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

AMLI Blog | Living Apartment Life

By Nick Kotecki

The clouds might be out for most of the month, but as we inch toward summer, the days continue to grow warmer and warmer. For those of us in the southernmost states, a steady stream of sunny 70- and 80-degree days already dot the calendar. Everywhere this month though, we see the first outdoor festivals of the year begin to creep into our weekend plans as well as a host of events to enjoy indoors for when rain decides to fall. Atlanta April 1: Pillow Fight International Pillow Fight Day isn’t just for kids. People around the world gather in parks […]

A chef’s knife may well be the most important and useful tool in your kitchen. Some culinary experts like Anthony Bourdain even recommend throwing out your entire knife block in favor of a single sharp, effective chef’s knife. Efficient, versatile, and easy to use, these high-quality knives save cooks loads of time and energy on food prep. But in order to maintain the sharpness that makes slicing and dicing with a chef’s knife effortless, the knife must be properly cared for. Use correctly Proper cutting is key to keeping a knife’s blade sharp. Sliding a knife through ingredients you’re chopping or dicing is […]

Home to nearly two million Southern California residents, the San Fernando Valley is not exactly undiscovered. Still, the urban valley has plenty of relatively little known treasures to visit and enjoy. Here are some special San Fernando Valley places and experiences you may not have known about. The Batmobile The most iconic superhero ride of all time was fashioned at Barris Kustom Industries in North Hollywood. An original still stands on the showroom floor. The Batmobile is a ten-minute drive from AMLI Lex on Orange. California Institute of Abnormalarts (CIA) Far out of the mainstream, this NoHo nightclub-cum-sideshow museum is truly one […]

By Jason Ernst

Date planning can be exciting, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you’re trying to plan a fun and romantic evening out with your significant other but are struggling to choose an activity or destination, you’ve come to the right place. Here are fun dates ideas in the north Dallas communities of Frisco, Irving, Plano, and Richardson. Catch a RoughRiders game Frisco’s Dr. Pepper Ballpark is one of the best minor league parks in the country. If you live at AMLI at the Ballpark, you can take advantage of its close proximity by taking a date to a RoughRiders […]

Functional and pleasing to the eyes, floating shelves are an ideal storage solution when space is at a premium. A range of styles, materials, and colors makes it easy to find a floating shelf that matches your decor. If you’re looking to add storage or display space to your apartment but don’t want to take on a major DIY project, here are ten ready-to-mount shelves you might like. 1. Bamboo Three-Tier Floating Shelves Lipper International’s three-tier bamboo shelves don’t even require wall mounting. The bamboo product sits comfortably on kitchen counters and other level spaces, and can add a cabinet’s worth […]

The Mile-High City is one of the nation’s fittest. In spite of Denver’s active population and proximity to world-class ski resorts, many residents struggle to keep trim and fit during the winter months. If you don’t get to the slopes as often as you’d like and you’re serious about your commitment to staying in shape, here are some tips for staying in prime skiing condition and not having to work too hard to get your beach body ready in time for summer. Embrace another winter sport Pursuing passion for a winter sport can make staying in shape over the winter as much fun as it is work. Cross-country skiing, […]

By Jason Ernst

Many of us would love to have a drink every time we eat out, but often abstain due to cost. BYOB restaurants afford us the opportunity to buy beer and wine at liquor store prices and enjoy them openly while dining, sometimes charging a small corking fee. Chicago is home to more BYOB restaurants than many residents are aware of, including the many favorites collected here. A post shared by BIG & little’s Restaurant (@big_n_littles) on Mar 11, 2017 at 12:35pm PST Big & Little’s A friendly staff, quality grub, and BYOB policy make Big & Little’s a solid River […]

Seattle is home to several businesses that are household names the world over. But in addition to behemoths like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks, the Emerald City has hundreds of wonderful businesses you can’t find anywhere else. Check out these prize shops and galleries and get more into shopping locally with homegrown businesses. A post shared by Archie McPhee (@archiemcphee) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:58pm PDT Archie McPhee Seattle-based novelty shop Archie McPhee is a purveyor of fun for people of all ages. If it’s not already your go-to destination for gag gifts and costumes, visit the next time you’re […]

By Jason Ernst

Concern for the environment is growing among consumers, manufacturers, and service providers. In response, promising signs are emerging that we’re moving toward a more sustainable world. One of these signs is the pace and scope of sustainability-driven innovation. If you’re looking for ways to live a greener life or are interested in breakthroughs in green technology, here are some green trends to watch for and think about embracing this year. Natural furnishings and decor Decorating with houseplants is increasingly common. Expect this trend to continue alongside a rise in the production and sale of other organic furnishings. Carved stone stone coffee and end tables, wood furniture, and […]

East Austin has all the characteristics of a stylish arts district. The eclectic neighborhood is home to art studios and galleries, trendy cafes and cocktail bars, thriving restaurants, food trucks, a wealth of street art, live music performance spaces, parks, and a smattering of storied local haunts. If you’re looking to better know the neighborhood, here are some East Austin spots you should check out. Alamo Street East Austin has a rich history, and many of the neighborhood’s residents have lived there for generations. Walking down Alamo Street, you get a sense for this. You also get a sense for the […]