Cook Up Something Delicious

One of our favorite parts of the Fourth of July is the delicious food! Whether you typically barbeque, go out to eat, or enjoy some street food, you can recreate the taste at home. We recommend starting with the Fourth of July essentials and putting your own festive spin on them. By this, we, of course, mean cooking up some hot dogs and hamburgers and making them more fun!
 

Make Everything Red, White, and Blue

You can't celebrate the Fourth of July without our flag's colors! Ensure that every aspect of your day is filled with these three colors. Sport an outfit that showcases your pride all day long. Find ways to spruce up your food and drinks as well. Make the most of that food coloring, or just add strawberries and blueberries for a fun, natural pop of patriotic pride. We even encourage you to change your phone lock screen for the day to ensure that you're reminded to celebrate the day every time you look at your phone. 

Turn on the TV

Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to watch fireworks and patriotic movies without leaving your front door. Many of our country's most elaborate fireworks shows can be streamed live to your TV so you can enjoy them from the comfort of your home. You can also find movies and shows about our country that will put you in the holiday spirit, such as Hamilton, Captain America, and National Treasure. 

We can't wait for the festivities to begin! Enjoy a holiday at home by cooking something delicious, making everything red, white, and blue, and turning on the tv. Tell us how you plan to celebrate The Fourth of July in the comments below.

The post Celebrating Fourth of July at Home appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. Stay home
   If attending a fireworks show isn’t something that appeals to you due to the crowds and parking challenges, your dog would probably prefer it. You can hold him, talk to him in a soothing voice and pet him to allay his fears. Remain calm and steady because most dogs are very in tune with your emotions. By petting him with long, firm strokes and speaking to him in a normal, soothing or even upbeat tone, you can give him cues that all is well.  

2. Hire a pet sitter
   Sometimes you just want to go out and join the fun. In this case, consider hiring someone who can stay with your dog while you’re gone, like a family friend or pet sitter. If you choose this option, it’s a good idea to have the sitter visit your dog a time or two and even stay with him before the actual event to help him acclimate to the person and feel comfortable when you’re not there.

3. Introduce pleasant alternate sounds
   Having white noise going in the background or playing calm music to create a pleasing soundscape can help counteract the loud bangs and explosions outside. You can also have the TV going just like any other evening, or play videos made just for dogs to entertain them and keep their minds off of strange noises happening around them.  

4. Employ distractions
   Just like with humans, sometimes having something to distract your pet can work wonders. You can do this in a fun variety of ways, including giving him toys that dispense treats, Kongs stuffed with food, rawhide chews and new playthings reserved just for this occasion.

5. Tire them out
   Taking your dog for an extra-long walk during the day can help encourage them to go to bed early and possibly sleep through the night.

6. Desensitize them to the noises
   Before the big day, try playing recordings or videos of fireworks to get them used to the sounds in a controlled way. Start at a low volume, gradually increasing it as the day progresses according to how they’re tolerating and adjusting to the crackles, bangs and whistles.

7. Talk to your vet about medications
   Most pet stores sell herbal calming treats that can help take the edge off during stressful situations. If your dog has severe anxiety issues, you can consult with your vet to see if she recommends either these commercially available treats or prescribed medication to get him through the night with minimal trauma.

8. Research other anti-stress options
   There are a variety of products on the market that may help you lower your dog’s stress levels. Some pet owners swear by lavender essential oils made just for dogs, while others use antianxiety clothing (brands include ThunderShirt, Anxiety Wrap, and Calm Coat) that, like swaddling for a baby, applies pressure to the dog’s torso, back and sides and can produce a calming effect. And finally, there’s an “antianxiety, smart dog-den” called ZenCrate, a high-dollar solution that plays music for your pup once it goes inside and dampens outside noise, light and vibrations.

9. Be proactive with security measures
   Despite whether you plan to go out or stay home on July 4, make sure you take extra precautions to keep your pet safe. If it’s not possible to keep him indoors all day, use a leash to prevent him from running off and make sure he’s wearing his tags. Ideally, he’ll also have a microchip that includes your up-to-date contact information. 

 
By using several of the techniques listed above, your dog will feel safe and happy not only on the fourth of July, but also during thunderstorms and other loud events throughout the year.
 
What’s your favorite way to keep your dog calm during stressful times? Share your ideas and experiences with other pet owners at #LifeatWeidner
 
Weidner Apartment Homes loves animals, and we happily offer pet-friendly communities to all of our residents.

The post 9 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy and Safe on the Fourth of July appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. Host your own party
   Rather than attending a huge public extravaganza, some people prefer a smaller event. If you want to host your own 4^th of July party, you can decorate with colors to match the American flag, have a potluck BBQ potluck, and throw in plenty of fun things to do such as:

    

   • Water activities include a kiddie pool, water balloons, a slip ‘n’ slide, squirt guns and sprinklers to run through.
   • Lawn games like badminton, corn hole, ring toss and horseshoes.
   • Fun items such as sidewalk chalk, hula-hoops, jump ropes and sports balls.
   • Home fireworks (check local regulations to make sure they’re permitted in your area) or, if visible, watch local fireworks shows from the comfort of your own home.

2. Backyard camping
   There’s something quite fun and memorable about pitching a tent and camping in your own backyard, balcony or patio. Set up camp with sleeping bags, coolers and flashlights. If it’s allowed in your vicinity, sit around a fire pit to roast hot dogs, make s’mores, tell campfire stories, and sing favorite songs together. Extra bonuses: the restroom is closed and if it rains you can run inside and sleep in your own bed.

3. Throw an art party
   Whether you love making crafts, painting, knitting, creating collages, sewing quilts, or any other form of art, this is a great time to invite like-minded friends and family to join you in your pursuit of creativity while you snack, laugh and share stories.  

4. Attend a parade
   Many towns and cities host an annual parade where attendees fall in at the end to follow the participants to a local park complete with food, vendor booths, art, contests and live music.  

5. Support the troops
   What better day is there to honor our soldiers who are serving overseas? Some people enjoy getting together on America's birthday to create art or care packages to send to loved ones or soldiers who don’t receive mail. These boxes can include items like thank you notes, letters, books, magazines, movies, music, puzzles, socks, toiletry items and treats such as savory snacks, candy, and home-baked goods.

6. Catch a ball game
   Whether it’s a Major League Baseball game or one where you can cheer for your favorite local team, watching America’s favorite pastime is a rich tradition in the US, complete with peanuts, Cracker Jacks and the seventh-inning stretch.

7. Savor some alone-time
   Many Americans are lucky enough to get the 4^th of July off from work, and some people prefer to avoid crowds and use the day to rest and recharge. Why not make it a special day just for you? You can enjoy traditional picnic food like hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, baked beans and apple pie, or treat yourself to your favorite meal. Additional ideas include sleeping in, reading, taking a relaxing bubble bath, watching a Netflix marathon, and even catching a televised fireworks display to top off the night.

8. Attend a fireworks show
   To find one near you, Google it, look in the local newspaper, watch for flyers, or ask friends, neighbors, your apartment community director or concierge where the best show will be held in your area. To ensure you maximize your enjoyment, consider these helpful tips:  

• Beat traffic – Since these community events are usually very well attended, you can expect heavy traffic, especially when leaving after the show. To avoid as much traffic as possible, try to park near the exit, have everything packed up by the time fireworks start, leave immediately after the finale, and choose an alternate route like taking a parallel road to avoid excessive foot traffic.
• Pack for success – Bring sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, hand sanitizer, cash, a mini first aid kit, blanket, chairs, and activities to keep the kids entertained while they wait, like balloons, glow sticks, Frisbees, and games. If you plan to bring a cooler, make sure they’re allowed and ask if there are restrictions on items like food, cans and bottles.
• Dress for the occasion – Many Americans like to dress in red, white and blue clothing to match our country’s flag. If you’re attending an event that will roll into a nighttime fireworks display, remember to bring layers because it can often be hot during the day, but cool off considerably once the sun goes down.

 
What’s your favorite way to spend the Fourth of July? Tell us at #LifeatWeidner
 
If you’re looking for a place to live that offers a warm, fun and active apartment community, contact us today at Weidner Apartment Homes.

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Nothing says summer like celebrating the 4^th of July! We’d thought we’d share some of our favorite ideas and tips for a safe, fun-filled holiday to help kick off your summer with a bang! Pun intended.

As a reminder, due to safety concerns and varying city ordinances, the use of fireworks is not permitted at any of the Weidner properties. Most major cities put on a firework show that’s safe for the entire family.  

1. Get festive! Decorate your patio and windows with streamers, flags, and fun lights. Check out your local party store for fun decorating items. Check out these do-it-yourself decorating ideas from Real Simple. 
2. Host a chili cook-off competition. Invite some friends over with their best pot of chili. Do a blind taste test and give prizes out for the winner and runner-ups.
3. Host a potluck barbecue party. Who has the best recipe for grilled chicken or dry-rub ribs? Find out at your 4^th of July party! Check in with your leasing manager if your community requires you to reserve the grill ahead of time.
4. Go for a fun hike in themed outfits for the ultimate photo opp! Gather your friends and family together for a group hike or outing to a local park and request that everyone dresses in red, white, and blue. Hand out some mini-flags and water bottles, and head out on the trail together, stopping for holiday photos with nature as your backdrop.
5. Host a movie party and stream some American classics like Independence Day, Top Gun, Jaws, and Born on the 4^th of July.
6. Host your own game party. Check out these game ideas from Reader's Digest for a spectacular Independence Day celebration – some are good for indoors, others are best done outdoors…like the water balloon toss.
7. Attend the local parade. Nothing says festive like attending your local parade on the 4^th of July. Join your neighbors and friends and get in the spirit of summer!
8. Plan a picnic in the park. Here’s an activity the entire family and the dog can enjoy! Pack a lunch, pack the leash, grab some blankets and enjoy!
9. Take a tour of your city’s historical landmarks. Check your local listings for patriotic events in your area.
10. Do absolutely nothing. Some people spell “celebrate” as r-e-s-t! Kick back by the pool, binge-watch your favorite TV series, take a nap on the patio, or catch up on phone calls with friends and family. Whatever you do, take care of yourself!

What are your ideas for a fun-filled, restful 4^th of July? Share them with us at #LifeatWeidner.

-The Weidner Team

The post 10 Tips for a Fun-Filled 4th of July appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. Clean your grill! That might not sound very exciting, but a clean grill helps to cook food evenly, not to mention leftover food on the grill can be hazardous to your health. Check out this expert advice from House Beautiful.
2. Marinade rhymes with serenade, because we can’t sing its praises enough! Marinades help keep meats, poultry, and fish tender and juicy and come in a variety of flavors to complement any side dish. Whether you want to purchase pre-made bottles or make them on your own, marinades are a big secret to grilling success. Here are some of our favorite marinade recipes from Taste of Home.  
3. Bring the meat to room temperature before placing it on the grill. Let your steaks and chops come to room temperature before placing on the grill – about 15–20 minutes, depending on the cut. This helps the meat cook evenly, so your steak comes out at the temperature you intended.
4. Don’t put the food on the grill too soon. Grilled foods need to sear to keep the juices in. If you place on the grill too soon, it runs the risk of coming out dry and tasteless.
5. For the best results, use a food thermometer. Most of us either under-cook or over-cook our food, so to achieve grill mastery – take the guesswork out of it and get yourself this nifty tool. Check out these top 5 choices from Foodal. When you get really good, you’ll be able to use the touch test by judging the temperature of the meat by how it springs to the touch. Soft and spongy means rare, whereas something well-done will feel firm to the touch.
6. Let the meat rest without cutting into it for at least 5 minutes, so the juices settle inside the meat. That’s not always easy when the kids are gathering around for their burger, but you’ll be glad you waited those extra few minutes for your tasty meal.
7. Be patient. Don’t move the meat around on the grill, flipping it over several times. Let the heat sear the meat, or it will stick to your grill. 
8. It’s all in how you slice it for the perfect grilled veggie! Indulge in some grilled veggies with these great tips from Kitchn and learn how to slice, cook, and spice your favorite veggies on the grill.
9. Learn the fine art of cooking fish. Skin on or skin off? Find out these tried and true tips from Weber.
10. Don’t forget to mingle with your guests! Grilling demands focus. Try to prepare as much ahead of time as possible so you can spend less time in front of the grill and more time with your guests.

Here’s a sampling of some of our favorite recipes for the ultimate 4^th of July party!

From cupcakes to ribs, Martha Stewart never disappoints with a themed 4^th of July party!

Or, check out these Bobby Flay classics on Food Network!

Spruce up your side dishes with these ideas from Country Living. We’re very fond of the Watermelon, Blueberry and Feta salad!

What are your ideas for this 4^th of July? Share them with us at #LifeatWeidner. Have a safe and happy 4^th of July!

-The Weidner Team

The post 10 Must-Have BBQ Tips for 4th of July! appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

This year, instead of traveling to celebrate Independence Day, we thought we'd put together a few tips for hosting your own 4th of July in the comfort of your own home!

Décor: Red, White & Blue Everything

You can't have enough red, white, and blue at a 4^th of July party. For those of you who enjoy crafting, Martha Stewart has some great craft ideas ranging from colorful placemats to a 'monument' cake stand. Even the dog gets to party in a festive, hand-made collar. For those of you who'd rather get your supplies in a ready-made package, try Party City, Amazon, or Target.

Festive Foods and Drinks

Nature gives us a little bit to work with to keep up with the red, white and blue theme. Make a fruit salad out of berries, watermelon, blueberries, and Jicama. Or, get the food coloring out and try some of these festive recipes from Tablespoon, ranging from Firecracker Cake to American Style Italian Sodas.

Perhaps one of the most common traditions of 4^th of July is the barbecue. The days of throwing a few slabs of meat on the grill are gone. Nowadays, there are cookbooks and entire cooking shows devoted to the art of grilling meats, vegetables, and even some fruits, to perfection. Test out some of these barbecue recipes from Chowhound or Southern Living. Southern Living, you had us at Barbecued Deviled Eggs!

Party Games

From a game of tag to an Uncle Sam hat competition, to a good old-fashioned water balloon toss, here are 21 party games to choose from to keep you and your guests entertained. Or keep it simple, and opt for some laughs and conversation by the pool. Don't forget the sunscreen!

A Friendly Reminder

Fireworks are Not Permitted on the Property! As a friendly reminder, fireworks of any kind are not permitted at Weidner Apartment Home communities. Check your local listings for firework shows and events, arts and music festivals, parades and other festivities to round out your perfect 4^th of July holiday.

From all of us at Weidner, have a safe and happy 4^th of July!

— The Weidner Team

The post How to Host Your Own 4th of July Party appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Fireworks are prohibited in any Weidner community.

Exciting and entertaining as they are, fireworks are strictly prohibited at any Weidner Apartment Homes community. For details on this important safety rule, please see page 7 of your resident handbook. Please note that we have a no-tolerance policy for discharging or displaying fireworks. Please view this site for more safety tips on 4th of July.

Celebrations and Events Near You

Fortunately, most cities have meticulously planned 4^th of July celebrations that are tailor-made for fun. Here are a few highlights of celebrations and events near you the entire family will enjoy: 

Seattle Area 

From scavenger hunts and festivals to concerts and 4^th of July fireworks cruises, Seattle, and the surrounding area has a wide variety of events to enjoy. Head over to Whidbey Island for the fireworks show, or reserve your table at one of the many downtown restaurants and watch the fireworks while you dine on the sumptuous fare. 
 

Phoenix Area 

The Fabulous Phoenix 4^th celebration attracts more than 100,000 visitors and boasts entertainment venues, festivals, food booths and arts and crafts to keep the entire family entertained. Or check out the Phoenix Zoo for their "4^th of Zooly" event! 

Minneapolis Area 

Whether you prefer to watch the Minneapolis skyline light up from a nearby restaurant rooftop, or from Stone Arch Bridge or Gold Medal Park, this city has plenty to choose from. Or, find a space on the grass, lay down your blanket and enjoy the view from Nicollet Island. 

Anchorage Area 

With 19 hours of daylight to work with, 4^th of July in Anchorage has a plethora of events to help you ring in Independence Day. Anchorage's Delaney Park Strip hosts a pancake breakfast, where you can easily head over to the parade, and from there you can proceed on to the festival.  Or, head over to Mulcahy Stadium to watch the fireworks after the second game.

However you decide to celebrate Independence Day, we wish you and your family a fun, safe holiday weekend!

— The Weidner Team

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