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Building the Dream at Evolve Companies
How We’re Evolving
Building the dream at Evolve Companies means that we’re all about growth! Brand new projects are on the horizon, and there’s continued transformation within communities already underway. Evolve Construction is taking tons of action this summer, with projects in the works in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. We can’t wait for you to see how we’re building the dream at Evolve Companies, so you can live it!
If you’re looking for modern aesthetics and luxury living in Asheville, NC, you’ll definitely want to check out Hawthorne at Mills Gap. Mills Gap offers a 24-hour fitness center, saltwater swimming pool, and a bark park for pup-parents!
Construction on the first building is complete, and the second building has management walks underway! The pool house and clubhouse are both complete as well, with landscaping almost entirely finished. We can’t wait for you to see all that Mills Gap has in store!
Looking for the best of Tennessee living? Evolve Construction has been hard at work on Hawthorne at the W in Chattanooga, and the project is essentially entirely complete!
This brand new community offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes, complete with granite countertops, open-concept floorplans and designer finishes. The saltwater swimming pool will be your favorite summertime spot. Be sure to check out their 24-hour fitness center and health hub as well!
If you’re looking for the perfect 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment home, you won’t want to miss Hawthorne at the Glen. Located in Concord, NC, right outside of Charlotte, this community will be completely finished toward the end of July. These stunning apartment homes have modern kitchens with stand-alone islands, open-concept floorplans, and two custom finish packages to choose from.
Hawthorne at the Glen also has a 24-hour health hub, a yoga and spin studio, and a resort-style swimming pool with expansive sundeck. Stop by to see how we’re evolving!
Where are you living your dream?
If we’ve learned anything over the last few months, it’s that there really is no place like home! Having a space that feels warm, welcoming, and like your own is so important. What makes a house a home for you? Let us know in the comments!
We’re Building the Dream So You Can Live It
We’re building the dream so you can live it at Evolve Companies. We love focusing our efforts on evolving the way we live, and we’re so glad you’re evolving with us! We would love to see how you’re making your house a home this season. Be sure to tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive.
6 Summer Recipes for Your Next BBQ
Summer Recipes for Your Next BBQ!
It’s been an interesting few months for the entire world, but things are starting to perk back up again here at Evolve Companies! We are beyond excited to begin reopening some of our favorite amenities for our residents—and just in time for warm weather!
What better way to celebrate than by sharing some of our favorite summer recipes that will be perfect for your next BBQ? When the grilling stations and pools are open at your community again, these recipes will be a great way to come together with friends and family (at a safe distance, of course). Be sure to check in with your community to find out what’s opening and when, and enjoy these delicious additions to your next BBQ!
Who said barbeques were nothing more than burgers and buns? If you’re ready to freshen things up this summer, these hot dog sliders from Taste of Home are the way to go.
You’ll need:
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp honey
¼ tsp salt
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1 cup cubed peeled mango
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 tbsp finely chopped sweet red pepper
12 hot dogs
12 hot dog buns
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey and salt until blended. Add the pineapple, mango, pepper, and onion. Toss it all together until it’s coated evenly. Grill your dogs, place in the buns, and cut each crosswise in half. Serve topped with your delicious mango-pineapple salsa.
Image from Taste of Home
What says summer more than fruity sorbet in a cocktail? Not much! That summer heat always has us wanting something cool and refreshing to sip on, and we have just the thing! Try out this super simple cocktail from Joyful Healthy Eats at your next gathering or BBQ.
You’ll need:
1 pint of raspberry sorbet
5-6 oz. vanilla vodka
1 bottle of rosé wine (try a Rosé Brut if you’d like bubbles)
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of vanilla vodka and a scoop of raspberry sorbet to a glass. Top it with rosé, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Image from Joyful Healthy Eats
We all love guacamole, but sometimes you’re just in the mood to spice it up a little bit, right?! This creamy avocado dip from Food Network is tangy, delicious, and the perfect way to kick things up a notch at your next BBQ!
You’ll need:
1 firm-ripe avocado, pitted + cut into large chunks
¼ cup sour cream
3 tbsp grated Parmesan
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
Directions:
Process or blend the avocado, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of water, cayenne, and ½ a teaspoon of salt in a food processor or blender until it’s smooth and creamy. Serve it up!
Image from Food Network
Creating a big salad with fresh fruit and herbs is one of our favorite things, so this watermelon strawberry caprese from Delish is the ultimate summer dream. Serve it paired with your favorite foods from the grill at your next BBQ and you will not be disappointed!
You’ll need:
3 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups chopped strawberries
½ cup feta crumbles
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup torn fresh basil
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine watermelon, strawberries, feta, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, and garnish with basil before you serve!
Image from Delish
If there was ever a time for margaritas (and there usually is), it’s summer. It’s hard to beat a cooling marg on a hot summer day—especially when you add blueberries into the mix! This margarita pitcher from Simply Recipes is perfect for spending time outdoors with friends and family.
You’ll need:
4 cups tequila blanco
2 cups orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1 cup lime juice
3 cups blueberries
A few sprigs of mint
Agave nectar or simple syrup (to sweeten if needed)
Ice
Kosher or flake salt (for rimming the glass)
Extra blueberries + lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and blueberries into a blender and pulse 8-10 times. Allow your ingredients to infuse for at least 30 minutes. Pour your mixture into a bowl, add the mint and muddle together. Allow that to infuse for five minutes. Pour your mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher with ice. Be sure to press the solid mixture into the strainer with the back of spoon to get all of the liquid out. Sweeten if needed, rim your glasses with salt, pour your margaritas, garnish with blueberries and lime, and serve them up!
Image from Simply Recipes
Fire up the grill for more than burgers and dogs this season. This Mexican street corn recipe from The Noshery is mouth-watering, and the perfect addition to your BBQ this summer!
You’ll need:
Vegetable oil for brushing
6 ears shucked corn
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
2 minced garlic cloves
½ cup queso fresco or cojita cheese crumbles
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
Kosher salt
Lime wedges
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and garlic, and set it aside. Spread cheese crumbles on a plate and set that aside. In another small bowl, combine the chili powder, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Brush the grill grate with vegetable oil and heat grill to high heat. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, until lightly charred. Immediately brush the corn with your mayonnaise mixture and roll it in the cheese crumbles. Sprinkle the corn with the chili powder mixture and cilantro. Squeeze lime over the corn and enjoy!
Image from The Noshery
What are your favorite summer recipes?
As amenities begin to open back up at Evolve communities, it’s a great time to get back to grilling with friends and family. What are some of your favorite go-to recipes you’ll make while you’re cooking with your crew this summer?
Summer Recipes to Get You Outdoors This Season
We would love to see which recipes you make this summer as grilling stations and pools begin to open. Tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive! Make sure you check in with your community to get the full scoop on amenities opening back up!
Evolving Outdoors This Summer
We Can’t Wait to Get Outdoors with You at Evolve!
With everything that’s going on in the world right now, spending time outdoors feels more important than ever. Connecting with nature and getting the fresh air our bodies crave is one of the best ways to stay both grounded and energized.
Our first priority is keeping our communities healthy, so in an effort to remain proactive in regards to the Coronavirus, our amenity spaces are still temporarily closed.
We are, of course, all about our outdoor amenities at Evolve communities—and we can’t wait to enjoy them with you all very soon! We will continue to communicate any changes in services as quickly as possible. Keep reading to check out everything you’ve got to look forward to this summer!
Community Gardens
Just because apartment living means no private backyard, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden! We love making sure our residents have the gardens their green thumbs deserve. Community gardens like this one at Mountain View are a great way to spend time outdoors and get your hands dirty. We love being able to utilize freshly grown ingredients in our kitchen, and maybe even propagate some herbs to grow on the balcony!
When you’re able to sink your hands into our community gardens again, what will be the first thing you’ll use in your kitchen?
Grill Stations
One of our favorite things to do at Evolve is firing up a community grill and spending quality time with our loved ones—and we’re realizing that all the more now! We can’t wait to mix and mingle with you all later this summer. Get ready for barbeque, burgers and warm nights with friends.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment
There’s nothing better than exercising outdoors on a beautiful summer day. Fresh air and sunshine are major motivating factors to work up a sweat! We love offering outdoor exercise equipment at Evolve, so that our residents always have an opportunity to take their workouts outside! While amenity spaces are still closed, running or walking throughout your community is the perfect alternative to equipment.
Family Playgrounds
Spending time at the playground with your kids is a great way to Evolve outdoors as a family this summer! Adventure and excitement await kids of all ages at Evolve playgrounds. From giant spiderwebs and slides to swing sets and blowing bubbles, there are so many fun ways to get your family outdoors while the weather is warm! We’re so excited to see you and your kids use your imaginations on our playgrounds again soon!
Community Pools
This is usually everyone’s favorite part, right?! Community pools are such a great way to spend time with your family and friends and get to know your neighbors. At Evolve, we’re all about pool parties with our residents in the summer, complete with food and drinks! Be sure to follow your Evolve community on social media to keep up with all the fun happenings when we’re all able to socialize again!
Dog Parks
Fur babies are family too, and they deserve all the playtime their hearts desire! Bark parks are such a fun way to evolve the way you live outdoors with your neighbors. Taking longs walks is always a great idea (especially while amenity spaces are closed), but when everything opens up again, hanging out at your community dog park will be an awesome way to meet people. You and your pup could gain a new friend!
Outdoor Living
The best part of evolving outdoors this summer? You don’t always have to be on the go! That’s right—we love offering outdoor living spaces for our residents to spend time, so that they don’t always feel like they have to be doing something to hang out in the fresh air. Relax with a good book or play corn hole with friends at 1701 North. Take some time to slow down and enjoy!
When your favorite hangout spots in your community open up again, what’s the first thing you’ll do?!
How are you planning on evolving outdoors this summer?
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside? Are you into activity and adventure or are you more of a recharge and relax kind of person? Let us know in the comments!
Evolve Outdoors with Us!
We would love to see how you’re evolving the way you live outdoors this summer! When you and your loved ones are reunited and able to spend more time together, be sure to take tons of photos so we can see how you’re enjoying outdoor amenities at Evolve. Tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive.
Houseplants That Are Perfect for Apartment Life
Spring Has Sprung at Evolve
Spring has sprung at Evolve Companies, and we couldn’t be more excited to roll up our sleeves and bring our indoor gardens to life. We love how easy houseplants can be to take care of in your apartment, even if your thumb isn’t as green as you’d like it to be! With the time that most of us have on our hands this spring, now is a great opportunity to get a garden growing. Also, Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22nd—what better way to celebrate?! Check out these 6 houseplants that are perfect for apartment life.
Grass Plants
Who would’ve thought grass could be just as good indoors as it is outdoors? When you live in an apartment, bringing your backyard inside is half the fun. Not to mention, grass plants are super easy to take care of!
We love lemongrass in particular because while it is a grassy plant that looks great in your home, it’s also an herb, so it’s perfect to use while cooking! Grass plants can create an amazing modern centerpiece on your kitchen table—like this one at 1701 North. Just make sure they’ve got plenty of sunlight to really bring the space to life!
Peacock Plant
Want to add a pop of color to your space? Peacock plants are the way to go! They (of course) get their name from the peacock’s tail—bold, elegant and colorful. Because they’re of tropical origins, these plant babies love humidity. Keep their soil moist at all times and place them somewhere in moderate indirect light. Too much sun can actually make the markings on their leaves fade. A little love will keep your peacock plant bright and beautiful for years to come!
Succulents
No matter how much you struggle with keeping plants alive, a succulent will rarely ever fail you! Succulents really are a houseplant that’s perfect for apartment life. The trick is not to overwater your tiny cactus, and it will be happy for life. Succulents are so fun because there are so many shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. You can plant multiple together in a larger pot to really bring a spark of creativity to your space. Or keep it minimal with a few planted separately in small, simple pots lining a windowsill. Give them plenty of sun and space between watering, and they’ll thrive!
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- Design: Level 5 Designs
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- Design: Level 5 Designs
Pothos
Pothos plants are some of our favorite trailing plants. These are perfect for hanging from the ceiling or placing high on a bookshelf so their vines can sprawl down. One of our favorite things about pothos plants—besides being virtually indestructible—is that they come in so many different colors. From bright, lime green to variegated leaves, you can have so many of these in your home while still keeping it unique! Pothos plants are definitely perfect houseplants for apartment life.
Fresh Herbs
Some Evolve communities like Mountain View have community gardens that allow resident to grown their own herbs, vegetables, and more! If you don’t have a community garden, you can instead create your very own indoor herb garden inside your apartment home. From basil and thyme to cilantro and parsley, the options are endless. Plus, keeping fresh herbs in your home is the best way to keep things exciting in the kitchen!
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
If you really want to make a statement and bring your apartment to life, the fiddle-leaf fig tree is a must-have. These trees are just as much home décor as they are plant-babies. They can add the perfect pop of modern boho to any space. However, fiddle-leaf figs can be a little finicky! They love bright, filtered light and lots of humidity. Make sure the soil is moist, but never soggy. You can even mist your fiddle-leaf to create a little more humidity!
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- Design: Level 5 Designs
Think Faux
Design: Level 5 Designs
No green thumb? Faux is the way to go! And the only maintenance required is a quick dusting. We asked Emily Bagley Johnson of Level 5 Designs—our incredible design team—what some of her favorites were. Here’s what she had to say:
West Elm – Preserved plants at West Elm add so much texture and are sometimes just as good as the real version.
World Market – If you’re in need of an inexpensive fiddle leaf fig tree or small plants (i.e. succulents and ferns), World Market has some really great options. They normally have fun pots too! Adding a unique pot helps add personality and interest!
Target – Recently, Target has been introducing more faux foliage into their seasonal selection. They have a really diverse assortment that will fit into everyone’s style.
Coastal Succulent – Local favorite. These guys make the most amazing preserved moss installations, bowls, arrangements. They are a little more of an investment piece but well worth every penny! They’re local to Wilmington and have done amazing installs throughout Evolve Company’s Wilmington office.
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- Design: Level 5 Designs
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- Design: Level 5 Designs
How are you bringing your apartment to life with houseplants this spring?
There’s nothing quite like bringing the outdoors in, especially during a time where we’ll find ourselves indoors much more often. With Earth Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring your indoor space to life! Celebrate with us by planting something this season.
The Perfect Apartment Houseplants
We would love to see how you’re bringing your apartment to life this spring! What are your favorite houseplants? Now that you’ve checked out these 6 houseplants that are perfect for apartment life, show us what kind of indoor jungle you’ve created in your home! Be sure to tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive.
Let the Evolution Begin: What’s Up Our Sleeves
Evolving in More Ways than One
We’re all about evolving the way you live at Evolve Companies. Let the evolution begin as we focus our efforts on all of the exciting new projects that we have up our sleeves! March is the month for springing into action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Evolve.
Evolve Construction currently has 14 projects underway in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—we know, that’s a lot!
Located in Sneads Ferry, NC, Evolve at Stones Bay continues to be a go-to for one, two and three bedroom luxury apartment homes. In each apartment you’ll find 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops, and oversized walk-in closets. Their state-of-the-art fitness center will get you excited to stay active. Be sure to take a dip in their saltwater swimming pool to cool off when it heats up this summer! Stones Bay hasn’t forgotten your furry friends either. They offer an outdoor bark park that’s perfect for spending time together.
But we’ve got a few new tricks up our sleeves—phase 3 of Stones Bay is scheduled to be open this spring which will add 60 brand new apartment homes to the community! To top it off, renovations on the clubhouse will begin this season as well.
Let the evolution begin in Hampstead, NC with Evolve Surf City! These beautiful one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes are just what you’ve been looking for. Get ready for a saltwater swimming pool complete with cabanas and grills, 24-hour fitness center and a yoga studio.
Evolve Surf City is a pet-friendly community—perfect for your furry friends. It’s also easily accessible to major roads, making your commute as quick as possible.
Phase 1 of Surf City is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020, so be ready to snag your spot for your brand new apartment home!
Coming soon to Wilson, NC, phase 1 of Evolve at Heritage is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020! At the heart of our luxurious apartment community, you’ll find a saltwater swimming pool with several grilling stations, perfect for those relaxed weekend evenings. Evolve at Heritage also offers a 24-hour fitness center with a private yoga studio where virtual classes will be available to residents!
A playground, zen garden, and off-leash bark park are just a few of the other first-class amenities you’ll enjoy at Heritage. Check for updates on their website to stay in the loop about leasing!
Where are you evolving the way you live?
There’s no place like home—so why not turn it into a permanent vacation? If you’re looking for luxurious, resort-style living that makes life fun, it’s time to let the evolution begin. Where do you see yourself evolving the way you live this year?
Let the Evolution Begin
With so many incredible Evolve communities underway in 2020, we can’t wait to see how things grow. Want to stay in on the action? Check us out on IG for behind the scenes updates. Be sure to tag us so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive!
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Interior Design Lover
5 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Special Someone
The holiday of love is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your special someone. At Evolve, we’re all about asking how you can evolve the way you live, and what better way than by helping your favorite interior design lover make their apartment feel like home?!
Even if you aren’t too design savvy yourself, it doesn’t mean you won’t find the perfect addition for your special someone’s secret oasis. The thought behind the gift is what matters most, and with these easy ideas they’re sure to be yours this year. Check out these 5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that your partner-in-crime will obsess over.
Art for a Pup-Parent
When your Valentine loves décor almost as much as they love their fur-child, there’s an easy answer for what to gift them. People love their pets, and they love them even more when they’re up on the wall for everyone to see! Ask local artists how much they would charge for a portrait of their pup (or cat—we can’t leave them out!) and go from there. Whether it’s realistic or abstract like this piece at Mountain View is up to you.
Do you have a photographer friend? You can also ask them to photograph the pupper and blow it up for a life size print! When your special someone gets their animal in the form of art, you can’t go wrong.
Funky Fixtures
As much as we love funky fixtures at Evolve communities, they can definitely be a less obvious gift choice. But even interior design lovers can overlook the impact that fresh new lighting can create in their apartment. If your Valentine’s apartment is super simple or a little on the outdated side, fun and funky fixtures can help spruce things up in a big way. If their community doesn’t allow residents to switch up lighting, opt for a unique reading lamp to help keep things cozy.
Green Thumb Goodies
Is your Valentine a crazy plant man or lady? Houseplants are the perfect way to bring some life into any home. Even if your person doesn’t have the biggest green thumb, there are tons of houseplants that are a piece of cake to take care of! Some of our favorites are:
– Snake plants
– Golden pothos
– Prayer plants
– Philodendron
– Money trees
Not only do plants add a whole other layer of dimension to décor, but they’re amazing sources of oxygen for your space. These green goodies can help promote a sense of peace and calm, as well as clean the air and assist in breathing! Best gift ever, right?!
Jump-for-Joy Throw Pillows
I mean really, who doesn’t love a good set of throw pillows?! Any interior design lover will be thrilled at the thought of adding more pillows to their apartment. If you’ve got a good feel for your Valentine’s style and what will go great in their home, then you’re on the right track. Do they love soft and subtle or bright and funky like these at 811 East Downtown? Look at what they’ve already got and go from there. The great thing about pillows is that they create the perfect opportunity to mix things up with the seasons without having to completely redecorate. That way, things can stay fresh all year long!
The Perfect Reading Nook Chair
If your special someone loves nothing more than curling up with a blanket and getting cozy with a good book, consider helping them revamp their reading nook. Pop by their favorite furniture store or look online to find the perfect piece. If there’s something they’ve been eyeing, now is your chance to surprise them with exactly what they want. They’ll be completely unsuspecting of the perfect reading nook chair!
What gift ideas do you have for your favorite interior design lover?
Ultimately, it really is the thought that counts! Celebrate the holiday of love with a meaningful gift that will show your Valentine how much you care.
Want to see how Evolve communities are celebrating? Check it out below!
811 East Downtown
will be your Valentine! DO-NUT worry if you don’t have your own – 811 East has got you covered! Swing by their office on February 14th for a sweet treat.
They’re also doing an amazing Valentine’s Day move-in special, so if you haven’t already locked in your space at 811 East, now is your chance! Move in by February 14th and receive $500 off move-in money!
Mountain View
is keeping things sweet this Valentine’s Day with a candy buffet. Residents can get a little bit of everything when they fill up a bag of delicious treats! Be sure to stop by for your favorite goodies.
Wishing You All a Happy Valentine’s Day!
If you give your special someone any of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on IG. We’d love to see how you and your boo are evolving the way you live!
New Year, New Workout: 8 Fitness Tips to Keep You Motivated in 2020
Get Motivated to Stay Active with These 8 Fitness Tips
The New Year is upon us, and that means it’s time for new workout ideas! One of the best ways to stay motivated to work out in the New Year is to keep your fitness routine fun and exciting. At Evolve, each community has its own top-notch fitness center that will make you want to work out in 2020. Ready to hit the ground running this New Year and evolve the way you live? Check out these 8 fitness tips to keep you motivated to crush your goals in 2020.
It’s a Stretch
Make sure to start and finish your workout with several minutes of stretching. Stretching your muscles and lubricating your joints before you hit the gym can help prevent tears and strains while you work out. Plus, getting your muscles and joints ready can actually help you get more out of your workout!
Run for Your Life
Evolve communities like 1701 North are equipped with treadmills so that even on the coldest, rainiest days, you can still get your heart rate up! Running for a few minutes before you start working out allows your muscles a chance to get warm. Getting blood flow to your muscles can help prevent injury during your workout.
Bonus tip: grab a buddy to keep you accountable and help you stay even more motivated while you move!
Swing, Swing, Swing
Kettlebells are such a great piece of equipment because the possibilities are essentially endless. From kettlebell swings and bent-over rows to squats and lunges, you can really get a full-body workout with just a kettlebell or two. We love this article for kettlebell exercises that are perfect for anyone!
Let the Battle Begin
Battle ropes are the perfect way to spice up your routine and get a full-body workout at the same time. Not only are battle ropes great for arm strength, but they also incorporate tons of core. You can also add in squats or lunges while you’re using the ropes to fire up your legs at the same time!
Let Free (Weights) Ring
Free weights are incredibly diverse, so they’re perfect if you’re looking for a simple way to strengthen your entire body. Use dumbbells for bicep curls, push presses or during squats to get great results. Evolve communities like 811 East Downtown are fully loaded with a wide range of free weights, so you’ll always have just what you need!
Kickstart Your Workout
Kick your workout into high gear with a kickboxing routine that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world! There’s no better way to get excited about working out than by doing something that’s fun! Kickboxing is fantastic for cardio, strength, and balance. If you’re looking for some beginner moves, check out this Livestrong article to get the basics!
Take it Outside
If you’re tired of being stuck indoors during the winter, try taking it outside. It doesn’t have to be a warm summer day for you to enjoy the fresh air. Switching up your workout spot helps keep things interesting and helps you stay motivated to keep going!
Finish Strong (but Not Hard)
If you want to finish your workout strong, be gentle with yourself. Don’t skimp out on the cooldown. When you rob yourself of those final few minutes to slow down, stretch, and reconnect with your breath, you don’t give your body the space it needs to restore.
Practicing yoga gently—even if only for 10 minutes—at the end of your workout can help slow your heart rate and prevent soreness.
Closing your eyes to meditate for a few minutes is another great way to come back to your breath and ease your heart rate before heading out to tackle the rest of your day!
What new workouts are you bringing into 2020?
Start your New Year off strong with new workouts to match! Be sure to check out all the awesome equipment the fitness centers at Evolve communities have to offer.
Wishing You All a Happy New Year!
If you try out any of these workout tips and ideas to stay motivated in 2020, let us know! There’s nothing wrong with a gym selfie or two! Tag us so we can see how you’re evolving the way you live this year.
Top 5 New Year’s Eve Party Decorations
Celebrate the New Year with These Top 5 New Year’s Eve Party Decorations
Can you believe we’re in the final month of the decade?! With 2019 coming to a close, there’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a party for all of your close friends. We’re all about evolving the way you live at Evolve communities, and now is the perfect time to come together and celebrate that evolution! Check out these top 5 New Year’s Eve party decoration ideas for the celebration of the decade!
Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with the garland when you’re considering your NYE party decorations. The more glitter and gold on New Year’s Eve, the better! We love this mixture of textures and styles from OhSoFancyParty on Etsy. Garlands like tassels, stars, and fringe are all fun options to play around with!
How do you plan on evolving into the new year? One of our favorite things about New Year’s Eve is taking the time to set intentions for the year ahead! This chalkboard + New Year Resolutions lettering combo create the perfect focal point for your party. This decoration idea is such a great way for your guests to get interactive and intentional at your New Year’s Eve party!
We love this super simple DIY project from Studio DIY. Grab a big bag of balloons from your local party store, gold foil confetti (so your balloons don’t pop), Mod Podge or decoupage glue, and a paint brush or foam brush. If you’re using helium to fill your balloons, be sure not to overdo it on the confetti so they still float.
Use a thin, even layer of glue around the bottom of your balloon and start dipping or sprinkling on your confetti. Make sure you have something underneath your balloons to catch the extra confetti so that you can still use it!
Ringing in the new year just isn’t the same without a champagne (or sparkling grape juice) toast! We love the idea of turning a bar cart or counterspace into a bubbly bar. Keep your favorite champagnes or non-alcoholic options chilled for your guests. Orange juice and cranberry juice are delicious additions to any champagne as well. You can even set out bowls of berries for guests to add to their drinks.
One of our favorite decoration ideas for the perfect New Year’s Eve party is to create a stunning photo booth backdrop! The beauty of this idea is that it can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. We’re all about incorporating helium balloons on strings of different lengths to create some depth. We also love any kind of garland, gold tassels, or fringe! This is the perfect opportunity for you to have fun and get creative.
Happy holiday season!
How are you celebrating?
This month is jam-packed with holidays, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Check out all the ways these Evolve communities are celebrating the season.
808 West
offered lots of delicious snacks and hot apple cider during finals week for their residents. Because they’re a student property many of their residents will be away until January, but that didn’t stop them from getting festive!
Evolve at Stones Bay
has a hot cocoa bar and gift wrapping station set up for their residents. Head to the clubhouse to make wrapping gifts a little more fun this year with a mug of hot chocolate to keep you cozy!
Stones Bay is also doing a toy drive for Toys for Tots this year. We’d love it if you could bring any toys you’d like to donate down to the clubhouse.
811 East Downtown
is baking fresh cookies for the office daily and is also offering free Christmas present wrapping!
Mountain View
also has a gift wrapping station set up for their residents, complete with festive wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, tape, and more!
They had milk and cookies with Santa earlier this month as well, and Santa read the Night Before Christmas to everyone who joined!
Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Are you ready to throw the best NYE celebration to ring in 2020? Remember these top 5 decoration ideas when you plan your New Year’s Eve party this year!
If you do try out any of these fun decoration ideas, post pictures on your IG! Be sure to tag us in them so we can see how you’re evolving in the new year!
Top 6 Ideas for Hosting the Best Friendsgiving Party
Ideas for Hosting the Best Friendsgiving Party
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! If you don’t live near family, Thanksgiving is the best time to invest more in your apartment or community. At Evolve, we’re all about evolving the way we live, play, eat, and drink. What better way to get to know your neighbors than to treat your community like family? Check out these top 6 ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party.
Get Festive with Food and Drinks
Any good party always revolves around food—especially at Thanksgiving. Potluck-style is a really fun and easy way for all of your guests to come together and create the best holiday gathering you can imagine. Choose a few dishes to make yourself, and let your guests bring the rest. This is a great time to create text chain or Facebook group so everyone knows what to bring! Remember that hosting the best Friendsgiving party starts with food!
We love this Cauliflower en Croute recipe from Real Simple. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious vegetarian-friendly option, this is the way to go. Underneath a crispy, golden brown puff pastry is an entire head of cauliflower for you to dip in vegetarian gravy! It’s simple to make, and it can be done ahead of time to make your morning even smoother.
When the holiday season is in full swing, there’s nothing like the perfect festive cocktail to warm you up. Grab your favorite fall fruits, brandy, cider, apple whiskey, and sparkling white wine to create Apple Cider Sangria that will keep your guests coming back for more! Check out this recipe from Recipe Girl for the details.
Play Games in Your Apartment or at Your Community
If you want to host the best Friendsgiving party, bring everyone together with festive games and activities! Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving in your apartment or you’re getting together with neighbors in the clubhouse of your Evolve community, one of the best ways to bond is to simply let loose!
Cookie Decorating Contest
A little friendly competition never hurt anyone! Bake a bunch of cookies before your guests arrive so they’re ready to go for the contest. Set up a table with edible goodies like sprinkles and different colored icing, and let your guests get creative. Deem a few friends as judges to choose their favorites when all the cookies are complete!
Gratitude Board
You can find a decent sized chalkboard online that’s perfect to use as a Gratitude Board. Have your guests write down something they’re grateful for when they arrive. If you can’t find a chalkboard, you can use brown paper as a tablecloth and have your guests write on it with permanent markers. Take a photo of the board or paper at the end of the day and send it to each person so they’ll always remember what they’re thankful for!
FALL in Love with Your Décor
Get into the holiday spirit by falling in love with your cozy autumn décor. One of our favorite ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party is to spruce up your décor. It doesn’t take much more than bringing hints of nature indoors. From centerpieces to placeholders, there are so many ways you can get creative with your decorations.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Depending on the theme of your party and decorations, you can really get creative with this centerpiece and make it your own! Start with some fabric from your local craft store to use as the base for your centerpiece. You might add in some fall flowers or wheat—simply laying them across the table looks really great. Add in pinecones, orange and yellow leaves or a few small pumpkins. It’s helpful to serve your feast buffet-style in the kitchen.
These Succulent Pumpkin Place Cards by Giggles Galore are the perfect place settings and will bring your guests joy for years to come! Grab one tiny succulent from your local garden store for each guest, as well as one tiny pumpkin to pair with it. You’ll want to transfer your succulents into little terra cotta pots, but first outline the widest part of your terra cotta pot on the top of your pumpkin. Use a sharp knife to carve almost to the bottom (but not quite!). Dig out all of the seeds, extend the life of your pumpkins by giving them a bleach bath. Add in some natural moss and place your succulents inside the pumpkins. Top them off with a little extra moss and planter stakes with your guests’ names, and you’re ready for Friendsgiving!
What are you thankful for?
We’re thankful for YOU!
Check out the events these Evolve communities have planned to show you how thankful they are for you!
811 East Downtown
is hosting their 5th Annual Chili Cook Off on November 15th. Do you think your chili is so good it can’t be beat? Let your cozy creation speak for itself!
The Summit at Cullowhee
is inviting their residents to Eat, Drink and Be Stuffed with them the Thursday before Thanksgiving! The feast starts at 1pm on November 21st and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
1701 North
is hosting a Grab ‘n Go Breakfast on November 13th. The only thing better than complimentary coffee is complimentary breakfast! Be sure to stop by the clubhouse to before work or class for the most important meal of the day!
Mountain View
is hosting their own Resident Potluck this season! They’ll be providing some of the basics, but are asking that residents bring their own signature dish as well. And even more fun – residents will bring the recipe for their dish so that the Mountain View team can create a Community Cookbook to share with everyone!
Wishing You a Happy Friendsgiving!
Keep these 6 ideas in mind for hosting the best Friendsgiving party. We know your friends and neighbors will love you for it!
If you try out any of these ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party, be sure to post pictures to your IG and tag us so that we can see how you’re celebrating this season!