1. Banana Face Mask

Bananas are great for the inside of your body, but they do good things for your skin, too. Mash a banana in a bowl until it forms an even paste. Slather it onto your face, and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. If you feel so inclined, you might also want to add a 1/4 cup of plain yogurt and two tablespoons of honey, which is a natural acne fighter. 

2. Oatmeal Face Mask

Combine 1/2 cup of hot (not boiling!) water with 1/3 cup of oatmeal. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then add the following:

• 2 tablespoons of yogurt (plain)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 small egg white

Mix everything together, then apply a thin layer to your face. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Be sure to have a strainer or colander below your face to catch the oatmeal chunks; you don't want to clog your sink.

3. Avocado Face Mask

Avocado is great for stressed-out skin. It's rich in vitamin E, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Avocados also contain a significant amount of omega fatty acids — nutrients that help strengthen the skin barrier, which keeps your cells protected from the elements. To make a mask with this miracle ingredient, combine 1/2 ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mash the mixture together until it forms a paste, then apply it to your face. If your skin is ultra-dry, you can add a teaspoon or two of virgin olive oil.

Are you searching for an apartment community where you can feel at ease the moment you walk through the door? We'd like to welcome you home to River Oaks. Take a look at our available floor plans today!

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1. Peppermint Meltaways

Meltaway cookies are soft, shortbread-butter cookies that literally seem to melt right in your mouth. With this recipe, a bit of peppermint gets added to the mix, giving each bite a breath of freshness. These cookies are a great dessert to take with you if you're heading to someone else's house for a get-together. They also make excellent gifts when they're packaged in decorative tins.

2. Peppermint Bark

There's something kind of magical about the way peppermint and chocolate get along so well together. One pound of white chocolate and another pound of bittersweet chocolate serve as the foundation for a divine dessert that's worthy of second helpings.

3. Peppermint Whipped Cream

When homemade hot chocolate isn't enough to stand alone, put a frothy helping of peppermint whipped cream atop your coffee cup. Making this topping from scratch only requires a few ingredients, and the satisfaction you'll have from knowing you made it all by yourself will be worth the effort.

4. Peppermint Marshmallows

If whipped cream isn't really your thing, opt for peppermint marshmallows instead. These little treats offer a fun way to flex your baking muscles without actually baking anything. Every marshmallow will be as unique as you are, making this a fun treat to share with family and friends.

5. Peppermint Mocha

Skip the $10 cup of coffee and give this recipe a shot instead. Loose-leaf peppermint leaves are a great way to make your morning mochas in the comfort of your own kitchen. You can create this cup of joe using a French press or a coffee maker that uses paper filters. 

Are you searching for an Oceanside apartment where you can get creative in the kitchen? Stop by our River Oaks community so we can show you why we were voted Top Resident Satisfaction in 2018!

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What Is a Kitchen Boa?

The kitchen boa combines a scarf-like material with two hand towels. It's called a boa because you can toss it around your neck like a feather boa. When you wear a kitchen boa, you will always have a hand towel within reach when you need one. 

How to Make a Kitchen Boa

You will need:

• 1 piece of preshrunk cotton fabric, 9 x 21 inches
• 1 kitchen towel
• Coordinating thread

Directions for Sewing a Kitchen Boa:

1. For the neckband, sew the 9 x 21-inch cotton fabric into a tube. It should be approximately four inches wide when you're done.
2. Cut the kitchen towel in half.
3. Hem the sides and the bottoms of the two towel halves.
4. Gather the top of each towel half and insert it into the neckband. 
5. Fold under the raw edges of the neckband.
6. Top-stitch the towels in place. 

Voila, you now have a kitchen boa. 

The Kitchen Boa as a Gift

Kitchen boas make excellent gifts for your friends or family members who love to cook. You can even tailor them for holiday gift-giving. For instance, you can use a bright red or green fabric for the scarf part and Christmas-themed towels to create holiday kitchen boas. You can also make a kitchen boa that doubles as potholders by adding heat-resistant padding to the hand towels. 

Just like the kitchen boa, our apartments in Oceanside have both a fun and a practical side. Our beautiful community, for instance, features two pools and two spas, two playgrounds, a fitness center, and private garages. Please call to make an appointment to check out our available floor plans and to see all that River Oaks has to offer you. 

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Bake Homemade Treats

Perhaps the easiest way to spread cheer with your neighbors this holiday season is to bake homemade treats. Think cookies, candies, brownies, and more. Get a little tin or dollar store gift box, add the baked goods, and secure with a ribbon for a gift idea that is sure to delight. Not good in the kitchen or short on time? It’s okay… Use store-bought bakery items. (Shhh! We won’t tell!)

Sing Christmas Carols

Got the voice of an angel? Go a little old-fashioned and sing Christmas carols door-to-door! This is such a rarity these days that your Oceanside neighbors will probably be surprised. They might even opt to join in on the fun. Obviously, don’t go too early or too late, and stay in a group for added safety.

Deliver Ornaments

Looking for a gift idea that keeps giving year after year? Consider delivering ornaments to your neighbors. This can be something bought at the store or handmade. You can even opt to include personalized details, such as a family name, the year, or a special sentiment. This is a great gift idea that spreads cheer for multiple seasons to come.

Consider a Simple Card

If you aren’t into getting too fancy this year due to time constraints, consider giving your neighbors a simple card. If your budget allows, you can even include a small gift card for coffee or lunch. It’s a great way to show a simple gesture that says thank you for being a great neighbor.

Spreading cheer is easy this holiday season with these simple but sweet tips. How do you plan on bringing happiness and joy to your neighbors this holiday season?

Looking for your perfect Oceanside, CA apartment? River Oaks has you covered with spacious floor plans and a variety of top-notch amenities. Please contact us today to inquire about availability or to schedule a tour.

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Sandy Beauty

Cover the bottom of one or multiple glass bowls or mason jars with sand. Layer different sized seashells on top of the sand. Scatter some silver and blue ball ornaments inside the bowls. Go one step further and wrap burlap ribbon around the bowls and tie in a bow. Display the bowls together on the mantle or use it as a centerpiece.

Beach Inspired Wreath 

Welcome guests with a wreath dressed for the beach. Paint a grapevine wreath or pine wreath white and adorn it with faux starfish, wood anchors, silver ornaments and a beautiful bow. Instead of a wreath, create a door hanging out of driftwood that is glued together in the shape of a starfish for a simplistic nod to the shore.

Seaside Chic Christmas Tree

Adorn a pine tree with chic, earthy seaside style. Decorate the tree with raffia ornaments, grapevine ornaments, burlap bows, and other natural accents. Wrap a rope garland and twinkly white lights around the entire tree. Top the tree with an oversized star. Wrap presents in brown paper and white bows for an additional natural touch.

Mantle Magic

Design a magical holiday at the beach mantle seascape. Display a large framed photo of your family on the beach in the center (or other beach-inspired artwork), and on each side, display multiple white and blue candles in white candle holders, ocean blue and silver ribbon, snow-tipped garland, mini white lights and silver ball ornaments throughout. 

Light The Way

Simply decorate everything in your home with white string lights. Hang from doorways, wrap around stairway banisters and throughout window treatments for a minimalist look.

Are you looking for an apartment with spectacular canyon views? River Oaks Apartments in Oceanside, CA will make your dreams come true. Contact us today!

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Here are five tea and culinary grade oil pairings designed to help residents of apartments in Oceanside, California, get the most from their favorite cup of tea. 

Rose Oil and Earl Grey Tea

A couple of drops of culinary grade rose oil adds depth and complexity to any cup of tea. But it really shines when added to Earl Grey, because the rose flavor blends so well with Earl Grey's trademark top notes of bergamot. 

Honeysuckle Oil and White Tea

Honeysuckle oil has a light, delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with white tea. It shouldn't take more than one drop — adding too many drops increases the risk of the oil overpowering white tea's graceful flavor profile. 

Cinnamon Oil and Black Tea

Although cinnamon sticks are a common addition to a hot cup of tea, they really don't impart much flavor. Cinnamon oil provides an ideal partner for black tea's complexity and depth. 

Lavender Oil and Lemon Tea

Lavender oil added to lemon tea provides a highly aromatic experience that's suitable for elegant occasions, as well as for solo sipping with a good book. 

Peppermint Oil and Rosehip Tea

Brimming with vitamin C and featuring a strong, tangy taste, rosehip tea tastes even better with a drop or two of peppermint oil. As an added benefit, peppermint oil may soothe an upset stomach. 

Our apartments feature patios with stunning mountain views perfect for relaxing with a cup of your favorite tea. Please don't hesitate to contact us at your convenience for more information about enjoying life in beautiful Southern California.

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Surprise your favorite hockey fan with one of two fun presents that you can create yourself. Both are inexpensive and very simple to make. Plus, these gifts will be extra special since they were handcrafted especially for them by you. 

No-Sew Fleece Blanket

You will need:

• 2 pieces fleece fabric (about 2.25 yards each) with a hockey-related design

Directions:

1. Lay the piece of fleece that will be the back of the blanket face-down. 
2. Next, lay the other piece on top of the first piece of fleece face-up.
3. Trim both pieces at the same time, so they are the same size. Be aware that the finished blanket will be about 10 inches smaller when complete.
4. Cut out one 6-inch square from each corner of both pieces of fleece.
5. Create fringe by cutting 6 inches into the fleece at 1-inch intervals around all sides of the blanket.
6. Knot the fringe pieces from the bottom and the top pieces together tightly around the entire blanket until all are tied. 

No-Sew T-Shirt Pillow

You will need: 

• Xl Hockey T-Shirt (Clean)
• 12 x 12 pillow form or fiberfill

Directions:

1. Start by cutting off the arms of the T-shirt.
2. Get rid of the top of the shirt where the neckline is by cutting straight across. 
3. Cut the T-shirt into two 12 1/2-inch x 12 1/2-inch squares. Try to place the hockey graphics at the center of the pillow, but if it’s not possible, don’t worry.
4. Lay the right sides of the shirt together (so that the shirt is now essentially inside-out).
5. Sew three sides of the pillow together, leaving the top open. 
6. Turn right-side out. Poke out the corners. 
7. Insert pillow form (you could also just stuff the pillow with fiberfill if you don’t have a pillow form). 
8. Hand-stitch the opening closed.

Do you enjoy spending as much time as possible soaking in the lovely SoCal sunshine? Then, please come check out our beautiful apartments in Oceanside, California. They boast private patios and balconies where you can soak in the rays while creating these easy crafts. Then, when you’re done, enjoy our pet-friendly community’s two pools, two spas, brand-new fitness facility, and on-site grocery store. 

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1. Have a Few Extra Blankets on Hand

Some people like being chilly, while others prefer to be snuggled up in the comfort of soft fabric. If you have people who will be staying over in your place, offer a few extra blankets just in case they get a little cold when nighttime settles in. Consider offering a range of blankets, from comforters to quilts, so your guests can choose the blanket that best meets their needs.

2. Offer Candles to Set the Mood

Candles are great for ambient lighting, but they can also give off the kind of scents that excite the olfactory glands. Since fall is in the air, consider offering your guests candles that are infused with pumpkin and apple essences to truly capture the feelings of this autumn season.

3. Make a Basket of Welcome Snacks

Weary travelers can get hungry at all times of the day and night, but your guests may not feel comfortable rummaging around your kitchen in the wee hours of the morning. Put a stop to their hunger pangs by offering a sack of snacks that don't need to be refrigerated. Roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and homemade granola bars fit perfectly inside welcome baskets. Be sure to include a bottle or two of water so your guests can quench their thirst without leaving the room if they need a drink.

4. Offer Advice

Instead of asking your guests to be at your beck and call while you're busy trying to live your life and coordinate things for your guests, let them do some things on their own. Create a list of possible attractions they might want to see or restaurants that might be up their alley, then leave some time for them to explore the city on their own.

If you’re looking for an apartment community that’s just as welcoming to visitors as it will be to you every day when you come home, you’ve found the right place! Check out the awesome amenities we offer at River Oaks Apartment Homes!

The post Easy Ways to Welcome Your Guests When Fall Weather Settles In appeared first on River Oaks Blog.

Hot Dog Mummies

Hot dog mummies are a festive take on pigs in a blanket. Grab your favorite hot dogs and your favorite ready-to-bake crescent rolls. Open the crescent rolls and slice the dough into thin, mummy-like strips. If desired, roll the hot dog in a thin piece of cheese for added taste. Then begin to place your mummy strips all around the hot dog. Make the strips go in different directions to enhance the mummy look. Bake them in the oven for 13 to 17 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. You can also add eyes to your mummy using mustard or ketchup. 

Spider Pizza

Grab your favorite pre-made or ready-to-make pizza dough. Put some sauce on it, and then add the cheese. The fun part is decorating the pizza. Lay one olive slice on your pizza to create a body, and then cut up another olive into thinner slices to use as the eight legs. Continue to add spiders onto the pizza for a creative and fun treat. And if your family loves meat, consider cutting up pepperoni or ham into the shape of a spiderweb and layering that on the pizza for added effect. 

Eyeball Tacos

Make tacos as you normally would. You can use chicken or beef. Then add lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. What turns this dish from normal to creepy are the small "eyeballs" you are going to add peering out of the shell. Add two small dollops of sour cream side-by-side at the top of the taco, and then put a sliced olive on each dollop. You now have two eyeballs atop your tacos, for a fun twist on regular tacos. 

Spooky is good at Halloween, but it should not be a word you use to describe your current living situation. If you're unhappy with your current residence, you may be looking for apartments in Oceanside, California. Here at River Oaks Apartment Homes, we are proud of our beautiful, well-maintained and safe community. Stop by today to take a tour of our complex. 

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! This white chicken chili is a lighter, more refreshing take on the dish that’s still plenty hearty. This white chicken chili substitutes chicken, green chiles and jalapeños for beef and tomatoes. It uses white beans in place of traditional kidney beans as well.

This slow cooker recipe can be prepared the night before and can cook throughout the day. You’ll have minimal prep and cleanup at dinnertime, giving you freedom during the evening.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

It doesn’t get much easier than this. Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the easiest way you could imagine to make this classic, heartwarming soup. The original isn’t exactly difficult, but this slow cooker twist makes it even simpler. You don’t even need to cook the chicken ahead of time; it can cook along with the soup. After the chicken is cooked (at least six hours in the pot) you’ll need to pull out the boneless, skinless breasts and shred them. But that’s as extensive as the prep gets.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is another classic dish that’s not especially difficult to make. Here, too, the slow cooker version simplifies it even further. Place your raw meatballs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover in sauce and cook for hours. Add spaghetti and chicken broth for the final hour, then enjoy.

These slow cooker recipes are perfect for saving you time during the school year, letting you spend more time with your kids in the evening hours. Of course, another thing that helps is living in a great location that you love. If you’re considering upgrading your Oceanside apartments lifestyle, give us a call. We’ll walk you through the great amenities available here, and we can fill you in on which units are available.

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