AMLI Blog | Living Apartment Life

Florida’s Coral Castle is shrouded in mystery. How did one man move and carve dozens of megalithic stones weighing several tons each? How did he balance the axis of a 16,000-pound gate so precisely that a child could swing it open with the push of a finger? And why was he so secretive about his building methods? Here’s a look at what we know about the inspiration for, construction of, and mystique surrounding Coral Castle in Homestead. What is Coral Castle? Coral Castle is an oolite limestone structure made from giant stones weighing a combined 2,000,000+ pounds. The two-story castle tower is furnished […]

If you practice yoga or are familiar with ancient eastern spirituality, you know what a mantra is. Broken down and translated into English, the Sanskrit word mantra means “vehicle of the mind.” And repetition of mantras can transform habits, practices, and even mindsets. Here are 10 ways you can use the transformative power of mantras to effect positive change in your life. Appreciate the little things Setting ambitious goals and working toward them is one way to achieve what you need or want to achieve. But when relatively little progress is made, the process becomes daunting. Stay mindful of the progress you make, recognizing […]

This winter has been a cold one. And while the days are growing longer, Chicago likely has several more months of bitter cold, biting wind, and grey sky before it begins to feel like spring. When Mother Nature keeps you indoors, one of the most reliable ways to make due is through exploring the city’s vast collection of theaters. Here are seven highly praised productions on stage in Chicago this winter and spring. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater March 7 thru March 11 at Auditorium Theatre The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is returning to Auditorium Theatre for the 48th time […]

According to recent market research, a majority of renters value green features and amenities. A full 84 percent of respondents to a 2017 AMLI Residential survey said they consider it important to live in a sustainable environment, and 85 percent said they believed sustainable housing provides health benefits. Another 64 percent of respondents said they’d be willing to pay more to live in an apartment with more green features. If you share their sentiments, you’ll find the AMLI rental experience is particularly amenable to eco-friendly urbanites. Here’s a look at green features you can expect in most AMLI rental apartments, especially those built during the last decade. […]

How long have people lived in Austin? How did “Keep Austin Weird” become the Texas capital’s slogan? And just how exceptional is the city’s live music scene? In today’s post, we share the answers to these questions and other fascinating facts about Austin. 1. The Austin area was inhabited at least as early as 9200 BC Stone tools and other artifacts from the late Pleistocene era have been found in present-day Austin. Archaeologists consider this proof of prehistoric Paleo-Indian Clovis culture in the area. 2. Before Austin, it was Waterloo When present-day Austin was incorporated into the Republic of Texas in 1836, it was named Waterloo. […]

Dallas is not notorious for its winters, but it certainly has four seasons. This winter started out especially chilly, and is not quite over yet. The next time the mercury takes a dip and you’re itching to get of your apartment, don’t let the cold deter you. The DFW Metroplex offers several indoor activities engaging enough to make you forget the cold winter day outside. Here are five we recommend. Escape a room Escaping your Dallas apartment rental on a cold winter day might feel like a challenge. But once you’re engrossed in a room escape adventure, you’ll have a new challenge on your mind. […]

Can you imagine living without shower, sink, and toilet drains? These standard plumbing features provide conveniences many of us don’t truly appreciate until until one of our drains gets backed up. The most effective way to keep your drains in good working order is to be mindful about what goes down. Familiarize yourself with common sources of plumbing clogs and groundwater contamination, and flush and rinse accordingly. Here’s a list of 10 serial offenders to get you started. 1. Medication An estimated one-third of all medication manufactured and sold in the United States goes unconsumed. While dumping it down the toilet keeps children, pets, […]

Seattle’s eco-friendly population and history of environmental activism make it a likely leader in green building and living initiatives. And, if the rankings are an accurate indicator, Seattle is definitely a model for sustainability. The city ranked #1 of 655 cities in a 2009 Natural Resources Defense Council survey. Since then, Seattle’s green initiatives have earned it recognition as the “smartest city in North America” (2013) by Fast Company, based on criteria measuring sustainability, connectivity, and innovation. STAR Communities ranked Seattle the most sustainable city in the nation in 2014. And rankings from Corporate Knights, EcoSalon, and The Daily Beast have named […]

Long considered the cultural capital of the South, Atlanta is no stranger to high-profile celebrities. A list of famous Atlantans throughout history would include civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and literary icon Margaret Mitchell, both born within walking distance of AMLI’s Old 4th Ward apartments. In this list, we focus on contemporary actors, authors, musicians, and media personalities. Here’s a look at 11 household names who were born, raised, or discovered in the ATL. 1. Alan Ball Brilliant screenwriter, director and producer Alan Ball was born in Atlanta and grew up in Marietta, Georgia. Ball’s most celebrated work includes Six Feet Under, True […]

The frustration that stems from a low smartphone battery with no charger in sight is all too relatable. It’s also avoidable. Since Apple and Samsung started selling their own smartphone charging cases, it’s been easier to keep your phone charged in perpetuity. Although more expensive than most competitors’ charging cases, Apple and Samsung’s cases are both reliable. Here is a list of other manufacturers’ highly-rated smartphone charging cases. Consider dimensions, weight, charging capacity, price, and protective features when deciding which battery case is right for you. Cases for Apple and Android Emtec Power Pouch One of the more versatile phone charging […]