Summertime Fun in Portland

Summertime fun in PhoenixThe weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and spring will say farewell. Before you know it; summer will be here. As you get ready to dust off your favorite bathing suits and summer shorts, we have rounded up some of the best summertime fun in and around your pet-friendly Portland apartment.

With so many amenities at Linc301, you may never want to leave. Get summertime ready for a dip in the saltwater pool, sauna, or sundeck at the Fitness Center.

Head out to explore shops, restaurants, and local bars. Then return to your spacious one or two-bedroom apartment or relax in the peaceful courtyard.

Take in the breathtaking views of the city and river from your European-style balconies at Linc301.

Explore the Portland Farmers’ Market every Sunday. Walk around, shop for clothing, housewares, and crafts from the many vendors, and of course, pick up some fresh produce.

Live music and outdoor events are slowly returning to Portland. Check out these venues for more information about enjoying live music this summer at your Portland apartment.

Summertime is not complete without a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream flavor. These are a few of our favorite Portland ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato shops.

Salt and Straw Ice Cream Shop

2035 North East Alberta Street, Portland, OR

Website

Fifty Licks Ice Cream
Check out their website for featured specials and the location closest to your Linc 301 apartment in Portland.

Beaux Berry Ice Cream and Gelato
7316 North Lombard Street, Portland, OR

Website

Bring a little summer indoors with these easy to grow indoor plants:

  • Christmas Cactus
  • African Violet
  • Begonia
  • Spider Plant
  • Rosemary
  • Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue
  • Aloe Vera
  • Lady Palm (Rhapsis Excelsa)
  • Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

Enjoy summertime in and around your beautiful downtown Portland apartment.

Use These Feng Shui Principles in Your Bedroom

Portland ApartmentA good night’s sleep is key to a healthy and balanced life. But for many of us, a good night’s sleep is something we only dream about. Instead of tossing and turning each night, use these Feng Shui tips to improve the energy in the bedroom in your Portland apartment.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art that literally means “wind-water”. Both these elements are associated with good luck and good health. 

Tips for Feng Shui in Your Bedroom

  1. Space and airflow are important to a good night’s rest. Invest in a king bed and mattress so that you have plenty of room while you sleep.
  2. To further improve the chi in your bedroom by positioning your bed in the center of your room out of line of the bedroom door. 
  3. You can encourage a good night’s sleep and improve energy by limiting electronic devices and screens from your bedroom. That means your phone! 
  4. Ensure that your bed has a bedside table on either side of the bed.
  5. Try using natural bedding and eco-friendly materials like bamboo and linen.
  6. Choose soothing muted color tones like white, beige, brown, and plant-inspired greens.
  7. Declutter your bedroom and keep all the drawers and doors closed when they are not in use. 
  8. Avoid adding mirrors to your bedroom. Particularly within the sightline of your bed. Mirrors are a big problem as you should never be able to see yourself when lying in bed. Your subconscious is aware of the reflection which will only produce a fitful sleep at best.
  9. You might like to read a book in bed, but books are viewed as “alive” because they embody energy.
  10. Use wood elements in your bed’s headboard or side tables.

Incorporating these Feng Shui tips for the bedroom in your Linc301 apartment in Portland will have you counting z’s in no time.

 

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

Linc 301 Apartments PortlandWhile spring cleaning your  Portland apartment can be cathartic, it can also be harmful to the environment. Each year thousands of chemicals from cleaning products are washed into our waterways. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and adds to outdoor smog. Containers and packaging from cleaning products end up in landfills.

But you can have your cathartic cleaning sessions and keep the environment clean with these eco-friendly apartment cleaning solutions.

Keep Your Clothes and Environment Clean

Chlorine is a common ingredient in many cleaning supplies and detergents we use to clean our Portland apartment! Replace chlorine products with solutions that use hydrogen peroxide, lemon and vinegar. You can keep your clothing and the water clean by choosing eco-friendly, bleach-free, laundry detergents.

We all love the way that dryer sheets make our clothing feel and smell. However, many dryer sheets release toxins in the air during the dryer cycle and end up in landfills. 

Instead of using dryer sheets, try dampening a washcloth with apple cider vinegar and throwing it in the dryer. The vinegar prevents static cling and makes your clothes feel softer. 

You can also sprinkle ¼ cup into the washing machine during the main wash cycle to freshen and soften your clothes without having to add dryer sheets when drying.

There are also many natural, toxin-free dryer sheets, and detergents available from Amazon.

DIY Green Cleaning Solutions

These DIY Green Cleaning Solutions are ideal ways to deep clean your Linc 301 apartment.

Baking Soda is a household staple that helps clean, deodorize, brighten, and cut through grease in your apartment. Mix it with some dish soap for a non-toxic abrasive solution to clean tubs, counters, sinks and more.

Castile Soap is made from plant oils and cuts through grease and grime. It is an effective cleaner for stoves, countertop, and other surfaces.

Olive Oil does not just taste great, it also makes a great polisher for many of the wood services in your Portland apartment. Simply dampen a cloth with olive oil and rub it on the surface in circular motions. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then buff off for a great shine.

These simple tips can help you spring clean your Portland apartment, save money, reduce toxins, and help the environment.

 

Ways to Make Your Portland Apartment Cozy and Warm

portland apartment

In a time where things feel a bit turned upside down, we look for ways to feel warm, safe, and cozy. Your Portland apartment is a good place to start and these easy tips will make spending more time indoors enjoyable. 

Clean and Declutter

Start with a clean and decluttered space. Grab a box and a trash bag and go room to room removing items that you no longer use and can throw away or donate.

Layer Textures

Decorate with a lot of layered textures. Add cozy and comfy pillows to your sofa. Try big fuzzy, velvety or knit pillows for texture, style, and comfort. 

Thick and Cozy Rugs

One of the easiest ways to warm your Portland apartment is with area rugs. Choose thick pile or shag rugs that will feel warm under your feet. You can find some on Wayfair, Overstock.com or at a nearby Target store.

Add Three-Dimensional Artwork to Walls

One way to bring life to a room and to make it feel warm and cozy is with three-dimensional artwork. It is visually interesting. Check out this three-dimensional artwork featuring butterflies from Anthropologie or these great selections from Home Depot.

Illuminate with Lamps

Try to avoid overhead or ceiling lights and turn on lamps instead. Overhead lighting can be harsh, while floor and table lamps provide a more relaxed mood. 

Go Green

Add something organic like fresh herbs or potted plants, limes, lemons, or fresh flowers. If you have a black thumb, you can choose faux flowers and plants to warm your Portland apartment.

Add Wood Elements

Incorporating wood elements into your apartment is a great way to add warmth and coziness. Add wood shelving or display an old window pane, blanket rack or a cutting board in your kitchen. These are great ways to add a touch of coziness. You can find some great selections at these local antique stores near your Linc 301 apartment.  

Candles

Candles smell great and make your apartment feel more inviting. Cluster them on a mirrored tray or arrange them with varying heights and let the soft flicker of the lights put you at ease.

These are just a few ways to make your Portland apartment cozier matter what your decorating style is.

Add Local Art to Your Linc301 Apartment

Linc301 apartmentAs you say good riddance to 2020 and look toward the hope and promise of a new year, you will undoubtedly make resolutions. In addition to the typical resolutions to lose weight, save money, exercise more, and get organized, why not add supporting local artists to your list! 

This year, resolve to add local art to your Linc301 apartment and support local artists and art institutions.

Add Hand-Blown Home Décor to Your Apartment

Glassblowing is one of the most beautiful, practical, and versatile art forms. Consider adding a hand-blown glass bowl to your entryway or a vase to put fresh flowers in. These studios offer some beautiful hand-blown home décor items.

Vitreluxe

1411 SE Tacoma St, Portland, OR 97202

Website

Elements Glass

1979 NW Vaughn St, Portland, OR 97209

Website

Add Framed Photographs 

Add photographs from local photographers to your apartment at Blue Sky Gallery.  This well-respected gallery has an entire wall of drawers filled with one-of-a-kind photos. Photos start at $100 and include architecture, Portland’s skyline, nature, and fellow Portlanders. Call for current hours.

Luke’s Frame Shop on Piedmont Street has some stylish and affordable custom frames.

Ceramics Add a Unique Touch

Ceramics at Eutectic Gallery has some brilliantly talented ceramic artists who sell their wares. Choose from formal vases to stoneware mugs, bowls, and other unique items.

Add a Pop of Color with Painted Furniture

Painted furniture is a great and affordable way to add a pop of color to your downtown Portland apartment. These shops and boutiques are brimming with some stylish painted furniture.

Sassafrassity

10120 SW Hall Blvd #104, Portland, OR 97223

Website

City Home

1101 SE 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Website

Lounge Lizard

1310 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Website

Supporting local artists and small businesses is a great New Year’s resolution and a terrific way to add style to your Linc 301 apartment.

 

Celebrating the Holidays in Portland

Celebrating the holidays in Portland

Courtesy of everything-portland.com

As the days grow longer and the temperatures drop, we may be looking for ways to make our days merry and bright. One of the wonders of celebrating the holidays in Portland is the wide variety of holiday lights. Bundle up and head out to take in the twinkling lights of the city you call home.

Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway has one of the largest holiday lights displays in the area. Grab your coats and mittens and drive or walk through the more than 250 light displays and fully animated scenes that glimmer and glow.

The spectacle is held through January 2nd and you can purchase tickets ahead of time. 

The Oregon Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with ZooLights. This family favorite is a great way to see the zoo all aglow. Listen to the music of carolers, gaze at the brightly lit trees and enjoy the illuminated, animatronic animals. ZooLights 2020 will be a safe drive-through experience. 

Get more information and tickets on the Zoo website.

Don’t miss a Portland holiday tradition, the Christmas Ships Parade. This long-running tradition includes more than 60 festively decorated boats floating along the Willamette River. Spectators are delighted by the sights and sounds of these boats as they light up the night. 

The event will still be held this year, but please check out their website for more information and Covid-19 safety protocols. 

Don’t miss out on one of Southeast Portland’s most decorated neighborhoods! Peacock Lane, just 15 minutes from your Linc 301 apartment,  has been delighting Portlanders since the 20s. Twinkling lights dazzle visitors through December 31st. Check out their website for more information on this tradition for celebrating the holidays in Portland.

Celebrating the holidays in Portland is a magical time of the year and these are just a few of the many ways to turn the season merry and bright. Don’t forget to take a walk by the White Stag building to take in the Red Nose of the stag. Happy Holidays!

Tips to Safely Enjoy Thanksgiving in Portland

Thanksgiving is usually the time of year where family and friends gather to celebrate all that we are thankful for. This year celebrating Thanksgiving in Portland might be different. 

Our kitchens will have a few less cooks, our table a few less settings and a few less side dishes. But our hearts and our hopes can still be full. This is a good year to set new traditions and make new memories.

Here are some ways to downscale this Thanksgiving holiday when hosting dinner in your Portland apartment.

Have a Set Menu with Less Items

It is easy to get carried away with side dishes, but instead of making everyone’s individual favorites, choose a few dishes. This means less time in the kitchen and few leftovers.

Go Paper and Plastic

You can spend less time in the kitchen doing dishes when you use paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware. You can purchase decorative paper plates at Khol’s at 10010 NE Halsey Street near your Linc 301 apartment. Additionally, you can order them online at Amazon.

Host a Virtual Thanksgiving

We are all familiar with Zoom Happy Hours, virtual meetings and even virtual school! Why not celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends via Zoom or another virtual tool? If you loved cooking with your family members, set up a time to cook turkey or pies virtually. Set a time to eat dinner or dessert and arrange for a Zoom meeting. Be certain to share what you are thankful for and to take a Zoom selfie. Thanksgiving in Portland 2020 will likely be a watershed moment.

Meet for a Walk

Health experts say gathering outdoors poses less risk to getting the virus, so why not meet after dinner at one of these great parks or walking trails near your apartment in Portland. Perhaps you can swap a dessert or share a few leftovers.

No matter how you spend Thanksgiving in Portland, make it a memorable and safe one. 

 

Safe Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Portland

Halloween in PortlandHalloween in Portland is always a fun time of the year. Celebrate by participating in one of the drive-through Halloween events or by decorating your Linc 301 apartment to help you get in the spirit.

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Portland Apartment

Decorating your apartment for Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be Spooktacular. Carve or paint pumpkins, fill mason jars with candy corn, use decorative cobwebs or place whimsical sugar skull garlands on mantels and shelves.

Do you have some empty wine bottles? Purchase glass paint, which can be purchased from Michael’s, Home Depot, and Walmart. Add spooky drawings of ghosts or witches. Add a candle and a spider made from pipe cleaners for a hauntingly delightful Halloween decoration.

Some simple changes like using jack-o-lantern wine cups, or by hanging black curtains. Placing orange throw pillows on your couch can turn your apartment into a charmingly spooky Halloween lair!

Add a spooky wreath to your front door and a “warning” mat to the doorstep for a fun way to welcome guests!

Drape white cloth (or sheets) over dining chairs and add some eyes and a mouth for a bootiful way to decorate your dining area.

Drive-Through Halloween Events in Portland

Fasten your seatbelts, Oaks Park will still be offering the same Halloween frights and thrills you have come to love. This year celebrate it from the safety of your own car. Characters lead you through a unique storytelling experience using audio, video, and special effects.

Space is limited, purchase tickets and get more information here.

Howloween at the Zoo

Ghouls and Goblins can safely celebrate Halloween in Portland at the Zoo. Scavenger hunts, trick-or-treating and fun, educational activities are just a few of the haunted happenings at the Zoo this Halloween. Purchase tickets here.

Halloween in Portland might be a bit different this year, but by decorating your apartment and participating in safe events, it can still be a spookily fun holiday.

Tips to Stay Healthy This Fall in Portland

Are you looking for ways to stay healthy this fall, but don’t want to go to the gym? Check out these quick tips to help you stay active in your Portland apartment so you’ll want to have an alternative exercise plan in place.

1. Use Mobile Fitness Apps

There are many high-quality fitness and exercise tracking apps that you can easily download that will help you stay active without going to a gym.

You can download different high-intensity interval workouts through apps such as:

Seven

Sworkit

12 Minute Athlete

FitBit Coach

Many of these apps have a trial period that you can use for free. They also allow you to workout in or near your Linc301 apartment in Portland without the need for expensive equipment or expensive memberships. 

2. Start Running

There is nothing like a good old-fashioned run. The best part about running is that you don’t need a gym or equipment to run. Purchase a Fitbit or Garmin watch to help you monitor your achievements.

3. Workout at Home Helps You Stay Healthy This Fall in Portland

Believe it or not, there are a lot of workouts you can easily do at home to stay active. Exercise movements such as jumping jacks, push up, lunges, arm lifts, and squats won’t take up much room or require equipment. Use a gallon water bottle or reuse a laundry detergent bottle filled with water for weights

With the amount of useful information on the internet, you’ll be able to find home workouts that you can incorporate into your exercise routine. 

4. Yoga

Roll up a rug, move some furniture, put down a yoga mat and strike a downward facing dog or child’s pose. Yoga is a great way to build core strength and balance.

Consider using these four alternatives to keep moving and stay healthy this Fall in Portland without having to go to a gym. There are so many ways to stay active with technology and minimal equipment – let’s get started.

Tips to Get Ready for Back to School

back to school tips

Before you know it, we will be returning to school! Hot summer days and long nights enjoying your downtown Portland apartment will be behind you and studying will be part of your daily routine!

Before you despair, we have put together some must-have school back to school supplies and some tips on how to study from home.

Let’s start with a list of school supplies that you will need this fall.

Supplies List

  • Pencils, Pens, and Erasers
  • Glue Sticks and Tape
  • Ruler and a Calculator
  • Spiral Notebook
  • Scissors (age-appropriate)
  • Colored Markers and/or Colored Pencils
  • Folders and 3-Ring Binders
  • Construction Paper
  • Personal Calendar
  • Face Mask
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet Wipes
  • Trash Bins
  • Water Bottle
  • Storage Containers
    • Pen/Pencil Container
    • Plastic Bins for School Supplies
    • Done/To Do Folders

Now that you know what supplies you will need for the school year, let’s share some tips from Oxford Learning on studying from home!

  1. Try Active Studying. Active studying is a simple trick that helps with retention and focus. Simply ask yourself questions before, during, and after you study!

What am I about to learn? What do I already know about this subject? Do I understand what I read? What have I learned that I did not know before? Are there any keywords or ideas that I need to write down?

 

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep. You likely don’t need a study to tell you to get a good night’s sleep but getting eight hours of sleep can help keep your brain refreshed, keep you more alert, and help improve your memory!

 

 

  • Study When You are Most Alert. Each of us has our own “alert” time. This is the time of day where we are most productive. Try to study when you are most alert so that you can process and retain the information that you are studying. 

 

 

  • Have a Back To School Designated Study Area. Create an area in your Portland apartment that is designated as a study zone. This will help you stay focused and less distracted.

 

 

  • Eat Properly. Your body and your brain need fuel to stay focused. Eating regular meals and having healthy snacks while you study will help you stay focused.

 

As days turn from relaxing to studying, be certain to take some downtime and to explore the area near your downtown Portland apartment and maybe find a sunny spot in the atrium to read, take notes, or write! These tips will help you make the transition from summertime to school and study time.