The post 5 Fall Weekday Dinners to Try This Month appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
The cooler temperatures of fall invite us all to turn our ovens back on for a little comfort food. Not only is autumn bursting with new produce, but it's also a good time to reconnect with the hearth of your home. If you're having trouble getting inspired for your weeknight dinners in the apartments in Chicago, keep the following options in mind for quick and simple solutions.
Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
The sweetness of the squash paired with the sharpness of the cheese makes for a crowd-pleasing dish. Plus, this versatile meal can be customized by adding anything from bacon to BBQ chicken. It's a great way to use up leftovers and experiment with which flavors pair best for your taste buds.
Pumpkin Ravioli
As easy as it is to head to the store for premade pumpkin ravioli, it's a lot more satisfying to whip it up yourself. This recipe gives tips on how to cut down the cooking process if you don't feel like making the pasta from scratch.
Mushroom Chicken Skillet with Herb Cream Sauce
The name kind of says it all for this dish, but it's worth pointing out that this recipe is both inexpensive and delicious. The white miso and white wine work together to create a backdrop for the mushrooms and herbs to take center stage.
Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples
This sausage dish uses apples, apple cider, and vinegar to help bring the flavors together. This dish uses very few ingredients and just one pan, making it an easy one to put together after a tough day at work.
5. Mushroom and Burrata Lasagnette
As you might have guessed, lasagnette is related to lasagna, it's just a little smaller in terms of width and has a different pattern along the edges of the ribbons. This cheesy, vegetarian delight adds kale to balance out its richness.
Chicago, IL apartments can get pretty chilly during the months leading up to the winter, so you may as well find ways to warm up with these hot dishes. If you're looking for a new place to make all your favorite recipes, call The Montrose to see our kitchens today.
The post 5 Fall Weekday Dinners to Try This Month appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post 5 Fun Outdoor Workout Ideas for Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Summer is the perfect time to rev up your fitness goals and try something new. The best way to stick with your fitness plan is to keep it interesting, and living at The Montrose provides you with a variety of ways to stay fit right on-site.
1. Circuit Training
If the summer heat is tempting you to skip your outdoor workout, you can work out in our air-conditioned fitness center. A circuit training program can help you burn calories, lose fat and tone up using our high-quality fitness equipment.
2. Walk or Run With Your Dog
Exercise is twice as much fun with your four-legged friends. Our Chicago apartments are pet friendly, and if you own a dog, you’ll always have a walking or running companion. Afterward, take your dog to our on-site dog park so you can socialize with other dogs and their owners.
3. Swimming
Swimming is a great way to stay fit without excessive impact on your knee, ankle, and hip joints. The Montrose features a resort-style swimming pool so you can burn calories in the water and stay cool all summer long.
4. Parks and Fitness Trails
Tired of walking or running on a treadmill or a boring city sidewalk? Consider venturing out on a park fitness trail instead. Exercising in nature can be very invigorating and help to breathe new life into your summer workouts.
5. Interval Training
High impact interval training (HIIT) can energize your workout and make your fitness efforts more efficient and effective. Just three 20 minute workouts per week can bring tremendous benefits.
Sample Interval Training Workout
- Stretch and warm up
- 30 seconds of 80 to 90 percent exertion
- 60 to 90 seconds of light exertion
- Repeat eight times total
- Cool down
The workout activity is your choice, as long as you can exert yourself at a minimum of 80 percent capacity. Consult with a health professional before beginning this or any workout routine.
Summer fitness is a breeze at our Chicago apartments. Consider trying these summer workout ideas, and if you don’t already live here, contact us today to learn more about available floor plans.
The post 5 Fun Outdoor Workout Ideas for Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post Summer Vacation: The Ultimate Packing Checklist appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Heading out of town for a few days? Summer is intended for a bit of rest and relaxation, far away from the responsibilities of normal day-to-day life. Unfortunately, some of the most essential packing items are often left behind when people step into vacation mode.
It's our goal to help the residents of our Chicago, IL, apartments have the best possible vacations, so we thought we'd share our ultimate packing checklist with you!
The key to ensuring you don't forget your vacation essentials is packing ahead of time. Heed our tips, and get your bags ready a few days before you head out!
1. Spare Chargers
Avoid dead-phone despair by packing an extra charger or two before you close your suitcase.
2. First Aid
Fill a zip-locking baggie with just-in-case first-aid items, such as:
- Bandages
- Anti-bacterial gel (look for single-use packets)
- Aloe Vera
- Gauze
- Adhesive tape
3. Sunscreen
If you forget to pack sunscreen, make sure that's the first stop when you get to your vacation destination. Ideally, you'll have it packed and ready to go so you can slather it on before the adventures begin, but if you find yourself without SPF when you get there, take a special trip to a local vendor so you can stock up.
4. Copies of Prescriptions
You don't want to find yourself without necessary medications. You may not be able to contact your doctor from afar, but proof of your prescriptions can prevent you from dealing with unwanted medical frustrations.
Keep copies of your medical records and prescriptions in the cloud, just in case you need medical assistance while you're out.
5. One Extra Set of Clothes
Luggage gets lost; it happens. Keep a set of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your luggage gets lost along the way.
6. Hard-Copy Helpers
What happens if your phone goes rogue or gets stolen? Will you have your flight information on-hand or friends' numbers preserved in your brain? Probably not! Before you head out, write down a few key phone numbers and print your flight, hotel and activity itineraries in case you can't access the cloud.
The best vacations end in your own bed. After adventuring around the city, state, country or globe, there's nothing like coming home. The Montrose is a beautiful Chicago apartment community that'll happily welcome you home after your time away. Contact us today to learn more about our available floor plans!
The post Summer Vacation: The Ultimate Packing Checklist appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post Cold Soups as Your Main Course This Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Soup. It’s that yummy hot stuff in a bowl. But when it’s summer, try it cold. We at The Montrose in Chicago, Illinois, want to share a few cold soup ideas for you to experience.
5 Chilled Soups for Summer Main Course Meals
1. Watermelon Gazpacho With Corn
What doesn’t say summer more than watermelon and corn? This soup has it all. Cool down a hot summer day with this soup made with ginger, vinegar, and fresh mint. As a main course meal, this soup will fill you up, but it's not too heavy—just enough to let you relax.
2. Red Pepper Soup
Red bell peppers are combined with sumac, verbena leaves, and Greek yogurt to create a soup that explodes with taste like the crackle of a late afternoon thunderstorm. A little zesty and a little sweet, you’ll smack your lips together enjoying it (and the thunderstorm).
3. Curried Carrot Soup
Creamy, sultry, slightly spicy, this soup—though chilled—will warm you up. Carrots blended smooth like silk with coconut milk and topped with crunchy pine nuts or pumpkin seeds. Healthy, soothing, ultra-mesmerizing, it’ll be the talk of dinners to come.
4. Beet Soup With Horseradish Sour Cream
This deep maroon-colored soup is festive and easy to make. A dollop of this and that, and you're done. Easy, healthy, tasty. Pair it with a nice bottle of wine and some roasted leftover chicken and you have a full meal.
5. Cucumber and Dill Soup
Who says dill is only for potato salads or pickled veggies? You can enjoy it in your chilled cucumber soup. Combined with fresh herbs, this soup is tangy, creamy, and refreshing—perfect for a hot summer’s day. Garnish it with some buttery shrimp to transform it into a meal.
Transform Chilled Soups Into Beautiful Main Course Meals
Unlike hot soups, you don’t have to feel restricted serving these colorful soups in a bowl. Get crafty. Choose jars or wine glasses to serve these soups as main course meals. Make it fun, and make it tasty.
If you want to learn more about our apartments in Chicago, stop by our office or give us a call today.
The post Cold Soups as Your Main Course This Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post Keep Your Pets Cool During Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Our Chicago apartments are perfect for your pet. They are spacious, comfortable and pet friendly. But when summer comes, you have to pay special attention to your pet to ensure it is cool and well hydrated. Here are some tips to keep your pets cool during summer.
Have Your Pet Groomed
Your pet should have a professional grooming session before the hottest days of summer arrive. Pets develop a winter coat to help keep them warm in winter. This is especially true in Chicago, IL where winter temperatures drop below freezing. In summer, your pet could use some help to get rid of that winter coat, and a professional grooming is a solution. Your pet will have their winter coat brushed out, and will receive a lovely trim to get rid of excess fur.
Provide Plenty of Water
Never let your pet’s water bowl become empty, even while you’re at work. Pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated. They keep themselves cool by salivating, but pets can’t salivate without adequate water. The best thing is to make sure your pet’s water bowl is extra large, so even long drinks won’t leave the bowl dry.
Make Shade
If you plan to let your pets out on your balcony, be sure to make shade with an umbrella. Shade will give your pets the option of getting out of the sun for a while to cool off.
Walk on Grass, Not Pavement
You know yourself how hot the Chicago pavement can be. Imagine if you had to walk barefoot on that pavement! That’s what it can be like for your pet when you bring them for walks. Instead of walking them on the sidewalks in summer, bring your pet to a park that is pet friendly. The cool grass will be much nicer on your pet’s paws, and they’ll be able to play longer and get more exercise.
Avoid the Hottest Times of the Day
Carefully choose the times of the day when you bring your pet outdoors. Train your pet to go outside with you in the early morning or at dusk when the sun is lower on the horizon.
These tips to keep your pets cool in summer will ensure that your pet enjoys the long, lazy days of summer as much as you do! To see our available apartments in Chicago, contact us today.
The post Keep Your Pets Cool During Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post Decorate Your Apartment With These 5 Fun Summer Colors appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Summer is the perfect season to break out the new decor and add a new beautiful summer palette to your Chicago apartment. When planning your new summer makeover, be sure to incorporate some of the new fun summer colors that are trending this season.
Cobalt Blue
This bright and bold color is great for adding a pop of color to brighten up neutral palettes and create a dynamic look for your space. Consider using it for a throw pillow or incorporate it in window coverings. Cobalt blue also makes a great accent with both neutrals and other bold color options.
Exotic Orange
Adding exotic orange to your space is a great way to visually enlarge an area and provide an impact while still maintaining a warm color palette. Consider adding this color to pieces of your decor or go bold by choosing a piece of furniture with this color fabric.
Sunny Yellow
You can't have a summer palette without bringing in some yellow to represent the amazing sunshine that comes along with the season. The color is often used in combination with other bold colors as an accent or to make an area with whites or grays pop.
Soft Gray
For those looking for a more muted or neutral color pattern, soft gray is a popular summer trend this season. The color is being used for comforters and throws to bring some relaxation and peace into busy and high-traffic rooms.
Refreshing Lime
Those looking to make a bold statement and bring in a Caribbean feel to any room can add some refreshing lime to their room's color scheme. The color is great for art and really pops when surrounded by white decor.
Whether you are looking to add a few pops of color to your apartment or are looking to do a complete color makeover, try some of the unique summer color trends listed above. Find the perfect apartment to try out your new summer colors by contacting The Montrose today to inquire about available floor plans and choose a Chicago, Illinois, apartment perfect for your needs and lifestyle.
The post Decorate Your Apartment With These 5 Fun Summer Colors appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post 3 Tips to Enjoying Summer on the Lake appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Summertime in Chicago is the perfect opportunity to enjoy time spent hanging out in the sunshine. Whether you want to head to one of the numerous summer music festivals, enjoy the sandy lakefront hotspots, or barbecue with family and friends, our Chicago apartments offer the convenience of soaking up the sun every single day. Don't forget the sunscreen, and, of course, a bathing suit, as you head to Chicago's beaches from May 25, 2018 – September 3, 2018.
Our Chicago Apartments Offer the Perfect Lake Escapes
If you truly want to make the most of your Chicago summer, then keep these three tips in mind.
- Visit the top Chicago beaches. Chicago is home to numerous lakefront beaches; however, Oak Street Beach, Oakwood Beach, and Rainbow Beach are three of the most popular options. Oak Street is a great sunbathing spot with spectacular views of the skyline. Rainbow Beach is part of a 60-acre park on the South Side. Oakwood Beach is a new addition that features outdoor festivals and concerts.
- Spend time on the lake from the comfort of a boat. Did you know that you can rent almost any type of boat for a day spent on the lake? Pontoon boats, sailboats, kayaks, and everything in between can be rented in Chicago from various vendors and retailers. If you don't want to play boat captain for a day, and you're over 21, then you can go on a "brew cruise," where you'll be able to enjoy the lake, while simultaneously sampling various beers from local breweries.
- Take a dive below waters. The lake is home to more than a dozen lost ships. If you want to spend your summer diving deep, then you should contact one of the local diving companies for a guided underwater tour of the various shipwrecks that lurk beneath the lake's waters, including "Wings of Wind," a wooden schooner that sank in 1866.
Enjoy Chicago Summers at The Montrose
It's easy to enjoy Chicago summers when you live in an apartment community that is located near all of the action. To learn more about our available floor plans, contact The Montrose today.
The post 3 Tips to Enjoying Summer on the Lake appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post 3 Travel Tips for Spring Vacation appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
The high cost of travel has many people looking for ways to trim the fat without slicing into their fun and relaxation. Here are some spring travel tips we hope community members on The Montrose in Chicago, Illinois, put to good use.
Book a Room With a Food Amenities
When budgeting for spring travel, it’s important to look beyond the face-value cost of a room. Consider what you will be getting and how that will impact overall travel costs. Refrigerators and microwaves are good examples of upfront costs that can more than pay for themselves. The ability to store food for the duration of your stay reduces the much greater expense of eating every meal out. If you have a microwave, that ups the ante on what you can make in the room.
In many cases, booking a room with a mini kitchen can lower your overall travel expenses and augment relaxation time. Dining out can be enjoyable, but it also involves traveling to and from restaurants, as well as a hefty price tag. Easy to prepare foods can provide a nice alternative and more time poolside.
Book Places With Complimentary Meals and Snacks
There’s generally a great interest in which hotels have the best complimentary foods. If you go on social media, there will be reviews about the quality of continental breakfasts, “manager receptions” and even things like full-buffet dinners. They range from comfort food to homestyle to fine dining in some cases.
When trying to gauge the cost-effectiveness of these convenient meals, check out the online reviews and balance that against the overall cost of the stay. Some hotels highlight food costs by providing an inclusive versus non-inclusive room fee. Do the math on dining in or going out.
Discounts on Hotels and Plane Tickets
Most airlines provide deals in two basic ways. If you book travel far in advance, the rate tends to be considerably lower. So, advanced planning can save you money. More spontaneous travelers discover that unsold airline seats can drop in price at the last minute. These big companies would rather get something than nothing for an underbooked flight.
Hotel prices work in a similar fashion. Advanced booking can be cost-effective. Last-minute stays, not so much. But the other way to save money on rooms is to tap into shoulder-season pricing. For example, just days before Memorial Day, rooms may still be purchased at off-season prices.
The nice thing about shoulder-season travel is that you are experiencing the same nice weather as just a few days ahead. Also, the overwhelming crowds have not begun. Fewer people means shorter restaurant wait times. You may also find that area eateries and gas stations still offer lower “locals” prices. Basically, off-season vacations tend to be less expensive.
We hope our residents enjoy these travel tips. If you or a friend would like more information about our Chicago apartments, call us today.
The post 3 Travel Tips for Spring Vacation appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post 7 Ways to Enjoy Chicago This Spring appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
The Montrose Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, offer easy proximity to the best of the "Windy City." As the blustery days of winter pass, spring days arrive and it’s one of the best seasons to enjoy the city.
1. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
A balmy spring day is perfect for a visit to the 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo. Less than five miles south of The Montrose, the Zoo still offers free admission and is just as magical as remembered from childhood.
2. Challenger Playlot Park
When you enjoy living at our pet-friendly apartments in Chicago, it’s great to have a city dog park within walking distance. The Challenger Playlot Park spans almost an acre and is a fun place to hang out with your canine companion on a spring afternoon.
3. Rainy Day? Visit the Chicago History Museum
Spring showers can fall in the city, but a rainy day is perfect for the Chicago History Museum on North Clark Street. From the city’s earliest days to its modern history, explore the museum and get to know your city better.
4. Shop for Spring Flowers
Nothing says spring like a bouquet of fresh blooms displayed in your home. Chicago offers an array of shopping opportunities, and there is no shortage of florists. From boutiques with exotic varieties to specialty florists and family-owned shops that have served the city since the 1930s, Chicago has it all.
5. Park Hop
The Chicago Park District manages more than 500 parks and spring is the time to explore these green spaces. Each offers Chicago residents a place for play, picnics, exercise, and relaxation. Some such as Millennium Park are contemporary, while others such as Garfield Park are an oasis for gardens, ball fields, and scenic paths ideal for walking, jogging, and biking.
6. Dine Outdoors
Spring allows residents to indulge balcony dining at our apartments in Chicago. It also makes it easy to dine outdoors at one of the city’s many outstanding restaurants. Choose from neighborhood restaurants with patio dining for a romantic dinner or one of the many cafes for weekend brunch.
7. Enjoy a Festival
Chicagoans love a good celebration and spring in the city means festivals. Check out the Chicago Festival and Event Guide for the best of spring, including events showcasing movies, music, food, and the arts.
Located in the city’s historic Uptown neighborhood, The Montrose Apartments in Chicago combine on-site amenities with elegant floor plans and location close to shopping, dining, and attractions. Contact our office for information on available floor plans.
The post 7 Ways to Enjoy Chicago This Spring appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>The post Ideas to Add to Your Spring Bucket List appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>
Nestled near Lake Michigan, the weather can be unrelenting during the winter months. That's why when spring rolls around, people are always looking for things to celebrate spring. Creating a "spring bucket list" is a good way to start your plans. The Montrose Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, are located close to many different attractions and hot spots that you can use to quickly fill up that list of things to do.
What's on Your Spring Bucket List?
Chicago's spring weather is perfect for many outdoor activities. Averaging in the 50 to 60-degree range, you can spend your time in the sunshine without being too uncomfortable. There are several unique things you can place on your bucket list, including:
-
Taking a road trip to a bed and breakfast or nearby tourist attraction
-
Spring cleaning your apartment and getting it all spic and span for summer
-
Going on a hike in the great outdoors
-
Feeding the birds at the park or build a small bird feeder for your patio
-
Having a picnic and share some tasty food and drinks in the park
The list of fun things to do is endless. It's limited only by your own level of creativity. Walk or drive through your neighborhood and find out what is in walking distance for other fun spring activities.
Explore Your Community
No matter where you live in Chicago, each little neighborhood has its own little atmosphere and community vibe. Visit different neighborhoods and find out why people love to come home to the Windy City. Visit historical places or find an art museum. Everywhere you go you will find an opportunity to learn about the city and its people.
Our apartments in Chicago, Illinois, offer the best in modern luxury in the historic Uptown neighborhood. Call our office to schedule a tour of our apartment community. We are happy to help go over all of the floor plans that are currently available and give you a tour of our apartments so you get a feel for what living in style is like. Visit our website and give us a call. Don't settle for less than the best. The Montrose Apartments is an excellent choice! We look forward to speaking with you.
The post Ideas to Add to Your Spring Bucket List appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.
]]>