Keep Your Refrigerator Running Like a Top

The refrigerator is probably the biggest electricity user in your apartment. Regular maintenance will keep energy usage down. At least once per year, you should vacuum the unit's condenser coils. Defrost the unit whenever the ice in the freezing compartment gets over one-fourth of an inch thick, and replace worn gaskets on an as-needed basis.

Be Water-Wise

Showers take significantly less water than baths, and 10 minutes provides plenty of time to lather up, rinse off, wash and condition hair, and even shave. Having a low-flow shower head installed saves approximately five gallons of water over an average bath. You can also save water by scraping your dishes rather than soaking them before you load them in the dishwasher, and making sure that you only run your dishwasher when the appliance is full. Doing your laundry in cold water whenever possible also saves on energy costs. 

Unplug Your Devices

Consumer electronics take up about 15 percent of the average person's energy costs. Most electronic devices use energy when they are plugged in even though when they aren't turned on. Unplugging these items when not in use. Using a power strip for your personal computer and its accessories will allow you to turn everything off at once when the device is not in use. You should also unplug cell phone chargers when they are not in use. 

Please feel free to call our office at your convenience to learn more about how apartment dwellers can keep energy costs low. 

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1. Use Distilled White Vinegar

Adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle alleviates the need for fabric softener. This timely trick leaves clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh. Surprisingly, that strong vinegar smell rinses clean away, and no one will ever be any the wiser. 

2. Substitute Lemon Juice

Plain old lemon juice is a wonderful substitution for caustic, smelly bleach. Add 1 cup to the wash cycle to keep whites looking their best. This little trick works great on stains caused by rust and sweat too.

3. Add Baking Soda

Baking soda is another safe and gentle laundry booster. A simple 1/2 cup added to the wash cycle balances out the pH of your water to make detergents and bleaches work better. 

4. Use Cold Water

Use cold water to wash and rinse clothing when possible. This will run your hot water heater less and will help shave dollars off your monthly electric bill. 

5. Do larger Loads

Make sure to wash full loads fewer times a week instead of washing smaller loads more frequently. Again—it's a money saver when water and power bills come rolling in. 

 At Country Club Terrace, we believe it's important to care for this planet we call home. And there's no easier place to begin than in one of our luxurious laundry rooms. Contact us today to see what your future could hold.

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Given below is a list of some life changing books that are great to keep in your living space:

• Rich Dad, Poor Dad: People who have read this book would swear by it. Written by Rober Kiyosaki, it gives a wonderful insight into what goes on inside our mind. It beautifully explains how the poor have to work hard to make money while the rich people make the money do the work for them. It can be very helpful for any given scenario in getting out of the negative feelings and concentrating on how things can actually be achieved.
• The Alchemist: This popular book by Paulo Coelho has to be on everybody’s book shelves. This is all about self-discovery, and how one should follow their dreams by listening to their heart.
• The Total Money Makeover: Dave Ramsey, the author, gives a completely proven plan for managing personal finances. This is a must-have book, as it teaches you how to pay off the debts and lead a frugal life.
• The 4-Hour Workweek: An excellent book by Tim Ferris, it is all about leading your life in the present and doing things that you love. Reading this book can greatly alter your life, your relationships and what you want from your life.
• The One Thing: This book, co-authored by Jay Papasan and Gary Keller, is another life changing book. It helps you focus on what is important and sift out the other irrelevant stuff from your life.

Each of these books has something in common: they focus on finding and living a more fulfilling life. Whether that means getting your finances in order, paying off your debts, finding your passion, or letting go of self-limiting beliefs, everyone should keep books in their home that they can report back to for a little inspiration. 

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1. Eggplant

Eggplant does not always come to the top of the list, but there is a reason why so many different cultures have their signature eggplant dishes. Try it in a stir fry, eggplant parmesan, or a Middle Eastern-inspired eggplant dip, and know you are getting fiber and antioxidants.

2. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and folate. You can use it as a low-carb substitute for a variety of foods, such as mashed potatoes, fried rice, and even pizza crust. For a greater range of nutrients, flavors, and textures, experiment with green, red, and orange cauliflower, too.

3. Spinach

Spinach is an incredibly versatile choice that provides magnesium, iron, and vitamins A and C. You can add it to eggs, casseroles, lasagna, and soup. Kale, collard greens, and other greens are also nutritionally dense, and as easy to use as spinach.

4. Winter Squash

Acorn, kabocha, butternut, and other types of winter squash are available year round. They are good sources of potassium and vitamin A. Use them to thicken soups, or make them a centerpiece of a meal by stuffing them with a nutritious filling made with brown rice or quinoa.

5. Apples

Apples are high in dietary fiber and low in calories when compared to sweet desserts. Apples are delicious when they are raw and crunchy, but you can also cook them. Pair stewed apples with Greek yogurt to finish off your meal, or serve baked apples with cinnamon for a dessert on their own.

If you are ready to spend some time exploring the trails and living the healthy life in Flagstaff, Arizona, give us a call. We can let you know which apartment floor plans are available at Country Club Terrace. You may be able to start cooking healthy meals in your own Flagstaff apartment before you know it.

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