Category: Crest at Skyland

Find out more about life at Crest at Skyland, Wshington DC, the first apartment community in the new mixed used Skyland Town Center

5 Easy Plants to Grow This Spring Season

by Holli Beckman

Another Spring season in DC is here! And the time to decide which plants you want to grace your apartment home with this season begins now. If you are like most apartment dwellers, this is also the time of year where you begin to face the harsh reality that while having plants inside of your apartment home sounds nice, it can be hard to keep them alive at times.

But we’re here to tell you to, pick your chin up, stop your worrying, break out that seed starter, and put on those plant gloves because this is the season that you are going to grow and maintain those apartment plants successfully! And your Crest family is here to help!

One of the most common reasons why renters’ have trouble successfully maintaining the plants inside of their apartments is because of lack of time. Between work and social life, residents find that there are very few hours left in a day to give their plants the attention they need. Another main reason is remembering to apply the proper upkeep required for the plants to be able to thrive during the season.

So, what is the best way to combat maximizing your time and your memory?

Grow plants that don’t require as much attention!

Now, there are a countless number of “easy to maintain” plants out there, but we have taken the liberty of creating a list of five of our favorite, “low maintenance” plants for your Spring season.

We hope that this is the year that you will be able to overcome your plant growing slump, and officially obtain your green thumb!

Happy planting!

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant is the most ideal plant for the people who don’t have a lot of growing experience. 

These plants can be grown in low light and only need to be watered occasionally.

The Snake plant also has a beautiful design that enhances everything in the room. Owners also love this plant because it also removes toxins from the air. All of these things make it a perfect starter plant for any apartment home. 

Your visitors will surely want to mimic your apartment-style once they see this plant standing tall in your apartment.

Spider Plant

The Spider plant is easily one of the most popular houseplants. People gravitate to this plant because of its toughness, ease of growing and maintenance.

This plant quickly adapts to almost any condition making suitable to display on your private balcony.

Be sure to keep the plant in a bright spot and maintain slight moisture in the soil, and it will grow happily!

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is among the most natural plants to grow indoors.

The Peace Lily can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions and only needs moderate watering.

You will love the Peace Lily’s curved leaves and white flowers. This ultimately gives the plant an exotic and elegant look.

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your apartment this Spring season, this Peace Lily will immediately add a beautiful look to your residence. 

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a beautiful and natural plant to grow.

Provide it abundant water, and it’ll grow well even in indirect light. People love this plant because of its sturdy nature.

Protect the plant from cold drafts and provide iron fertilizer occasionally. Once full-grown, this plant will add a classic look to your apartment this season, and many seasons going forward.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and Cacti are ideal for those who tend to forget to water and care for plants.

These plants are very adaptable and can survive many adverse conditions.

They simply need to be placed on a bright spot with well-drained soil and a little water.

This plant is perfect for residents who have a balcony in their apartment home!

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Apartment

by Holli Beckman

Winter is a thing of the past, and Spring is finally here! Along with warmer weather and cherry blossom season, the time to begin your spring cleaning is here. For renters this is an exciting opportunity to get a fresh jump on sprucing up your apartment at the front end of the new year!

We know that cleaning and organizing your apartment sounds fantastic, but we also understand that it requires time and energy that a lot of you reading this might not have an overabundance of in your everyday lives.

For this reason, we’ve decided to overview three time-efficient cleaning tips to make getting your apartment clean super easy just in time for the spring season! 

Tip #1: BREAK-DOWN “THE BIG 3” CLEANING TASKS 

 Cleaning your apartment can be broken down into what we call, “The Big 3” – The kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom. These are generally the areas of the apartment that are used the most and are going to take the longest to clean; this makes it super important that these areas are addressed first. Studies show that cleaning at least 1 of these three areas makes the most visual difference in the cleanliness of your apartment.

Cleaning is already exhausting enough as it is, don’t make it any harder by tasking yourself with cleaning every closet, nook, and cranny inside of your apartment in a single day. If you’re short on time, break down the significant 3 areas of your apartment as you see fit, and tidy up accordingly.

Tip #2: CLEAR THE CLUTTER

 A big factor in organizing your apartment home is knowing when to part ways with additional materials that create clutter; this means trashing the mountain of junk mail, old receipts, and even older grocery lists laying on all of your counter surfaces.

Doing this is a fast and effective way of cleaning your apartment when you’re in a time crunch. You will quickly find that having less clutter makes your apartment home feel more open and most importantly cleaner.

So, say goodbye to clutter, and hello to spring clean!

Tip #3: SMELLS GOOD, LOOKS GOOD.

 The smell of your apartment home matters when it comes time to freshen up. We all know that it’s unsettling when your apartment is a disaster area, but it’s even worse when the smell of your apartment matches the look.

Instead of adding insult to injury, try adding in a scent like a candle, a scented plug-in, or an essential oil diffuser to your cleaning process when you’re short on time. In no way are we saying a clean smell makes up for a messy apartment, but the aroma of your place goes a long way when you don’t have hours to deep clean your apartment.

Cleaning will always be a process, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a difficult process.

Featured Apartment Floor Plans at Crest

by Holli Beckman

There are only thirty days until springtime 2022 is upon us and we think spring is the best time to move into a new apartment home! We have two fantastic featured floor plans you can’t miss if you are out apartment hunting.

Crest at Skyland Town Center offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments equipped with custom style backsplashes, updated kitchen features, wood laminate flooring, and more! The Crest community offers you a gorgeous pool, two-story fitness center, 24-hour concierge, dedicated resident parking garage, dog park, and a resident clubroom. You also have the convenience of a friendly 24-hour, on-site management team to assist with maintenance in your new home.

Just outside Crest’s front door, Skyland Town Center is open for business! You can check out DC’s only drive-thru Starbucks, Roamin Rooster restaurant and their delicious custard milkshakes, and easy conveniences like CVS and Chase Bank.

But when choosing an apartment home, we know the most important factor is if the floorplan will work for you and your lifestyle. Featured below are two of our favorites. Apply for either of these floor plans by March 20th and get up to one-month free.

Take a look!

Crest One-Bedroom B1

This one-bedroom apartment is the ultimate in efficient living! The apartment has a stackable washer and dryer that you can access from the hallway. The bedroom is large enough for a queen-size bed and it has a walk-in closet. The living area is highlighted by four windows letting in natural light. The kitchen area features upgraded appliances including a microwave, dishwasher, electric stove, and refrigerator. Also, note the custom-styled cabinets and the tile backsplashes.

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Crest Two-Bedroom 2I

This popular two-bedroom apartment floor-plan boasts two full-size balconies both located in the kitchen/living area. This corner apartment is bathed in natural light. Residents will enjoy upgraded appliances, wood laminate flooring, and sleek tile backsplashes.

Each bedroom includes a full-size size walk-in closet and an adjacent bathroom. The bedrooms are split by the living space, allowing for some privacy. The apartment is equipped with a full-size washer and dryer. There are lots of thoughtful touches like the lighted art niche in the entryway. The 1100+ square feet of this apartment allows for endless flexibility in its design.

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9 Reasons to Own a Dog

by mszymanski

You have been thinking about it for months—even years. The timing has never been “right.” You have been making excuses for why owning a pet wouldn’t be a good fit and how much responsibility it would take. Think about it no further! At Crest apartments, we take great pride in welcoming pets into our community. We genuinely believe in the many benefits of pet companionship. To help give you some ideas about why owning a pet would be good for you mentally and physically, we’ve compiled our top reasons we believe dogs really are a person’s best friend.

A Dog helps make your WFH day more stress-free:

Research has shown that employees who bring their dogs along to the office report higher satisfaction. In addition, simply having your dog close by for tasks at home and work can reduce stress. Having a furry companion can help add some excitement to your home office days as we all continue with our work-from-home journey.

They will keep you in good shape

Dogs are active creatures and will help bring out the same in you; who could refuse a walk or a round of fetch from a smiling, slobbering face. 

They can help improve your social life

Getting out to the park and mingling with other dog-lovers is a great way to meet like-minded people, and you may even make a new friend. Living at Crest Apartments gives you convenient access to some of the best dog locations just minutes away in the Capitol Riverfront area.

They can help reduce your heating bill

Snuggling up to your furry friend is not only good for the soul, but it can also serve as an extra layer of warmth. So in the winter months, grab a cup of tea and some quality couch time, then watch your heating costs fall.

They will never judge you

Whether you’re hanging at home on a Saturday night or crying over spilled milk, your pup will never think less of you; in either scenario, they’ll probably thank you.

You’ll never eat alone again

Through every snack, every meal, they’ll be there. Watching. Waiting.

They will teach you how to live in the moment

Dogs will never forget the people who care for them, but they tend to live for the moment by nature. From the sensation of the wind blowing in your hair to the importance of a quality belly scratch, your pup can teach you a thing or two about enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

They are incredibly loyal creatures

They will, without a doubt, be by your side through thick and thin; all you have to do is walk through the front door.

Pets can boost your immunity

According to a study at Wilkes University, simply petting a dog can up your levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that fights off the common cold. In addition, having a companion to provide social support will boost your resistance to disease and infections.  Additionally, dogs tend to track in just enough germs to help build immunity.

Check out our pet-friendly apartment community at Crest at Skyland Town Center including a dog wash and dog park! Explore our available apartments here.

Roamin Rooster Opening

by Holli Beckman

Crest residents, the wait is over.

Roaming Rooster, the wildly popular fried chicken restaurant, opens its Skyland Town Center location on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, 1pm.

And on Friday, Feb. 11, the drive-through Starbucks at Skyland (the first in DC!) will start serving at 5:30 am.

Not only is this the first Roaming Rooster to open east of the Anacostia River, it’s the first branch to launch a homemade custard milkshake program!

So come for the chicken and shakes, and also a DJ, merchandise and gift card giveaways and free food samples.

The Black-owned, Washington-based business started in 2015 as a food truck operating in the District; the family parlayed its loyal following into a brick-and-mortar operation in 2018, since then opening DC locations in Tenleytown, U Street, Western Market and Woodridge.

Best Running Trails in DC

by Holli Beckman

With the new year comes new resolutions. Amongst the top resolutions, each year is getting in shape. Running is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to start your fitness journey and DC is one of the most beautiful places to run.

What better way to accomplish your fitness goals than a run on one of DC’s various running trails? If you’re a person who already loves a good outdoor run or a person who’s looking to start incorporating outdoor running/walking for the first time, DC’s trails are perfect for a person of any experience level. So get your best running gear, and get ready to break a sweat because we’re going to overview some of our favorite running trails in DC.

Rock Creek Park:

Rock Creek Park is one of the most popular locations to enjoy a nice weekend jog. And this is for a good reason! Their paved, mostly flat roads make Rock Creek Park a pleasant and comfortable experience for all runners, walkers, and bikers. If you’re looking for a location to escape the hustle and bustle of normal DC life, Rock Creek Park is the ideal place to take a step back to enjoy some of the sweet, calming nature sounds. 

Anacostia Riverwalk:

The 20-mile long Anacostia Riverwalk trail located in Capitol Riverfront DC is an excellent location for individuals who enjoy mesmerizing views of the Anacostia River during their run. As a runner, this allows you to get the best of both worlds. You can capture all of your fitness goals, as well as achieve your peace of mind by cooling down while you take in 360-degree views of the unblocked views of the District. 

National Mall:

It’s every runners’ dream to punch in a mile or two in at the famous National Mall. If you’ve ever been to the Mall as a tourist, you know that you can easily spend hours exploring and taking pictures. But as a runner of The National Mall, your fitness goals are right at the palm of your hands. Jog down the long, paved walks of the Mall then sprint up Lincoln Memorial steps only to be rewarded by breath-taking views of the National Monument. 

For the best National Mall running experience, start your run early in the morning. This morning run will allow you to enjoy some peaceful isolation time. 

Mt. Vernon Trail:

The Mount Vernon Trail is a prime location for runners! This isolated 18-mile trail winds alongside the Potomac River, and offers some of the best-uninterrupted views of Washington, DC’s skyline. While exploring The Mount Vernon Trail, runners will have the opportunity to experience different wooded areas, parks, and historic neighborhoods, such as nearby Old Town Alexandria.

Embassy Row:

Embassy Row caters to the runners’ that don’t mind taking on a new running challenge. The terrain of this running trail is elevated. This uphill factor puts your running experience to the test and adds another layer to your workout. 

Once overcoming that obstacle, the reward for runners’ is very much worth it. The Embassy row trail features some of the most gorgeous, grandest, most historic homes you will ever see. Runners’ will also pass by countless embassies, over Rock Creek Park, and by the US Naval Observatory. 

There are so many running trails you have access to as a DC resident. Take advantage of living in this beautiful city and keep yourself distracted while you log those miles!  Cold weather running not your thing? Save this post for spring and use the treadmills in Crest Apartment’s beautiful two-level fitness center.

5 New Year Resolutions You Can Accomplish at Crest

by Holli Beckman

Crest is the perfect place to accomplish all of your new year aspirations.

The New Year is here, which means it is time for a fresh set of goals, otherwise known as, “New Year Resolutions”. The challenge with the new year is finding the time and motivation to move down that checklist.

To help you out with the time and convenience piece, we have curated a list of 5 New Year Resolutions you can accomplish right from the comfort of your own apartment community.

Get in Shape

The number one New Year Resolution on everyone’s list is fitness. What separates Crest at Skyland Town Center residents from the rest of the pack is that you have access to a free, fully equipped, two-level fitness center right in your community! Any fitness goal you’re hoping to reach this year is attainable with an endless list of fitness equipment including, stationary bikes, yoga mats, multiple treadmills, dumbbells, and more!

Take your fitness goals seriously this New Year inside the Crest fitness center.

Be More Social

The year tends to move very quickly. If you’re working for a living like everyone else, it’s easy to lose track of your social life. Don’t let that become you in 2020; at Crest, we have multiple areas in the building that are perfect for hosting an event or two. These include our resident lounge area and clubroom, television room, and a few outdoor spaces. It’s as easy as going to the front desk to reserve your date and time.

So, throw that viewing party, Super Bowl Party, Paint and Sip, or whatever else you have in mind to take your social life up a notch in the new year.

Enjoy The Outdoors

If one of your New Year Resolutions is to get out more, we have the perfect amenity spaces for that too! If you’re not enjoying the ideal weekend overlooking the beauty of DC from one of our apartment balconies this Spring and Summer, then you’re doing something wrong!

If you’re looking for more of a quiet outdoor space, our courtyard area is a prime location for an excellent book while enjoying your favorite drink. Remember that enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to mean hiking or running, sometimes it’s merely getting outside of your four walls.

Swim More

Even though we are in January, the warm season is not as far you think. Sooner than later, the Crest pool will be open! Remember last year when you said you want to get into the water more next year? That year is this one.

 Find some time to enjoy a sweet dip from the comfort of your apartment community on our courtyard pool this year.

Shop Local

With many local restauranteurs moving into Skyland Town Center, supporting local businesses has never been easier! Learn about all the retailers that will soon be Crest at Skyland Town Center neighbors.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Apartment For Winter

by Mike

Fall has quickly passed, and we are headed straight into the Winter season! To help better prepare you for the cold weather, we have come with a list of ways you can get your apartment home fully equipped for the lower temperatures. Use these tips to create a safe and cozy atmosphere in your apartment space while adding a special winter design feel to your home.

1. INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

When it’s cold outside, it’s natural to turn the heat up indoors, but with that comes a severe drying effect. When the air gets dry, our skin, sinuses, and noses suffer, but there are some affordable humidifiers out there that can give your body the moisture it craves without being too much of an eyesore. 

2. REORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET

We know we aren’t ready to pack up the flip-flops and swim trunks just yet, either, but the time has come. Don’t wait for a 30-degree day to start searching for your coziest sweaters; take the time now to swap out seasonal items and clear some room for bulky pieces like boots and sweaters. You will thank yourself in December.

3. HELP WARM YOUR NEIGHBORS

Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, take last season’s sweaters, gloves, and scarves and donate them. Making room for new cozy items and helping keep your neighbors warm this winter: it’s a win-win. If you’re in DC, you can donate through Thrive DC.

4. SANITIZE BEFORE COLD SEASON

We all get excited when we break out our favorite gloves again, but before you throw them on, take the time to give them a good wash.  We usually reach for our gloves for the first time each season when an unexpected early cold front comes through, but try to get ahead of Mother Nature this year and sanitize your winter accessories so that last year’s germs and grime don’t ruin this year’s holiday fun.  Here are some tips from Martha about when and how to clean your outerwear.

5. PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS

Whether your windows are brand new or full of historic charm, the cold air has a way of finding its way in (and the warm air out).  Our favorite ways to prevent this are putting up some heavy fabric drapes and lining the windows with a temporary, clear film insulation kit.  Both are easy to remove when Spring comes around but will make a big difference in your heating bill.

6. MIX UP A WINTER SCENT

This one may seem purely for joy but can help cover up any funk hanging around when the windows get locked up for winter.  Round up a few items from your spice cabinet (cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg will do) and toss them in a pan with some orange peel and some water and simmer away.  Before long, your entire apartment will smell like the holidays instead of the litter box!

7. PICK UP A DOORMAT

When we slip on our fuzzy socks at the end of the day, the last thing we want is to ruin them by stepping on some sand, dirt, or melted snow tracked in from the wild outdoors. So pick up a heavy-duty doormat to place by your entry where you can wipe and take off your boots before entering your apartment sanctuary. 

Giving Tuesday: Places in D.C. to Donate Clothing this Winter Season

by Holli Beckman

Donate your unwanted, lightly worn clothing this winter season

The winter is season is here! As you prepare to get out some of your new winter gear, don’t forget to donate some of your older, lightly worn cold season clothing to a local donation center near you. When you donate the clothing you’re making a pathway for someone else less fortunate to stay warm for the next few months. At Crest at Skyland Town Center Apartments, we believe in making an impact throughout the DC community, and that will always mean supporting each other. Visit one of the donation centers listed below and give someone the gift of warmth and security this holiday season.

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CENTRAL UNION MISSION (65 Massachusetts Avenue NW) is receiving donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s winter coats of all sizes from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. You can leave donations with front desk attendants who can also help with unloading items if needed. Staff members also provide donors with a form for tax purposes, as well as thank-you bags. 

THRIVE DC (1525 Newton St NW) is accepting gently used winter coats, hoodies, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as new underwear, thermals, and socks. Items can be dropped off at the organization’s headquarters between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thrive will distribute items to clients on December 2, January 13, and February 3. People can also donate by purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon Wish List.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES (2811 O Street, SE) is accepting new and gently used, cleaned coats—larger sizes are especially needed. The organization is also taking new packages of socks. People can bring donations directly to the coat closet at St. Francis Xavier Church on December 10 and January 14, as well as two other locations during designated times.

MARTHA’S TABLE (2114 14th Street NW) is collecting winter clothing and cold-weather gear including hats, scarves, thermals, sleeping bags, and more to be distributed on its mobile food truck and at its two Martha’s Outfitters thrift store locations. 

BUILDING BRIDGES/WC SMITH. You still have time to donate to the WC Smith/Building Bridges Across the River coat drive for cold-weather outerwear for children. The coats will be distributed during the WCS/Building Bridges Holiday Bazaar for Villages of Parklands residents on December 11. A registry has been created at Target for easy purchasing, or individuals can contribute from the vendor of their choice. You can sign up to participate here. Coats for older kids are, particularly in need. Coats should be delivered by Dec. 6. 

Fall Dessert Recipes

by Mike

The fall season is fun for many different reasons! Some people love how the leaves change to those beautiful colors, some love the crisp breeze in the air, and others love all of the incredible events you can participate in during the fall season. But, for us, it’s all about the food! The dessert foods, to be exact! This time of year naturally awakens our culinary senses, allowing us to explore seasonal dessert recipes we might not attempt in the earlier calendar months of the year. There are a lot of directions you can take your cooking exploration this fall season. To help you get started, we have included some seasonal favorites for you to try! Explore each recipe and determine which one speaks to you most. Once you have identified some of your favorites, feel free to add a unique twist to the recipe for a personalized flavor! 

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Filling:

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup thawed apple juice concentrate

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Topping:

1 tablespoon butter

2 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup thawed apple juice concentrate

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°. In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until blended. Beat in flour, oats, and walnuts until well blended. Press onto bottom and 1-1/2 in. up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in milk and juice concentrate until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended (mixture will be thin). Pour into crust. Return pan to baking sheet.

Bake until the center is almost set, 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.

To serve, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; saute apples until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly.

For the glaze, in a small saucepan, mix cornstarch, cinnamon, and juice concentrate until smooth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon glaze to sauteed apples; toss to coat.

Remove rim from springform pan. Top cheesecake with apples. Drizzle with glaze. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

Air Fyer Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

Cooking spray

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup 2% milk

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup butter

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon 2% milk

Directions:

Line air-fryer basket with parchment (cut to fit); spritz with cooking spray. Preheat air fryer to 410°.In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add milk, eggs, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; stir just until moistened. Fold in apples. In batches, drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls 2-in. apart onto air-fryer basket. Spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes. Turn fritters; continue to air-fry until golden brown, 1-2 minutes.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Carefully cook until butter starts to brown and foam, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to browned butter; whisk until smooth. Drizzle over fritters before serving.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup rolled oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups chopped peeled apples

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla ice cream, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press half into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish or a 9-in. square baking pan. Cover with apples.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thick and clear. Pour over apples. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture.

Bake 60-65 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.

Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Dough:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

Dash salt

1 package (10 ounces) cinnamon baking chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. For spiced sugar, mix the first 6 ingredients.

In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, sugar, and 2 tablespoons spiced sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in baking chips. Refrigerate, covered, until firm enough to shape, about 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in remaining spiced sugar. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake until set, 11-13 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin

Filling:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Dash salt

3/4 cup 2% milk

1 cup shortening

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the next 6 ingredients; beat into creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets; flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake 10-11 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For the filling, combine flour and salt in a small saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate, covered, until completely cooled.

In another bowl, beat shortening, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add chilled milk mixture; beat until light and fluffy, about 7 minutes. Spread on the bottoms of half of the cookies; cover with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator.

Fall Decor Ideas For Your Apartment Home

by Mike

A brand new autumn season is among us, which means another opportunity to show your festive creativity! There’s something about the fall season that awakens all of our crafty mindsets, and as an apartment renter, this serves as a perfect excuse to add a new seasonal look to your space by decorating your butt off! There are many ways to begin adding a fall feel to your apartment space, whether you’re looking for a more subtle design or something a little louder. Below we have included some quick tips to begin the process of creating a beautiful fall aesthetic for your apartment home. 

Pumpkins are a must

Anyone that enjoys the fall season knows that pumpkins are the official mascot of the season! What better way to show your excitement for the season than with a collection of prop pumpkins! Apartment dwellers can display the pumpkins in their bathrooms, on a window ledge, or at another location in your apartment that will allow the pumpkin decor to pop!

Fall Wreath for your apartment door

For those apartment renters that like to add a sprinkle of DIY to their design process, a fall wreath is a perfect way to accomplish both of those things! One of the best things about displaying a wreath on your apartment door is that it allows you to share the fall spirit with all of your neighbors every time they walk by. 

Click here to see some cool fall wreath designs you can create for your apartment door.

Fall candle scents

A delightful scent is an easy way to immediately bring the feel of fall right into your apartment home. Having an autumn candle collection for the season is essential to ensure that fall smell never leaves your apartment. Some of the must-haves for the season include apple, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and clove. 

Decorative Pillows

Another great way to add some fall flavor to your apartment home is to swap out your current pillow collection with a more cozy style! Having this collection will instantly make your living room area explode with fall design magic. Then, take things a step further by adding seasonal colors to the collection to create an even more fall aesthetic every time you walk into the space. 

Flex your Fall Green Thumb 

Just because the summer season is over doesn’t mean you can’t have greenery in your apartment home! Plants like dahlias, ranunculus, and even leaves and branches serve as a tremendous seasonal feature for your apartment. To add an extra layer, apartment dwellers can place their fall greenery in a rustic-style holder for an added fall effect.

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