Working Remotely 101: Best Practices

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Made the switch to working from home recently? Working remotely from your apartment at AV8 is a change you have the power to tackle. All it takes is the right mindset and the proper gameplan! Here are some helpful tips on how working from home can work in your favor.

 

Hone Your Home Office Space

 

Being at home brings up feelings of coziness. But don’t give in to the temptation of working from your bed! Combining your sleep space with your workstation can impede productivity and decrease restfulness. Your home office is best arranged away from unhelpful distractions. Check out this list for some suggestions on how to get your workstation organized!

 

Create a Set Remote Work Schedule

 

Working from home comes with the risk of losing track of your daily routine. While your work environment may have changed, staying on top of those tasks is key. This way, you continue to maintain a sense of structure. Start by waking up at the same time, getting dressed for the day, and consider keeping a planner. For more suggestions on how to stay focused, check out this helpful article!

 

Take Regular Breaks While Working From Home

 

While it’s great to stay productive, taking care of your physical and mental health is important as well. Make sure your work from home journey includes time for regular breaks! You can refresh by stretching between tasks and taking your full lunch hour. And to combat eye strain from staring at your computer screen, use the 20-20-20 rule.

 

By taking these suggestions, your work from home experience should be a lot more enjoyable. Looking forward to adopting other remote work tips? Let us know what they are in the comments!

Remotely Supporting the Locality While Living in Downtown LA

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As a new resident of Circa LA, you’ve also become a new resident of the vibrant community of Downtown LA as a whole. Supporting your locality may seem like an afterthought to many with a busy routine, but it is, now more than ever, vitally important to do. Here are some ways you can give back to the community while living in Downtown LA!

 

Virtually Access Your Local Library in Downtown LA

 

One of the most underrated community resources for any city is the local library. Libraries provide free access to the internet, books, online classes, and so much more, making them invaluable to the public. Your closest local library in Downtown LA is the Central Library, which conveniently offers e-access to tons of resources. Check out what’s available with your library card online by clicking here!

 

Order Food Delivery in Downtown LA to Support a Local Restaurant

 

The dining scene in Downtown LA is as varied and multicultural as its citizens. From Asian eats to Salvadorean selections, this city has got it all. One local restaurant success story is the one of Dave’s Hot Chicken. From a pop-up to a single brick-and-mortar location, Dave’s Hot Chicken now boasts a number of physical eateries across the region. Get a taste of spicy Louisiana flavor by ordering convenient food delivery in Downtown LA on Doordash!

 

Stay on Top of Local News in Downtown LA

 

Another way to become an active citizen is by keeping posted to local news in Downtown LA. Supporting independent news sources keeps the broadcasting of city-specific coverage not found on mainstream media chugging alone. For Downtown LA, check out Los Angeles Daily News for breaking stories. You can even go the extra mile and purchase a print or digital subscription to Los Angeles Daily News here!

 

Becoming an active citizen can be done from the comfort and safety of home. How are you planning on giving back to the community while living in Downtown LA? Let us know in the comments!

Spring Cleaning for the Season

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It’s finally springtime, and that means welcoming new life in our natural environment! If you’re feeling positive about these changes, consider reflecting them in your home environment here at Circa LA with some spring cleaning! Tidying up unnecessary clutter can restore order into your apartment if it’s been building up through the year. Here are some tips to make the process simple and fun!

 

Engaging in Cleaning Games for Kids

 

If you have little ones, chances are, getting them to pick up the cleaning slack sends them running for the hills. By restructuring the way they think about tidying using cleaning games for kids, you might change things up for the better! These cleaning games add a playful element to otherwise mundane tasks, which helps build healthy chore habits in the long run. Plus, parents get the added benefit of reconnecting with their inner child by playing along too!

 

DIY Cleaners That Save You Money

 

Welcoming change can even start with the products you use to clean in the first place! When it comes to store-bought cleaning products, the prices can definitely cut into your household budget. Invest in a frugal and creative approach with DIY cleaners! Most of the time, making your own cleaning products requires very little supplies and cost pennies on the dollar to create. For example, this citrus-scented all-purpose cleaning spray uses just five ingredients, including some you may already have hiding in your kitchen cupboards!

 

Green Cleaning Hacks for the Earth

 

Making your own products comes with another plus: increasing eco-consciousness. Store-bought cleaners are typically made with harsh chemicals that can harm children and pets, and the strong smells linger long after you’re done using them. Switching to the naturally grime-fighting powerhouses of vinegar, baking soda, and borax lightens the load you make on Mother Earth, without skimping out on effectiveness. Check out this list of green cleaning hacks for advice on where to use natural cleaners around the house!

 

Once you set up a spring cleaning session, your apartment will bring a new sense of calm and renewal in every room. How do you plan on tackling that mess? Let us know in the comments!

Rainy Day Revelry

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As the wet weather ramps up, it’s best to stay indoors to avoid getting washed away. If you’re in need of ways to pass the time until the clouds pass, you’ve come to the right place.  Here are some fun things to do in Downtown LA during a rainy day, both here at Circa LA and beyond!

 

Cooking Up Some Comfort Food

 

Sometimes, all you need to celebrate a rainy day is a comfy couch by the window to watch the drops fall. Cozy feelings abound when you spend a rainy day at home! Hot tea and blankets are a must to celebrate this leisurely time, as well as some tasty comfort food! Check out these delicious recipes for ideas on what hearty homestyle meals to make. Whether you prefer hearty stews or baked mac and cheese, these selections will help round out your day of rest.

 

Board Game Night Here at Circa LA

 

You don’t just have to stay inside your unit to enjoy indoor activities. Circa LA’s amenities make it easy to get a change of scenery while staying dry. The dual indoor/outdoor lounge on-site, for example, is perfect for hosting friends and friendly neighbors. Make your rainy day social by planning a board game night! You’ll have fun engaging in good-spirited competition, and get a front-row view of the wet world outside while you play in the indoor portion of the lounge. Check out this list of board games for some suggestions on what to bring!

 

Museums in Downtown LA to Explore

 

Attending a museum is a nice compromise to being outdoors while it rains. You’ll have the chance to spend several hours exploring worlds and subjects in an interactive environment. The museums in downtown LA are varied and packed with interesting exhibits! If you’re a fan of modern art, The Broad is the museum for you. The visually stunning displays and free admission are appealing to culture aficionados of all kinds. And you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Museum of Natural History. From real-life dinosaur skeletons to the breathtaking 3D theatre, it’s no wonder why this museum is so well-regarded.

 

A rainy day doesn’t have to mean the end of fun. Indoor activities abound in downtown LA and here at Circa LA! What are some of your favorite things to do when wet weather hits? Let us know in the comments!

2020 Predictions to Make and Keep – Maximizing Your Year!

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With January barely under our belt, the 2020 predictions for the year are still flying. But have you made any for yourself? If you predict to live a fuller year than the last, you’re in the right place. We’ll go into a few ways to improve your skillset, kick bad habits, and truly maximize your year!

 

Fitness Goals for 2020 – Healthy Body and Soul

 

In the hustle and bustle of your busy life, it can be hard to keep up with a regular exercise routine, but adding some reachable fitness goals for 2020 can truly improve your health! Before burning out by going all-in too quickly, try this 28-day at-home challenge. By adding bite-size workouts to your routine just three days a week, you’ll find that you’ll get into the habit without overexerting yourself. And when you finally get into the swing of things, Circa LA has got your back in keeping your energy going! The state-of-the-art fitness studio and lap pool will be great additions to your new workout routine!

 

Meal Prepping in 2020 – Tasty Bites With Little Effort

 

Nothing beats the taste of a home-cooked meal, but who has the time to make that every day? Well, with a little help from a very versatile appliance, you do! Investing in a slow cooker is a great way to cut back on ordering takeout and eat healthier. Check out these “set it and forget it” recipes to get started on regular meal prepping in 2020. You can even make it more fun by inviting some friendly neighbors in for a cooking party! Everyone can make a different dish, then take home portions of each, feeding everyone a different meal for a week. 

 

Meeting your personal 2020 predictions will not only give you a sense of success, but leave you with healthy new habits to take into the future! Got a few other goals you want to reach? Share with us in the comments section!

Holiday Events in Downtown LA to Close Out the Year

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2019 is almost gone, and that means holiday events in Downtown LA will soon disappear with the season. Luckily, this neighborhood is full of fun attractions for the holidays yet. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or your splendid self, there’s plenty of seasonal tidings to experience before this decade is over!

Exciting Things to Do For Christmas in Downtown LA

There’s plenty of exciting, Holiday-themed attractions going on around Circa LA this season! For a classic Holiday tradition, check out the Pershing Square Ice Rink! Whether you’re a newcomer or novice to skating, racing ‘round the rink with your loved ones is sure to create long-lasting memories. And if you can’t get enough of ugly sweaters, The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen is holding a contest! Cash prizes for the most horrendous holiday wear await, as well as Holiday movies and seasonal drink specials. RSVP here!

Plan for an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Downtown LA

NYE comes just six days after December 25th. Don’t be left out in the cold once the 31st hits by securing your spot at hot local events now! For a free rooftop hotel party, check out the Hoxton, where drinks and danceable music await you. Just reserve your spot in advance! Prefer to party sober? No problem! #BOOM! 2020 promises a safe space to ring in the new decade, complete with alcohol-free drinks and tasty bites. 

Staying at Home for the Holidays

While going out and celebrating is always fun, homebodies can organize their own holiday events from the comfort of their apartment here at Circa LA. For New Year’s, consider renting a photobooth and accessories to capture silly snapshots you’ll treasure into 2020. You can also do a holiday movie marathon on the couch with pajama-clad guests. This cozy get-together is sure to be a hit. There are endless ideas out there for celebrating, so put on that thinking cap!

 

Whether you stay at home to party or decide to experience what Downtown LA has to offer this December, be sure to always celebrate safely. Enjoy the seasonal celebrations!

The Turkey Bowl Tradition

Turkey Bowl

What traditions come to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Perhaps it’s that second helping of sweet potato pie you always indulge in, or helping your family prepare each delicious dish together. Or maybe it’s catching a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl! Watching or participating in football is truly an all-American tradition. But did you know that this custom dates back almost all the way back to the very first Thanksgiving?

College Football Kicks it Off

In 1869, just six years after Turkey Day number one, the college football scene in Philadelphia, PA created the origins of this event. The Young American Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club played a landmark game on Thanksgiving, which would soon start as its own trend in New York City. From 1876 to 1881, Princeton played against Yale every year on Thanksgiving. Come 1882, the Intercollegiate Football Association decided to make this tradition official. Today, Thanksgiving football games are as culturally relevant to the US as apple pie. As for the term “Turkey Bowl”? When high school leagues started to name their games after the tasty bird enjoyed ‘round the table on Thanksgiving, the coinage simply stuck!

Turkey Bowl From Home…

With the NFL hosting three thrilling games airing at different times on November 28th, you definitely won’t have trouble finding football games to watch on Thanksgiving this year! Tune in throughout the day to watch the Chicago Bears play Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills against Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints versus Atlanta Falcons. Check out when the games are scheduled beforehand so you and your family can sit back, relax, and cheer on your favorite teams together!

…Or Out and About!

While watching from the comfort of your couch is always fun, sometimes the game is better with a more spirited crowd. Thankfully, the Downtown LA sports bar scene is sure to be active this Thanksgiving. Check out this list for a selection of where to enjoy a cocktail (or two!) while you cheer on your team. Rather throw a football match all your own? Why not consider organizing a community game at a park close to home? That way, you can spread some friendly competition and team-bonding within the Circa LA neighborhood!

 

If you’re not sure what day is Thanksgiving 2019, be sure to keep November 28th in your planner. Whether you watch the pros duke it out from your living room, on a barstool with friends, or start a football tradition all your own, you just might feel a little closer to traditional American culture as well as family when you toss this sport into the mix this year. Happy Thanksgiving!