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How to Have the Best Baltimore Staycation | Summer 2021-image

Desperately need a vacation, but don’t have the time or budget to get away? Or maybe you’re just not ready to travel? Enter the staycation! What’s a staycation? Staycation comes from the combination of two words, “stay” and “vacation,” literally staying at home and participating in leisure activities without leaving your house, or at least without traveling too far. If you’re into the idea of a staycation this year but aren’t sure what to do, we’ve created a list with a few staycation ideas that will help you make the best of your time. But, before we get started, many people think that staying close to home or staying at home cannot consider a holiday, but this is not true at all! Staycations are a type of holiday and are extremely useful when one has a tight budget, or when travel restrictions are in place. Considered your staycation like a proper vacation: disconnect your phone, don’t set up your alarm clock, don’t bother reading office news. And make sure you treat yourself to experiences you would gladly make also if you were abroad. Now that that’s out of the way, here are some of our best tips for creating a truly fun, relaxing, and memorable staycation: Play the Role of a B-more Tourist Photo: Audrey's Art for the Ages Baltimore is home to over 200 neighborhoods , each with their own personality and experience. If there’s one you haven’t spent enough time exploring, go check it out! Try one of the many authentic Italian cafes and eateries in Little Italy , take a cake decorating class at Charm City Cakes in Remington, or enjoy the green spaces and architecture of Roland Park. Baltimore also has some of the best museums in the country, but when was the last time you actually got to visit one of them? Check out the largest Henri Matisse collection in the world at the Baltimore Museum of Art , challenge the notion of what it means to be an artist at the American Visionary Art Museum , or celebrate the soul of African American history and culture at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum . Go on a Local Hike Photo: sonna-like-donna no Alltrails.com Within just a few miles of Baltimore, outdoor lovers can find forests, lakes, canyons, and more! Hiking near Baltimore is a wonderful way to experience nature and get your blood flowing without traveling too far from home. Some of our favorite nearby trails include the Merryman’s Mill Trail at Loch Raven Reservoir, the Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls , and Ellicott City’s Trolley Trail . Book a Spa Day Photo: @FourSeasonsHotelBaltimore on Facebook If you’re looking for something luxurious and pampering, book a sol-to-go treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Your moment of relaxation will begin with a 60-minute Swedish massage, then you can indulge yourself poolside with a complimentary 3-hour pass at the hotel’s outdoor rooftop infinity pool. If you’re looking for a bit of pampering that’s a bit more budget-friendly, About Faces offers an incredible range of services and has multiple locations throughout Baltimore! Have a Picnic in the Park Photo: @CharmCityPicnic.co on Facebook Services like Charm City Picnic will do the heavy work of planning your picnic for you! You just pick your location, package and add-ons and they will take care of the rest so all you have to do is show up. Of course, you can always go the old-school, money-saving route and do it yourself. There are tons of great picnic spots in Baltimore . Spend a Night in a Hotel Photo: @ivyhotelbaltimore on Facebook Let’s face it: part of the fun of a vacation is staying in a hotel. Just because you’re not leaving your hometown for your staycation doesn’t mean you can’t book a hotel room for a night or two. Whether you’re looking for luxury amenities like an infinity hot tub, limo service, or a rooftop bar, these Baltimore hotels are sure to deliver. Visit an Amusement Park Photo: @SixFlagsAmerica on Facebook There are several great amusement parks , like Six Flags and Adventure Park USA in MD or very nearby. There are also great water parks to help you beat the heat while enjoying water slides, private cabana rentals, lazy rivers and more. For an ultra-local, family-friendly experience, head to the Mount Vernon Children’s Park for some splash pad time ! Hit the Beach Photo: @OceanCity on Facebook One of the many perks of living in Maryland is easy access to the beach. And even if you don’t want to make a week of it, a day trip to Ocean City, Maryland is totally doable for Baltimore residents! Do some fishing , treat yourself to some Boardwalk Fries and salt water taffy, or hit a few balls at one of OC’s many mini golf courses . Of course, you can always pack your own snacks and umbrella and just enjoy the day sunbathing, building castles and splashing in the waves. There are also many great smaller, more local beaches new Baltimore so you can still enjoy the sun and sand while avoiding the travel, crowds, and costs of OC. Hit the Pool If you’re looking for some water fun, you obviously don’t have to travel all the way to the beach or water park! Lucky for you, you can always enjoy a day at 500 Park’s community pool! Host a Movie Night Photo: @grandrotunda on Facebook Have a movie marathon at home , whether it’s just for yourself or open to friends and family. Make sure to complete your movie night is with snacks, of course! You can also catch classic films and family favorites on the big screen at these outdoor movie spots in Baltimore . Treat Yourself Photo: @PrigelFamilyCreamery on Facebook Did you know there’s such a thing as an Ice Cream Trail? The 2021 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail features 10 on-farm creameries across the state that produce and sell their ice cream directly to consumers. The trail stretches more than 290 miles from Washington County in the west to Worcester County in the east. The purpose of the trail is to increase the public’s understanding of dairy farming and to highlight the important contributions of Maryland’s 325 dairy farms. We hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for your own Baltimore staycation. Remember: just because you’re not traveling abroad or maybe even leaving the house doesn’t mean you’re not on vacation! Remember to unplug, relax, and indulge the same way you would during a traditional vacation.

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15 Tips for Eliminating Single-Use Plastics-image

Single-use plastics are everywhere: the straw in our iced coffee, the plastic bags we use to carry our takeout home, the shampoo bottle on our shower rack. What’s more, they’re so ubiquitous—and so quickly thrown out—that they hardly register in our minds. But what is the actual cost of this prioritization of convenience over durability? The answer is pretty scary. Each year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic waste – with 8 million tons ending up in our oceans . Beyond that, microplastics in farm soils is a growing concern and is an overall threat to global human health . Not to mention, they are a contributing factor to climate change . With all that we know about the dangerous implications of our single-use plastic habit, many people are making more environmentally-conscious choices when it comes to our consumer habits. If you want to join in the fight against single-use plastic pollution, here are some tips to get started! Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw . Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade . Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often! Give up gum. Did you know chewing gum creates more than 100,00 tons of plastic pollution each year. Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging. Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk. Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop. Some of them even offer a bring-your-own-cup discount ! Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter. Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods! Don't use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby's carbon footprint and save money . Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor. Skip the receipt. Thermal paper used for things like store receipts, movie tickets, and boarding passes are coated with measurable levels of BPA. We’ve a long way to go before plastic-free living becomes commonplace, but by making these simple switches in our daily life and refusing single use plastic where we can, we can each do our part to get one step closer. What switches have you made to eliminate single-use plastics from your life? Let us know in the comments!

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Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During Summer-image

 For many of us, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. With events returning , restrictions being lifted and many of us feeling ready and eager to start getting back to some semblance of our pre-COVID-19 life, travel is rebounding this year and people are looking forward to all the fun in the sun that summer brings. But while the warm weather may feel especially great this year, it is important to remember that our furry friends feel temperatures differently than we do and remember to take special care to keep them safe in the summer heat. By following the simple pet safety tips below, you will ensure that your pet keeps cool and safe in the summer months ahead: Never Leave a Pet in a Parked Vehicle The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. That means, even on a 70-degree day, a pet that has been inside a vehicle for an hour is being exposed to 110ºF heat. Animals left in vehicles are at serious risks of discomfort, illness and even death .   Responsible animal lovers can do their part to help pets in danger : if you see a distressed dog inside a parked car on a warm day, immediately call your local animal control or law enforcement for help.   Avoid Midday Outdoor Activities You may want to adjust your pet’s activities to avoid midday sweltering temps during the summer. Instead, take your pet outdoors during the early morning or late evening, which tend to be a bit cooler, to avoid overheating.   Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. If it is too hot for you to go barefoot, it is too hot for your pet.   Be Aware of the Signs of Heat Stroke   Even if taking every precaution, know the signs of heat stroke, which can include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, lethargy, stumbling, and vomiting.   If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, you should seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. You can provide some immediate treatment by moving the pet to a cool spot, submerging them in a tub of cool (but not icy) water and allowing them to take small drinks of cool water.   Even after your pet has cooled and is no longer showing signs of heat stroke, it is still important to seek veterinary care immediately. Pets’ organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and the brain, are all affected by extreme body temperature elevation. It is best to have a veterinarian examine your pet to assess potential health complications and ensure that other risks are not overlooked.   Keep Your Pet Well-Groomed   A matted coat traps in heat , so keep up with your pet’s grooming schedule during the summer. Also resist the temptation to shave off your pet’s hair to keep him cool. Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned .   Keep Your Dog Away from Fireworks   The summer holidays also mean lots of fireworks displays. However, all dog owners will already know that the noise, smell, flashes of light and unpredictability of fireworks leaves our pets anxious and scared .   Never bring a dog to a firework show, and make sure they are indoors during scheduled displays. Before any local fireworks show, set up an area in a quiet space away from windows so that your pet can’t hear or see the fireworks. Use a crate if that is where your dog feels safe, and make sure to provide your pup with familiar toys and treats.   Make Sure Your Pet Has Proper ID   More pets go missing during the Independence Day holiday than during any other time of the year. If you can’t be home with your pet during fireworks displays, it’s especially important to make sure their ID is up-to-date , and know what to do if your microchipped pet goes missing . The summer months are filled with fun times for you and your furry friends, but keep in mind their safety. With these precautions, you will ensure your pet keeps cool (and safe) all summer long!  

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Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes-image

It seems every home chef is talking about their air fryer or Instant Pot these days, but we’re still in love with our life-saving slow cookers! Slow cookers are great for so many reasons: they use less electricity than your oven, they fill your home with the wonderful aroma of whatever you are cooking, they bring out flavors beautifully and they are huge time savers! For these reasons and more, we turn to our slow cookers regularly. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true recipes! Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies This recipe ticks all the boxes – it is flavorful, super easy to make, budget-friendly and family-friendly. When you’ve got a busy day ahead of you, throw the ingredients in your slow cooker, cook on low and come home to an amazing meal. Get the recipe here .   Balsamic & Honey Pot Roast This slow cooker recipe is made using chuck roast, which when cooked low and slow, becomes so tender and flavorful. Another set-it-and-forget-it recipe, this pot roast is also a great make-ahead meal. When you are doing your meal planning and prep, throw the ingredients into a freezer bag together, then pull them out when you are ready to cook! Get the recipe here .   Crockpot Chicken Fajitas No need to fire up the oven or the grill; the slow cooker does all the work for this chicken fajita recipe! We love serving the fajitas in a flour tortilla with white rice, but you can also use it for quesadilla, nachos, salad, or burrito. Get the recipe here .   Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup What is it about chicken noodle soup that we find so comforting? Maybe it’s the warm broth, the serotonin-boosting tryptophan , or the nostalgia of being served the good-for-the-soul concoction as children. Whatever it is, chicken noodle soup tastes even better when its homemade, and this crockpot recipe makes the already simple recipe even easier. Get the recipe here .   Crockpot Swedish Meatballs We will say it – these crockpot Swedish meatballs are better than Ikea’s! Served over egg noodles and with a side of green beans, this is the ultimate comfort meal. The recipe is made using frozen meatballs, so it is easy to make. It is also a terrific crowd-pleaser. Even your pickiest eaters will love these meatballs. Get the recipe here .   Crockpot Apple Dump Cake What would a list of favorite recipes be without dessert? This crockpot apple dump cake recipe is per- fection. Whether served hot or cold, topped or plain, this dessert will become your new favorite. The apple and cinnamon flavors make it great for fall, but you will love it all year round. Do you love your slow cooker as much as we do? What is your favorite slow cooker recipe? Let us know in the comments!

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6 Easy Ways to Meet Your Daily Step Goal-image

Whether it is a smartphone, smart watch, or pedometer, it seems everyone has at least one device that tracks their activity these days. If you’re the owner of one of these step-counting devices, you’ve probably been told that you should be taking 10,000 steps a day . You’ve probably also realized that a daily step goal isn’t one-size fits all , and (hopefully with the help of a physician), set a step goal that is more tailored to you and your lifestyle. Regardless of how many steps you aim to take each day, The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week . Spread out over a week, that equals out to about 30-40 minutes per day. The benefits of this regular movement include a lower risk of heart disease, better bone health, less chronic health conditions, better sleep and so much more! Walking is the easiest way to accomplish the minimum standard of exercise that the AHA has set for the average adult, so here are 6 ways to meet your daily step goal – whatever it may be! Hop on the Treadmill The easiest and most convenient way to get a bunch of steps completed is by using a treadmill, which you’ll find in 500 Park Avenue Apartments’ 24/7 fitness center! If walking in one place sounds extremely dull, try listening to a podcast or audiobook , calling a friend, or watching tv to pass the time!   Park further away   When you venture out to the store, office, or any other destination, pick a parking spot that is a little further away from the entrance.   Go on a hike   Outdoor activities have become a popular pastime during the coronavirus pandemic , and for good reason. Hiking does wonders for your body and your mind , and it is a fun way to get your exercise in while spending time with friends, family, or your pet! Thankfully, gorgeous hikes near Baltimore abound, and many of them are dog-friendly !   Take breaks   Breaks from work are beyond important . If you sit at a desk all day, make sure to spend a few minutes each hour to walking around the parking lot, climbing a flight of stairs, or strolling around the block. Not only will these short breaks make your body feel less stressed, less tense, and more flexible, but your mind will benefit from these short breaks and you will come back refreshed and ready to go.   Walk while you binge   The next time you binge-watch The Queen’s Gambit or Bridgerton, use that time wisely and get some steps in !   Be Less Efficient When tackling daily or weekly chores, it’s tempting to be as efficient as possible to get it over with sooner. If you’re trying to meet a step goal; however, chores are the perfect way to sneak in a few extra steps. When you are loading the washing machine, bring a few armfuls at a time so that you must walk back and forth several times. If you have kids or pets and you need to clean up their toys, grab one at a time and put it back where it belongs before going back for the next one.   We hope these tips and hacks give you some inspiration and help you towards achieving your daily fitness goals! However you choose to get your American Heart Association recommended 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity each week, remember to have fun while doing it!

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Five Fantastic Maryland Nonprofits to Support During National Volunteer Month!-image

April is National Volunteer Month ! Volunteering is an immensely rewarding experience through which you not only provide vital help to your community, but can also improve your own mental and physical health ! So, if you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to give back this month, here are some fantastic nonprofits in Baltimore and beyond with which to volunteer your time! United Way of Central Maryland United Way of Central Maryland works to increase access to basic needs such as health, housing, employment, and education. Among its many programs is the nonprofit’s 211 helpline - a free, confidential 24-hour helpline that connects people of all ages and from all communities with the essential health and human services they need. 211’s call volume has skyrocketed since the pandemic, averaging more than 500 calls a day. Last year, the 211 Helpline answered more than 195,000 calls for help with housing, healthcare, employment, and more. You can help support the 211 helpline by making a donation here , or find other ways to get involved with United Way’s work here . Casey Cares Casey Cares works to keep families with critically ill children’s spirits high by arranging programming - whether it is a simple movie night and a fresh pair of pajamas or attending a major sporting event. Casey Cares aims to provide lasting memories for families throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Florida, and portions of the Midwest. Each April, the nonprofit hosts #CaseyCaresBiggestPJParty - encouraging folks to wear pjs to work or school and to collect movie and pizza gift cards as well as new pajamas to donate to Casey Cares. Find other volunteer opportunities with Casey Cares here . The Maryland Food Bank Even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so many families, seniors, children, and other neighbors turned to the Maryland Food Bank for help to put food on the table. Since the start of the pandemic, that need has only grown . The food bank is the hub of Maryland’s food assistance safety net, supporting a statewide network of thousands of community partners to meet the immediate needs of hungry Marylanders while simultaneously working to create pathways out of hunger. Find volunteer opportunities with the Maryland Food Bank here . Maryland SPCA The Maryland SPCA adopts out more than 3,500 needy and unwanted pets each year, providing warmth and comfort to them in their adoption center while the animals await new homes. The SPCA’ Spay and Neuter Clinic also performs approximately 9,000 surgeries each year on animals in its adoption program, other shelters and rescue groups, low-income pet owners, and feral cats all with the aim to reduce pet overpopulation. Other lifesaving programs include a foster program, Wellness Clinic and training classes which are offered to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters. Volunteers and staff also visit area schools each year to teach kindness to animals to children. Baltimore Hunger Project Children who come to school hungry often exhibit trouble concentrating, lower math and reading scores, difficulty interacting with peers, and lower graduation rates. Baltimore Hunger Project is dedicated to eliminating the growing problem of weekend childhood hunger by providing weekend food packages to children identified as food insecure, improving their health and increasing their chances at success in school. Baltimore Hunger Project is currently supporting more than 600 children at schools throughout Baltimore City and County . All month-long during April 2021, WPM Real Estate Management and its properties are running a campaign to benefit our friends at Baltimore Hunger Project. You can help us support this worthy nonprofit by donating to BHP’s Amazon Wishlist here , or by making a monetary donation here . Additionally, WPM has set a goal to collect 1,500 Notes of Encouragement, which Baltimore Hunger Project includes in their weekly food packages. Stop by the leasing office at 500 Park Avenue Apartments before April 30, 2021 to create your own note, and we will return them to Baltimore Hunger Project! Find other opportunities to volunteer your time with Baltimore Hunger Project here . What other Baltimore nonprofits are doing great work to give back to our communities? Let us know which organizations you support in the comments!

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