Posts filed under ‘StuartCo Living’
Dog-Friendly Apartment Life by Sidewalk Dog
Thank you to Sidewalk Dog, our online friends who know everything there is to know about living in the Twin Cities with your dog. Check out their website for great ideas for you and your dog to stay busy all summer. Check out their latest blog post here!
Great Tips! How to Reduce Waste
Earth Day is fast approaching, it’s April 22nd, we’ll share more tips as the day approaches.
But today, we’ll share a short and sweet list to help make sure we’re all doing our part to reduce waste.
- Take reusable bags to the store when shopping
- Reduce or eliminate the use of paper plates and cups
- Store leftover foods in reusable containers instead of single use plastic bags or polystyrene containers
- Donate unwanted, slightly used clothing, furniture and other household items to local non-profit organizations
- Purchase foods in bulk or those which use less packaging
- Purchase fruits and vegetables that are not pre-packaged in containers and plastics
What’s your favorite trick to reduce waste? Share with us! We’d love to hear all about your tips and tricks.
(Of course, we need a slight disclaimer. All appropriate entries will be considered and one person will be randomly chosen on Earth Day as the winner and will receive a $100 gift card to Bachman’s Floral Gifts and Garden. For our out of state friends, they deliver Nationwide too!)
StuartCo Supports the Great Work of Simpson Housing!
As National Volunteer Week is rapidly approaching(officially April 18th), we wanted to take a moment to recognize Simpson Housing Services. We are so glad to be able to partner with Simpson and support their great mission. This snapshot of what Simpson Housing accomplished in 2011 is truly amazing!
- We served 1838 individuals at Simpson’s Overnight Shelter
- We moved 80 men and women out of shelter and into housing through our Rapid Exit program
- We helped 170 families with 527 children through our Family Housing programs
- We helped 41 long-term-homeless adults find and maintain housing through our SARA and Women’s Housing Partnership programs
Volunteers shared 32,657 hours of their time with Simpson.
If you’re interested, head to their volunteers page to find out more information on how you can become more involved!
Family Fun This Winter Over Spring Break!
Today we visited Explore Minnesota’s website to find inspiration for fun activities this winter. We know Spring Break is coming up for many of our families at our communities and we thought we may suggest a few activities for a fun Spring Break!
Below is a portion of an article entitled Make a Family Getaway This Winter featuring The National Eagle Center and Lark Toys in Wabasha, MN.
On a lark, take your kids to the amazing LARK Toys and Carousel, where you’ll find toys, ice cream, candy, and an exquisite hand-carved carousel all under one roof. Located in the tiny town of Kellogg in the southeast corner of the state, it is the nation’s largest independent toy store. The name, which stands for Lost Arts Revival by Kreofsky, reflects its owners’ passion for good old-fashioned wooden toys, but there’s also a huge selection of books, puppets, tin wind-up toys, and much more.
While you’re in the Mississippi River Valley, don’t miss the National Eagle Center, just up scenic Highway 61 from Kellogg. Starting in late November, many bald eagles migrate to the open water and plentiful fish supply in the Wabasha-Reads Landing area, and they’re easy to spot through the scopes on the observation deck. You can also see three live eagles-Harriet, Angel, and Columbia-up close inside the center, along with interesting displays about our national emblem.
Let us know, what is your favorite Spring Break adventure?
Visit Explore Minnesota’s website for great Minnesota adventures including things to do, places to stay, events and deals throughout our beautiful state.
Guest Blog Post By Healthy Training Fitness; Five Foods to Never Eat
We have a great guest post today by Healthy Training. They’re a Private Gym for Personal Training, Nutrition, Boot Camp, Zumba & Yoga. Healthy Training has provided York Plaza residents a great aerobic experience with Zumba and even Aqua-Zumba.
Today’s article talks about Five Foods to Never Eat.
The world of fitness and weight loss is often confusing, with contradictory information swirling about. Below is a list of 5 foods that you should never eat. These foods will derail your fitness and weight loss efforts every time. In addition, we’ll provide a healthy substitute for each of these off-limits foods. By simply swapping out the items below you will quickly and effortlessly become healthier, leaner and more fit than you are today.
Do-Not-Eat #1: Anything Fried
Fried food is loaded with fat and calories while offering zero nutritional value. It’s a lose-lose! Sure, fries and chips TASTE good, but healthier items also taste good. Just say no to the deep fried items on your menu. You’ll be thinner, healthier and won’t have greasy fingers.
Try This #1: Broiled
If you simply must have a French fry, then make them at home in your oven. Use sweet potatoes, as these are a more complex carbohydrate. Cut into matchsticks, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil along with a dash of salt, then place in your oven on broil. Mix every 5 minutes until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Do-Not-Eat #2: White Bread
White bread products have zero nutritional value and are quickly converted by your body into sugar. Even breads that are technically wheat, but are as soft and smooth as white bread, should be avoided. Don’t be afraid to discard the bread from your sandwich or to push away that bread basket. Your waist will shrink and you’ll lose that bloated feeling that high carbohydrate meals give you.
Try This #2: Sprouted Grain Bread
If you must have bread, then stick with sprouted. Sprouted grain bread is a lot easier on your digestion and is packed full of nutrients. Two delicious brands are Food For Life’s Ezekiel bread, and Manna Organics. Sprouted grain breads are often kept in the freezer section since they don’t contain preservatives to prolong shelf life.
Do-Not-Eat #3: Creamy Salad Dressing
You were so good to order a salad, but then you chose to add fattening, creamy dressing. Just a few tablespoons of creamy dressing contain more than 20 grams of fat and hundreds of calories.
Try This #3: Vinegar Dressing
Salad dressing is meant to lend flavor to the salad, not fat and calories. Vinegar-based dressings pack amazing flavor in with minimal fat and calories. You can even mix your own dressing at home. Take high quality vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, your choice of dried herbs, and a bit of olive oil. Voila!
Do-Not-Eat #4: White Rice
I’m sure by now you’ve heard that white rice is not a healthy choice. Just like white bread, white rice has zero nutritional value – other than calories.
Try This #4: Brown Rice
Brown rice has three times the amount of fiber, more B vitamins as well as other nutrients. It will definitely keep you feeling fuller for longer too. That should be enough to convince you to swap your large pile of white rice out for a small pile of brown rice.
Do-Not-Eat #5: White Sugar
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the epitome of anti-fitness food. Nothing will destroy your progress, expand your waist and plummet your energy levels like sugar will. If you only take away one do-not-eat food from this article please let it be sugar.
Try This #5: Fruit
Don’t turn to artificial sweeteners to get your sweet fix, instead turn to nature’s wholesome source of sugar: fruit. Eat organic fruit that is seasonal and locally grown. Stay away from dried fruit and fruit juices, as these are high in simple calories.
Eating right, along with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned, lean body – so guarantee your results by teaming up with Healthy Training. We’ll develop a fitness plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and brings you promptly to your goals.
Healthy Training is located at 6585 Edenvale Blvd #100A, Eden Prairie, MN 55346. We can be reached via phone at 952-334-4594 or via e-mail at Info@Healthy-Training.com.
Thanks Healthy Training, great information!
Winter Slip and Fall Prevention
Many around the Twin Cities metro experienced the snowfall this New Year’s Eve, so we thought it would be appropriate to share a few tips on how to prevent slips and falls this Winter.
Here’s what StuartCo does each time we experience a snow fall. Every community has a snow removal protocol that is of course unique to the surroundings and building, we proactively maintain equipment and supplies to ensure our residents and all those entering our communities have a safe experience. We also salt or sand paths as soon as we can after a storm occurs. We work to keep the floors inside of the community as dry as possible too.
But here are a few tips that will help prevent winter accidents.
Dress appropriately. Rubber or neoprene soles provide more traction than leather or plastic. Smooth-soled “comfort” shoes should be avoided in snowy or icy conditions. And bundling up minimizes the tendency to either hurry or tense the muscles – both of which can lead to a stumble.
Determine routes in advance. Careful planning and avoiding shortcuts make it easier to stay on clear and level paths, reducing slip and fall dangers.
Focus and slow down. Be aware of possibly slipper patches and deep snow on the path, and walk around rather than through hazardous areas.
Recognize high-risk situations. Exercise particular caution when maneuvering into and out of cars or vans, climbing outdoor steps and walking after dark, when black ice can be present.
Wipe shoes or boots upon entry. Wet soles cause many indoor accidents. Minimize the risk by using floor mats and/or scrapers.
Be safe this winter!
Happy New Year!
Many thanks to our residents, vendors, and StuartCo colleagues for making this year a great one.
Cheers to a prosperous 2012!
Enjoying Winter With Your Dog(s), Indoors!
We have another guest post by our friends at The Bark Park, we have many StuartCo communities very near to their location. It’s a great community for dogs!
Did you know…
Dogs are more prone to frostbite than humans?
Dogs get frostbite easily on their ears, tails and paws?
Dogs need more calories in the winter if they spend time outside?
Rock salt on sidewalks and roadways is very dangerous for dogs?
Anti-freeze fluid can easily kill a dog if ingested?
A simple solution to prevent harm to your pet during the winter months is to bring them to a doggie daycare or utilize an indoor dog park. The city of Minnetonka is lucky to have the only licensed indoor dog park in the area. The Bark Park is open daily from 7am to 6pm for doggie daycare. Tuesdays and Thursdays the indoor dog park is open from 6pm to 8pm. Owners and their dogs can join others in play, run, utilize the agility equipment and socialize with other dogs.
The Bark Park opened in Minnetonka in the Hopkins Crossroads neighborhood in April 2011. A family owned and operated business, The Bark Park is committed to providing a healthy, clean, and fun environment for you and your dog. Proof of up-to-date shots are required.
With over 3,000 square feet of play space The Bark Park is climate controlled, offers free WiFi and staff are CPR certified. The Bark Park is an event center for dogs and dog lovers a like; we host special events throughout the year like; first aide/CPR training for dogs, fundraisers for rescue groups, puppy classes, meet ups, senior dog play and more.
Now is the time to prepare your pup for winter. Bring them to The Bark Park so their activity needs are met without the harm of harsh cold.
If you would like further information about the Bark Park please call us at 952.544.0206 or visit our web site www.visitthebarkpark.com.
We’d also like to help spread the word about their specials going on right now!
Daycare Special – 5 visits for $120.00, 6th is free.
Park Special – 5 visits for $30.00. $5.00 savings.
Enjoy!
Elder Care Over the Holiday Season
We hope you enjoy this guest post by Emily S. MSW, Marketing Coordinator at The Wellington.
The holiday season is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, but it is also a vital time to help watch for safety risk factors that aging parents and grandparents might be displaying in their home. If you are visiting an aging loved one over the holidays there are a few warning signs to watch for. The following warning signs may suggest that your loved one may need more help to stay safe in their home or a more supportive living environment, such as a senior community.
Because being independent is so important to aging adults, all of these sensitive issues should be discussed with respect in keeping the autonomy, safety, and the desires of the aging adult in mind. It’s a good idea to discuss health and safety concerns of your loved one with their physician.
Examples of Common Warning Signs to Watch For
- Conditions of the home
- Are there piles of dirty laundry or dishes?
- Are there unsanitary conditions?
- Are items in places they do not belong ( i.e. socks in the fridge)?
- How is general maintenance and condition of the home?
- Changes in Behavior and Activities of Daily Living
- Are there obvious changes in your loved one’s mood?
- Has your loved one become socially isolated?
- Is your loved one displaying unusually poor grooming habits?
- Does your loved one have difficulty remembering important details of events, conversations, or daily routines?
- Does your loved one have poor eating habits or significant weight loss or gain?
- Has your loved one been displaying hoarding behaviors?
- Does your loved one forget to take important medications?
- Has driving become increasingly difficult for your loved ones?
Basic Resources for Caregivers and Aging Adults
Thankfully, there are many community resources available for caregivers and aging adults!
- The Wellington Senior Community is great if your loved one is looking to move into a senior community. Check out our website and take a tour! http://www.wellingtonresidence.com
- The Senior Linkage Line through the MN Department of Health is a great all around resource to get help with caregiving resources and advice. http://www.mnaging.org/.
- The Care Options Network is a great resource to find home health agencies, residential care settings, and assisted living facilities. http://www.careoptionsnetwork.org/
- Home Health Care agencies provide home health care services. Find a listing here: http://www.careoptionsnetwork.org/guidebook/home_health/
Giving Comes Full Circle at StuartCo
This is a note that was shared through the corporate office after our CFO had a brief chat with Julie, the Executive Director of Simpson Housing Services.
A resident of a StuartCo community who participated in our recent fundraiser for Simpson Housing Services left Julie, the Executive Director, a message noting that several years ago she was in a tough financial situation and utilized the services of Simpson Housing Services for a period of time. With their help she was able to get back on her feet. She’s now been living at a StuartCo managed property for the past four years and has been employed for five years. She was grateful to Simpson Housing Services for helping her out in the past and equally grateful for the opportunity to give back through the StuartCo fundraiser for Simpson Housing Services.
We’re very thankful for the opportunity to give back and we are equally excited to hear stories such as this one. Happy Holidays!
