Black and White Sugar Cookies

Find a pack of your favorite sugar cookie dough or make it from scratch if you have the skills. Roll the dough out until it is around 1/8 inch thick, then cut out two-inch round sections. Place them in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees or the recommended temperature on the cookie packet. Bake the cookie dough in the oven for eight to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown, then let them cool. Spread chocolate frosting on one half and vanilla frosting on the other. Add some red and green sprinkles to make them more festive!

Cocoa and Peppermint Cookies

Start with a roll of your favorite refrigerated cookie dough, three tablespoons of unsweetened baking cocoa, a cup of marshmallow crème. Crush up enough peppermint candy until you have enough to fill a 1/3 cup.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Break the cookie dough apart in a bowl, then knead in the cocoa until it is mixed in completely. Create 1 ½ inch balls with the dough and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten them by pressing down slightly with your fingers. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, then allow them to cool for two minutes.

Place the marshmallow crème in a cup and microwave it on 50 percent until melted. Let it cool, then place the mixture in a plastic bag. Drizzle the marshmallow mix on the cookies, then top with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the cookies for another 30 minutes before serving.

Snowball Cookies

Make sure you have a pack of your favorite sugar cookie dough, ¼ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and some powdered sugar on hand. Heat your oven to 350 degrees and break up your cookie dough in a large bowl. Mix in the flour and sugar.

Make 54 1-inch dough balls and place then one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake them for 10 to 14 minutes, then take them off the cookie sheet to cool. Roll the warm cookies in your powdered sugar several times, letting them cool for a few minutes more each time.

We hope you enjoy these Christmas cookie recipes and if you're looking for apartments in Chicago, IL. give us a call at (866) 473-1997.

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Dress in Layers

Wearing layers of clothing helps keep heat close to your body, so you’ll feel warm enough outdoors in winter. This helps prevent you from losing too much body heat, which could lead to a dangerous condition called hypothermia. Choose clothing made from materials that will help you stay dry when you’re exercising, such as nylon or polyester. Staying dry is just as important as staying warm when you work out in the cold. 

Cover Your Hands, Head and Nose

Make sure that these areas are covered when you go outside to exercise this winter. Your nose, ears, and fingers are more likely to get frostbite due to exposure than the rest of your body. Wear a thick pair of gloves and a hat, and pull a scarf up so that it covers your nose when you’re outside, especially if it’s freezing or below freezing. You should also wear shoes that provide plenty of warmth for your feet to protect your toes from frostbite. 

Stay Hydrated

You might not think you need to drink as much while exercising outdoors in winter compared to summer. However, making sure your body has enough fluids is still important when you’re working out in the cold. Take small sips of water while you’re exercising.

Be Visible

You have fewer hours of daylight available for exercising outdoors in winter. If you go out early in the morning or in the early evening when it’s already dark out, wear clothing in bright colors or reflective gear. This can help drivers see you better in the dark when you’re crossing the road.

Our community includes an indoor pool that you can use to stay fit when it’s too cold to go out. Contact us to learn more about our other amenities in our community and apartments in Chicago, IL.

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Have Plenty of Food on Hand:

It isn't a party without some food and refreshments! You don't have to break the bank to make sure that people have something to munch on, either. You can easily make any get-together a potluck so people can bring a dish and there will be plenty of food to go around. 

Think of Some Fun Activities: 

There are a lot of fun games that you can play during the holidays as well as other activities that you can incorporate into a get-together. You could have an ornament swap or even have an ornament making station to switch things up a bit. There are a lot of things to do if you take some time to plan this out in advance of your get-together and no one will be bored with everything you have planned and incorporated into the night. 

Make Sure You Actually Get a Chance to Enjoy the Fun:

Do not get so overwhelmed and caught up in making sure everyone else is having a great time that you do not actually get a chance to relax a bit with your friends and family. It will be perfectly fine if you step away from refilling drinks for a bit to speak to your guests. In reality, they would prefer this anyway because they are there to spend time with you!

Get-togethers are one of the best things about the holiday season. They can be really fun for you and your guests if you take some time to plan everything out and if you use these tips. If you are looking for a new place to call home that you can use for these get-togethers, be sure to check out these apartments in Chicago. You will be planning some fun events in your apartment in no time once you see these apartments!

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Mix Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, and Dish Soap

The best and safest combination of home ingredients for cleaning grout is baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. This creates a soft scrub texture that lifts dirt without damaging the grout or surrounding tile. There are no harsh chemicals or reactions between the ingredients. Combinations of vinegar and baking soda reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients, while bleach shouldn't be mixed with any other cleaning products. Mix about 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon dish soap at a time for an all-natural grout cleaner.

Grab a Power Scrubber

If toothbrushes and sponges are leaving you with sore wrists and hands as you chase down dozens of feet of grout lines, try a power tool instead. A small handheld power scrubber with a rotating head works great in conjunction with the above cleaning mix to quickly lift years of stains and dirt. You can find these tools at your local hardware store or from many online retailers.

Try Gel Bleach for Stubborn Stains

When encountering a dark patch of grout that won't yield its stains to all-natural cleaning products, choose gel bleach for its sticking ability to quickly whiten the grout. Gel bleach can be applied in very small amounts to avoid any fading or damage to surrounding tiles or other materials like countertops that are below the tile backsplash. The gel is unlikely to drip or run, keeping the chemicals right where they're needed until the stain disappears. Don't mix bleach into any of your DIY cleaning products since it can react with so many ingredients.

Discover a whole new way to clean one of our Chicago, IL apartments after moving into a spacious new floor plan. Contact us today to see what's available.

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Hack the Litter Box 

The litter box is going to be your biggest challenge if you own a cat. Fortunately, a lot of outlets now provide self-cleaning litter boxes. Purchasing one of these will reduce the frequency of your trips to the dumpster. There are also many stylish litter box designs that you can find which help to "hide" the litter box in plain sight. Don't forget the accessories like a mat for your kitty to wipe its feet.

Storing Pet Food 

Speaking of blending in, those big and bulky sacks of pet food don't exactly go with the decor in most Chicago apartments, do they? Plus, where do you store those big sacks? You can purchase sealable plastic cereal containers and divide the food up to those. This will help keep your pet's dry food fresh and allows you to tuck the containers away out of sight in a cupboard. For a bigger investment, you can find stainless steel containers that are airtight and specifically built for pet food. 

Pet Hair Hacks

​​​​​​​If you have a pet that sheds, here are some tricks for dealing with pet hair. Purchase a paint roller and wrap some duct tape around it with the sticky side out. This gives you a much bigger surface area than a lint roller, so you can pick up stray hair much faster. Some brands of disinfectant wipes are now made specifically for hair as well. They're great for wiping down windowsills and countertops where you might not normally see stray pet hair. Plus, these pick up a lot of pet allergens in your apartment.

Pets are extremely common in apartments in Chicago, so chat with other pet owners to learn additional tips. And if you know someone looking for an apartment right now, don't forget to refer them to the leasing office at 866-473-1997.

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4 DIY Holiday Decoration Ideas

1. Black Paper Tablecloth

Are you planning to entertain at your apartment for one of the big holiday celebrations this year? If so, say goodbye to that old fussy tablecloth and opt for black butcher paper instead. With this blank canvas, you can decorate your table however you’d like, using paint pens or liquid chalk to create custom place cards and more.

2. Crafty Candles

It’s always nice to bring your favorite natural holiday scents indoors, but purchasing enough three-wick candles to make it through the winter can be costly. So, why not DIY your own pine-scented candles to create a welcoming atmosphere in your apartment instead? Check out this fun tutorial from Sugar and Charm for inspiration.

3. Fairy Light Lanterns

Welcome your holiday guests into an inviting winter wonderland with a few simple and beautiful lighted lanterns dotted throughout your apartment. All you need for this craft project are a few strings of battery-operated string lights and a handful of lanterns or interesting vases. Bunch up the lights inside the lantern, doing your best to hide the battery pack, and cluster them in your entryway, on a side table, or as your dinner table centerpiece.

4. Felt Garland

Jazz up your holiday tree or add some interest to your entryway with the help of some colorful felt garland. This fun craft from Tell, Love, and Party is super simple to make and can be modified to match with your existing holiday decor. Additionally, the beautiful felt garland makes for the perfect holiday gift from the heart!

Happy Holidays From North Harbor Tower

At North Harbor Tower, we want to make sure you have a happy holiday season. Give us a call today at 1.866.473.1997 to learn more about life at our luxury apartments in Chicago.

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Healthy Energy 

Running is a great way to wake you up in the morning. Of course, you can a jolt from your morning cup of coffee — that's why you drink it. But the energy you get from the caffeine and the energy you get from running is very different. One is an all-natural version that won't cause a crash later on in the day. You'll be more likely to tackle your day with gusto, which can do wonders for both your self-esteem and your mood. 

Clearer Head 

Running in the morning gives you the chance to prepare for the day. If you're feeling particularly philosophical, you can even set an intention for your day as you set off on your course. When you do something for yourself first thing in the morning, you carve out a little part of your day that's all your own. Plus, you're more likely to be more active all day long. 

Lower Stress 

It's possible that those who exercise in the morning can reduce their blood pressure more than those who exercise at other times of the day. In one research study, those who ran during the morning reduced their blood pressure by 10 percent and by nighttime, the number increased to 25 percent. Plus you'll break up any tension that's been building up. The less stress you have at the beginning of your day, the more likely you'll be able to handle whatever comes next. 

The apartments in Chicago can give you a great starting point to get out and explore the city on foot. If you're looking for a new place to lace up your sneakers, call North Harbor Tower today. We can help you find an apartment that has enough space for all your running gear. 

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Less Is More 

Discarding things is always going to be one of the worst parts of cleaning a closet. Despite the fact that you haven't used something (or even thought about it) for years, it can be tough to let go. After Marie Kondo's theories went viral, everyone's been asking themselves if their things "spark joy." This question is a great way for you to make up your mind about whether to keep something or get rid of it altogether. If you're not immediately feeling positive about the item, it's best to trash or donate it. (You can also consider reusing it for something else.) If you're still having a really difficult time sorting things out, consider dividing everything into piles. Turning a big mess into a smaller mess can make it easier to tackle one thing at a time. 

Rearrange and Prioritize 

Look for places in your apartment other than your closet in which you can store things. For example, you can put your clothes in storage containers and pop them under the bed. Or put your board games in your living room, where they're more likely to get attention. Use hangers and shoe racks to save space and spare your clothes and footwear: Hangers limit the number of wrinkles, and racks save your shoes from being piled on top of one another. You can also thread your scarves through shower rings in an effort to both separate them and put them on display. 

Cleaning out and organizing a closet may take some time, but you'll be glad when you're no longer confronted with a major mess confined to one area of your apartment. If you're looking for a place in Chicago, Illinois with an even bigger closet, give North Harbor Tower a call today. We can help you find a new home to call your own.

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1. Commit to Your Routines 

Whether you want to learn another language, master your kitchen or pay your bills on time, you have to set standing routines. The point of a schedule isn’t to constrict you; it’s to get you in the habit of doing things that you may not want to do. Routines do take some degree of experimentation to get right, but all people need to utilize them to get more done. Try limiting your use of technology during your productivity blocks, so you’re less likely to veer off course. 

2. Take Breaks 

Taking breaks is a way for you to give your brain a rest when you’re starting to feel resentful of the task in front of you. And while you need to be careful that your breaks don’t cause you to abandon the project altogether, a little freedom can go a long way toward increasing your overall productivity. Ideally, you’ll take breaks around the same time every day (according to your routines), but the reality is that breaks can’t always be on a regular time schedule. 

3. Be Nice

Productivity at home is a lifelong pursuit, and that means you have time to get it right. No matter how many times you fall off the wagon and how many projects fall by the wayside, the point is to get back up and keep trying. You’ll learn more about which hobbies fulfill you and how you can work them into your daily life. 

The apartments in Chicago are always going to be more valuable if you’re taking time out for yourself. If you’re looking for an apartment complex that values self-improvement as much as you do, call North Harbor Towers today. We can help you find a space that will put you in the mood to do more.  

The post 3 Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Your Productivity at Home appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

It can be difficult creating a fitness plan and sticking to it, especially when you're caught up in a busy urban lifestyle. These tips and tricks can help you create and stick with a fitness plan that will make real change in your life.

Make It Work With Your Schedule and Personality

Always work late on Tuesdays? Do you believe five o'clock is a time that should only exist in the evening? Don't plan on exercising then! Work to your strengths and it's easier to stick to your program.

Be Realistic

There are a thousand magazine articles out there that promise you'll lose 20 pounds in a week. Why so many? Because they don't work. Stick with a fitness plan that makes steady progress and you'll stick with it.

Create Realistic Short-Term Goals

Your long-term goal may be to get back to a size medium, but you need to focus on where you'll be next week or next month first. Make realistic short-term goals like walking ten miles this week or losing five pounds this month.

Track It

Whether it's a fitness tracker, a diary or an app on your phone, track your progress and make yourself accountable to your overall goals.

Stay Flexible

Sometimes life just gets in the way of being able to make steady progress. Don't let that get you down — work with it. If you had to skip a morning walk, try to make it up.

Give in to Small Awards

Deprivation gets you nowhere except binging on everything you've been trying to avoid, which makes it easier to give up on your plan altogether.

Get a Workout Buddy

Being accountable to someone else makes it easier to stick to your fitness plan. Find someone who has similar goals so that you can be accountable to each other.

By using these simple techniques, you'll discover that creating a plan that makes it easier to stick to your fitness goals is a much simpler process than you may have imagined. Apartments in Chicago, IL such as North Harbor Tower that include a fitness center, indoor pool or easy access to walking paths make it easy. Why not take a look at what we have to offer?

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