#1: Hang New Curtains

If there’s one thing that can make a huge difference in an apartment, it's window coverings. While you want to continue to keep the basic blinds that came with your place for obvious reasons, hanging curtains is a great way to add a splash of color or a whimsical pattern to your room. Plus, blackout varieties are a great way to keep the inside of your space cooler during those hot summer afternoons.

#2: Create DIY Artwork

Got a lot of time on your hands and want to add a pop of color to your walls? Create your own artwork! Blank canvases and paints are readily available online for delivery right to your apartment door. And there are tons of videos on YouTube to show you how to try out different art techniques, even if you can barely draw a stick figure. This also makes a great project to get kids involved in.

#3: Frame Your Favorite Photos

It’s easy to get in a rut where all you do is take photos on your phone and post them to social media. Instead, consider printing and framing your favorite moments. Create a gallery wall in your living room or bedroom by grouping together frames that have similar characteristics, such as color or size. Not only is this a pretty amazing way to spruce up your space, but it can also literally bring you joy each time you look at it and relive your favorite moments in life.

Ready to make a new home in our Flagstaff apartments at Country Club Vista? Please contact us today to learn more about available floor plans and amenities.

The post 3 Ways to Restyle Your Walls This Summer appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Summer just requires delicious beverages. If you can make them healthy, all the better. These are some cool mocktail recipes we hope our Country Club Vista community members in Flagstaff, Arizona, will enjoy.

Virgin Blackberry-Lime Margarita

Let’s improve on the margarita with this splendid and healthy substitute.

Gather These Ingredients

• 6 cups of water
• 3 cups of fresh blackberries
• 1 cup of pure cane sugar
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• Orange wedges and fresh blackberries
• Fruity drink beverage umbrellas

How to Prepare

Place blackberries and 1 cup of water in a blender. Mix until they reach a smooth texture, and then pour through a fine strainer into a large pitcher. Stir in the other 5 cups of water with sugar and lime juice until granules have dissolved. Pour the mocktail over ice and garnish with orange wedges, fresh blackberries and a colorful cocktail umbrella. It is that simple!

Mock Cherry Mojitos

Mojitos are all the rage on cruise ships, all-inclusive resorts and trendy bars. This mocktail is a new take!

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 pound of frozen, pitted cherries
• 3 cups of crushed ice
• ½ cup of fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 3 limes (juiced)
• 2 oranges sliced into wedges
• Maraschino cherries
• Fruity drink beverage umbrellas

How to Prepare

Stir the water, sugar and lime juice in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches a full boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir for about five minutes. Remove from heat and let the lime juice syrup cool.

In a blender, mix the cherries, ice, mint and the lime juice syrup until smooth. Simply pour into glasses and garnish with orange wedges, maraschino cherries and a fun umbrella. 

We hope our Country Club Vista community members find these mocktail ideas helpful. If you or a friend would like more information about our Flagstaff apartments, call us today.

The post Try These Cool Summer Mocktails appeared first on Country Club Vista Apartments Blog.

Set up the Grill with a Hot Side and a Cooler Side

By setting up the grill with two different temperature zones, you'll be able to cook a wider variety of foods. Things that take a long time to get done, such as potatoes and corn on the cob, should go on the cooler side. Wrap these items in foil so the heat is held in and the insides bake.

The hot side is good for grilling fast-cooking foods like hamburgers, hot dogs and thinner steaks. It's also good for searing items that will then be moved to the cooler side to finish off.

Add New Spice to Old Favorites

One easy way to do this is to make your own spice rubs. Simply blend your favorite spices evenly in a small bowl. Put the mix into its own bottle to keep it fresh and simply sprinkle some onto the food. Another good twist is to mix barbecue sauce in with hamburger meat instead of just pouring it on top.

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer

These thermometers may not truly be instant, but they do produce an accurate reading within seconds. They have thin probes to stick into the meat, so you can tell the temperature without mauling the food. They're essential for avoiding food with either raw or burned insides. Your guests will also appreciate being able to get meat cooked the way they like it best.

With these tips, you're sure to have a great barbecue when you come out and use our gazebo. To learn more about our amenities, just stop by the leasing office.

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