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Last-Minute Gifts for Dad this Father's Day

And with the blink of an eye, it’s already almost Father’s Day! Are you feeling a little behind on finding a unique gift for dad that he’ll not only love, but actually use? Then keep on reading, you’re in the right place. While online shopping has taken over the world, it’s times like these where expedited shipping might not cut it. Check out these last-minute gift ideas for dad that you can grab at a nearby Goodyear store today! Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle This Arizona heat is no joke. Our summer weather challenges temperatures well over 100 degrees almost daily, so nothing compares to having ice-cold water while out and about in the valley heat. Hydro flask water bottles are known to be the standard when it comes to vacuum insulated water bottles, keeping ice frozen for upwards of 2 days! You can find this brand and many, many others a short drive from home at the Cabela’s , Big 5 Sporting Goods or the C-A-L Ranch Store across the street. Gift dad with something he’ll be happy to use every day with a high-quality water bottle! (Photo by @Hydroflask) Hot Sauces Hot sauces are a no brainer when it comes to a quality last-minute Father’s Day gift! Help dad add some flavor to his everyday meals with a kick of chipotle, a dash of BBQ, or maybe some jalapeno hot sauces. We love this gift idea because of the variety that can come with it. Most of the time there are pre-assembled hot sauce kits at grocery stores and even select retailers, making it easier than ever to treat dad to a wide array of different flavors. Speaking of easy, just a short drive from your Acero Estrella Commons apartment is the Ass Kickin’ Gift Shop , home of some of the hottest quality hot sauce around! Stop in today and find the perfect pack of sauces for your dad’s special Father’s Day gift. You won’t regret it! (Photo by @Asskickin) Cast Iron Skillet Does your dad love to cook? How about BBQ? Is he a fan of a well-charred steak? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we can assure you a thoughtful Father’s Day gift would without a doubt be a cast-iron skillet. Known for even dispersal of heat throughout the skillet, and for being a very hearty cooking utensil, cast iron skillets are a kitchen necessity. The Goodyear Target, Walmart or anywhere you find your favorite kitchen gear should offer a quality skillet. Lodge is a well-known cast iron skillet brand, so keep an eye out for their name while you’re shopping! (Photo by @Lodgecastiron) We hope you found these unique last-minute gift ideas helpful for finding the perfect present for dad this Father’s Day! You should be able to find everything listed here within minutes of your Acero Estrella Commons apartment. If you liked this blog, be sure to share it with your friends and family on Facebook and Instagram to help them with Father’s Day gift ideas too! And stay tuned for more blogs like this one, here .

Revitalize Your Morning Routine with 3 Simple Steps

Routines help us maintain a sense of normality when things get wacky, and let’s be real, things are extremely, for lack of a better word, wacky right now. Some of us are still working from home, some are working on the frontline, and some of you reading this might not even be working right now. In uncertain times, routines can help. So today we are highlighting a few steps that can help revitalize your morning routine in a way that leaves you feeling healthy, confident and prepared for the rest of your day. 30 Minute Phone Detox You might be thinking, “What? No. I can’t detox my phone in the morning. That’s already part of my morning routine!” And we are here to tell you that part of “revitalizing” your morning routine means making some big changes! Various studies and professionals nationwide have supported the notion that checking your phone right when you wake up can lead to an ultimately more stressful morning, mood and overall day. News and media consumption has skyrocketed in the last few months given the spread of COVID-19 and our innate desire to want to know more. But in order to get your day started on the right foot and focus on your self care, we challenge you to not check your phone for the first 30 minutes of your morning. Sure, turn your alarm off and see what time it is, but leave it at that and tap into other aspects of your morning routine first. Stretching Whether you’re sitting in a desk chair or on your feet all day for work, raising babies, cooking, cleaning, exercising, whatever it may be; stretching is your friend, especially in the morning. There are countless benefits that stretching has on our bodies, ranging from releasing tension in our muscles to promoting healthy blood circulation, but above all it helps prepare your body for the day ahead. A healthy morning routine should focus on waking you up mentally, physically and emotionally, and stretching helps set the tone for all of those. Here are a handful of easy stretches that you can do just about anywhere in your Acero Estrella Commons apartment each morning. In an effort to revitalize your morning routine, take some time to nurture and stretch your body so it can serve you throughout the day. Reading or Gratitude Journaling You may have heard of gratitude journaling before, but if you haven’t the concept is pretty simple. Fill a journal with all that you are grateful for. That’s it! There are some templated gratitude journals that you can find online and follow, or you can simply fill a page of an empty journal each morning with three things you are grateful for. It’s really such a simple addition to your routine, but it is one that will add a boost of positivity to not only your morning, but the entire day to come! And if journaling isn’t exactly your cup of tea, try reading for just 10 minutes each morning instead. Similar to journaling, reading helps clear your headspace and invites positive thoughts to fill it once you close the book and continue with your day. Routines can be challenging to alter, so if these three steps are way out of line with what your mornings at Acero Estrella Commons look like, we challenge you to adapt one small change and see how it impacts your day! Times are unique but routines help us stay grounded, and a healthy routine promotes an overall healthy lifestyle. If you found this blog useful, share it with a friend on Facebook or Instagram ! And keep following the Acero Estrella Commons blog here for more like it.

Summer Safety Tips for Arizona Pet Parents

Summer is right around the corner here in Goodyear, and some temperatures recently have made it feel like summer is already upon us! As a pet parent, we know nice weather is the best time to take the dog out for a walk, hiking on one of our beautiful Arizona trails, or simply around town. However, as the temperatures continue to rise the safety and well being of your pet can be at risk. With that in mind, consider these summer safety tips the next time you grab the leash and bring your four-legged companion with you for an outdoor adventure! Age, Breed & Health Your dog is one of your best friends, meaning you most likely know all about them. Their age, breed and general health are all things you should consider when heading outdoors in the Arizona heat! Just like us humans, the young, the old, and those with health conditions have a higher sensitivity to heat and less of a tolerance. Keep these deciphering factors in mind when determining to bring your pup outdoors this summer. Staying Hydrated So you’ve decided to venture outdoors with your dog when it’s warm out. If that’s the case, always be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for them! Whatever you do, always bring more than you think you’ll need. This is the best way to be a prepared pet parent and keeping your dog hydrated. Your tail-wagging companion has a thick, warm coat of fur making it extra important to keep them as hydrated and cool as possible to avoid overheating when the Arizona temperatures are high. Paw Shoes Dog paws are not invincible; and just as humans need shoes, your dog could benefit from having a pair of their own shoes! It may seem silly at first, but paw shoes are a great investment if your pup is outdoors often in the Goodyear summer heat. Asphalt, pavement, gravel and even just dirt can get unbelievably hot after sitting in the sun all day, and pet shoes help to protect your dogs paws from potential pavement burns or blisters. Morning, Afternoon or Evening? It can be easy to lose track of time while outside with your dog. Say you left the apartment in the early morning, then a few hours pass and all of a sudden it’s the middle of the day and warmer outside than you expected. You didn’t bring enough water and the pavement is getting hot… The best way to avoid this type of situation is by paying extra attention to when and where you plan to be when bringing your dog with you. The early morning is the coolest part of the day in Arizona, increasingly getting warmer and warmer with each passing hour. Sometimes the peak temperatures can even last late into the night! So keep this summer pet parent safety tip in mind: before you leave with your dog, check various weather apps to see what the temperature is expected to be throughout the day, and base your activity and destinations (and if you should even bring them!) off of that. As we’re confident you already know, never, ever leave your dog in the car. If you lack a plan and don’t know when you’ll be home or where you’re going, simply leave your furry best friend in your cool, air-conditioned Acero Estrella Commons apartment. Stay Indoors We hate to be the one to tell you this, but sometimes the truth hurts. If it’s a warm, sunny, summer afternoon in Goodyear, the best pet parent advice we can give you for keeping your dog safe and cool is simply keeping them home and indoors. It might be a bummer, but sometimes the best thing you can do is say “Sorry little one” and leave the leash, and the pup, at home. We know it can be hard to leave your dog at home when the weather in Goodyear is so beautiful. So if you decide to bring the pup outdoors with you, be sure to keep these pet parent summer safety tips in mind! If you found this blog helpful, share it with your fellow pet parents on Facebook or Instagram , and keep following the Acero Estrella Commons blog here for more like it!

Quick and Easy Spring Recipes to Try Today

Quick and easy recipes are the way to go when it comes to weeknight meals. Even if we do have a little more time on our hands these days, that doesn’t mean we want to spend all of it in the kitchen! With the warm weather kicking into gear here in Goodyear, now is the perfect time for easy dinner ideas and recipes that require only a handful of ingredients. Here are a few Spring recipes that only require about three ingredients each, and can be personalized as much as you’d like. Check them out, give them a try, and let us know how you liked them! Chicken Teriyaki Bowls Nothing beats a nice balance of carbs, vegetables and protein as a spring dinner. And that’s why teriyaki bowls are such a hit! This easy weeknight dinner can be prepared and served in less than 45 minutes, and makes for great leftovers to be used all week long! Ingredients: - 1 Pound Chicken Breasts - 2 Cups White or Brown rice - 1 Head of Broccoli - ½ Cup Teriyaki Sauce Directions: 1. Dice the chicken into one-inch cubes. 2. Wash and dry the head of broccoli and chop into your preferred bite size. 3. Prepare the white or brown rice according to the package instructions. 4. While rice is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, a sprinkle of salt, pepper and garlic powder, and cook for about 8-9 minutes (until meat is cooked through). 5. Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli and cook until the florets become tender, stirring often. 6. The teriyaki sauce to the chicken and broccoli and simmer for a few minutes. 7. Combine all ingredients and enjoy! Coconut Macaroons Is it just us, or does the world have a massive sweet tooth lately? Baking has become a trend since we’ve all started staying home, but some recipes call for wild ingredients or take a huge amount of time. These coconut macaroons, however, only require three ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. Ingredients: - 1 Bag Sweetened Coconut Flakes (14 oz) - 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz) - 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract - Chocolate (Optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 3. Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop coconut mixture into small balls (about 1 ½ tablespoon per macaroon). 4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart. 5. Once assembled, bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, or until edges and the other later reach a golden brown color. 6. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. 7. If you’d like chocolate you can either dip the entire macaroon into a bowl of your favorite melted chocolate and let it cool, or drizzle the macaroons with the melted chocolate for less of a chocolate flavor. Sparkling Berry Lemonade Close your eyes and imagine something for a moment. It’s Mid-May. The temperatures in Goodyear, Arizona are rising with each passing hour. You decide to step out on your Acero Estrella Commons balcony to enjoy some fresh spring air and some time in the warm sun. In your hand you’re holding an ice-cold, refreshing sparkling berry lemonade. Yep, that sounds like a picture-perfect scene to us! Make it a reality with this tasty 3 ingredient sparkling beverage. And if it’s cocktail hour, add a splash of your favorite spirit to make this an irresistible boozy sparkling lemonade! Ingredients: - ½ Cup Fresh or Frozen Berries - ½ Cup Lemonade - Flavored Sparkling Water - Splash of Vodka, Tequila or Rum (Optional) Directions: 1. Add the frozen berries and lemonade to a glass. 2. Top with flavored sparkling water. 3. If making a cocktail, add the berries, then desired liquor, then lemonade and top with sparkling water. 4. Cheers! Here’s to simple cooking and easy living in your Acero Estrella Commons apartment! Don’t stress if you are missing any ingredients on this list, the Goodyear Safeway and Walmart are just up the street and should have everything you need to give these recipes a try. We hope you make these dishes and drinks, love them, and share them with your friends and neighbors on Facebook and Instagram ! Stay tuned for more blogs like this one, here . See you next time!

Save the Date! Virtual Paint Parties Happening This Month

Since staying home, you’ve probably come to find there are many ways to keep busy. Whether it be cooking, cleaning, reading a book… Some activities can start to feel therapeutic when things start getting hectic or you’re really bored. Expressing yourself through art can be a similarly therapeutic experience! Crafts, DIY projects, and more are a great way to stay busy and relieve some of the stress surrounding COVID-19. Today we are highlighting a few upcoming free virtual paint parties hosted by the city of Goodyear and artist/instructor Debora Goley this month! When Join your fellow Goodyear neighbors in painting a variety of beautiful pieces from the comfort of your Acero Estrella Commons apartment throughout the month of May!! May 13th from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.: “Wednesday Well Check” May 16th from 9 - 10:15 a.m.: “PJs and Art” May 21st from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.: “Desert Nights” May 27th from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.: “Wednesday Well Check” May 30th from 9 - 10:15 a.m.: “PJs and Art” Where The beauty of the phrase “alone together” really shines through with these live-stream virtual paint parties. Rather than heading to a studio, you can be cozy right at home in your apartment for this event, while other Goodyear neighbors are staying home and participating along with you. One paint party even encourages that you wear your pajamas! There’s no need to leave home, you’re already right where you need to be for these virtual paint parties. What So how does it work, you ask? Well, have you ever attended a paint and sip night at an art studio? These virtual paint parties are hosted the same way, however, instead of painting in the studio with a group of other friends, artists, or event-goers, you’re at home! This also means you’ll need to gather the painting supplies, because usually that would be provided by the studio, but hey, this is a free party! So that makes up for it. Next, you’ll want to set up your laptop or phone for the class so you can follow the instructor as she guides you through each painting via a live stream Zoom video call or Youtube video. Click here to register for the classes and to access the video links. How Here’s how we recommend you prepare for one (or all) of these free virtual paint parties. First, make a list of the supplies you’ll need. You can find that here . Next, place an online or curbside pick up order from the Goodyear Michaels or JoAnn’s Fabrics and Crafts of all the supplies required for your art party (canvases, paintbrushes, paints, etc.). Once you’ve got your crafts supplies, set up your laptop or phone somewhere in your apartment where you’ll be able to see the video while following along and painting. Once you’re ready, set up your painting supplies, get your comfy clothes on, grab a glass of wine, and get ready to paint! We hope this got your creative juices flowing and gives you something to look forward to this month! Share how your virtual paint parties turn out with us on Facebook and Instagram , and send this blog to a friend to invite them to paint along with you. That’s all for now, see you next time!

Surprise Mom This Mother’s Day with A Creative Celebration

It comes as no surprise that times are changing. Social distancing and staying home have equated to a new reality for many of us. But the days on the calendar stay the same and birthdays, anniversaries and holidays are still being celebrated; just a little differently! While you can still shop online for a Mother’s Day gift or send her a bouquet of flowers, today we’re looking at three unique ways you can surprise your mom this Mother’s Day in a social distancing friendly manner! Car Parade You may have recently seen car parades circulating on social media, where balloons are floating out of the windows, and banners are hanging along the body of the car. This thoughtful celebration takes a bit of coordination, but the reward is worth the work! Check out this heartwarming video of a young Phoenix boy whose friends and family surprised him with an extra special birthday car parade. Imagine the joy that will be on your mom’s face when she is surprised with a convoy of her favorite people sending her love on Mom’s special day! Simply organize a time and place, and encourage friends and family to have balloons and banners wishing her a great day. You can find decor and such at the Goodyear 99 Cents Only Store . This creative Mother's Day celebration is a great way to respect social distancing while showing your mom just how extra special she is. (Photo by @Abc15arizona) Video Chatting Who knew video chatting would be used for anything other than long-distance conference calls or meetings? Well in today’s world, video chatting is a great way to connect with friends and family no matter where you, or they, might be! A few popular video chatting applications that have gained popularity since the beginning of the stay at home orders and self quarantining include Facetime (on Apple devices), Zoom (an online video calling platform) or Google Meet . Host a virtual Mother’s Day by setting up a group video call with your mom’s closest friends and family to show her you miss and love her from afar! Spice things up a bit by coordinating a dress-code theme (have everyone where Hawaiian shirts) or maybe invite adults to have a cocktail for a virtual happy hour while chatting. The more creative the better! Trunk Picnic Another common hang-out since the debut of the coronavirus has included trunk picnics . This is one of our favorite ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day because it’s simple, easy, thoughtful, and unique. Invite your mom to meet you in her car at a nearby Goodyear location (such as an empty parking lot or nature area), set a time, and grab a Barro’s pizza or sandwich from Sandwich Masterz on the way. Pop the trunk of your car, or if you don’t have a large enough trunk just stay in the car with the windows down, and hang out 6 feet apart while enjoying a bite to eat and spending quality time with your mom. You could even play some songs your mom loves through the car speakers for an even more memorable Mother’s Day picnic! While you may not be heading to an extravagant Mother’s Day brunch this year, or going shopping around town, we hope you consider these fun activities for celebrating the mom’s in your life. Let us know how these Mother’s Day ideas worked for you on Facebook or Instagram , and share this blog with your friends who might also be looking for creative ways to celebrate. Stay tuned and keep following the Acero Estrella Commons blog here for more like this one in the future!