Blog Posts

Look on the Brightside

In this post, the Liv Northgate Blog is celebrating Look on the Brightside Day here in Gilbert, AZ. Look on the Brightside Day is coming up on December 21st, and we’re helping you prepare and celebrate with five TED talks embracing creativity, positivity, and innovation. We hope that these tips help you become a more positive person this month. Grit: The power of passion and perseverance Angela Lee Duckworth studies the difference between successful and unsuccessful students. Successful students have grit; unsuccessful students don’t. Duckworth discusses the benefits of grit and offers a possible solution to fostering it in ourselves and in others. Quote: “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, buy for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Embrace the near win Sarah Lewis teaches us a little bit about perseverance, mastery, and the benefits of a near-win. She argues that almost winning — and never feeling completely satisfied, always picturing something more perfect in the future — can keep us motivated to do better and keep going when failure seems imminent. Quote: “ We build out of the unfinished idea, even if that idea is our former self. This is the dynamic of mastery.Coming close to what you thought you wanted can help you attain more than you ever dreamed you could.” Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, failure and the drive to keep creating Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love , discusses what keeps us going even when failure sits at our doorstep: love. Gilbert urges listeners to find what they love and stick to it, even when doubt and distress threaten to tear down what you’ve built. Love will keep you going through epic failures and maybe even lead to success. Quote: “Look, I don't know where you rightfully live, but I know that there's something in this world that you love more than you love yourself. Something worthy, by the way, so addiction and infatuation don't count,because we all know that those are not safe places to live. Right? The only trick is that you've got to identify the best, worthiest thing that you love most, and then build your house right on top of it and don't budge from it.” The optimism bias Tali Sharot speaks of how our brains are hardwired for optimism, and how our “optimism bias” affects how we perceive ourselves (and others). She discusses both the benefits and pitfalls of optimism in this TED talk. Quote: “Whatever happens, whether you succeed or you fail, people with high expectations always feel better. Because how we feel when we get dumped or win employee of the month depends on how we interpret that event.” The happy secret to better work Shawn Achor discusses the happiness that can come from embracing a positive attitude and the benefits of positivity in your work and in your personal life. He also discusses ways to make your brain think more positively. Quote: “If you can raise somebody's level of positivity in the present,then their brain experiences what we now call a happiness advantage, which is your brain at positive performs significantly better than at negative, neutral or stressed. Your intelligence rises, your creativity rises, your energy levels rise. In fact, we've found that every single business outcome improves.” What are your favorite TED talks on optimism? Leave us a link and your best “positive thinking” tips in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Violin Day

Today the Liv Northgate Blog is celebrating Violin Day on December 13th with a few performances from the Phoenix Symphony. The Phoenix Symphony has been entertaining audiences in the Gilbert, AZ area since the 1940s . Violin Day is a celebration of one of our favorite instruments, so it only makes sense that we would feature our favorite symphony to celebrate. The three events we are featuring are just a sampling at the events coming to the Phoenix Symphony next month. We encourage you to look at the calendar now and get your tickets before they sell out — they go pretty fast. We know you’ll have a great time attending an event next year. Star Wars: The Music January 13, 2017 “ The Phoenix Symphony brings another popular episode of Star Wars: The Music to Symphony Hall. As Rogue One takes on the universe this fall, put on your best Star Wars costume and come celebrate John Williams’ acclaimed music including the “Main Theme,” “Imperial March” and new music from Episode VII – The Force Awakens . Get your tickets today as this one night only concert is guaranteed to sell out.” Simple Sinatra January 14015, 2017 “Journey to the timeless era when The Chairman of the Board ruled the stage. Sensational vocalist Steve Lippia returns to The Phoenix Symphony for this popular tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra. In an evening dedicated to Ol’ Blue Eyes, enjoy favorites like “Luck be a Lady,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “My Way” and more.” A Night of Leonard Bernstein January 20-21, 2017 “Music Director Tito Muñoz leads a distinctly American program dedicated to the late composer, conductor, educator and humanitarian Leonard Bernstein. The concert is highlighted by Bernstein’s popular Symphonic Dances from West Side Story , and also explores the range and depth of the composer’s work. Opening with Divertimento, a lighthearted reflection of the composer’s storied relationship with The Boston Pops, the program also includes selections from the Bernstein archive including the choral work, Chichester Psalms , and Three Meditations from Mass , featuring The Phoenix Symphony’s principal cellist, Melita Hunsinger. “ Are you planning on attending any events at the Phoenix Symphony next year? Leave us a comment and let us know. Thanks for reading!

Creativity

In this post, the Liv Northgate Blog is featuring a few of our favorite TED talks on creativity. Creativity can have great benefit in both your daily life and in your work life. We hope that these TED talks inspire you to become a more creative, innovative person. Creative ideas can come from anywhere and anyone; we encourage you to not only watch these talks, but to also meet new people and experience new things this month. We hope that these talks help spark your creativity. Adam Grant: The surprising habits of original thinkers Adam Grant touts the benefits of procrastination and failure in the pursuit of creative ideas in this surprising and funny TED talk. Grant uses several examples both from his personal and professional lives to illustrate how “Originals” go about being original. Quote: “Originals feel fear, too. They're afraid of failing, but what sets them apart from the rest of us is that they're even more afraid of failing to try. They know you can fail by starting a business that goes bankrupt or by failing to start a business at all. They know that in the long run, our biggest regrets are not our actions but our inactions. The things we wish we could redo, if you look at the science, are the chances not taken. ” Linda Hill: How to manage for collective creativity Linda Hill argues that innovation is more about having an open forum of discussion and leadership than one strong, capable leader at the helm of an organization. Quote: “ Leading innovation is about creating the space where people are willing and able to do the hard work of innovative problem solving.” Joi Ito: Want to innovate? Become a “now-ist” Joi Ito speaks of the importance of the internet and being aware in our modern world. He uses examples of innovators all around the world to illustrate his points. Quote: “So I think the good news is that even though the world is extremely complex, what you need to do is very simple. I think it's about stopping this notion that you need to plan everything, you need to stock everything, and you need to be so prepared, and focus on being connected, always learning, fully aware,and super present” How to you develop your creative ideas? Leave us a link to your favorite TED talk in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Dinner Etiquette

Thanksgiving might be over, but the holiday season has just begun! This week the Liv Northgate Blog has five etiquette tips from the Etiquette Scholar for you to use at any formal dinners you might attend this month and next month. You can visit the Etiquette Scholar for a full list of their dinner etiquette tips . No Calls (or Texts) at the Table, Please Put your electronic devices away while you’re eating dinner. It is rude, especially at a formal dinner, to pull out your phone and start snapchatting during a fancy meal. Save all of your facebooking, tweeting, and youtubing for after dinner. Your conversations with friends who are not at the table can wait until you’re done eating. If there is an emergency, politely excuse yourself from the table. Taste First, Then Season Make sure you taste your food before you start seasoning it up with salt and pepper. This is common courtesy, and it is an easy way to make sure that you don’t over season your food. You don’t want to over salt an already salty dish. All About Elbows You may have heard that having your elbows on a table is rude. Etiquette Scholar insists that this is only a rule while you are eating. If you are not eating, feel free to rest your elbows on the table. It’s still wise not to take up too much space — make sure that you’re being mindful of the other guests at the table. Please and Thank You When asking for someone to pass a dish, make sure to say your “please” and “thank yous.” The old etiquette rules you have always known still apply. Make sure that you thank your host at the end of the evening, as well. Cool It Down If your food is too hot to eat, wait for it to cool down. Don’t blow on your food to cool it down more quickly, although it can be appropriate to stir any too-hot soup. Do you have any etiquette tips for us? What’s your favorite restaurant in Gilbert, AZ? Leave us a recommendation and a tip to use the next time we’re out to dinner in the comments.

Holiday Travel Tips

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Liv Northgate Apartments Blog has a few travel tips to help you survive the holiday season. Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful experience, to say the least. We hope that these easy tips help you stay calm, cool, and collected even when stress at the airport mounts. We hope you enjoy our post, and happy traveling! From CNN: Charge your devices “ Expect crowds surrounding the electrical outlets at your departure airport to increase if your flight is delayed. And don't expect rest stops to share their outlets with you. Have a car charger and stash a power pack or a few battery chargers for your portable electronic devices (useful for driving or flying).” From Alaska Airlines: Give yourself plenty of time “ Busy travel times can mean heavy traffic, busy parking lots and airport shuttles, and lines for checking baggage or to see a ticket agent. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and through security. We strongly encourage you to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a trip within the US, and three hours before a trip that includes an international flight.” From Forbes: Pack carefully “This time of year is a nightmare for flight attendants directing traffic on board aircraft. Everybody wants to bring everything on board. It is possible the airline might ask you to gate check your suitcase, so your things won’t be with you no matter your best intentions. NEVER pack medication, and it’s not a good idea to pack valuable things, like jewelry and electronics. Keep them in your carry on.” From Travel Sense: Steer clear of influenza “ Winter travel can be a frequent contributor to the cold and flu time of year, adding a miserable element to your winter or holiday travel stress. Before you leave, visit your doctor's office to get the flu shot or nasal spray flu vaccine, which is only available for ages 5-49. Most germs will spread by contact, so wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer constantly.” From Cheap Flights: Speak up “If you find yourself stuck due to a significant travel delay, speak with the airline representative early on to find out what your options are for re-booking or for hotel or dining vouchers. The sooner you can talk to them, the better your chances of snagging any available seat on another flight.” Now that we’ve covered traveling out of town for the holidays — what’s your favorite thing about Gilbert, AZ during the holiday season? What do we need to see and experience? Thanks for reading!

Thanksgiving Sides

The biggest food holiday of the year is coming up, and the Liv Northgate Blog has five sides to help your menu out. You know what you’re serving for the main dish, but what about all the add-ons and extras? These five recipes are certified crowd pleasers, and they will liven any Thanksgiving meal. We hope that you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal this month! Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Garlic Bread from Host the Toast This spinach and artichoke dip stuffed garlic bread is the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. Start your dinner off right with this cheesy treat. You’ll love the salty, creamy taste of the cheese dip. Host the Toast replaces the sour cream and mayonnaise in the dip with cream cheese and mozzarella. It makes for an even more decadent and delicious treat. Bacon Wrapped Green Beans from Green Healthy Cooking This is another great appetizer for your Thanksgiving meal. Have trouble finishing your vegetables? Bacon makes everything go down easier. This dish takes just one skillet to make, and it gives each guest the perfect serving of green beans. Perfect Turkey Gravy from Center Cut Cook Need an easy gravy recipe for your dinner? This one is, as its title says, perfect. Perfect turkey gravy uses a few simple ingredients — butter, coarse black pepper, flour, and chicken stock — for a topping that will make all of your sides tastier and richer. Bacon and Herbs Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Will Cook for Smiles Will Cook for Smiles is a potato expert, and these bacon and herbs creamy mashed potatoes show off her expertise. You’ll love how creamy, soft, textured, and flavorful these loaded potatoes are. They’re the perfect side to dip your turkey or an extra piece of bread in during your meal. French Onion Mushroom Casserole Recipe from Cooking on the Weekends Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without at least one casserole. French onion soup is a fall classic, but French onion mushroom casserole might be even better. It takes a little bit of time to make, but we can guarantee that you’ll love the rich blend of spices and flavors included in this autumn casserole. What are your favorite Thanksgiving sides? Do you ever go to a local business in Gilbert, AZ for your Thanksgiving meal? Let us know the best place to buy an apple pie in Gilbert in the comments. Thanks for reading!