it sounds. You won't need an ice cream maker — you can make this right in the freezing compartment of the refrigeration unit in your apartment. Just bring agave nectar, lime or lemon juice, crushed mint leaves, and sugar to a boil in a saucepan on the stove. After the mixture has cooled, stir in pureed watermelon, pour the mixture into a shallow baking pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Spoon the mixture into sorbet cups and freeze for a minimum of three hours. This makes a great grand finale to a cool summer salad when outdoor temperatures are soaring.
Watermelon Fruit Bowls
Watermelon fruit bowls make charming accents for casual summer parties, particularly if you use mini-watermelons. Simply hollow them out and fill them with the fruit of your choice, such as berries, grapes, peaches and, of course, watermelon chunks. You can also fill them with fruit juice or cocktails for a variation of this idea.
Watermelon Salsa
Traditional tomato-based salsa is a staple of summer snacks, but if you're in the mood for something different, consider making watermelon salsa instead. All you really need to do is replace the tomato in your favorite salsa recipe with watermelon pieces chopped up with onions, peppers and lime juice. If you want to give it an extra burst of summer flavor, add items such as pomegranate arils and fresh herbs.
We've got stunning city views, on-site restaurants, barbeque, and picnic areas and a 37,000 square foot fitness center. Please don't hesitate to contact us today to find out more about enjoying life in the Windy City.
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A morning smoothie that includes superfoods is a great way to energize your day. We hope our Presidential Towers community members in Chicago, Illinois, like these recipes!
Goji Berry Smoothie With Strawberries
The Goji berry packs an impressive antioxidant punch and it’s also full of essential minerals. A single cup of strawberries can deliver an upwards of 149 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. The pairing provides powerful health benefits that include battling diseases by giving your natural immune system the resources it requires.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons of dried Goji berries
1 cup of ripe strawberries
2 teaspoons of local honey
2 cups of almond milk (non-flavored)
Ice
Place the dry Goji berries in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water and let soak for 20 minutes. Once soft, place all of the ingredients in a blender and liquify.
Tropical Kale Super Smoothie
Kale ranks among the big names in superfoods. It delivers high concentrations of vitamin K, calcium, antioxidants, and even fiber. But a kale smoothie alone can be a tad bland. That’s why mixing kale with delightful tropical fruits filled with vitamin C can be a winning combination.
Ingredients
2 cups of stemless, chopped kale leaves
¾ cup of whole milk
1 frozen banana
¼ cup of plain yogurt
¼ cup of frozen pineapple cubes
3 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons of local honey
Ice
Simply place the ingredients into a blender with a suitable amount of ice and combine until liquified.
Blueberry Smoothie with Flax Enhancement
Blueberries are considered among the best heart-healthy superfoods you can eat. Their fame is due to the quantities of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, among others. While a blueberry smoothie would undoubtedly qualify as a superfood recipe on its own, adding flax enhances the cardiovascular benefits. Some resources claim it helps prevent cancer and other ailments.
Ingredients
1 cup of frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed
½ cup of fresh spinach
¼ cup of plain yogurt
1 cup of coconut milk
Ice
Place all of the ingredients in a blender with an adequate amount of ice. Mix until liquified and pour into a large glass.
We hope our Presidential Towers community members enjoy these smoothie recipes. If you or a friend would like more information about our Chicago apartments, call us today!
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With the warm weather in full swing, it’s time to throw an outdoor party. We hope our Presidential Towers community members in Chicago, Illinois, find these party tips helpful!
Inviting Your Guests
The key to any memorable gathering is intimate conversation and laughs. You won’t get either of those things by filling your guest list will people from the same walk of life. For instance, if half the attendees work in the same field or share a hobby, the conversation is likely to be dominated by work or that interest. Bringing people together with diverse interests and backgrounds can make the party conversation unique and memorable.
Pre-Party Preparation
When the weather is warm, the mosquitos and biting insects run rampant. Don’t let them ruin an otherwise wonderful afternoon or evening event. There are several safe products on the market that you can prep the area in advance. There are also new gadgets out that repel mosquitos within 15 or so feet.
Beyond devices and chemical products, consider employing natural repellents such as citronella, lemongrass, or peppermint, among others. The point is to take pre-party measures to thwart biting fly attacks.
KISS-Themed Party
This doesn’t mean setting up a smooching table or adorn platform shoes and fierce rock ‘n’ roll heavy metal makeup. Instead, KISS is the acronym for Keep It Simple Silly. So, keep your party simple.
Consider hosting a potluck party that encourages people to bring their signature dish. This strategy gets party-goers invested in the gathering. It also generates food talk and recipe sharing, which are always welcome. Perhaps the one trick to a KISS potluck party is to set parameters. Think about setting up a Facebook group where people can post what they are bringing. This tends to reduce the amount of duplication.
Music Mood Matters
Creating the perfect ambiance may be the single issue that trips up party hosts. One way to avoid this problem is to utilize themed musical stations on Pandora, Spotify, SIRIUS radio and others. You may want to work with an age demographic such as ’90s music or some other common thread. The point is to keep mood music accessible to guests and remember to keep the volume low.
We hope our Presidential Towers community members enjoy these party tips. If you or a friend would like more information about our Chicago apartments, call us today!
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Summertime means it’s the perfect time to gather your friends and family and have a delicious barbecue. Keep reading to learn 3 tips on how to make your next barbecue perfect.
Food
When thinking of food ideas for your barbecue, be sure to include veggie options along with traditional food items like hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken. Giving people options to choose from will make them comfortable. It’s also important to have common snacks like chips, beans, fruit, and veggies to keep everyone happy and satisfied.
Refreshments
Noting is more welcoming on a warm day than a cool beverage. We recommend utilizing large coolers to keep everything cold. Up to an hour before the barbecue starts, be sure to put soda or alcoholic choices on ice. This will ensure everything is frosty cold for when your guests arrive.
Games
Whether they're your traditional lawn games, like corn hole, or a pick-up game of basketball or football, getting your guests active and engaged will leave room for you to finish with grilling and hosting. Offer a variety of games and areas for seating so that your guests can take a rest if they're hot. By the time the food's ready, they'll be hungry and happy!
If you're looking for a great place to host your next summertime barbecue, then Presidential Towers has the ideal Chicago, IL apartments for you. With a convenient picnic and barbecue area, hosting your next get-together is easy! Come visit us today to see our exciting floor plans!
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If you’re short on time, consider making these simple breakfast ideas before heading out the door.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salads aren’t just a summer side dish at barbecues and picnics. Get your morning off to a great start with a breakfast fruit salad. Just make plain instant oatmeal, and set it to the side. Add sliced pieces of strawberries, peaches, bananas and any seasonal fruits you like to the oatmeal. Drizzle lemon juice on it, then add a mixture of plain, low-fat yogurt and orange juice as a coating for your breakfast fruit salad.
Raspberry Green Summer Breakfast Smoothie
If you need to make breakfast to take with you when you leave or when you don’t have time to cook breakfast, consider making a smoothie that’s perfect for summer. Get out your blender, and combine chopped peaches, frozen bananas, chopped kiwi, lemon juice, mint, spinach, and milk. Mashup raspberries in a small bowl, and add low-fat maple syrup. You can add passion fruit to the raspberry sauce for added flavor. Put your smoothie in a tall cup to go, and add the raspberry sauce to it.
Breakfast Tacos
If you’re in the mood for eggs, consider making breakfast tacos. All you have to do is make scrambled eggs, then add them to flour or corn tortillas with a few other ingredients. Put sliced avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced green onion and low-fat shredded cheese on the tortilla with the eggs. Then top it with your favorite salsa!
Blueberry Mug Pancakes
Put your microwave to use for a quick and filling breakfast. You can use pre-made pancake mix to save time or combine flour, milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, an egg and baking soda in a microwave-safe mug. Add blueberries to the mug, then microwave this for about one minute. Put a bit more maple syrup on top for added flavor.
Our apartments in Chicago, Illinois, have renovated kitchens with plenty of space for preparing breakfast. Contact us to learn more about our apartment amenities!
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Having a breakfast bar in your Chicago, IL apartment is most definitely a nice touch for life at home, but this one nifty kitchen feature can be a lot of help when you are entertaining guests. Higher than counters and just the right height to be deemed a bar, there are several ways you can use this implement during parties and events at home.
Getting the Most out of the Breakfast Bar in Your Chicago Apartment
Breakfast bars are a popular feature in a modern kitchen, and it is for good reason. Check out three ways to use your breakfast bar for entertaining.
Host a Bagel Bar Brunch
Pick up a few types of fresh bagels, and set up bowls for all the yummy toppings people could want. Get out the toaster oven and set it up for those who want more savory bagel toppings, such as sausage crumbles and cheese.
Open a Bar at Your Holiday Party
There are few things as much fun as setting up a bar where guests can walk up and order the drinks that they want at a holiday party. Create a makeshift menu out of a small chalkboard propped up on the breakfast bar. A short list of mixed drinks, white and red wines, and beer will suffice, and it doesn't take a certified bartender to serve up drinks as people order them. Don't forget napkins, some bowls of mixed nuts, and maybe some olives set out for guests to grab as they need them.
Have a Taco Night at Home
You can set up a buffet-style taco night right in your apartment. Prepare your meats, whether it is shredded chicken or ground beef, in a small crock pot set to warm on the bar. Set up bowls or trays of all the toppings. Guests can fix up their favorite tacos right at the bar.
Overall, having a breakfast bar means you have the ideal entertaining fixture in your kitchen. Schedule a tour today!
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It’s actually a real joy to do laundry in your Chicago apartments, especially when you know how to best care for your clothes. Here’s an overview of what those laundry care labels really mean!
Wash by Hand
The wash by hand label actually means that the item shouldn’t be agitated, such as the motion that you would get in a washing machine. The wash by hand laundry label indicates that the item should be soaked in a cleaning agent and then squeezed so that the dirt can be released from the fibers. The item can then either be laid flat to dry or placed inside of a dryer, depending on if there are any particular drying instructions.
Machine-Wash
This laundry label means that you can safely launder it in a regular washing machine. The agitation of the washing machine won’t damage the item. The only thing that you need to pay attention to is if there is a label indicating how hot or cold the water should be. Otherwise, you can assume that hot water is fine to use.
Tumble Dry
The tumble dry laundry label is the most confusing. If no mention of temperature is on the label, then you can assume that the dryer can be run at a hot temperature or warm temperature or no heat. However, if there is a temperature noted on the laundry label, then you have to make sure that the dryer doesn’t go above that temperature.
Dry Clean Only
If you have clothes that state dry clean only on the laundry label, this means that you’ll need to bring them to a commercial dry cleaner; cleaning at home might damage the fabric. Even if you have a small stain on the item, it is safest to bring it to a professional dry cleaner. Otherwise, you might cause irreparable damage to the fabric.
Always pay close attention to laundry care labels, both when you buy garments and when you go to wash them. If you would like to tour the laundry facilities and more in our Chicago, IL Apartments, please contact us!
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Are you having an overnight guest in your Chicago apartments? Being thoughtful about making up a bedroom for friends or family to stay over ensures they feel welcome in your apartment home. Here are some ideas to consider!
Prepare in Advance
A few days in advance, begin to prepare the room to make sure it is ready for your company's arrival. You should vacuum the carpet or floor, making sure to vacuum under the bed and under the bedroom furniture. Change or launder the sheets and covers of the bed, too.
Keep Convenience in Mind
Keep convenience for the guest in mind. Make sure your guest has easy access to the bathroom, with clean towels and washcloths available. If it makes sense, place a mini-flashlight on the nightstand so your guest can find their way easily. Stop in at a local store and pick up some mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and soap, as well as toothpaste and a toothbrush for your guest to use. Place the items in a pretty basket on the bedroom nightstand for your guests to find.
Offer Slippers
Light slippers are very affordable, and they make a nice touch for an overnight guest. Buy a pair and place them at the foot of the bed as a welcome gift for your overnight guest to use and keep.
Decorate
Decorate the room with either fresh or dried flowers. Be sure to find out whether your guest has allergies before putting fresh flowers in the room. Another option would be to add a pretty potted plant in the room just to give it that added fresh look.
Add Scent
Finally, just a few hours before your guest retires for the evening, spray a scented aroma in the bedroom and on the sheets. This will make the room even more welcoming.
Making people feel at home is an important part of hosting an overnight guest. For a personal tour of the bedrooms in Chicago apartments, please contact us!
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