Posts about luxury apartments in baltimore

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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2021 Guide to Springtime in Baltimore-image

Spring has finally sprung and with it comes warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy all that springtime in Baltimore has to offer! To help you get the most out of your 91 days of spring, we have put together a guide to enjoying Baltimore this season. Tour the gardens at Cylburn Arboretum. Photo: @Cylburn on Facebook Cylburn Arboretum is a 200-acre urban oasis in Baltimore City. With hundreds of specimens of trees, plant collections, gorgeous gardens, wooded trails, and an historic mansion there is always something to see at Cylburn, but a visit during springtime is a must. The grounds at Cylburn also offer three and a half miles of woodland trails, ranging from easy to moderately difficult. If you are lucky, you might even spot a White Tail Deer! Check out this list of plant and animal life that can be found at the arboretum. Roar with the lions at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Photo: @MarylandZoo on Facebook The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is home to 130 different species of bird, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. In addition to enjoying all the animal exhibits , there are fun attractions to enjoy like the carousel and The Jones Falls Zephyr Train ride. Plus, the zoo offers several can’t-miss experiences like the Giraffe Feeding Station and the Penguin Fish Toss. For even more zoo fun, attend one of the zoo’s springtime events such as Bunny Bonanzoo , or the Glow-in-the-dark Egg Hunt . See the flora and fauna of Rawlings Conservatory. Photo: @RawlingsConservatory on Facebook When you are done visiting the zoo, take a two-minute drive next door to Rawlings Conservatory. Opened in 1888, the historical Rawlings Conservatory is one of Baltimore’s most beautiful structures. The Conservatory features five distinct greenhouse rooms , each in its own distinct climate that allow for the display of plants from all over the world, from tropical to dessert! Go on a Picnic. Photo: @CharmCityPicnic.co on Facebook Perfect picnic spots abound in Baltimore . You can even have your Baltimore picnic organized, planned, and cleaned up for you with Charm City Picnic ! Visit Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar Photo: @BmoreFarmersMarket on Facebook Located Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga streets, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar offers fresh cut flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries, dairy products, meats and seafood, and more. The market is open every Sunday starting April 4 th ! Cheer on the O’s at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Photo: @Orioles on Facebook With gorgeous views of the B&O Warehouse and Baltimore skyline you cannot get anywhere else, taking in a baseball game at Camden Yards would be worth it just for the atmosphere! However, Oriole pride runs deep in Baltimore, so fans will rejoice that the venue will be welcoming fans back for the 2021 season with limited capacity and updated gameday policies . Support local artisans at Flower Mart. Photo: @FlowerMartBmore on Facebook The annual Flower Mart is a 2-day event held in Mount Vernon Place in front of the Washington Monument. This year, however, Flower Mart will be an online event featuring a marketplace of local vendors offering flowers and plants, arts and crafts, and food and beverages. Fly a kite at Patterson Park. In honor of The BIG Baltimore Kite Fest, which will hopefully return in 2022, Creative Alliance the Friends of Patterson Park are encouraging everyone to head outside the weekend of April 10th and 11th to fly a kite ! Help fill the sky with vibrant colors, welcome spring to Baltimore, and celebrate the broad spectrum of cultures that make up East Baltimore! Get your kite now from Creative Alliance’s Etsy shop ! Charm City is brimming with things to do and see all year long, but springtime really is a spectacular time of year in The Greatest City in America. Make sure to put these springtime activities on your spring bucket list! What is your favorite thing to do during spring in Baltimore? Let us know in the comments!

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2021 Spring Cleaning Guide-image

Why is Spring Cleaning Important? Spring cleaning is a chance to push the reset button on your home and catch up on all the cleaning tasks you’ve been meaning to get to. Deep cleaning your home and giving it a fresh start is necessary for both your physical and your mental health . From helping to prevent illness to decreasing stress, the tradition of giving our homes a good spring cleaning does wonders for the mind and body. If you have started feeling the urge to throw open the windows and you can feel that that new-beginning energy that comes with warmer weather and longer days, it is the perfect time to start your spring cleaning! Clear out a day or two in your schedule and dedicate the time to giving your apartment the love and care it deserves, especially after it has been your gym, office, classroom and more during the lockdowns and quarantines related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before you start, come up with a plan! Create a list of chores you want to tackle and create a schedule. Rather than committing to cleaning every item in your home, focus on the most important ones that will have the biggest impact. Here are some tactics for creating your spring-cleaning checklist so that you feel the greatest sense of accomplishment and see the most reward for your work. Choose tasks that involve multiple rooms. Choose tasks that involve more than one room or item in the house. For instance, washing all the bedding, cleaning all the doors, washing all the curtains, etc. While these tasks might not produce a visible outcome, knowing these rarely done chores are taken care of will feel good and will give you a sense of accomplishment.   Put labor-intensive items at the top of your list.   If you are having a hard time choosing what you will do and what you will skip, try putting the most labor-intensive tasks at the top of the list. This way, the chores that require the most out of you are getting done on a day you have dedicated to cleaning and you will not feel as much like you are missing out on something fun.   Select chores that you usually dread.   The momentum you get during spring cleaning makes you more likely to actually cross off those tasks that you dread (cleaning the oven, we’re looking at you). And once it is done, you will be relieved of the procrastination guilt. Put these items at the top of your list along with the labor-intensive items (we have a feeling there is probably some crossover, anyway). Having these chores at the top of your list means you will not feel as bad if you do not get to everything else.   Sample Plan for Spring Cleaning in a Day   Here is an example of what a designated day of spring cleaning might look like: Morning: Strip all the bedding throughout your apartment and begin laundering sheets, blankets, pillows, and comforters. Clean the mattresses while the bedding is in the wash. Empty every garbage can and recycling bin, then give them a good scrub , making sure to pay special attention to the crevices. If you have outdoor space, leave them in the sun to dry. Put bags of vinegar around shower heads. Let them soak for several hours while you move onto the next task. Slather the interior of the oven with a baking soda paste . You will want to let the paste sit overnight, so it looks like it is Chinese takeaway for dinner! Change bedding wash and dry cycles as needed. Afternoon: Dust bookshelves, the tops of cabinets, light fixtures, light bulbs, furniture, door frames, picture frames, etc. Start from the top and work your way down to the baseboards. Pay special attention to furniture legs, which often go overlooked. Polish wooden furniture. Just like you focused on using one tool while you dusted, focus on one product here: wood polish. Hit every wooden item in your home. Wipe down cabinet doors. Clean doors. You have already dusted the frames. Now take a damp microfiber cloth (and maybe a Magic Eraser for stubborn spots) to the doors themselves, including knobs. Continue changing bedding loads as needed. If you finish your loads, take down your curtains and begin washing those. Clean your windows . Take down screens, clean window tracks, and shine those windows. If you can, wash your curtains. Clean the rest of the glass in your home. Spot clean upholstery and rugs. Evening: Remove vinegar bags and scrub showers and tubs and clean the bathroom. Replace bedding. Hang curtains if you were able to wash them. Return garbage cans to their rooms. Vacuum under furniture and under rugs. Vacuum the floors throughout the house now that the dust you stirred up from dusting has had time to settle. Whistle While You Work Did you know listening to music while you clean makes the job seem more pleasurable and helps you work faster? To help your chores feel like a breeze, WPM Real Estate Management has curated a playlist of upbeat songs, ranging from throwback songs to current chart-toppers! What is on your spring-cleaning playlist? Let us know in the comments!

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