AMLI Blog | Living Apartment Life

In most of the country, camping is primarily a summer activity. But in Southeast Texas, the outdoorsy pastime is especially pleasant during fall, winter, and spring. If you’re craving some time in nature or a night under the stars, now’s a great time of year to for weekend camping in the region’s state and national parklands. Dig up your camping gear, pack supplies, and head for one of these stunning camping spots near Houston. Bastrop State Park A wildfire devastated Bastrop State Park’s scenic Lost Pines in 2011. But the forest, lush and verdant just a few years into recovery, is well on the way to regaining […]

The Windy City is buzzing with new restaurant activity. And while the jury is still out out on what new restaurants in Chicago will make the biggest mark on this city of foodies, there are several worthy contenders. If you’re looking to reserve a table at one of the better restaurants to open in Chicago in the last six months, consider these fashionable new eateries. Barrio The hospitality group responsible for Bar Siena and Siena Tavern opened this River North restaurant in July 2017. DineAmic‘s decision to work with “Top Chef” contestant Fabio Viviani proved a wise move for its Italian ventures. […]

On November 6, Yoga on the Fly opened in DIA’s Concourse 6. The country’s first private airport yoga operation, Yoga on the Fly consists of five individual yoga studios. Practitioners choose from an array of sequences ranging in duration from 8 to 20 minutes. An iPad (for video instruction), wireless headphones, and clean yoga mat are provided with studio rental. In honor of this DIA milestone, we decided to examine the Mile High City’s most popular and respected yoga studios. If you’re a yogi doing more in Denver than changing planes, put these yoga studios on your radar. Asana Studio […]

There are large-scale DIY projects that require multiple tools, specific skills, and the better part of a weekend to complete. And then there are DIY projects you can carry out with few if any tools and hardly any time. If you’re looking for the latter, you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven simple DIY projects you can complete in two hours or less. Arm-knit scarf Give the gift of warmth this holiday season in the form of a stylish, arm-knit scarf. DIY enthusiast and Simply Maggie blogger Amanda Bassetti offers an easy-to-follow tutorial and YouTube video demonstration for knitting a thick […]

High-profile celebrity sightings are less common in Seattle than in New York or Hollywood. But The Emerald City’s music and tech scenes have produced and attracted several national and regional household names. Seattle also has its fair share of acclaimed writers and entrepreneurs. Here are 11 contemporary luminaries, born or living in Seattle, who’ve impacted or represented the community in influential ways. Jeff Bezos Ask a Seattleite what force has held the most influence over Seattle during the past decade. They’ll almost certainly respond with “Amazon.” The online retail giant’s massive first headquarters transformed the streetscape, demography, and culture of South Lake Union. And Seattleites […]

Smart home technology is revolutionizing the way we engage with and control home appliances, accessories, lighting, and more. Some smart devices and systems require the sort of structural changes and hardwiring that renters should avoid. But the smart home market features plenty of renter-friendly gadgets that facilitate the convenience, savings, and peace of mind for which smart home technology is known. Here are six useful smart-home devices that are unlikely to violate your lease agreement. If there’s ambiguity about whether something could get you into trouble, consult management before installing. Automation Control Hub A smart home hub streamlines automated gadgets for easier smartphone or […]

Just because you’ll no longer wear an old shirt doesn’t mean you should scrap it. That same shirt could help you carry tomorrow’s groceries from the store to your car. Finding innovative uses for goods you no longer need is fun. It’s a creative outlet that benefits the environment and can save you money. And, as of two decades ago, it’s a process we call upcycling. What is upcycling? Upcycling is the creative reuse of materials without degrading their composition. Consider an old barn that is about to be demolished. If you salvage a wooden door and assemble a coffee or dining table […]

According to data compiled by ListShack, Austin is the most sustainable large city in the United States. Other ratings rank Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle above the Texas capital, but Austin is never far behind. Regardless of the ranking methodology you find most sound, there’s no denying ATX’s trailblazing role in environmentally responsible, resource-efficient construction. Let’s explore Austin’s enduring green building contributions, vanguard redevelopment projects, and recent green building initiatives. Birth of a movement During the early 1970s, Austin’s city planners backed the construction of a controversial nuclear power plant. They justified their support on the grounds that the plant was […]

Coasters play a key role in protecting hardwood tabletops and other nice surfaces from condensation rings and water droplets. They’re also easy to make. You can craft DIY coasters from a range of materials available for cheap from craft supply stores. If you dabble in DIY decor or other crafting, you likely already have some of them in your apartment. Here’s a list of household items and materials you can upcycle into beautiful DIY coasters. Clay Clay coaster ideas appear on several DIY craft and home decorating blogs. Depending what you’re aim is, you can purchase clay saucers, buy oven-bake clay, or […]

Durably crafted, well-kept antiques are a stylish, sustainable alternative to new apartment furnishings and decor. With the exception of the rarest and most exquisite items, antiques are also more economical. This is particularly true in the Atlanta area, where antiquing is a major, competitive industry. If you’re looking to bring handcrafted elegance, grace, and history into your Atlanta apartment rental, try your luck at these antique markets. A post shared by Antiques and Beyond (@antiquesbeyond) on Oct 21, 2017 at 11:05am PDT Antiques & Beyond This sprawling Cheshire Bridge antique market specializes in high-end antique furnishings and decor. Scour its 25,000 square-foot […]