Gables Pressler

Oops! Was That One of My NYE Resolutions Too?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:29:16 -0500

Spirits and libations are fun and relaxing, there is no question about that; however; there are plenty of reasons not to drink alcohol, such as pregnancy, personal desire, health, OR because you RESOLVED to not drink as much 1.1.2012! (still aiming to prevent you from dropping your NY resolutions like a bad habit 4 weeks in , when in fact they are specifically intended to be good habits)

Whatever the reason…it’s kind of a drag when folks at a party are sipping on attractive adult beverages, and you are sipping on a diet coke out of the can. Time to get tricky! Mocktails are where it’s at for this New-Years-Resolution-Get-Back-On-The-Bandwagon-Blog! Fun looking, cooler than a can, and the benefits are 4 fold!

Why mocktails can (and do) rock:

Fewer calories
Less expensive
Higher in nutrients
Everyone can enjoy them

Innovative recipes:

ALSO, if wine is your weak spot, not all Alcohol-free wine is gross. Try Arial and Sutter Home. NA wine could also make a good base for other drinks. I am totally making this up, but perhaps virgin sangria could be concocted with said NA wine?

For those who truly love the taste of some liquors: Make your own syrup by mixing alcohol and sugar and bringing the mixture to a boil, this will burn off the alcohol and create a nonalcoholic syrup with the flavors of the original libation.

Cheers!

Because We Have to Help One Another...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:17:16 -0500

Residents, associates and all followers of our blog, today is Valentine’s Day and to show our love, we have decided to roll out a Breast Cancer Awareness Monthly Buddy Plan! Once a month we will send out a reminder blog with stories and/or info to remind you to “check yourself before you wreck yourself,” in the words of Ice Cube!

We got this brilliant idea from (Safeway/9News.com Buddy Check 9). It’s an email/newsletter that one of our associates gets sent to them monthly, and we think it is great! Ergo…we are going to use our social media channels as a means to get the reminder out to YOU!

OH YES! You can be part of our blog!

Besides sending this to everyone you know as part of the obvious “buddy system”, we encourage those of you who have personal stories similar to the one in the link above to send them to us so that we can add them to OUR monthly blog. One instance shared could end up saving another person’s life. If you wish to tell your experience or the experience of someone close to you, email marketing@gables.com.

Why we are doing this:

We want to remind you to perform routine breast self-exams, and depending on your age and health history, to schedule clinical breast exams and mammograms. Your health is precious and you only get one body, so it is imperative to be proactive with it.

AND, because

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, &
Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.

THAT, my friends, is why we are so passionate about this.

Now for a shout out…

Ladies in your 20’s, start self-examining.
Women in your 20’s and 30’s get a clinical breast exam about every three years.
To all our 40+ year olds, have a clinical breast exam and a screening mammogram every year (as long as you are in good health).

Sources: www.EmoryHealthCare.org and the National Cancer Institute

Put yourself first and take care of business peeps. It’s worth it.

Prove This Article Wrong! In keeping with our month dedicated...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:42:25 -0500

Prove This Article Wrong!

In keeping with our month dedicated to sticking to those NY resolutions…read this article and prove it wrong folks! Make your 2012 goals count!

5 Reasons Why Your New Years Resolutions Will Fail

Photo: Believe to Achieve

Article: HubPages

This Calls For A New Gym Outfit! Or Maybe Some New Kicks If You Are A Dude...?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:27:14 -0500

Last Tuesday we covered a few ideas to get the green folks pumped about their resolution to go green or stay green. Today… diet and exercise!

We know the basics here, eat better and work out more. Easier said than done, right?

Check it out, I have listed 4 articles below from the ivillage website (www.ivillage.com)

40 No Fail Diet Tips to Keep Your Resolutions on Track (50% of these are no brainers, but it’s good to see them for reinforcement. Out of sight, out of mind I believe the saying goes…)
10 Diet Resolutions Anyone Can Keep (these are one size fits all mini resolutions for the main resolution!)
9 Women Share Their Gym Rituals (Quirky gym issues that might make you feel better about yourself or not so alone. These are kind of funny and I have found that I have 4 of the nine!)
10 Most Annoying Weight Loss Issues Solved (Answers to weigh loss concerns that might be discouraging you, hence the purpose of this blog and their article!)

Good luck my friends! Keep it going!

Photo: http://believe-toachieve.tumblr.com/post/7593017079

Edible Stadium! Calling all football fans, chefs, and folks who...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:34:16 -0500

Edible Stadium!

Calling all football fans, chefs, and folks who just like to get creative for a party: If you create an amazing or unique Super Bowl spread this weekend, take a picture and post it!

Photo : http://www.neatorama.com/category/living/food-drinks/

Please don't print this blog post - Show pollution & the demise of the tree who wears the pants on this earth!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:04:04 -0500

So, today is the last day of January which means we are one month into (or out of…) our New Year’s Resolutions! TBQH, (I just learned that means “to be quite honest” in the social media world), it is a recognized fact that a good majority of folks drop their high hopes for change about 3 to 4 weeks in! Well…we got your back. We are going to dedicate a majority of this month’s blogging to getting back or staying on the wagon. Is it just me, or does “the wagon” always make you think of either the buggy from Little House on the Prairie or those old school station wagons with the wood siding? I digress…

First Up: Being more Green

These are easy and good for apartment living. Most of them anyhow…

10 Painless Changes You Can Make for a Green Home
Funny Tips for Going Green(I like the way this person thinks!)

Next Up: Resolution TBD, any ideas from you?

Sources- EHow Home & Real Simple

Make Your Apartment Kitchen the Center of Your Home Life

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:11:17 -0500

Make Your Apartment Kitchen the Center of Your Home Life:

Home is where the food is!

Winterizing Your Skin

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:36:08 -0500

I don’t know about you, but the winter wreaks havoc on my skin. SO DRY! After washing my hands at the office for the 3^rdtime today, following multiple visits to the loo (coffee being the culprit) I promptly began to peruse the internet for suggestions on what I can do to prevent the cracking of my hands/discomfort of this morning. Yes…I could use the dollar hand lotion from Walgreens that I left in purse #1 at home, but given that it is not here, the point is moot. Plus, these remedies might work a tad better. Sorry generic-brand-Walgreens-lotion-at-home. Enjoy!

Beauty Basics: Winter Skin Care by Whole Living

Winter Skin Care Tips – Home Remedies by Online Herbs Blog Admin

Natural (Green) Dry Skin Remedies to Fix Winter Skin by the Daily Green Staff

Happy Hour Idea - Unique and Productive!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:47:47 -0500

So this is kind of cool.

One of my friends called me about a month ago with a stellar idea! She is super outgoing and has quite the eclectic group of friends. Each having incredible hidden talents, she decided to get all of these people together for a happy hour where they could show off their mad skills and get to know one another.

End Result: So Fun!

Here is what happened.

Lots of folks not knowing one another met. Everyone was buying each other’s stuff, both for themselves and for gifts. Everyone brought a dish to share. Wine was flowing. And at the end of the day, a few friendships were made. Cool?

You could do this as a brunch or happy hour….either way you can rationally incorporate a glass of champagne! Cheers!

Because We Love Our Furry Friends

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:38:11 -0500

Tips for walking your dog in the winter:

It’s cold. It’s rainy. It’s snowy. It’s icy. It’s not comfortable. We know this, so here are a few tips for the necessary yet dreaded early morning walk or late night outing with your pet!

If it is early in the morning, think about a quick warm shower prior to taking out the dog. If he or she will let you that is. The warmth from the water will elevate the body heat before hitting the cold. This brings me to part 2 of this point…Do not, however, go outside with wet hair. That is a great way to get a cold.
Double up on socks and wear gloves. Those fingers and toes seem to always attract the nip in the air! And they ache when the cold weather bites.
Make sure to wear a hat! They say (who “they” are, I am not sure) that 60-80% of body heat escapes through the head.
During the daylight, try to walk outside when the sun is shining or walk on the sunny side of the building. At least some heat from the rays might be able to keep you from absolute cold.
And lastly, wear a coat for goodness sakes!

Besides these more obvious recommendations, anyone have any unique/MacGyver style options for tending to your pet and staying warm at the same time?

Hiatus Grand Opening!! Austin Please join us tonight for...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:13 -0500

Hiatus Grand Opening!! Austin

Please join us tonight for relaxation, wine and cocktails tonight from 7-9pm!

10 Words You Mispronounce That Make People Think You’re an Idiot

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:12:59 -0500

It’s been said, though we’re not sure by whom, that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. But sometimes we’ve got to open our mouths so use this handy guide to make sure, at the very least, you’re saying the words right.

Thus, behold, People of the Internet… the ten most important words you should learn to pronounce, if you would like to appear reasonably knowledgeable about your own language.

10 Words You Mispronounce That Make People Think You’re an Idiot

By Justin Brown of Primer Magazine

Hmm...Cheez-Its or THIS for 3pm! Pressler

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:47:40 -0500

Raw Avocado Lime Mousse
serves 2

1 large Hass avocado (or two smaller varieties)
juice from 1 lime
zest from 1/2 lime
3 tablespoons raw agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
unsweetened, shredded coconut for garnish
rice cakes

In a medium sized bowl, mash the avocado with the back of a fork until smooth (you can also use a food processor if you are so inclined; I don’t mind a few lumps so opted for the fork). Stir in lime juice, zest, agave, vanilla and salt until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for about an hour (it’s much better cold). Spread on rice cakes and sprinkle on coconut.

Link: http://www.thekitchn.com/snack-recipe-ra-163919
Related: Sweet, Easy and Raw: Avocado Cacao Mousse

(Images: Leela Cyd Ross)

Soup Party? Yes Please! - Pressler

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:52:51 -0500

Now that the holidays are over, and January rolls in with its dismal cold weather, there is a strong need for something to look forward to! What are your thoughts about this idea!?

A soup party!

Before you roll your eyes or laugh, think about this…Warm hearty comfort soup, fresh baked corn bread, fun decorative ceramic bowls or mugs, perhaps a festive winter beverage, and good friends gathering around a cozy fire or flat screened TV!

Quite frankly, I find that to be the illustration of a good night, and I rarely eat soup! I do however like the idea of it!

Some ideas:

Have a soup tasting party. Everyone brings their own crock pot of their famous home-made soup.
Have a chili cook-off among friends lining the counter with all the fixin’s!
Host prepares the meal having each guest bring their own fun mug or bowl.

Regardless, this is easy, and something to look forward to on a random, cold, dark before 5pm, holiday-less January weeknight! Everyone has to eat right?

Want to be the host? Start here and invite some peeps over!

White Bean Chicken Chili

1 T - vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
3 C chicken broth
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
2 T lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp oregeno
1/4 tsp red pepper sauce (tabasco)
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (11 oz.) white shoepeg corn, drained
1 can (15-16 oz.) great northern beans, drained
1 can (15-16 oz.) butter beans, drained
2 C chopped cooked chicken breast
toppings (suggestions: cheese, crushed tortilla chips, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado)
heat oil in dutch oven over medium heat.
cook onions and garlic in oil. Stirring occasionally, until onions are tender.
stir in remaining ingredients except chicken
heat to boiling; reduce heat.
simmer uncovered 20 minutes
stir in chicken; simmer until hot

“Moist and Zippy” Cornbread

Combine:

1 C yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix Well then Stir In:

1/3 C melted butter
2 eggs, beaten

Add:

1 C cream style corn
8 oz sour cream
1 small can of green chilies (chopped & drained)

Mix well then spoon in 1/2 of mixture into 12” greased skillet then sprinkle 1 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cover with remaining batter. Bake on 325 for 30-40 minutes.

Alternative Wrapping! - Pressler

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:16:17 -0500

If the thought of wrapping paper, tape, perfect seams and corners, elementary scissor skills and lack of time are taking over the sugar plums that should be skipping around in your head this time of year, it might be time to get creative and make it simple! Less stress equals a happier holiday!

The easy box idea:
Hat boxes, photo boxes, preprinted cardboard boxes, decorative storage boxes folks keep in closets are perfect options for gifting! All you have to do is add a ribbon or if tying a perfect bow with ribbon is too much of a hassle, tape the sides and slap a premade sticky bow in the top!

The basket look:
Pile a bunch of items into a lovely basket, and add some ribbon or raffia to the side or handle. Not only is this an attractive alt to the gift bag, but folks can reuse for other things!

Cloth:
You can always wrap gifts in fabric and secure with raffia or ribbon. This is a good idea for those awkwardly sized toys or round presents. Other fabrics you can us are decorative scarves, handkerchiefs, tea towels or vintage pillow cases.

Rats! Forgot tissue paper?

Use comics, newspaper, shredded paper, etc. as filler!

Old Skool:
Use a glass container or large Mason jar to put your gift in. Depending on the gift size and type, you can use the tiny small jars or the larger ones. Tie a simple piece of ribbon around it and you are done. Natural and totally vintage! They also make great storage devices, candle holders, and cups.

Other Random Tips:

Use colorful or silver buckets/tins as gift containers.
Use brown paper bags with raffia. Giving out the all-natural look!
Use reused gift bags from years before. No one will mind. We promise.
Use new reusable shopping bags. You’ve got em’ and they will continue to use em’!
Cookie Tins! Not just for cookies anymore

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree- Pressler

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:33:09 -0500

Traditional Christmas trees are great! But if you are in the mood to shake it up a bit this year, or if your living quarters are just too tight, check out these alternative options from www.aparmenttherapy.com!

Look!: Christmas Tree Ornament Mobile
not martha
Now this is a different take on a traditional Christmas tree! I love how creative this Christmas tree is and how it is made from ornaments, which can be reused every year. The ornament tree hangs from the ceiling and leaves plenty of space to put presents underneath. I found the mobile tree on not martha, where you will find instructions on how to make your own.

Call for Miracles! - Pressler

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:41:14 -0500

Not sure if it’s the inspirational words from my spin instructor this morning, “We are ordinary people capable of extraordinary things,” or the thought provoking fortune cookie I received last night that fits so perfectly within the happenings of my current life, or just the spirit of the holidays, but I somehow got to thinking about miracles while I was driving to work.

Now…I know miracles can often set off debates and such but we are going to by-pass that. To some folks, miracles are events that are unlikely but beneficial, things that we didn’t expect to happen, or simply, a wonderful occurrence. To others, miracles are things that go against the laws of nature, divine gifts, spiritual experiences and/or Acts of God.

Regardless of what they are and how they come about, it’s pretty neat to see one happen. They’re like shooting stars, you don’t see them all the time, some folks have never seen one, but if you are lucky enough to see one, it is quite amazing…leaving you saying wow, mouth wide open.

We want to hear some miracle stories. Email marketing@gables.com with a miracle you have witnessed or been a part of. Maybe your story will be posted on our next blog!

Unique Presents - Pressler

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:06:40 -0500

Check out Uncommon Goods , a unique and funky gift site! The stuff in here will be sure to make your friends and family say “where ever did you find this!?”

I am always looking for fun and innovative gifts for friends and family around the holidays. The mall never cuts it for me – too generic. Here are just a few of the “uncommon goods” I found to be crafty and unique!

Whiskey Stones
Literally drinking your whiskey on the rocks! Ideal for drinking with high quality whiskey because they keep it at the perfect sipping temperature. Ice cubes can make the whiskey too cold, ruin the flavor, and dilute the drink!
Face Mug
Put a smile on that mug with a hungry mouth cubby that bites off more than you can chew. Perfect for serving milk and cookies, coffee and doughnuts or any other combo you love! Don’t need a separate plate or an extra hand. Score!
Stealth Toothbrush Sanitizer
Launching a sneak attack on toothbrush germs! It uses a germicidal UV light that can kill up to 99.9% of toothbrush bacteria. Great in general, but especially during flu and cold season!
Pick Punch
For the rockers out there - It’s a recurring nightmare: you’re backstage opening night of your first world tour, the crowd’s roaring, begging you to come back and play one more blistering guitar solo. But you’ve got no guitar pick. What to do? Take materials, like old credit cards or unused gym membership badges, and punch them into custom guitar picks.

Just a few fun ideas for those holiday shopping quandaries!

Living Old School - Pressler

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:31:58 -0500

What in the heck did we grow up doing before electronics and video games dominated childrens’ activities!? As the writer of this particular blog, I feel it necessary to point out that I am only 30 years old and have found myself saying the age old phrase “back when I was a kid, we use to…,” something I never thought I would say till I was 70! It is mind blowing how quickly the times change. Let’s take a break from our slightly overprotective, high-tech culture, and reminisce about a time when life was simpler…not that long ago ;)

Here are some of the things I remember doing when I was a kid. Most everything was done outside, and so much fun!

Bike Riding
Roller Skating
Tree Climbing
Hopscotch
Four Square
Tag
Hide and Seek
Capture the Flag
Fort Building (indoors and out)
Jumping (Rope, over a creek, through the sprinkler, or on a trampoline (though, that was more new school, old school…the giant ones))

Your turn! What were some of your childhood playtime faves?

Holiday Weight Gain is for the Birds! - Pressler

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:20:44 -0500

Thanksgiving, while officially 1 day, has actually become a 4-day food fest for most families. Enjoying the treats of the season without piling on the pounds is possible, but planning is essential for success.

Especially for stress eaters, Thanksgiving Eve can present unexpected temptations. Many travel distances, others host guests, others begin cooking, and others become guests.

Be aware of your vulnerabilities and mentally rehearse your behavior:

Eat a fiber filled healthy breakfast every morning, jumpstarting your metabolism.
Take along healthy snacks for holiday travel and shopping so that you’re not tempted by airport, roadside or mall food and are not famished when you reach your destination.
Don’t eat anything that you don’t love. If you take a bite of a spicy cheesy dip that has too much pepper for your taste, don’t eat it just because you love dip. Have a discriminating palate.
Manage your alcohol intake carefully. Alternate cocktails with water and seltzer to minimize calories. Overindulgence in alcohol results in empty calories and reduced inhibitions regarding what is eaten.
Have a midafternoon meal instead of lunch or dinner and have dessert at dinner time. This will eliminate a meal and allow for undistracted enjoyment of dessert.
Don’t waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long. Choose small portions of holiday favorites that are only around once a year so that you can enjoy the more desirable and traditional dishes.
Even if you currently have a goal to lose weight, resolve yourself to the setting a goal to just not gain any weight through the long holiday weekend. This will relieve some of the pressure and anxiety.

Remember to focus on friends and family. The main event should not be eating; it should be socializing, creating memories, and giving thanks for your many blessings.