Metro 510 Holiday Guide

Cup of coca insde of a picture frame on top of a book

Get Into the Holiday Spirit at Home in El Cerrito This Year!

If you’re not feeling the holiday spirit this year, you’re definitely not alone. Many residents of Metro510 are wondering how to cope with the stress of celebrating holidays on lockdown.

As a result, we’ve put together a shortlist of ideas to help you decorate your apartment and get into the holiday spirit at home.

How to Decorate Your Apartment for The Holidays

Decorate your apartment home with holiday crafts and traditional decorations like Christmas trees, wreaths, tinsels, and garland. Making family craft projects like customized holiday stockings is a great way to boost your holiday spirit!

Missing your annual family or office Christmas party? Have a virtual holiday decorating party online instead. Online video conferencing services like Zoom offer free accounts for large groups celebrations that feel just like the real thing.

How to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Sharing your favorite Christmas music, traditional holiday drinks like eggnog, hot chocolate, or hot buttered rum can help you feel more connected as you celebrate the holidays from a safe distance.

Other options for getting into a better mood include sharing stories and memories from holidays past and attending virtual holiday events online. The list below has examples.

Holiday Events Near Your Apartment

Here are a few virtual holiday events happening near you — courtesy of Patch.

‘The Nutcracker’- 2020: Livestream with Berkeley Ballet Theater

When: Sunday, December 20th, 2020, 5:00 p.m.

Where: Online via Berkeley Ballet Theater

Details: Nutcracker performance, celebration, watch party, and livestream.

Town Hall Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ – Virtual 2020: Lafayette

When: Friday, November 27th – Friday, December 25th, 2020, 12:00 p.m.

Where: Online via Town Hall Theatre Company

Details: New episodes of A Christmas Carol presented online until Christmas.

Thanksgiving Fun at Metro 510

Remarkable memories always accompany Thanksgiving day over that roasted turkey. But, this year’s Thanksgiving Day may be different due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The risk in traveling to celebrate is high. However, it doesn’t mean it loses its meaning.

By all means, avoid events and mass gatherings, instead, you can opt for a zoom-call Thanksgiving with loved ones far away. But, you can celebrate Thanksgiving in style and still be thankful and safe indoors at Metro 510 in El Cerrito city. Here are some things to consider.

Cooking Tips and Recipes

We all agree when Thanksgiving is mentioned, a roasted turkey comes in mind. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and other food stuffing. Spice up this Thanksgiving with some stay at home tricks.

A simple, quick night meal will not disappoint with these tips and recipes.

  • Creamy mashed potatoes recipes
  • Garlic mashed potatoes,
  • Mashed potatoes with cream cheese
  • Mashed potatoes with sour cream
  • Cheesy mashed potatoes

Each of the above tips accompanies that roasted turkey for fulfillment. Be thankful together with your family indoors this Thanksgiving with that homely touch and experience at Metro 510 apartments.

Safety in The Kitchen

Get creative this Thanksgiving in El Cerrito city in that comfortable and unique setting at Metro 510 apartments with that private patio at home. Get a portable grill outside your private balcony and prepare the turkey.

However, don’t forget kitchen safety, especially for families with children.

For instance, wear safe clothing, avoid baggy sleeves near the grill, wash your hands after handling raw meat(turkey), keep knives where they cannot cause danger, especially if you decide to grill or eat on your balcony.

Online Black Friday Shopping

Celebrate Thanksgiving with that online black Friday shopping deal at AT&T Mobility. Stay even safe this way, avoid the mall-rush, and have your shopping delivered at your home in Metro 510 apartments.

Thanksgiving is safe indoors with that spectacular recipe. Celebrate and be thankful. In El Cerrito city, you are home at Metro 510 apartments. Don’t forget to visit the Tilden Regional Park for that breath-taking view.

Celebrating Halloween at Metro 510

spooky halloween decorations in a haunted house

At Metro 510 we love a good celebration, and this year is no different as we approach Halloween. Although things may be different this season, there is still plenty of reason to get into the Halloween spirit, so here are some ‘spooktacular’ ideas for a safe and exciting Halloween in El Cerrito this year.

How To Decorate Your Apartment

We can all agree that pumpkins come first this season. Head out to your nearest pumpkin patch or even your neighborhood grocer and get the whole family involved with the occasion. Once you’ve decided on one, or perhaps even two pumpkins, that’s when the real fun begins. Carve it, light it up and let the spookiness begin.

Don’t forget the wall art, too. Decorations in the form of bats, spiders, and ghosts are must-haves to round out the spook factor.

How To Celebrate At Home

It’s not just candy you should be enjoying on Halloween, but cakes, cookies, and mocktails, too. If you are indulging in a cake, why not add these great party toppers to it to really get into the scary mood.

Next comes the activities. Choose ones that the entire family can enjoy, and perhaps even replicate a trick or treating atmosphere in your home or design a candy finding treasure hunt.

Halloween Hotspots Near You

If your plan is to go out and celebrate in El Cerrito, then here are a few safe options for you. Check out the Haunt Your House event in Alameda that your friends and family will love! Driving through the local neighborhoods that are known for going all out with Halloween decor is a fun yet safe way to enjoy this spooktacular holiday.

So, whether you are staying in or venturing out, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a safe and secure Halloween in El Cerrito this year that will give you and your family plenty of fun and excitement. What are your plans? Share with us in the comments!

Wellness-Centered Apartment Living

You’ve found an awesome home base here at Metro 510! Now that you’ve settled in, it’s time to plan out your new healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to boost your daily mood or want a full overhaul of an old routine, these tips are sure to inspire you on your journey!

 

How to Eat Healthy at Home or On-the-Go

 

For residents working from home or out doing errands, having foods that are quick to make are a must. If you’ve been wanting to eat healthy at home but aren’t sure where to start, don’t stress! With the right ingredients and smart shopping, you’ll have fresh and filling meals to keep you fueled through the week. This list of twenty dishes you can make in twenty minutes is sure to inspire you. In a pinch? You can always toss a scoop of green protein powder into your smoothies for breakfast, or a nutritious snack!

 

Get Moving in Your Room

 

Engaging in physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. There are tons of at-home exercises available, both with and without equipment. For a fast-paced cardio routine that won’t disturb neighbors, sweat it out with this Silent Death cardio video. Looking for more fitness ideas that are accessible for apartment living? Browse through this list of ultra-compact home gym equipment, then find your favorite routine here!

 

Be Mindful of Mental Health

 

Before anything else, mental health comes first. Keeping self-care in mind will also keep you energized toward other health and fitness goals. Getting a good night’s sleep, for one example, regulates your body and prepares you for a fresh new day. These night-time teas are a soothing addition to every winding down ritual. Another welcome inclusion to your pre-bedtime plans can be found in one of these ten best sleep apps. From guided audio meditations to alarm settings that set to go off during your lightest sleep cycles, the options are uniquely tuned to help you catch those z’s.

 

You can stay healthy in El Cerrito with ease by listening to your body needs. Healthy eating habits, fantastic fitness, and a positive attitude will be in your future!

Returning to School Made Easy

School supplies for the prospective student

Back to school season revs up this month and into the next for students of all ages. No matter your grade level or style of learning, you’re going to need the right tools to ensure success. With these best practices to guide you, returning to school will be a breezy transition. 

Stay at Home Studying Tips 

After a long day of classes, homework can be hard to handle. To make sure it’s done with as little stress as possible, listen to your body when it says to take breaks. Jumping into being on task again after hours of mental engagement prior might not be the best choice if you feel tired. Don’t be afraid to decompress, stretch, drink a glass of whatever, whatever you need to do to feel refreshed!

Sustainable & Smart School Supplies

Nothing says back to school like school supply shopping! Sustainably-minded students cheer, because there are so many stylish and functional school supplies on the market made with the earth in mind. Students who love to study outdoors can pack their lunches in these eco bento boxes, made of 100% stainless steel. Stock up on essentials like pens and pencils from Treesmart; this company creates school supplies from recycled materials like water bottles and newspapers, for a lighter footprint on the environment.

Find Your Study Corner at Metro 510

When you’re in a comfortable and quiet setting, studying becomes a lot easier! Luckily, living at Metro 510 makes it simple to find your corner to get work done. Every unit has its own private patio or balcony, perfect for finishing assignments al-fresco in the California sun. Or, set up shop in the community clubhouse with a mug of your favorite drink and that assigned reading. Who needs a cafe when you can cozy up and study here at home?

Be prepared with these best practices this back to school season for a smooth academic session!

At-Home National Ice Cream Month Celebrations

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Nothing cools you down during the summer better than a scoop of delicious ice cream. This July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Month and everything enjoyable about this frozen treat. Check out the full scoop on how to ring in this month the right way!

The Different Types of Ice Cream

Most likely, when you think of ice cream, you think of it in its most common form: frozen dairy milk and cream slow-churned to perfection. But there are other forms of this icy novelty too! Gelato ups the smooth factor of ice cream with the addition of egg whites. Sorbet is ice-based, making it a low-cal option that doesn’t leave out the fruity flavor. And frozen yogurt replaces dairy milk with tart yogurt, which contains digestion-friendly active cultures. There are ice cream types for all kinds of dessert-lovers!

Make At-Home Ice Cream in Minutes

You’re likely to find all these kinds of ice cream and more at your local grocery store. But there’s something satisfying about whipping up your own batch. This simple recipe from Delish shows you how to make ice cream with some zip-up bags and a handful of ingredients. If you’re dairy-free, you can replace the half-and-half with a vegan substitute. This recipe is simple enough to customize to your liking. Feel free to add tons of toppings! Try salted caramel sauce for a delectable treat, or add in edible flowers for a pop of color that brings out the simplicity of vanilla.

Indulge in Ice Cream in El Cerrito

As a new resident of the Metro 510 community, you’ve entered a city that sure does love its ice cream! El Cerrito has so many different creameries for you to try! For a healthier dairy-free option, be sure to check out Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery. This family-owned and operated cashew-based ice cream chain captures the sweet experience of eating ice cream, with less fat! Stay updated to any hour changes on their Yelp page here.

National Ice Cream Month is a sweet holiday season you can enjoy with a smile! How are you planning on celebrating this July? Let us know in the comments!

Trending Apartment Decor to Liven up Every Room

Trending Apartment Decor, Summer Decor, Trendy Decor, Apartment Decor, Minimal Decor

The environment you live in shapes your mood! As a new resident of Metro 510, you have the freedom to rearrange and redecorate your space to fit your unique tastes. If you want to liven up your space, try incorporating some trending apartment decor. Here are a few trends to look out for!

 

Minimal Decor for Those Seeking Calm

 

One design trend that never seems to go out of style is modern minimal. Minimal decor offers a dressed-down approach to apartment furnishings. With geometric patterns, clean lines, and the perfect marriage between form and function, minimal decor fits in with almost every existing design scheme. Check out this list for suggestions on where to add modern minimal flair in your own home.

 

Summer Decor for the Sunny-Minded

 

We begin the season of summer this month! The days grow longer, brighter, and more full of life. Your apartment can mirror these feelings of positivity with some festive summer decor! Think nautical accouterments, natural materials like wood and jute, and bright pops of color to maximize this season’s free-spirited vibes. Need more inspiration? This helpful guide has some tips!

 

Get Trendy Decor Delivered to Your Door

 

Now more than ever it is easy to get the furnishings you want delivered to your door. With countless online shopping options for apartment decor, you can pick your favorites and get them sent directly to you, all without having to set foot in a store. All Modern is the perfect site for modern minimal fans. You’ll find tons of chic options to choose from, like this stark end table. And summer decor stans will love the home-crafted picks over at Etsy. These pineapple-shaped bookends, for example, are charming conversation starters to have in the home.

 

By tapping into your creativity and inner interior designer, your revamped apartment is sure to be a hit! How are you planning on redecorating your space? Let us know in the comments!

Making the Transition to Working Remotely

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Has your workplace gone remote recently? Staying indoors while you work remotely can seem stressful if you go in without any prep. With the right tools and mindset, you can tackle the change! Here are some helpful tips on how to take charge of your work from home journey here at Metro 510!

 

Set Aside Space for a Home Office

 

Working from home makes it easy to work from anywhere, but some places are better than others. Instead of getting too comfy in bed, set up a dedicated office space in order to stay motivated and productive. Consider placing your workstation near a sunny window to brighten your day. Or, for a breath of fresh air, set up shop on your private balcony or patio! Here’s a helpful list of more tips on how to get organized.

 

Create a New Work from Home Schedule

 

Now that you don’t have to commute anymore, it can be easy to let your regular routine fall by the wayside. However, maintaining a regular schedule for your remote work keeps you grounded and structured. Try to keep a planner, wake up at the same time, and get dressed in fresh clothes every day. These simple behaviors will help you stay on track with your daily workflow.

 

Remember to Take Breaks While Working Remotely

 

While some may struggle with staying focused while working remotely, others may find it hard not to overwork themselves! Keep yourself in check by establishing a healthy break schedule during your shift. Get up to stretch, take your full lunch hour, do everything you need to keep yourself refreshed. Working from a computer? Stay on top of the 20-20-20 break routine to combat eye strain from the harsh blue light emitted from those devices.

 

You can make your work from home routine run more smoothly by following these guidelines! Got any other remote work tips you’re going to try? Let us know in the comments!

Getting Involved While Living in El Cerrito

online community, social networking, community resources

As a new resident of Metro 510, you’ve also become a citizen of the great city of El Cerrito. Giving back to your community is a great way to meet with and support your new neighbors! Here are some suggestions on how you can get involved from home while living in El Cerrito.

 

Support Your Local Library in El Cerrito

 

A hub of positivity and growth in every city can be found at the local library. Public libraries provide a wide variety of helpful resources to all, regardless of stature. The El Cerrito Library could use your support! Get your card to access the local library in El Cerrito and the online database here, and consider making a donation to the friends of the library using this link.

 

Order Food Delivery in El Cerrito From Local Eateries

 

One of the best representations of the culture in a city is through the local restaurant scene. The mom and pop eateries that line the streets of El Cerrito keep the heart of the neighborhood alive! You can keep their lights on and satisfy your cravings by ordering food delivery in El Cerrito. If you’re a fan of Japanese flavors, check out Oori Rice Triangles. They serve up freshly prepared rice balls for meat eaters and veggie lovers alike. Order through Doordash here!

 

Stay in Touch With Local News in El Cerrito

 

What’s the easiest way to be an active citizen? By reading up on the goings-on in your neighborhood! Unlike mainstream media news coverage, local newspapers and journals provide a more in-depth and personalized look at updates on a smaller, regional level. The East Bay Times is a great independent news source to support. Check out their website for the newest breaking stories, and consider signing up for a subscription too!

 

No matter what you decide to do to help, being an involved citizen while living in El Cerrito is sure to feel rewarding. How are you planning on giving back? Let us know in the comments!

Spring Cleaning Your Apartment for the Season

Spring Cleaning, Cleaning Games for Kids, Green Cleaning, Cleaning Hacks, DIY Cleaning Products

Springtime is upon us! That means the flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, and the natural environment is experiencing a beautiful renewal. If your apartment here at Metro 510 could use a similar boost, it’s time to tidy up. Spring cleaning for the season helps to scale down on the clutter that’s built up since the beginning of the year. Here are some hot tips on how you can bring a breath of fresh air into your apartment!

 

Play Cleaning Games for Kids

 

If you live with little ones, chances are the mere mention of chores sends them running for the hills. You can reframe the way they think about tidying by introducing spring cleaning games for kids! These add an element of play to the mundane, making it so children start to associate cleaning with positive feelings. Not only does this develop healthy habits around tidying, but parents who join in get back in touch with their own inner child!

 

Craft DIY Cleaners to Save Money

 

The general mantra around the spring season is to leave behind the old to make way for the new. This can ring true for the household products you clean with too! Depending on store-bought products can really cut into your budget over time. Making DIY cleaners costs pennies on the dollar in comparison! Plus, crafty types get to stretch their creative side when making their own cleaners. This project for a citrus-scented all-purpose cleaning spray is a great recipe to replace a kitchen/bathroom countertop cleaner!

 

Green Cleaning Hacks to Help the Earth

 

The best part about making the switch to homemade cleaning products is that, more often than not, it’s the eco-friendly choice. Brand name products can contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to use around pets and small children. Using green cleaning powerhouses like vinegar, borax, and baking soda instead leaves less of an impact on the environment. On top of that, naturally-derived cleaners still pack a punch! Check out this list of green cleaning hacks to find out more ways you can use eco-conscious grime-fighters all throughout the household. 

 

Once you get that spring cleaning session underway, you’ll find that the atmosphere in your apartment can shift to a calmer, more serene one! What are some other ways you’re planning on tackling your clutter? Let us know in the comments!