Close up of a soft pink fuchsia flower and its unopened buds

AMLI Blog | Living Apartment Life

The Seattle parks system tied for 11th in the Trust for Public Land’s 2017 ParkScore Index ratings and has been recognized by CNN Money as one of the country’s best park cities. Seattle’s hundreds of parks, which together constitute more than 11% of the city’s total land area, have a combined 120 miles of hiking trail between them. While most Seattle parks are open year-round, the northwest seaport city does have something of a park season. And it’s drawing to a close. Before Seattle’s clear summer skies once again fill with rain clouds and the days grow dispiriting-ly short, hit up one or […]

By Jason Ernst

Easy-care houseplants are all the rage these days. And many plants that require little water or sunlight to thrive have bizarre physical characteristics. As these easy-care plants grow more popular, an expanding selection is cropping up at nurseries and garden centers. Here are eleven strange, but beautiful houseplants that are gaining traction in the age of the easy-care houseplant. 1. Black Rose succulent (aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’) Most black plants are black either because they’ve been charred or diseased. These perennial succulents, characterized by large burgundy leaves arranged in floral patterns, are an exception. This drought-tolerant plant require little water and only partial sunlight. […]

Georgia was the first and only of the 13 U.S. colonies to ban alcohol prior to America’s Prohibition experiment. Even today, the state’s regulatory environment makes producing, selling, and buying alcohol harder than in most of the country. Before last week, brewers and distilleries couldn’t sell their product directly to consumers. A distributor was required to act as middleman. In spite of Georgia’s temperance-tied history and challenging regulatory environment, more than a dozen accomplished distilleries operate in the Peach State. The next time you head to the liquor store, consider buying from one of these Georgia distilleries to support the local economy. […]

By Jason Ernst

Coffee makers are one of the most ubiquitous kitchen appliances in the country, found in almost every home and office. Even offices without kitchens have coffee makers so workers can stay productive without having to break for coffee runs. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly coffee maker and find the abundance of choice overwhelming, here’s a list of expert- and consumer-approved models you can count on to deliver that jolt you expect from a cup of freshly brewed jo. A post shared by Bonavita World (@bonavitaworld) on Apr 22, 2017 at 12:25pm PDT Bonavita BV19OOTS One of this fast-brewing coffee […]

Try these Los Angeles ice cream shops for a quick cone or scoop.

The Los Angeles ice cream scene is rife with top-tier competition. If you’re an area resident with a soft spot for the frozen treat, this works to your advantage. You don’t have to travel to enjoy sensational, Italy-based Grom or Brooklyn artisan ice cream superstar Van Leeuwen. You also have proprietary or exclusive access to dozens of regional small-batch creameries. Here are nine exceptional Southern California ice cream brands to try if you haven’t already. A post shared by Carmela Ice Cream (@carmelaicecream) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:16pm PDT Carmela Ice Cream and Sorbet Established in 2007, Carmela probably […]

By Jason Ernst

In spite of its southerly latitude, Miami is not known for its barbecue. But excellent food from a range of culinary traditions is available in the Magic City. And barbecue is no exception. If you like barbecue, here are 10 respected Miami barbecue restaurants worth checking out. Bulldog Barbecue When you receive accolades for having some of the best burgers and the best barbecue in a city as big and rich as Miami, you’re doing something right. We’re going to go out on a limb here and say Top Chef alum Howie Bulldog is doing more than just something right. Visit his North Miami barbecue joint […]

Transforming a new apartment into the dwelling of your dreams is a big task anywhere. But in Dallas, a high concentration of well-curated and well-run furniture stores makes it easier than in some places. The Big D’s dozens of home retailers sell furnishings and accessories of every style and material you can imagine. Whether you’re pinching pennies or looking to splurge on your apartment’s design, you should find what you’re looking for in the selection of new and consignment furniture at these Dallas retailers. A post shared by AGAIN & AGAIN (@againdallas) on Jul 25, 2017 at 12:12pm PDT Again […]

If you and your cat live in an apartment, your cat’s got to do his or her business in house. There’s no way around this. But there are several clever you can conceal your kitty’s litter box so it’s not in plain view. Doing so will give your cat privacy, minimize litter-related odors, and improve your apartment’s aesthetic. Here are six creative litter box solutions only you and your cat will be clued in on. Potted plant litter concealer Good Pet Stuff Company sells a litter box that comes concealed in a faux clay planter. This attractive planter contains a large-capacity […]

Bluebonnet Trail wines don’t have the global brand recognition of wine from Argentina, California, or France. But the Texas wine industry has enjoyed steady growth for several years now, and is now the fifth largest in the the country. A recent shift in the vintification of grapes grown successfully in Napa to Mediterranean varieties has markedly improved the quality of wine grown on the Bluebonnet Wine Trail and elsewhere in Texas. Here are a handful of wines grown near Houston that have received sommeliers’ mark of approval. Haak Vineyards Madeira Blanc du Bois Primarily grown in Florida and southeast Texas, Blanc du […]

Denver’s skyline is nice to look at, but that’s not the only reason to snag a seat at one of the Mile-High City’s hottest rooftop bars or restaurants. Scenic mountain views and Colorado’s beautiful weather are two other forces that make Denver rooftops especially pleasant. Here are some of the most well-situated, designed, and run rooftops where you can eat and drink this summer. A post shared by alehousedenver (@alehousedenver) on May 25, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT Ale House at Amato’s From Amato’s vantage point across the Millennium Bridge, the downtown Denver skyline looks pretty neat. Appreciate it over a […]