Blog Posts

Stocking Up Tips for Creating a Well Maintained Pantry

Welcome back to the Liv Northgate Blog. This week we are sharing some tips for stocking your kitchen with the foods you use the most —plus suggestions for what to keep on hand to make a quick meal without having to run to the nearest Gilbert supermarket. Pantry Organization Tips Keep heavier seldom-used foods and cooking ware on the bottom shelves; lightweight seasonal items on the top shelves, and the things you use daily on middle shelves within easy reach. Use uniform size containers for storage. Square or rectangular containers use available space more efficiently. Labeling is your friend! Create a space in your budget for pantry items; that way when something you use often goes on sale, you can stock up. Keep the fixings for several meals on hand. When you are too tired to figure out something for dinner or you have unexpected guests, a well-stocked pantry is a godsend. Food to Keep on Hand Pasta and Grains — spaghetti, fettuccine, rolled oats, couscous, white rice, bread crumbs Baking Essentials — flour, baking powder, baking soda, yeast, white sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, maple syrup, brownie mixes, cake mixes Herbs and Spices — salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, curry powder, taco seasoning, allspice, parsley Beans and Nuts — peanuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, kidney beans, black beans Canned Goods — tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, olives, peanut butter, salsa Oils and Sauces — olive oil, coconut oil, white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, sriracha These items will help you to be able to make a lot of dishes. Of course, before making any meal, check your pantry to see if you have everything you need. Compile a few of your favorite recipes together and make a grocery list to ensure you can always make those things from Arizona’s southwestern specialties to gourmet European inspired meals. As you cook and entertain others, you’ll figure out what you need to get each time at the grocery store. No matter what essentials make the list, purchase things you love and will eat. This will eliminate waste and help to save you money in the long run! Thanks for reading this edition of the Liv Northgate Blog.

Celebrating June Holidays at Liv Northgate

June is here, and while it isn’t home to a major holiday, there are lots of things to celebrate this month in addition to Father’s Day (June 17) and Flag Day (June 18), including these food-related holidays: National Corn on the Cob Day (June 11), International Picnic Day (June 18th), Ice Cream Soda Day (June 20), and Waffle Iron Day (June 29). Take advantage of our outdoor kitchen and lounge area and celebrate these foodie holidays throughout the entire month at our Liv Northgate apartment community here in Gilbert, Arizona. National Corn on the Cob Day Eating corn on the cob is one of the pleasures of summertime. Celebrate this year by featuring corn on the cob for dinner tonight. There are a variety of way to cook corn on the cob from grilling it in its husk to simmering it in a pot of buttered water. However you fix it, enjoy! International Picnic Day Have a French-inspired picnic. All you need is a loaf of French bread, cheese, and grapes. For something a little more substantial, add some cold cuts from your local deli. Don’t forget a bottle of your favorite wine to complete the experience. Go All American with foods like fried chicken and potato salad , the Cutestuff Cooks blog has recipes for both! Create a picnic with hints of England by throwing an Austen inspired gathering complete with a tea service. Bite from the Past is the perfect place to find suitable food for your Regency outing. Ice Cream Soda Day Host an Ice Cream Soda Bar for this holiday. It’s a fun idea that’s easy and delicious! Buy some plastic 18 oz. cups, canned whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, soda (Jones soda is perfect and fun for this), maraschino cherries, and utensils. Find a cute bucket and fill it with ice to store the ice cream and sodas. This is a great tradition that’s easy to put together and definitely memorable with family and friends. Waffle Iron Day Try a new type of waffle recipe to celebrate! How about some Pizza Waffles from Spend with Pennies ? Pizza waffles are amazing. Trust us. Make this easy treat for dinner or lunch on Waffle Day. All you need to make this dish is a package of crescent rolls, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. For a more traditional take on waffles, check out this recipe for Belgian Waffles from Cooking Classy . There’s nothing like a basic Belgian waffle. Sprinkle your waffle with powdered sugar and cinnamon, top it with white chocolate mousse or ice cream, and decorate your waffle with your favorite fruits. This versatile recipe works well with a variety of toppings. We hope you take time out to enjoy one — or all of these June holidays with some tasty food! What is your favorite? Please share in the comments!

Father's Day Gifts

Father’s Day is coming up on the 17th, and we know you don’t want to burden your father (or other important father figures) in your life with a lame offering — like another “World’s Greatest Dad” mug, cheesy ties, or another cheap tool. So, today, Liv Northgate Blog is bringing you a list of ideas to spark your imagination for things he would appreciate receiving this Father’s Day. Practical While getting an appliance or tool is probably not the best gift idea for women in your life, for the fathers (or other men) in your life, it can be a highly appreciated gesture. Before you get it though, do some research. Check into the brand of tools he likes, find out what he already has and what he might need. Some sleuthing may be in order! If tools are completely out of your realm of experience, get advice from a trusted friend about what to get. Sentimental A gift that harkens back to your childhood or even your father’s younger years can be a hit. Was there a particular hobby you shared? Perhaps choose something that reminds you (and him) of that time spent together. Did you share a love of collecting baseball cards with your Dad? Get one to add to his collection. Did you listen to vinyl records together? Get him a record player and some records from the past. If you’re going to go with a mug, instead of “World’s Greatest Dad” have one made featuring a favorite photo of the two of you. Gift of Time Spending time together may be the best gift you could give to your dad. Get tickets to a sporting event, a theatre production, or a concert that you know your dad would enjoy — throw in dinner, and you’ve got the recipe for a meaningful gift. If you are not able to spend time together physically, sent a letter with your gift or in a card expressing appreciation for all your father had done for you and what he means to you. Be specific, recount memories and what they taught you. If writing isn’t your thing, make a phone call and spend some time connecting with your father. He’s sure to feel loved. Whether you pick something up at your favorite Gilbert shop, online, or if you head to visit your father, the point is to honor the men in your life who are amazing fathers. What is your favorite idea for a Father’s Day gift? Share with us in the comments. Enjoy June in sunny Arizona!

Frozen Treats to Beat the Summer Heat

Summer with its scorching heat is on its way here to Gilbert, AZ. With plenty of summer sun to heat you up over these next few months, we’ve pulled together some refreshing summertime recipes to help you cool down in your Liv Northgate apartment. Make one (or more) of these treats soon for a cooldown! This fresh Raspberry Sorbet only takes 30 minutes to make, so be sure to prepare this for your next summer outing. We think adding lemon juice to the mix is a great way to add a bit of tang to the sweetness of this thick dessert. Garnish with some fruit or sprigs of peppermint to add some complementary color and texture. Fresh Peach Lemonade sounds delicious. This smoothie recipe comes from Gather for Bread. It’s the perfect refreshing summer drink. You’ll need 3 large peaches, pitted, and cut into quarters, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup of real lemon juice, and water. Click on the link above to learn the tips and tricks to make this delicious and thirst-quenching drink. Want a s’mores shake? We think that this recipe from Country Living looks delicious. When it’s too hot to make a s’more outside, try making this new twist without leaving your apartment. Key Lime Mousse Tart from Garlic & Zest — Crush together NILLA Wafers, sugar, butter, and sweetened coconut flakes to make the delicious crust for this key lime mousse tart. You will love how the sweet and crunchy crust, tart filling, and creamy garnish combine for a flavorful summer treat. What’s better than pistachio flavored ice cream? Frozen Pistachio Pie , that’s what, and we found an easy-to-make recipe from the Cutestuff Cooks blog. All you need for the filling is pistachios, vanilla ice cream, instant pudding, and green food coloring (optional); swirl the top of the pie with fudge topping. Yum! What is your favorite recipe for summertime eating? Please share in the comments. Thanks for reading today’s post!

Grilling Tips for Your Next Barbecue

May is here, and it’s National Barbecue Month! We know that firing up a grill may not be appealing here in sweltering Gilbert, AZ, but you can still participate in the fun by trying these ideas and tips — in or out of your apartment here at Liv Northgate. Here are some tips: Start Later: Arizona is always hot, especially during the summer. Luckily, it can get pretty cool in the evening! This makes evenings perfect for hosting a barbecue. Cook and Eat Inside: Barbecues by nature are held outdoors. If it’s too hot to be out, cook typical barbecue food inside. This guarantees that you get that same savory taste in a more comfortable setting — we’re not sure why we haven’t tried this sooner! You may want to opt to purchase an indoor BBQ grill to get that unique smokey taste. Head to the Pool: Liv Northgate provides a must-have amenity for any home in Arizona: a pool! It’s a perfect spot for hanging out, relaxing, or even working on your fitness goals. Recipes We can’t write a blog about National Barbecue Month without sharing a few delicious recipes. Here are a few of our favorites: Grilled Steak, Potato, and Mushroom Kabobs This recipe is perfect for the steak lover. You’ll need steak, mushrooms, potatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and oregano. Heat up the grill and get ready for a juicy and delicious kabob. Olive Oil Parmesan Grilled Corn This recipe comes from Fit Foodie Finds . It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please your guests. You’ll need ears of corn, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the marinade on the corn, wrap in aluminum foil, and grill until cooked through. Brazilian Grilled Pineapple As an appetizer or dessert, this blend of pineapple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon is the perfect addition to a barbeque. What are your favorite foods to grill or activities to include during a summer barbecue? Share your ideas with the rest of us by leaving a comment below. Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy your next barbecue in our community this summer.

Get Inspired!

Take some time out of your busy schedule for yourself. Get inspired this spring using these fun ideas from the Liv Northgate Blog. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by the dreariness of a routine that’s turned into a rut. Pull yourself of it by staying active and inspired this month. Explore Spend some time outside of your apartment this month. Visit the Hale Centre Theatre , head out and enjoy dinner at a new restaurant, or check out what is happening at the Gilbert Community Center . Just getting out of the house and trying something new — whether it’s a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try or a new hairstyle — can be an exciting and illuminating experience. You never know where your next idea is going to come from. Imagine Spend some time thinking about your life this month. Where would you like to be in one year? Five years? Twenty? Imagine what you’ll be doing in the future, and then write concrete goals to help you achieve your vision. Brainstorm an invention you’ve always wanted to try to make, a book you’ve always wanted to write, or a piece of art you’ve always wanted to create, and then start creating! Let your vision inspire and motivate you. Create Once you have your vision in your head, start creating it. Join an artistic group, a theater troupe, or a cooking class in Gilbert, AZ. Creating something new and being able to see your own hard work pay off into something tangible is a feeling like none other. Creating something can help you feel inspired in your everyday life and keep you going when winter days bleed into spring. Listen TED Talks can be extremely enlightening and inspiring. One of our favorite TED talks comes from Angela Lee Duckworth. In her talk, “ Grit: The power of passion and perseverance ,” she says: “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint.” We hope that you find a way to stay inspired this month! Thanks for reading the Liv Northgate Blog!