Get a New Start by Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning, Cleaning Games for Kids, Green Cleaning, Cleaning Hacks, DIY Cleaning Products

Springtime is here! That means the flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming, and the natural world begins its rejuvenation. If your apartment here at Orion could use a similar refresh, spring cleaning is in order. Tidying up for the season clears away built-up clutter from earlier in the year, making space both in physical as well as mental spaces. Here are some tips on how to make your spring cleaning session productive and fun!

 

Set Up Cleaning Games for Kids

 

Living with little ones, while incredibly rewarding, can lead to challenging messes to tackle. You can get your children on board with doing their part with cleaning games for kids! By adding an element of fun to the cleaning process, kids develop a healthier mindset around tidying up down the line. Plus, parents who get involved have a chance to get back in touch with their inner child!

 

Get Crafty With DIY Cleaners

 

The overall message of springtime is to shake off the old to make way for the new. This mantra can apply to the cleaning products you use too! Chances are, keeping up with your current cleaning product arsenal is cutting into your household budget. Not only do most DIY cleaners cost pennies on the dollar to create, but it’s fun to experiment with making cleaning products with common cleaning supplies you might already have laying around. For example, this citrus-scented all-purpose spray uses just five ingredients and is perfect for beginners to make.

 

Easy Green Cleaning Hacks

 

The best part about using homemade products is that, more often than not, they’re a lot more eco-friendly than their store-bought counterparts. Name brand household cleaners can contain harsh chemicals and give off strong smells, which can harm small children and pets. The naturally cleaning powerhouses from the likes of baking soda, vinegar, and borax get the job done while lessening their harm on the earth. Check out this list of green cleaning hacks and get inspired with ideas on how to use natural cleansers around your whole household!

 

You’ll find that once you get your spring cleaning session underway, your apartment will have a more welcoming and serene feel throughout every room! How are you planning to tackle the clutter? Let us know in the comments!

Best Ways to Spend a Rainy Day

rainy day, rainy day in oakland, oakland apartments

Rainy season is upon us! As raindrops wash away the old and reinvigorate our environment, many prefer to stay indoors to avoid getting wet. Luckily, there are tons of ways to celebrate a rainy day without getting washed away outside. Read on for the best ways to make the most of the wet weather!

 

Cozy Self-Care Here at Home

 

There’s nothing quite like cozying up on the couch when it’s cloudy out. Brewing up a nice cup of tea, bundling up in a blanket, and listening to the raindrops is an experience that can’t be matched. If you’re a fan of kicking back on a rainy day, level it up with some self-care! You can draw a hot bath and drop in a couple of bath bombs, made yourself in your Orion apartment. Or, revitalize your body with a hearty stew perfect for warming up your bones. These revitalizing activities will energize your body and soul as the rain does the same for the earth!

 

Enjoying the Rainy Day from Orion

 

You can also make the most of your rainy day with the wonderful amenities here at Orion. Get front row seats to the rain (along with gorgeous views of the San Francisco skyline) at our apartment complex’s covered rooftop lounge! Rather warm up a bit? Orion’s fully-stocked coffee bar is waiting for you. Or, have a spa day in the rain and relax in the soothing waters of the spacious outdoor hot tub. Each of these amenities come included with your lease, so take advantage!

 

Oakland-Based Indoor Fun

 

While staying at home on a rainy day is ideal for some, others may itch to get out and explore. Thankfully, fun things to do in Oakland on a rainy day are everywhere! For a family-friendly option that’s as educational as it is entertaining, try The Chabot Space and Science Center. Perfect for those interested in astronomy, the center hosts changing interactive labs as well as eye-catching shows in its planetarium. Or for a little fun and games, visit the Pacific Pinball Museum. The museum hosts a playable collection of arcade staples, some dating back to as early as the 1940s!

 

No matter how you decide to spend your rainy day, be sure to make the most of the wet weather and don’t let it rain on your parade! What are some of your favorite rainy day activities? Let us know in the comments!

 

2020 Predictions for Your New Year’s Resolutions

2020 predictions, 2020 goals, new year's resolutions

After all the New Year’s parties end, what’s left is to get started on those resolutions. Are your personal 2020 predictions already coming to a slow? Not to worry! Maximizing your time this year can be as easy as adding a minor tweak to your regular routine.

 

Learn a New Language in 2020

 

From opening up paths to new job opportunities to making friends in different countries, learning a new language in 2020 can be a great way to enrich your life. But in our busy lives, it can be hard to find the time for lessons. Luckily, there is a wide variety of app-based education that even the most dedicated workaholic can implement into their routine. For those who prefer traditional classroom-style lessons, try Babbel. Quick 10-15 minute sessions that track your progress creates a recipe for success! More of a visual learner? No problem! Drops lets you learn with the help of mnemonic pictures, creating a different connection in your brain compared to simply seeing words on a screen. 

 

Learn to Play an Instrument in 2020

 

Perhaps you’re more of a musically inclined individual? You can learn to play an instrument in 2020 to express some of that creative flair! If you’re looking for ease, a ukelele might be the best place to start. With only four strings and easy-to-hold design, this delightful guitar is appealing to beginners. Click here for a great learning guide and you’ll soon find yourself strumming along. Maybe you’ve always wanted to play the piano, but don’t have space for one. Luckily, flowkey has the answer! You can learn to play your favorite tunes on your laptop from the comfort of your bedroom at Orion, and the program gives interactive live feedback as you learn.

 

So much opportunity and promise lies ahead this year! No matter what new experiences you take on, one thing is for sure: Your 2020 predictions are what you make of them. The willingness to try, the ability to laugh at yourself, and old-fashioned dedication are values that will lead you far. Good luck out there!