Blog Posts

Gilbert Turkey Trot! Be There This Year-image

  It’s November and that means our thoughts turn to the annual Gilbert Turkey Trot in Arizona. Continue reading for more information about this exciting event! Turkey Trot at San Tan Village: An Overview Since 2011, the Gilbert Turkey Trot has raised more than $250,000 which has been used to make a difference in the lives of children in our community. Runners, from Arizona, and from out of state, gather each November to enjoy the spirit of community found here in Gilbert. Plan on heading over to San Tan Village on the 21st to check in and pick up your packet, and return bright and early on the 22nd to race. Sign up for either the Gilbert Turkey Trot 1-Mile Fun Run or 5K before November 11th and save five bucks on the cost of registration. Tips for Training for a Turkey Trot Running in a turkey trot may be for a good cause, but don’t forget to take sensible precautions before the race so you won’t regret taking part. Plan ahead and do some training before the big day. Here are some basic things to remember: 1. Train before the day of the race. Even if you’re just now deciding to take part in the turkey trot, doing some training between now and then will be beneficial. Be sure you wear proper shoes and follow a healthy training plan . 2. Get a good night’s sleep. During the time of your training, be sure to maximize your rest. Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on training. 3. Dress for success. A good rule of thumb for runners is to dress for the race as if it’s 10 degrees warmer than the thermometer actually reads. In other words, dress for how you’ll be feeling mid-run, rather than before you start. 4. Remember to pace yourself. Pick up the pace for a shorter run and slow down for a longer run. As they say, slow and steady wins the race (or perhaps helps you beat your personal best). 5. Be sure to have fun. The turkey trot is for a great cause — enjoy it! Will you join residents of our Liv Northgate apartment community in participating in the Turkey Trot? Remember that 100% of all proceeds benefit a local non-profit organization that is devoted to making a difference in the lives of children. Stay tuned to our blog to get the scoop on more Thanksgiving-related content.

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Frankenstein Friday at Liv Northgate-image

Frankenstein’s monster is, of course, one of the most famous icons of “scary stuff,” along with the likes of Count Dracula, the werewolves of London, and Jack the Ripper, and the last Friday of October is Frankenstein Friday. The Liv Northgate Blog is sharing some ways to incorporate this fun, freaky holiday into your Halloween celebrations. Frankenstein is the creation of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The genesis of the story came from a dream, which Shelley incorporated into a story as the result of a writing challenge issued during a Swiss vacation Mary took with companions Percy Shelley (her future husband), Lord Byron, and John Polidori. early two-hundred years later the legend lives on through dozens of book, television, movie, and stage adaptations . Ways to Celebrate Frankenstein Friday at Your Liv Northgate Apartment Begin reading (or re-reading) the book, Frankenstein. Perhaps locate and read a copy of Mary Shelley’s original text which was written when Shelley was just eighteen years old. It’s a story that retains its fascination even two hundred years after it was penned. There’s sure to be a copy at the Gilbert, AZ public library — or even online via​ Overdrive . Host a Frankenstein movie marathon at your Gilbert apartment. We suggest starting with the 1931 film adaptation (the first one) which stars the legendary Boris Karloff as the iconic green-hued, bolt-necked, square-headed monster, and be sure to include Mel Brooks’ comedy take, Young Frankenstein, which stars Gene Wilder as Frankenstein’s monster. (Many people confuse the character Victor Frankenstein, the scientist, with the monster. In Shelley’s original work, Frankenstein creates a monster.)   Enlist a friend to attend a Halloween party appearing as Frankenstein and his monster. Frankenstein can sport crazy hair, wear a white lab coat which is splattered with (fake) “blood” and the monster will, of course, feature green hues in hair and on face (perhaps a dusting of green powder along with green eyeliner and eyeshadow), or go all out and use green face paint. Ham it up as this famous duo; after all, it is a night for the other-worldly. We hope everyone in Liv Northgate has a safe and happy Halloween. What plans do you have? Feel free to share them in the comments.  

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Costume Ideas for Halloween at Liv Northgate-image

Welcome back to the Liv Northgate Blog and October in Gilbert. Halloween can sometimes creep (pun intended) up on us and suddenly we need a costume but don’t have the time or $$ budgeted to buy an expensive costume. Try one of these costumes instead. Last Minute Costumes Pirates! Yo ho ho - being a pirate is a super easy-to-pull-off costume idea for couples for Halloween. You can both be pirates, or one can be a pirate and the other a wench. Have fun and brush up on your pirate-speak , because it’s an important part of your character. Nerd/Geek Throw on some suspenders over a white t-shirt and wrap some white tape around the center of thick-rimmed glasses. Bring along a calculator because you never know when you might need to calculate an equation to maintain your image. Flight Attendant This is an easy outfit to put together and you probably already have everything that you need at your apartment. A nice blouse, a pencil skirt, flats or low heels, a scarf, and a small rolling suitcase are basically all that you need. Don’t forget to put on your best fake smile! Deviled Egg Dress in all white and attach a yellow circle of felt to your stomach. Add devil horns and a tail to turn yourself into a "deviled" egg. Other Options for Costumes A quick visit to a Gilbert, AZ thrift store could be the answer to your Halloween costume quest. Think outside of the box and look for pieces that can be put together to create an epic costume. Perhaps a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and mustache to be Magnum P.I., or a flowing skirt, headband, and big glasses to be a hippie, for example. Let your imagination soar. A good option for procuring a new-to-you costume is to get together with together with friends from our Liv Northgate apartment community and swap out costumes. Mother Nature Network has a great how to do it article: How to Host a Halloween Costume Swap . What are your plans for celebrating Halloween this year? In our next post, we’ll share a monster of a plan. Thanks for taking the time to read our post this week.  

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Apartment Applications: How to Prepare-image

If you’re looking to rent an apartment here at Liv Northgate in Gilbert, AZ,  we look forward to meeting you and giving you a tour of our apartment community! Before you apply, though, you should remember to check a few things so you can have an idea for what’s coming when your application is in review. 1. Verify your credit. Begin by getting a copy of your credit report. You’ll want to verify that your credit matches the requirements of the property you’re applying to. This is the easiest way to avoid disappointment once an application is submitted. 2. Prepare the necessary documents. Driver’s licenses, proof of employment, and details for references (depending on the property you apply for) are common and oftentimes essential things people ask for. If the application doesn’t have fields for these, usually a copy will need to be emailed or faxed to the manager or on-site staff. Keep copies of this information on hand in one place so you can move through this part of the process easily. 3. Read through first. An easy way to avoid making mistakes is to do a clear read-through of the application before beginning to fill it out. This will give a general idea of what will be required and will make it easy to ensure that information isn’t entered twice. Much like taking a test, verifying what is to come makes the overall process much easier. 4. Double check the documentation. Once you’ve completed your application, make sure to read through it a second or third time or to have a friend double check the information you’ve provided. This is to ensure that the information was entered correctly and thoroughly. This can also work as a way to calm your own anticipation and nerves. After all, one of the worst things is to submit a document only to notice errors after it’s out of your hands. If you’ve done your prep, go ahead and see what’s available and apply online to Liv Northgate today. You won’t find a better community in Gilbert. Do you have any personal or foolproof methods for submitting rental applications? Share those in the comments below for others preparing to fill one out today!

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Movie Night in Gilbert, Arizona: What’s Coming Up on the Big Screen-image

Sometimes you simply need a night out, and what better way to do it than to head to your favorite Gilbert, AZ theater and take in a movie! Today the Liv Northgate Blog has the scoop on what’s currently playing or being released on the big screen in October. From drama to comedy, we’ve got it, plus don’t miss the new sequel to the original Halloween. October Movies on the Big Screen in Gilbert, AZ A Star is Born A musician helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral. Opening in theatres October 5th. Venom Director Ruben Fleischer brings his skills to the table in this movie starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, & Woody Harrelson. Protagonist “Eddie Brock acquires the powers of a symbiote, he will have to release his alter-ego ‘Venom’ to save his life.” Opens nationwide October 5th. First Man Head to the theater October 12th to catch opening night for this movie. It’s “a look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong , and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.” Halloween In this epic sequel, Mike Myers returns October 19th for a final encounter. “Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago. Indivisible Head to the theatre October 26th to see this drama. “Indivisible is the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather, whose lives are fully devoted to serving God, family, and country. But when war etches deep battle scars-both overseas and on the home front-the Turners' rock-solid marriage is shaken to its core.” Johnny English Strikes Again With his unique brand of how to be an undercover agent, Johnny English is back at theaters October 26th. “After a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all of the active undercover agents in Britain, Johnny English is forced to come out of retirement to find the mastermind hacker.” We hope everyone in our apartment community takes the opportunity to get out and watch a movie this month. Don’t forget the popcorn!  

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Liv Northgate Takes a Look at Minimalism-image

  At Liv Northgate, our apartments feature plenty of storage space options, including walk-in closets, which means you have room for your belongings! But sometimes less is more, and in today’s post, we’re taking a look at paring down. We’re not saying jump on the minimalism train head first, but it is worth taking a look at the ideas behind living a minimalist lifestyle. The Idea of Minimalism Considered Minimalism focuses on the removal of clutter and distractions, quality over quantity, and simplicity. Minimalist homes generally have few choice pictures or wall decorations, neutral colors, and multi-functional furniture. Though there are guidelines for a minimalist home , you don’t need to follow them exactly. You’re free to put your own spin on things and add your personality to it at your Gilbert, AZ apartment! Taking Advantage of the Storage Space in Your Gilbert Apartment Plenty of people have found great ways to make the most of their time or their space. Try them out yourself to see how much easier they can make your life! Good Housekeeping has a list of 102 best tips to get your home super organized that you can check out. We like the ideas to use CD holders to organize storage container lids and to repurpose a magazine file to store your hair tools. Also save space in your closet by doubling up your hangers.   We also liked the advice given in the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. These principles work great in any room of your home — especially the closet! These tips, adapted from the book, come from One Kings Lane . The site says, “First, put your hands on everything you own, ask yourself if it sparks joy, and if it doesn’t, thank it for its service and get rid of it. Second, once only your most joy-giving belongings remain, put every item in a place where it’s visible, accessible, and easy to grab and then put back. Only then, Kondo says, will you have reached the nirvana of housekeeping, and never have to clean again.”   What are you best tips for making the most of the storage space available in apartment here at Liv Northgate? Let us know in the comments. We hope you can tackle a closet or two this week! Thanks for reading our post today.  

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