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Trendy House Plants Perfect for Any Space

One of the easiest tricks in the book when it comes to refreshing a living space is adding an indoor plant! House plants are a wonderful way to increase the natural oxygen flow in your home, add a pop of color, spruce up a boring space, and really just liven up any room in your apartment. Now more than ever, house plants have become a design style trend. Seriously, type in #HousePlants on Instagram and you’ll find over 3 million posts! And it’s with good reason. An indoor house plant makes adorable apartment decor and can have a ton of character. Let’s take a look at a few trendy house plants that we think would make great additions to your Acero Cooley Station apartment! Fiddle Leaf Fig Given their recent surge in popularity, you could find a beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree (also known by its technical name, Ficus Lyrata) pretty much anywhere these days. The Gilbert Home Depot, the Walmart Garden Center and without a doubt the local Desert Horizon Nursery should have this decorative house plant in their plant inventory. The fiddle leaf fig can get to be a very large tree, with big, beautiful leaves that can add a ton of personality to any room. This house plant is commonly placed in living or bedroom corners, rounding out the room with it’s soft and bubbly leaves. Maintenance: Prefers dry soil, plenty of direct sunlight and humid environments. Pro Tip: Rotate your fiddle leaf fig once a month to keep it standing straight and tall. (Photo by @Collected_eclectic) Snake Plant The snake plant is a beloved, trendy house plant for many reasons; its unique posture and variety of styles, its range of sizes, and of course, the fact that it’s nearly impossible to kill. Even the worst of plant parents can find success in owning and maintaining a snake plant (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, George’s sword, or by its formal name, Sansevieria Laurentii). Is this why it’s such a trendy house plant right now? Maybe. But it’s also because this house plant looks adorable in just about any pot or container you have it in, and it brings a very sleek, modern look to any room. Maintenance: Thrives in bright light, but can still survive in low light. Prefers dry soil. Pro Tip: Water once every 10 days and wipe the stocks occasionally to remove dust. (Photo by @Stylushco) Rubber Plant Similarly adored for its unique variations, rubber plants come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re looking to add a dark contrast to a bright room or bring some subtle colors to a space, the rubber plant (Ficus Elastica) is a great way to do it. The burgundy rubber plant is a bit more common, boasting a deep purple color and large, sleek leaves. A less common but equally aesthetic (and trendy) variety is the burgundy rubber plant’s cousin, the variegated ruby rubber plant. This little character has pink and white camouflage-like markings that make a statement in any room of the house. While a common house plant to find, the more uniquely colored rubber plants can require a bit more of a search. Maintenance: Prefers bright, indirect light and moderately moist soil. Pro Tip: Mist your rubber plant’s leaves for added shine and moisture. (Photo by @thebotanicalgarden.in) These trendy house plants are popular for a reason; they make wonderful home decor and are fun to pick out, pot and take care of. Plus, they’re easy to maintain! Even if you lack a green thumb, these hearty plants can usually handle it. And if you can’t keep them alive but still want the decor, you can usually find fake versions of them too! Try adding one (or all) of these beautiful house plants to your Acero Cooley Station apartment, and show us how they look on Facebook or Instagram ! While you’re at it, be sure to keep following our blog, here . See you next time!

Hot Tips for Pet Parents as Arizona Temperatures Rise

There’s no doubt about it, living in Gilbert, Arizona means looking forward to warm days adventuring through the valley of the sun with your four-legged friend. However, living in Gilbert also means those “warm” days can quickly turn into triple-digit days where the temperatures are hardly bearable for both you and your dog. We know it’s tempting to grab the leash and head outside to enjoy the beauty of our community, but when the summer months roll around and the temperatures continue to rise, there are some important pet-parenting decisions to make. Keep these pet-owner tips in mind the next time you’re thinking about heading out with your dog! Keep Your Pet Indoors We know you probably don’t want to hear this, but if it’s a sunny afternoon here in Gilbert and the temperature is rising with each hour, the best advice for keeping your dog safe and cool is simply keeping them home and indoors. Put your Acero Cooley Station apartment air conditioning to good use and keep your fur baby cool and comfortable. Sometimes the best thing dog owners can do is say “Sorry little one” and leave the leash, and your pup, at home. Have Plenty of Fresh Water If, however, you do decide to venture outdoors with your tail-wagging companion when it’s warm out, be sure to have plenty of fresh water on hand. Pro tip: always bring more than you think you will actually need! This is the best way to be prepared. Unlike us humans, your four-legged best friend has a coat of fur that they can’t exactly “take off” when the sun comes out. This means it’s extra important to keep them hydrated and their internal body temperature as cool as possible while outside in the heat. This is one of the best ways to keep your pup from overheating in the hot Arizona summer weather. Know Your Pet A dog is a man’s best friend, so it’s no doubt you know all about them. Their breed, age, general health, etc.; these are all important things to consider when it comes to heading outdoors in the summer heat! Similar to humans, the young, the old, and those with health conditions are extra sensitive to heat, so when deciding if your pup needs to join you on today’s outdoor adventure, keep those determining factors in mind. Protect Your Pet’s Paws Let’s say you left your Cooley Station apartment for a morning walk with the dog around 7 or 8 a.m. when the temperatures were just right. Then, a couple of miles and a few hours later, the sun has risen and is beating down right on you and your furry friend. Dog paws are not invincible, and just like we need shoes, they need protection as well! A thoughtful investment if your pup is outdoors often in the Arizona heat is paw booties . Think of these as shoes for your dog, protecting them from the scorching hot pavement. If you live in the valley of the sun, with a dog whose puppy eyes make them too hard to leave at home, we recommend getting a pair of paw booties to help keep your pet safe from pavement burns. Pay Attention to the Time It can be easy to lose track of time while outdoors with your dog. One minute you’re out enjoying the day in Gilbert, then before you know it, it’s warmer outside than you expected and your pup looks exhausted. When determining if you’re bringing your dog with you, pay extra attention to when and where you plan to be. Typically the coolest part of the day during the summer months is the early morning, with warm daytime temperatures sticking around late into the night. So be sure to check various weather apps to have an idea of what the temperatures will be before you leave home with your dog! And, as we are confident you already know, never, ever leave your dog in the car. If it’s expected to get hot, and you don’t know when you will be home, it’s best to just leave your furry pal in your cool, air-conditioned Acero Cooley Station apartment. We know those puppy dog eyes can make it hard to leave your dog at home when the sun comes out. But when you live in Gilbert, sometimes that is the best thing you can do for your furry companion. Keep these pet owner tips in mind as the temperatures continue to rise, and be sure to share this blog on Facebook or Instagram with your fellow pet parents! If you found this blog helpful, stay tuned for more like it, here .

Break A Sweat With These Free Fitness Apps

Summer is just around the corner here in Gilbert, and there’s no better time than now to hone in on your physical wellbeing! It doesn’t have to be the start of a new year to dedicate a little extra time to your fitness routine, so why not try something new today and feel better while you’re at it! With gyms and fitness centers being closed the last couple of months, we know it can be easy to fall off track, that’s why today we are highlighting a few free fitness apps you can download and start using today to break a sweat wherever you are! Total Body Grab the water and sweat towel, these total body workout apps are sure to have you thinking, “what did I get myself into?” (In the best way possible, of course). It’s almost hard to believe that the Nike Training Club App is free, considering all that it offers from the convenience of your phone. Offering a library of targeted workouts ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, the NTC app also boasts nutrition and wellness guidance from experts, as well as the ability to track your progress over time. And if you’re a busy bee who commonly finds yourself with little time for a daily workout, the J&J Official 7 Minute Workout App might be a better fit. Boasting over 3 million downloads (because let’s be real, everyone has 7 minutes to spare for a home workout), this 7 Minute Workout app invites users to explore a variety of exercises and workouts, and the ability to customize them based on preference. This fitness app is truly a win-win if you’re looking for a variety of quick sweat sessions at home! (Photo by @niketraining) Yoga You might be surprised to find just how challenging a short yoga session can be! While some fitness junkies deem yoga and pilates to be more of a stretch than a workout, we’re here to tell you that yoga can tone you up and leave you just as sore as a full body HIIT workout might. One of the best parts of practicing yoga is that you don’t need any equipment, and you can practice and break a sweat anywhere. Two great, free yoga apps for IOS and Android users include Daily Yoga and Yoga For Beginners . Both apps boast a nearly 5 star rating in the app store with thousands of users, each offering various guided classes. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, we recommend giving these free yoga apps a try for a great workout! (Photo by @Dailyyogaapp) Running Whether you love starting your day with a brisk run, or you can’t even remember the last time you stepped on a treadmill, these running apps will inspire you to get (and keep) moving. Runkeeper is a free IOS/Android app that helps you set goals, track your running/walking/hiking distances, stay committed and even connect with fellow runners. This app is rated #21 in the Health and Fitness section of the Apple App Store, and when you use it you’ll see why. It’s user friendly and offers features runners love! Another highly admired running app is the Nike Run Club . Described as your “perfect running partner” the Nike Run Club app tracks everything from your heart rate, distance, and even the option for friendly competition with friends who also have the app. (Photo by @Runkeeper) There’s no better time than now to get back on track with your fitness goals, and these free apps are here to help. Download one or two today, give them a try and let us know how you liked them on the Acero Cooley Station Facebook or Instagram page. If you found this blog useful, keep following along here for more like it.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

We know how tough it can be trying to find the perfect gift for someone as special as your mom. That’s why Acero Cooley Station is here to help with a Mother’s Day gift guide full of ideas your mom is sure to love this year! Personalized Jewelry Remember when you were in grade school and would make your mom a special craft to bring home for Mother’s Day? We could almost guarantee she cried with each one. Tug at her heartstrings this year with a more sophisticated personalized gift, like an engraved bracelet or necklace from the Brighton jewelry store at Santan Village. Shop online and have your heartfelt Mother’s Day gift delivered right to mom this year. (Photo by @Brightoncollectibles) Dinner & Wine Cuisine & Wine Bistro is a wonderful local option for tasty wines and decadent French treats this Mother’s Day! And given the COVID-19 situation, this Gilbert bistro is now offering their goods to go. Surprise mom this year with an elegant dinner she can enjoy from the comfort of home when you bring over her favorite bottle of wine and a taste of French cuisine. (Photo by @Cuisineandwinebistro) A New Spring Outfit Spring has arrived here in Gilbert, so this Mother’s Day dress your mom in the season’s best from the Junky Trunk Boutique . This trendy Arizona shop has everything from maxi dresses and sandals, to sun hats and earrings, all available to order online and send to your mom. (Photo by @Junkytrunk) Fresh Bouquet of Flowers Nothing says “I love you” like a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note. Knock your mom’s socks off and deliver her a bundle of fresh Spring blooms from Gilbert florist Beloved Lily . This local florist offers a variety of floral designs and even custom arrangements that can be sent right to her front door. At-Home Spa Day Give your mom the fixings for an at-home spa day this Mother’s Day! The Aveda at Santan Village has wonderful Mother’s Day gift sets that take the hassle out of searching for home spa day essentials. Pamper the special woman in your life with a soothing body scrub, lotion, scented candle or bath oil this year, and she will surely thank you! (Photo by @Aveda) Gardening Supplies ‘Tis the season for gardening! Help mom get a jump start on this year’s garden with some starter supplies from the Gilbert Home Depot or Lowes . Both home improvement stores offer delivery, and all you need to do is decide what plants your mom likes best, her preferred color of gardening gloves, and a couple of terracotta pots. We hope you found this Mother’s Day gift guide helpful! Although you may not be out to brunch or shopping around town this Mother’s Day, there are still plenty of ways you can show mom just how much you love her. If you liked this blog and think others would too, be sure to share it on Facebook and Instagram ! And while you’re at it, keep following the Acero Cooley Station Blog here for more like it.

Virtual Ways You Can Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! And while given the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic we may not be celebrating the holiday as we typically might, there are still plenty of ways to commemorate the environmentally focused day from the comfort of your Acero Cooley Station apartment. This year, the Earth Day theme is climate change, and along with that, the holiday has gone digital for the first time in history. Rather than heading out to plant trees or park clean-ups, this Earth Day citizens are encouraged to continue staying home and taking their activism online. Here are a few activities you can do while staying home to feel connected to the global civic event. Watch a webinar A wonderful way to connect with this year’s Earth Day theme of climate change might look like simply watching a webinar, documentary, or even a TED talk! As the saying goes, knowledge is power, so take some time today to learn more about the history of Earth Day, and some of the current climate conversations that are still being had on this 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Interested in the Coral reef? Here’s a webinar . Love a good TED Talk? Here are 12 TED talks focused on Earth Day. Happy learning! Make a window sign and post it on social media In an effort to encourage people to “speak up from home” this Earth Day, while also including the current trend of putting encouraging posters/art in windows, one way to celebrate could include making your own window sign! Then, once you’ve made it (you can find clever Earth Day quotes and sayings here ) post a photo of it online using the hashtags #EarthRise and #EarthDay2020 to be a part of the digital Earth Day movement, and to see posts from others who have made signs too. (Photo by @EarthDayNetwork) Try an at-home science project Get hands-on with an at-home project this Earth Day! Here are a few Earth science activities that you most likely already have all of the supplies for in your Acero Cooley Station apartment. You can learn about the Earth’s atmosphere with a few pieces of paper, measuring tape, scissors and a globe. Or maybe venture into what makes the sky blue, here . And tune in for a message from an environmental science educator, here , as she explores the big ideas surrounding the Earth’s systems. Take the Earth Day Challenge Extend Earth Day beyond one day of the year with this 22-day challenge ! Daily activities include things like doing a plastic audit or eating only plant-based recipes for one day. Although the challenge happened throughout April, you can still do each daily challenge starting today! Earth Day 2020 is unique for numerous reasons; it’s the first digital Earth Day, it’s the 50th anniversary of the global celebration, and it’s happening during a global pandemic. Thankfully, now more than ever our society is able to stay connected via the digital world to all that’s happening today, and we hope you enjoy these at home digital Earth Day activities! Let us know how you’re spending Earth Day 2020 on Facebook and Instagram , and continue following the Acero Cooley Station blog here .

10 Gilbert Restaurants Offering Delivery and Take-Out

Just because the dining room of your favorite Gilbert restaurant is closed, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy their delicious food and drinks! One of the hardest-hit businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic has included restaurants and eateries nationwide. However, there is a silver lining; we can still indulge in a hearty hamburger or a bowl of pasta from home as most restaurants have turned to delivery and take out! Now more than ever Gilbert restaurants are banking on our support of ordering online and enjoying food from home. So to make it easier for you to support local, here are a few nearby restaurants that are offering these services for you to take advantage of! Brio Tuscan Grille Open for to-go, curbside pick-up, carry out and delivery. Limited Menu: https://order.brioitalian.com/menu/san-tan (480) 917-9177 Blue Wasabi Sushi Open for curbside pickup, to-go, and delivery through Postmates and DoorDash. New Hours: Monday through Friday:: 4 - 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m. (480) 722-9250 Culture Clash Greek Yogurt Open for curbside pick-up or carry out. (480) 686-9011 Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Kona Grill Open for take-out or delivery through DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub and UberEats. Menu: https://www.konagrill.com/menu/kitchen (480) 289-4500 Pita Jungle Open for to-go, curbside pick-up and delivery through DoorDash or UberEats. Menu: http://www.pitajungle.com/menu/starters/?loc=gilbert (480) 814-2535 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Open for to-go, curbside pick-up and delivery. Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (480) 899-4338 Backyard Taco Open for take-out and drive-through. Online ordering and delivery through Postmates, DoorDash, UberEats and Grubhub. Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Closed Sunday (480) 247-2775 Salerno’s Restaurant and Pizzeria Open on select days, during select times and only offering select menu items. Call ahead to confirm availability. When open, offering carryout and delivery through DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub (480) 892-0040 Fire & Brimstone Make a delicious pizza at home! Fire & Brimstone is offering pizza kits with all the fixings you’ll need for the perfect pizza, available for purchase at Agritopia Farm store . (602) 558-1907 Isabel’s Amor Open for curbside pick-up, take-out or delivery through Doordash. Take out orders accepted over the phone. Hours: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m Menu: https://isabelsamor.com/menu/ (480) 290-7060 (Photo by @IsabelsAmor) Local restaurants need us now more than ever and lucky for us, all we have to do is order our favorite foods to our home. Given the fluidity of the restaurant industry at this time, we recommend always calling ahead to ensure the business is still offering select services. Hopefully this guide helps you decide what you’ll be eating in the next few days, and if you found this useful, be sure to share it on Facebook or Instagram so your fellow GIlbert neighbors can use it too! While you’re at it, keep following the blog here for more updates like this one.