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Big Deal: Top 10 Celebrity Real Estate Stories of 2012

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5 Fall Fashion Trends You Need to Know

Part of the fun of loving fashion is that the trends change season after season. Sure, it can be a lot to keep up with, but fresh new looks always rejuvenate our interest. For the girls out there, we wanted to provide some bold styles that are a must-wear this fall season.

Pantsuits

Forget the boxy pantsuits of seasons past. For Fall 2012, designers brought out sleek pantsuits in everything from white to jewel tones.

For a more modern look, add a bit of sheer to the pantsuit, like Reed Krakoff did; for more of a dandy look, opt for a menswear vest in velvet like at Ralph Lauren.

Either way, keep the pantsuit long and lean for a fashionable look that's also office ready.

Jewel Tones

Want to add richness and depth to your cool weather wardrobe? Try one of the fabulous hues that are in for fall including sapphire, ruby and emerald.

These pretty colors are ageless and timeless, so look to get lots of wear out of any jewel tones that you invest in this season.

Collars

Peter Pan collars are a cute look that adds a youthful touch to everything from sheath dresses to shirts.

At Vivienne Tam the collars are sweet and lacy (photo right); at Victoria by Victoria Beckham they add a prim look.

Knits

Break out the chunky knits! Designers were in a seriously cozy mood for fall 2012.

At Gant (left) the feeling was preppy in a knit sweater vest (a fun look for anyone and good way to try out the trend.)

And at Chanel, right, sweaters took on an outsized proportion as chunky knits start to make their way back on the scene.

Optical Illusion Dress

You may know it as the Kate Winslet dress but the sculpting colorblock dress that Stella McCartney kicked off is still going strong.

This trendy -- and flattering -- dress creates an optical illusion by pairing dark and light blocks to may you look tiny.

From these styles, there are plenty of looks to choose from. Knits may be particularly welcomed during the upcoming Winter season. 

Thanks for reading!

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If you happened to come across our blog as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, be sure to visit our Facebook page to what's available in our stunning community.

#Playa Del Rey #clothes #designer #fall trends #fashion #gotomyapartment.com #playa del oro apartments #women's fashion

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The Best Haunted Attraction to Visit on Halloween

The Eternal Rest Cemetery opens it decrepit gates each Halloween season to unleash an onslaught of horrors to make your worst nightmares come true.  The unholy dead drag themselves from their cemetery graves for two nights - Saturday October 27th and Wednesday October 31st. The mayhem begins each evening at approximately 7:00PM and continues till the gates are chained shut at around midnight.  On these two nights only, The Eternal Rest Cemetery proprietors allow you to visit with the recently departed by taking a delightful tour through the depths of The Morgue. Be warned that this is an intense experience. We do not recommend it for children under 14...or maybe even anyone, for that matter. The cemetery grounds are located at 414 Rose Avenue in Venice. Come by to find your eternal resting spot, it's a free Halloween experience, but you may pay with your life.

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If your haunted search brought you to our blog post after looking up Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, there is no reason to be frightened. Our Facebook page will be your safe haven to find what's available in our stunning community.

#Halloween #haunted house #haunted cemetery #playa del oro apartments #Apartments #gotomyapartment.com #Playa Del Rey #Venice #Eternal Rest Cemetery

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Need an apt

Thanks for reaching out! Please visit us on our Facebook page or call us at [phone] to see what's available in our impressive community. Also, you can find out more about the Playa Del Oro lifestyle by checking out our video tours!

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Our (Unlikely) Top 5 Halloween Movies

We are quickly creeping up on the horror film fanbase's biggest holiday of the year, and for some us, that means that it's about that time we turn off the lights, make some popcorn, and turn on our favorite scary movies. 

While it took a lot for me not to include my childhood favorites, such as Hocus Pocus and Stephen King's It, I eventually gave way to listing some truly freaky pics that you should not go through October without seeing. 

5. Disney's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)

This isn't necessarily a horror flick in the traditional sense, but it always encompassed the overall feeling of the Halloween season. Also, I always seem to find it re-running every year.

4. Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Here's another one that I can't seem to pass up every year that mixes gore and comedy perfectly. In other words, it's the right kind of zombie film that doesn't take itself too seriously.

3. Tales from the Hood (1995)

Who doesn't love a good Anthology series? This movie treats us to four short stories which are set around three drug dealers buying their stash from a crazy funeral director.

2. The People Under the Stairs (1991)

The best, and only, way to describe this film is that it's Home Alone meets the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  Wes Craven wrote and directed this film about a crazy couple who have booby trapped an entire house to keep the various kidnapped children under the stairs.

1. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

The cheesier a horror film is, the better, some say, and this one is no different. A classic in the Ernest series, he is put against an uninvited guest invading his town during Halloween. 

In this day and age, you may have to dust off the old VHS tapes in order to check some of these out if they haven't been put on DVD or Blu-Ray. And if you can get your hands on them, these are MUST SEE movies to laugh and get scared this Halloween. Thanks for reading!

If you happened to come by our blog as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey apartments, please visit us on our Facebook page to see what's available in our stunning community.

#Halloween movies #scary movies #Halloween #playa del oro apartments #Playa Del Rey #gotomyapartment.com #Apartments

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Creepy Cocktail Recipes for Halloween

        So, you might be throwing a Halloween get-together, or perhaps you may be the ghoulish guest at one, and you're in charge of coming up with a signature cocktail. It's Halloween after all, so let's get cracking on these over-the-top Halloween cocktails that are sure to liven up the party.

Halloween cocktails should definitely be tasty, but never tasteful. If these drinks are not creepy enough for you, garnish with eyeball-like lychee fruits, plastic doll-part stirrers, or wormy ice cubes. 

Witches Brew:

Ingredients

1 (6-ounce) package lime gelatin

2 cups boiling water

3 cups chilled pineapple juice

1 (2 liter) bottle chilled lemon-lime soft drink or ginger ale

2 cups chilled vodka, optional

Special equipment:

1 large black plastic cauldron (available at party or craft stores)

1 punch bowl that fits inside the cauldron

1 plastic hand (available at party supply stores), sterilized in hot water

1 block dry ice (available at supermarkets, ice cream shops or ice companies)

Directions

Pour the gelatin mix into a large bowl. Slowly stir in the boiling water. Stir at least 2 minutes, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the pineapple juice. Let cool to room temperature.

Wearing heavy duty gloves or using tongs, place the block of dry ice in the bottom of the cauldron. (Dry ice will burn skin, so handle it with gloves and tongs and keep it away from kids and pets!)

Use an ice pick to break the block into smaller chunks, if necessary.

Fill the cauldron with just enough water to cover the dry ice. It will begin to "steam."

Place the punch bowl inside the cauldron, on top of the dry ice. The cauldron will appear to be magically smoking.

Entrap the sterilized rubber hand between the cauldron and the punch bowl, squeezing it tight so the hand appears to be reaching out of the mist for help. Hot-glue the hand to the cauldron, if necessary, to hold it in place.

Carefully pour the drink mixture into the punch bowl. Slowly add the chilled vodka and lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Stir gently to mix.

                    Hemingway Cocktail:

Ingredients

3 ruby red grapefruit, plus 4 grapefruit slices

6 ounces vodka

Simple syrup, recipe follows

Sugar

Directions

Juice the grapefruits and divide the juice among 4 glasses. Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka to each glass. Add desired amount of simple syrup to sweeten the drink. Stir well.

Dip the grapefruit slices in sugar, to coat. Place 1 sugar dipped grapefruit slice on the rim of each glass.

Simple Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the water just to a boil and boil until the sugar dissolves, but the mixture does not get any color. Remove from the heat and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

             Pink Sunrise Cocktails:

Ingredients

2 shots Campari liqueur

1 quart red grapefruit juice

1 bottle dry Champagne

Directions

Add half a shot of Campari to a champagne flute.

Add a few ounces red grapefruit juice to the glass.

Then fill the glass with Champagne to the rim and serve.

These cocktails recipes are tried and true, and will be a hit at any Halloween gathering this year. If you decided to create a batch, or invent a new cocktail of your own, SHARE IT with us on our Facebook page this month. 

If you came across our blog post as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, please visit our Facebook page to see what's available in our stunning community.

#Halloween #recipes #cocktails #drinks #party #Food Network

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How to Easily Live a Longer, Healthier Life

The secret to living a longer and healthier life really isn't a secret at all, because it consists of habits and actions that you may already be performing every single day. And if that's the case, then "kudos" to you, because you are on the right track. Whether it be snuffing out your last cigarette, eating a balanced diet, or maintaining a healthy weight, there are seemingly endless paths toward feeling better and living longer. Here are some that we, at Playa Del Oro Apartments, thought would be interesting to share, taken from a number of research studies:

What To Eat and Drink

        Alcohol: 

Drink up! Among older adults, moderate drinkers may actually have a lower risk of mortality than those who abstain from drinking altogether. 45% for drinkers, 51% for non-drinkers, actually.

Coffee:

Keep your caffeine fix. Recent studies suggest coffee can protect against heart disease (esp. for women) and other ailments.

People who drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day are 25% less likely to die from heart disease compared to those who don't drink coffee.

Chocolate:

Those who eat a moderate amount of chocolate live longer than those who eat it several times per wek and those who never eat it at all.

Garlic:

Load up on it. Garlic and the vegetable family it comes from have been linked to a host of different health benefits. The benefits of garlic include:

lowered blood pressure

improved circulation 

a boost in the immune system

assisting in regulating blood-sugar levels

The Big Picture

Love your mom:

People who have close relationships with their mom have a dramatically smaller risk of disease by midlife. 

Start school later (wait, here me out!):

School can wait. Beginning school at an earlier age can lead to increased risk of mortality. The study suggests starting before the age of 6 is a risk factor for earlier mortality.

Choose the right spouse:

Wed wisely. Companionship has links to longer life over time, but who you choose to marry also makes a difference. Longevity is an inherited phenotype across three generations. Choosing a spouse whose grandparents are still alive can help your children live longer.

Develop a strong handshake:

Get a grip. Grip strength is a suggested indicator of longer life. People with greater physical capabilities are likely to live longer.

Live in the country:

Leave the concrete jungle. According to the Office for National Statistics, people who live in rural areas typically live longer than people who live in cities.

Own a pet:

Pets heal the heart. Owning a pet decreases loneliness, limits depression, encourages laughter, and prompts exercise. Studies suggest they also have an impact on heart health. Survival rates for heart-attack victims are 12 percent higher for those who own a pet than for those who don't.

Everyday Living

Be positive:

Think happy thoughts. People with a positive outlook are usually less stressed and better able to deal with challenges. That positive outlook has been linked to decreased mortality risk. Optimistic people live about 12 years longer than pessimists. 

Listen to your dentist:

Floss every day. Poor dental care has been linked to a host of serious illnesses later in life, including heart disease. Bacteria that live in the mouth can cause a person's arteries to swell and can lead to greater risk of heart disease. 

Meditate more: 

Free your mind. Meditation is a powerful healing tool for stress, which can lead to increased risk of disease later in life. Fifteen minutes of meditation can produce a much more relaxed state of mind than one hour of sleep.

Surround yourself with indoor plants:

Stock up on super plants. Indoor pollutants are responsible for more than 1.6 million deaths each year. Certain plants can significantly improve the quality of indoor air. They include:

Purple Waffle Plant

English Ivy

Waxy Leaved Plant

Asparagus Fern

Get up every hour:

Sitting could kill you. The average person should take roughly 10,000 steps a day. Taking fewer than that could have an impact on your risk of death. People who sit for 4 hours a day outside work have a 50% greater risk of dying than those who sit less than 2 hours a day.

Just relax:

Chill out. Letting stress roll off your back is one way to live a healthier and longer life. Anger is typically linked to high blood pressure and can cause increased risk of certain ailments. Men with the highest level of anger in response to stress are three times more likely to develop premature heart disease, and six times more likely to have a heart attack by age 55.

I wanted to make sure that I gave you all plenty of options for choosing certain (or all) actions to work into your every day habits. I can attest that after incorporating things like getting up every hour during the work day, finding time to free my mind for just 15 minutes, and having a moderate supply of chocolate has helped me to just relax. I hope that it does for you, too. Thanks for reading!

Sources: MSN, Forbes, Time, "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research", Daily Mail, Harvard School of Public Health, IVillage.co.uk, Examiner.com, The Longevity Project, Digital Spy, Mayo Clinic, Journal of American College of Cardiology.

If you happened to reach our blog after searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, be sure to visit us on our Facebook page to see what's available in our stunning community.

#self help #Playa Del Rey #playa del oro apartments #gotomyapartment.com #how to live longer #healthy #health #tips to live better #exercise

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In the Kitchen: Raspberry-Glazed Rosemary Chicken

Welcome back to the blog, Playa Del Oro Apartments (PDO) fans, and I will waste no time in kicking off our "In the Kitchen" series with a wonderful recipe. What I like about the raspberry-glazed rosemary chicken is that it unites such powerful flavors together for a wild twist on the old bird. An additional plus is that it delivers the necessary protein you need to stay lean after those workouts I told you guys about a few weeks back. So, how do we get started?

                          Servings: 8  |  Prep Time: 10min  |  Cook Time: 35 min  |  Ready In: 45 min

This is what you'll need as far as ingredients go:

1 tablespoon crushed rosemary

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves

1/4 cup fat-free chicken broth

1 cup raspberry preserves

1/2 teaspoon honey mustard

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

                          Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a small bowl, stir together crushed rosemary, sage, and oregano.

Rub one side of each chicken breast with herb mixture. Place chicken herb-side up in a baking dish, and pour broth over chicken.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Place raspberry preserves in a micro-wave safe bowl, and heat for 20-30 seconds to soften. Stir in honey mustard and rosemary. 

Spread about 1 tablespoon of preserve mixture over each breast. Bake 10 minutes more.

                               Each serving carries 240 calories, so pair this up with a refreshing spinach and arugula salad, and you've got yourself one healthy meal.

Like this recipe? Let us know by visiting us on our Facebook page!

If this you landed on our recipe posting as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, please check out our Facebook page for our up-to-date availability.

#cooking #healthy #chicken #raspberry #recipes #food #Playa Del Rey #playa del oro apartments #gotomyapartment.com #Apartments

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Inside Look: Cafe´ Milan, Best Breakfast in Playa Del Rey

Growing up, we were always told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as the years went on, it became apparent that it, in fact, could make or break your daily performance. And as for me, with time, going out for breakfast or brunch became one of my favorite things to do.

With the array of breakfast joints in the Westside and Southbay, a lot of people are attracted to the density of Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey.  But what if I told you that one of the best breakfasts you will have is right here in Playa? 

If you're a breakfast person like me, then I'm assuming your attention is still mine. Behold, Cafe´Milan, a gem located just off the beach on Culver Boulevard that is, not surprisingly, a favorite for the locals.

What I love about Cafe´Milan is the homestyle, casual atmosphere, the incredibly friendly service, and their mouth-watering food. It's simple, yet delicious. Boasting sweet blueberry pancakes, flavorful eggs benedict (with a hollandaise sauce that'll knock your socks off), huge omelettes, and soft French pastries, such as cream puffs, there is a menu item for absolutely everybody. They even have a healthy egg white and spinach omelette, in case you didn't want to cheat on your diet or exercise regiment.

They have indoor and outdoor seating, free Wifi, lunch, dinner, and killer coffee, too. So, tell me where you're going for breakfast this weekend? That's right, I'll see you at Cafe´Milan.

Eggs Benedict

Italian Omelette

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#Cafe´ #coffee #breakfast #Playa Del Rey #playa del oro apartments #gotomyapartment.com #Apartments #organic #coffee shop #cafe #los angeles

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14 Perfectly Timed Photos

The art of the perfectly timed photo can sometimes be considered an acquired skill, that is, if you're willing to conjure up the patience to wait for that ideal moment. However, the more common practice of being at the right place, at the right time would be the more likely scenario as to how you actually snapped that ridiculously awesome photo. And while my best photos are likely to be found on Instagram, I've also compiled fifteen unbelievable snapshots that could have only been taken at a perfectly timed moment.

How those flamingos decided to huddle together to form an enlarged version of themselves is beyond me. 

This lady had no idea what she was in for when she sat down on that bench...

It's a bird, it's a plane, well, actually it's both. 

By now, you've seen that these perfectly timed photos also need to be taken at the perfect angle to achieve the desired result. 

Y'know, like us, squirrels are extremely heath conscious judging by the surprise in his eyes upon seeing the fat content in that granola bar.

Okay, this photo could have been taken a couple seconds before or a few seconds after and it still would've looked the same. Mammals, big and small, can appreciate this one.

Who can forget Dennis Rodman and his respected tenure with the NBA Champion Chicago Bulls? I certainly can't, and to see Dennis completely stretched out and stuck in this moment in time is pretty cool.

A photographer was front and off-center for this cool shot of an animated Barack Obama seemingly gripping a glowing orb of hope and change.

I am a huge fan of photos involving a shadow being the primary subject and usually  presenting a somber mood to the piece. However, this one puts a comedic twist on that theory by adding the appropriately placed googly eyes.

Hey, even the dog has a sense of humor.

This one always makes me look twice. I mean, of course it's the dress creating this optical illusion, right? But, everyone's got their thing.

Oh, so THAT'S where it comes from!

Just a little more to the left...there.

And, here, I leave you with the best one visually speaking. A moment couldn't have been more perfect to match the eye-shaped colors of the wings in with the skull's socket. 

I hope this has provided a sense of creative inspiration for you to pick up that Canon or Minolta and hit the Playa Del Rey beaches or the Santa Monica Mountains to capture your perfectly timed photo. If you do, post it on our Facebook page and share it with our friends and, who knows, maybe it'll go viral. Thanks for reading!

If your browser snapped you over to our blog after searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey apartments, we appreciate you checking out our weekly content. Click through to our Facebook page to see what's currently available.

#photos #cool photos #photography #high speed #perspective #depth of field #playa del oro apartments #Playa Del Rey #gotomyapartment.com #Apartments #camera

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How to Get Anyone to Like You Instantly

The methods to which you can get anyone to like you instantly are seemingly sought after to an extreme degree and, whether we admit to it or not, it’s because we care what others think of us. Buried deep inside our psychological make-up are cues to which our trained brains ultimately decide if we like someone or not. So, what’s the secret? 

Taking the golden rule out of Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, you need to start taking a general interest in other people.  You need to make them feel good about themselves. Sounds easy enough, right? There are a few communication techniques that help you keep the focus on the person you are talking to and come off as less-threatening when meeting new people.

The Feel-Good Cues

These cues can be done to send positive vibes to another and they are acts you probably do every single day. However, being more conscious of these cues will help you to perform them when the necessary time comes.  

The first is the eyebrow flash, which is a quick up and down movement of the eyebrows. Since they can be seen at a distance, it is a surefire way to signal an invitation to a friendly engagement of ideas or small-talk.

The head tilt is the second cue for a different kind of reason. The tilting of the head is seen as a friendly, non-threatening gesture because you expose the carotid artery in the neck, which is the blood’s life-flow to the brain. I bet you didn’t think of that…see, it’s all psychological.

Smiling is a huge signal letting someone know you are not harmful in any possible way. A smile triggers a small endorphin release in the brain, which promotes a feeling of well-being, and we all know how contagious a smile can be.

Empathic statements do wonders for keeping the focus on somebody else and people generally feel good about being the center of attention. Empathic statements capture a person’s verbal message, physical status, or emotional feeling, and, using parallel language, reflects those feelings and thoughts back to that person. An example would be if someone had told you they’ve had a really busy week, you can say, “So, you didn’t have much free time in the last few days.”

Flattery is huge in getting people to genuinely like you and the most effective way to do that is to allow them to flatter themselves. This technique avoids the problem of appearing insincere when complimenting someone. 

The last technique is simply asking a favor of somebody. Even good ol’ Ben Franklin observed that a colleague ended up liking him more if he asked a favor as opposed to not asking it. It tends to make sense given that when someone does you a favor, they end up feeling pretty good about themselves. However, this technique can actually backfire when asking TOO many favors.

            So, even though we like to look after ourselves and be involved in whatever it is that we have going on in our lives, always remember the golden rule of friendship. And when you notice people trying to make you feel good about yourself, you’ll know why. Thanks for reading!

So, you’re having a tough time looking for an apartment I hear. It’s a good thing you are determined and searched for Playa Del Oro or Playa Del Rey Apartments. Can you do me a big favor? Simply, visit our Playa Del Oro Facebook page to find out what’s for rent at our spectacular community. (See what I did there?) 

#psychology #Playa Del Rey #playa del oro apartments #apartments #smile #brain #friends #friendship

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Labor Day Weekend To-Do List

                  Although it may appear that summer is coming to its long-dreaded close, the weather is still hot, lounging by the ocean is still the place to be, and Labor Day is just around the corner. With just over a week to go, it's about time to start asking your friends, "What's going on Labor Day weekend?" If your crew is stuck on what activities are going on in the general area, allow me, your Playa Del Oro Apartments blogger, to perform some of the research for you.

Burton Chase Park Summer Concert Series - Evelyn "Champagne" King

Saturday, September 1st may just be the day you need to kick back and relax to the R&B tunes of Grammy winner, Evelyn King. The concert is at 7pm and the best part about it? It's free. Haven't heard of Evelyn? Check out her music here.

Fiesta Hermosa

On Sunday, September 2nd, Fiesta Hermosa kicks off with live music and over 270 artists and crafters, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, and sculptors. Have a passion for the creative arts? Then, this fun festival is perfect for you that takes place every Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend in downtown Hermosa Beach.

Muscle Beach Classic and 10th Annual Labor Day Yacht Party

On Monday, September 3rd, there are two great things going on, albeit in separate parts of town, so I apologize for the geographical dilemma. If you manage to make it work, head up to Venice's Muscle Beach for the bodybuilding, figure, and bikini competition. Besides the everyday cacophony of loud, manly grunts and colliding metal weights, this is what Muscle Beach is known for.

The 10th Annual Labor Day Yacht Party, Mini-cruise, and BBQ is a Marina Del Rey pastime and it kicks off at 2pm to 8pm aboard the FantaSea One Mega-yacht.  It features four decks of DJs, karaoke, games, BBQ, cabanas, bottle service, and more. Get your tickets soon, because the sell-out risk is very high.

I'd like to think now that my job here is done. Well, just for this week anyways. Of course, check back to our blog every week to discover some more valuable and timeless pieces by yours truly.

And, if your yacht happened to float by this blog as a result of searching for any of the above activities, Playa Del Oro apartments, or Playa Del Rey apartments, then welcome aboard! To check availability in our luxurious community, visit our Playa Del Oro Facebook page to learn more.

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How to Get Significantly Smarter in 15 Minutes Per Day

This blog has provided some very informative pieces regarding the physical health of your one and only body, but this time I thought I would go a different route. A route that pertains to the most complex inter-workings of that body and leads to its power source. I am, of course, talking about the human brain. And as we would condition and strengthen our bodies, the same must be done with our brains. Yes, they can be trained and cognitively improved and I'm going to let you know how.

The inevitable decline of our brain cannot be avoided, but it can be prolonged and neuroscientists are starting to show that there are exercises that can be done to help improve basic cognitive functions. The amount of mental effort that is exerted during these exercises directly correlates to the inherited intelligence you receive when producing newer, smarter neuron connections.

To assist in this style of "brain training" is a San Francisco web-based company and the product that they provide is far more than an online place to exercise your mental skills. Dubbed Lumosity, it is a online program designed and researched by neuroscientists and cognitive psychiatrists from Stanford, Berkley, and Harvard. 

                      You can create a free account that tracks your personal progress and presents detailed feedback. The program also tailors the exercises, while modifying and enhancing the games you play, to help build on certain strengths you are developing.

Check out Lumosity.com and get started on your own personal path to better cognitive retention!

If you happened to come across this blog post as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, then here's another way to get significantly smarter AND live in a top-notch community. Visit our Playa Del Oro Facebook page to check out our unit availability!

#playa del oro apartments #playa del rey #cognitive #psychology #apartments #Lumosity #Stanford University #brain power #human body #brain #mind power

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The Best Beaches for Volleyball in Los Angeles

We have been really caught up watching all of the amazing events from this year’s Summer Olympics, but nothing is hitting closer to our home of sunny SoCal than our U.S. women’s beach volleyball Olympians. From Misty May-Treanor to Jennifer Kessy, these local girls battle sand and spikes with ease and flair, and we thought it would be fun to let you guys in on the best beaches in our area to practice your volleyball skills.

Manhattan and Hermosa Beach

Manhattan beach boasts rows of open nets and will be hosting the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series August 24-26. This is our pick to either learn the game, or watch the locals battle one out. 

Nearby, Hermosa Beach will distract you with the action, but don’t deter yourself from the beach volleyball greatness that it holds. Hermosa has even played host to the Summer AVP Beach Opener which gold-medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have played.  So you know these nets are legit.

Santa Monica

It’s hard to stay on task in Santa Monica because there is a lot going on. From the glitz of the Pier to the traffic on the bike path, Santa Monica offers a variety of activities, but volleyball is still the favorite. Take a break from the waves, jump into a pick-up game, and further immerse yourself in Southern California culture.

Venice Beach

The eccentric boardwalk leads to many places, such as an ice cream shop, beer garden, a freak show, and, yes, beach volleyball. Follow the palm tree lined path to this haven for quite the entertaining game.

If you happened to learn about the best beaches for volleyball in Los Angeles while searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey apartments, glad we could kill two birds with one stone. Head on over to our Playa Del Oro Facebook page to check out what’s for rent at our 5-star resort style community you can call home!

#beach #volleyball #U.S. Olympics #Misty May-Treanor #Jennifer Kessy #apartments #Playa Del Oro apartments #Playa Del Rey #Manhattan Beach #Hermosa Beach #Venice #Santa Monica #Los Angeles #gotomyapartment.com

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Upgrade Your Moves with Venice Swing Dancing

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" is what they tell me, and chances are you want to mean something. I am, of course, talking about upgrading your life with a little song and dance with swing dancing lessons from Josh Gomez and Marisa Garcia from the local Venice Swing in Venice Beach.

With over 30 combined years of experience, Josh and Marisa, with their laid-back teaching approach, take the Venice swing culture to new heights by specializing in the swing style of Lindy Hop. Taken from the old jazz and swing clubs of Brooklyn, NY., this variety is fun, upbeat, and sure to swing you towards a good time.

Here is a quick, crash course in Lindy Hop:

Of course, you aren't going to be dancing like this right off the bat, although, how fun does this look? If this is something you might be interested in, perhaps now is the time to take on a new hobby and break a sweat while you're at it, because this may not be a walk in the park.

Beginner's classes are on Sunday's from 7pm - 8pm and only run you $10. And if you're rolling solo, that's okay! No partner is required here to learn the trade. So, what are you waiting for?

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Venice Swing at the Electric Lodge

1416 Electric Ave. Venice, CA 90291

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If you happened to swing on by our blog post as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or Playa Del Rey Apartments, thanks for checking us out. Head on over to our Playa Del Oro Facebook page to take a look at what's available in our spectacular community!

#Playa Del Rey #playa del oro apartments #apartment #venice beach #venice #swing dancing #dance lessons #swing dance #Lindy Hop #Venice Swing #Electric Lodge

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Quick Full Body Workouts That You Can Do Anywhere

                  Welcome back to the blog, as an exciting new entry highlights some effective ways to exercise more and how to do it better. Health and wellness has taken high priority in this day and age and we, at the Playa Del Oro Apartments, are acting no different.

Whether you prefer working out at home or, for our residents, in our fully-equipped fitness center, here are some basic workouts to get you started that target your whole body. Now, if you lack the resources that our residents have, don't fret because these workouts only require one thing: your body.

Before you get into these exercises always remember the four core rules of remembering to breathe, correcting your form, taking it slowly, and knowing your goal is to fail (the goal is to perform until you just can't do it anymore, right? So, in essence, if you fail, then you ultimately succeed).

CARDIOVASCULAR/AEROBICS 

Most people don't like running or jogging, but if you can handle 20-30 minutes for 3-4 days a week, then interval training will work best for you.

Start with a light jog (2 - 5 minutes)

1 minute of high-speed running, then 1 minute of low-speed jogging repeated 5-10 times depending on your stamina.

Finish with a 5 minute cool-down jog.

Stair-climbing is also a great way to power the legs and get the blood pumping to your ticker, and they are virtually everywhere.

UPPER BODY

Push-ups are not only the easiest in terms of what you'll need to perform them, but it is one of the most effective exercises your body can endure. The body weight should be lifted by your arms and not your butt, stomach, or lower half of your body. This ensures optimal focus on the target areas.

               Dips are another great way to strengthen your upper body, however, this particular exercise will require the aid of a bench or chair. It does target many of the same muscles that push-ups do, but with more emphasis on the rhomboid muscles in your back.

CORE/MIDSECTION

               Our favorite core/midsection exercise has got to be the standard plank. Just lie on your stomach with your elbows close to your sides and then slowly lift your midsection up and hold for 15 seconds, remembering to breathe. Try about 3 sets of 6-10 reps.

LOWER BODY

Now, although you've managed to work some of your lower body during some of these other targeted workouts, it's important to fit in these specific lower body workouts into your regimen.

                     Squats provide benefits on many levels and to many different areas, such as your legs, lower back, hips, buttocks, and bones. Making sure your back is straight is the key to this exercise, as well as keeping your legs about shoulder-width apart. This comprehensive move can be performed anywhere so there is no excuse.

                       Step-ups are the final lower body exercise we will mention, but they are equally as important as the rest. Much like climbing the stairs, you can achieve a whole lot of lower body power just by stepping up with one foot on a bench or ledge, swinging your opposite leg up, bending at the knee, and then stepping down. Be careful with this exercise as it can put a good amount of pressure on the knee. Try fitting in a set of 10 reps for each leg and then gauge your own set-to-repetition ratio.

That about does it for our crash course in full-body workouts that don't require a gym. Always remember the four core rules before performing these exercises as we are looking to help you and your healthy lifestyle and not hurt it. Did these exercises help you? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Of course, if you happened to drop by our blog as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or any apartment in Playa Del Rey, we hope you enjoyed the quality content. Head on over to our Facebook page to see what's for rent in our beautiful, resort-style commu

#gym #workout #pushup #squat #dips #stairs #running #jogging #exercise #Playa Del Oro apartments #Playa Del Rey #health #wellness #GoToMyApartment.com #apartments

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5 Exciting Things Happening at the Westchester Recreation Center

         So, we were taking a stroll down Manchester Ave. and gazed over at the Westchester Recreation Center, located across the street from our apartment community, and it got us thinking: there has to be some really fun things going on over there this summer!

So we did some digging and our assumptions were spot on.  Here are five cool things to do at the Westchester Rec Center, brought to you by the Playa Del Oro community bloggers:

Basketball - Westchester Rec Center has a top-notch basketball court that could play host to some pick-ups games.  They also hold summer basketball leagues for kids ages 4-15, which is perfect for Jr. while he's on break from school.

Skate park - The skate park opened up this year, so dust off that old plank and wheels and let's get to kick-flippin'.  But not before we strap on our knee and elbow pads.

Baseball Diamonds - Just the other day, we managed to scrap together a bunch of heads and played an impromtu game of softball.  But that was before we were intimidated away by the organized league of little youngsters that are still learning the game.

Tennis Courts - Tennis is extremely great exercise and, boy, were we winded after a match.  It's fun, a bit challenging, and superb for hand-eye coordination.

Good ol' fashion BBQ - Westchester Rec Center has some barbecue pits for the larger gatherings, and it really does encompass what a day at the park should be about: FUN.  Of course, this is the relaxing side of it all, but who doesn't need to take a break once and while and throw some burgers on the grill?

Okay residents of Playa Del Oro, you're are all set for your next park day and maybe we'll see you out there. Don't forget to share your experience with us on our Facebook page.  We want pictures!

For those of you who found our blog as a result of searching for Playa Del Oro Apartments or if you were just searching for Playa Del Rey apartments for rent, hello and welcome! Thanks for stopping in and you can always see what's for rent at Playa Del Oro here.

#GoToMyApartment #apartment #multifamily #parks #playa del oro #playa del rey #sports #westchester #bbq #soccer #playground #playing at the park