Studio, One and Two Bedroom Apartment Residences

3 Podcasts to Listen to on Your Run Near Your San Mateo Apartments

February 11th, 2017

MP3 PlayerWhen you are pounding the pavement to complete your run for the day, you may benefit from using podcasts to distract your mind from the burn. Completing your run near your apartments in San Mateo relies on your ability to quiet the voice that can sap motivation and strength as you continue through your routine, after all. Thankfully, you have a ton of podcasts to choose from, including the three following programs you absolutely must add to your playlist.

The Fat Burning Man Show

The four-time award-winning Fat Burning Man Show covers fitness and health topics in great detail. While listening to this podcast, you can learn all you need to know about alternative diets and the top techniques for building muscle. The host presents scientific sources to back up the information while taking strides to ensure it remains accessible to all.  Guests on the show share their industry expertise to help you reach new heights on your health and fitness journey.

Balanced Bites at Your Apartments in Foster City

Since losing weight, and remaining trim, relies on your ability to follow a healthy diet, it is important to stay informed about this topic by listening to Balanced Bites. This podcast explores the paleo lifestyle with a modern take. The hosts talk about meal prep, healthcare, medical conditions, fitness and much more on this program. In addition to the helpful nutrition and fitness talks, you can also learn about delicious recipes and beauty regimens to add to your daily routine at your San Mateo apartments.

The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show gives you a clear glimpse into the lives of professionals in every industry. You will hear from industry experts across the globe as they dive into the details of their work life. With each recording, you will learn all there is to know about social work, psychology, business, construction, design, dance and many other fields worldwide. The program helps reveal the fine inner workings of each position to lift the veil of mystery on the most and least interesting jobs out there today.

As you kick up your feet and relax after your run, consider if it is time to upgrade your dwelling. You can make a meaningful improvement to your life by ensuring your apartment home always meets your expectations. If you are ready to make this change, contact the team at 888 San Mateo to inquire about the apartment floor plans available right now.

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Three Memory-Making DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts

February 2nd, 2017

Candy HeartsLooking for a way to create a custom-crafted Valentine’s Day experience that go beyond the classic cliches of a dozen red roses and chocolates? Following are three ways that residents of apartments in San Mateo can make the celebration memorable.

A Customized Gift Basket

Shopping for a customized gift basket should be almost as fun as receiving one. Buy a big, gorgeous basket, and fill it with small things that you know your loved one will love. Ideas include lusciously scented soaps, bottles of specialty syrups and liqueurs, books of romantic poetry, tickets to an upcoming concert featuring a favorite performer, jewelry and other personal adornments, and other assorted small items that your Valentine would like. To make it really fun, collect stuff all year round and hide them for when the time comes to put them all together in a customized gift basket.

A Weekend Travel Experience

The gift of a weekend getaway is just what many people need to give them the necessary boost to get past the winter doldrums. Booking a weekend in a lovely romantic spot within driving distance is a great way to have a relaxing mini vacation — as an added bonus, many of the cozy inns and charming bed-and-breakfast establishments in nearby Napa Valley may be offering seasonal discounts during this time of year. If you and your Valentine are nature lovers who relish solitude, February is a great time for a sojourn to California’s Lost Coast — winter has a special stark beauty in this area, and you’ll be far from the maddening crowd. On the flip side, if the two of you are urban environment aficionados, book the best hotel in San Francisco that you can afford and soak up that city life for a couple of days.

A Windowsill Culinary Herb Garden

This is an excellent Valentine’s Day gift for everyone from serious cooks to those who’d rather dine out the majority of the time. Serious cooks know the value of having a supply of fresh culinary herbs on hand. Even those who don’t spend much time in the kitchen will appreciate the visual appeal and delightful aroma provided by a culinary herb garden. They will also appreciate having fresh ingredients on hand for when they do cook or need a fresh sprig of mint for a cocktail of cup of tea.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind after all the hectic holidays of 2017, give us a call. We’d love to give you a tour of our community.

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10 Reasons We Love Our Four-Legged Friends

January 17th, 2017

DogDogs and cats bring a lot of joy to our lives in many ways. These are just some of the reasons that we appreciate our furry, four-legged friends.

Instant Cheer

When you’re feeling down, your pets can bring a smile to your face and boost your mood. Some might do so by cuddling with you, while others might make you feel better by playing with you.

Workout Buddy

If you have a dog, you’re more likely to get regular physical activity. Whether you take your dog for long daily walks or run around at the dog park, you and your pet get to exercise together on a regular basis.

No Judgment

Your pets are always willing to listen to you complain about bad days, and they never judge you for it. This can help ease stress by letting you air your grievances rather than bottling them up inside.

Inspiration

Pets live in the moment, which can inspire you to do the same. Focusing on the present can help you feel calmer and less stressed on a day-to-day basis.

Easy Care

Dogs and cats don’t need much other than food, water, toys and affection. This means you get to enjoy their companionship without having to invest in a ton of supplies.

Entertainment

Dogs and cats are both capable of goofing around and acting silly at times. Watching your cat chase a toy or your dog do tricks can provide you with plenty of amusement.

Stress Relief

If work or personal relationships have you feeling stressed, your pets can help ease tension. Spending time with pets has been shown to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress.

New Friends

When you bring your dog to the local dog park, you both have a chance to make new friends. You can chat with other dog owners and strike up a friendship, or talk to others who are out walking their dogs.

Different Interests

Having pets can help you find new interests or hobbies. You might end up deciding to volunteer at a local animal shelter or learn more about what it takes to train dogs.

Unconditional Love

One of the most important reasons we love our pets is that they give us unconditional love. This can help you feel happier overall, especially when fellow humans get you down. Your pets will always love you without expecting anything in return.

Our pet-friendly community includes a dog wash station and bark park. Please contact us for more information on our available apartments in San Mateo, CA.

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5 Must-Try Boba Spots

January 3rd, 2017

BobaBoba is one of the latest crazes to sweep the country. Also known as bubble tea, boba features signature boba pearls that add a delicious treat to an already tasty drink. If you’re looking to get started enjoying this future classic drink, you need to find some of the best boba spots in town.

Residents of San Mateo apartments are surrounded by boba spots. There are more than five spots located within driving distance! As such, we’ve simplified the matter by ranking the top five boba spots in and around San Mateo.

5.  Gong Cha

Gong Cha is a chain of boba spots with a location in San Mateo. They’re known for their quality milk foam and boba drinks that come from only the freshest ingredients. Of course, you can also experience any of your favorite teas, such as oolong and earl grey tea. Explore their menu and you’ll certainly be pleased.

4. Eggettes

Eggettes is one of those places you visit on a whim and end up falling in love. On top of creating a delicious selection of boba teas and other fresh drinks, Eggettes has a full menu to keep your belly full and your wallet happy. Try some of their signature egg dishes, you can thank us later!

3. BAMBU

BAMBU is home to both great food and delicious boba drinks. While many boba spots have opened and closed in the past few years, BAMBU has remained open and operational since 2008 by four Vietnamese sisters. They’ve used their expertise to craft drinks that people truly enjoy. Despite their popularity, BAMBU has a small, cozy location that will make anyone feel at home.

2. Bobabia

Bobabia is one of the best reviewed bubble tea spots in the area, which is what earned it the second spot. Bobabia features a wide range of boba drinks and even a menu of appetizers. Their prices are second to none, which helps draw in the locals from all around. They even have a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night!

1. Cha Express

Cha Express earned the top spot by providing a specialized boba and milk tea spot. Locals spend their spare time flocking to Cha Express to soak in some of the hand crafted, and very affordable, boba tea. On top of delivering a great drink, they also have a welcoming and inviting restaurant (even though there are rarely empty seats).

Are you interested in experiencing these fantastic boba spots? Each of them are within driving distance of 888 San Mateo. Schedule an appointment today to view available floor plans and become a resident!

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How to Decorate for Winter

December 2nd, 2016

Winter SpicesSeasonal decorations help brighten the interior of our San Mateo apartments. After you take down the holiday lights, try a few of these winter decorating ideas to make your home cozy and bright all winter long.

Winter Decorating Tips

  • Bring some of the outside in. During the winter months, we tend to spend much of our time indoors. While San Mateo doesn’t get as much snow as other parts of northern California, the weather outside can be wet and dreary. Use some beautiful white birch logs paired with fresh greens in a stoneware crock to bring a sense of rustic style to your foyer or living space. The white logs are bright and crisp against the greens. For a more fragrant arrangement use bright green eucalyptus branches.
  • Add some twinkle to your art. Lights aren’t just for the holidays. Clear twinkle lights can brighten up the dark days of winter. Pick up an inexpensive canvas at your local home decor outlet. Using the tutorial at Love Grows Wild, add clear lights to the canvas and brighten up your evenings at home with a warm glow.
  • Change your door decorations. Don’t let your holiday wreath linger on your door into 2017. A winter-themed wreath will welcome your guests and lighten the spirits of your neighbors as they pass by. Forgo the pricey store wreaths and find a DIY option that you love. Use twine to arrange a few simple white branches into a frame and hang some pinecones in the center. You can also spray two simple vine wreaths with white paint and arrange into a snowman to guard your entry. Don’t forget his hat and scarf!
  • Embrace the bright white.  Sometimes white can be seen as sterile and impersonal. When contrasted with the early evenings of winter, white can bring a sense of light and brightness to your living space. Cozy white blankets, sparkly, silver throw pillows and arrangements of white candles in glass, silver, or sparkly gold holders light up the night and bring warmth to your home. Contrast the white accessories with bursts of your favorite color to add a personal touch.

No matter how you choose to decorate this winter, the apartments at 888 San Mateo are ones you will be proud to call home. With more than a dozen floor plans to choose from, these studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments are spacious and beautifully designed with updated kitchens and fixtures. Call today to schedule an appointment and see what floor plans are currently available.

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3 DIY Knitting Projects

December 2nd, 2016

KnittingKnitting is a very common pastime for many people and it can also be a great way to create lasting items that people will cherish. Even if you are a beginner, you can still create some very cool things while keeping your fingers nimble, your mind young and putting smiles on the faces of those you love. The next time you want to try a knitting project, try one of these DIY options.

DIY Knitting Projects

Knitted Baby Bow Hat

Do you have new young loved one in your life? If so, then this is the hat that they need. It is a fairly easy project and will be adorable on the baby you love. It is ideal for newborns up to 3 months but you can make it bigger if you want for an older child. All you need is a simple hat pattern. Then, you will alter the design slightly to add the bow knit into it. The finished project is super cute and you may want to make one for all the babies you know. learn more about the project here.

Knitted Chevron Blanket

Everyone loves a comfy and warm blanket and the chevron design is very popular these days. This is a perfect project to complete for yourself or someone else who loves chevron and cuddling up on the couch with a warm blanket. All you need is some colorful yarn in the colors you want to use and a little bit of time. You can make it as big or small as you want. Get the tutorial for the blanket here.

Knitted Scarf

Who doesn’t want a warm, knitted scarf to wear in San Mateo? Ok, so it may not get cold enough to wear one here but if you know people who would use one in colder climates, these make great gifts. You can get creative with these and make different designs with varied colors. If you have someone in mind while making them, you can create it based on what they would want and like. There are also many different types of scarf styles available so you can make multiple scarves for one person if you use different patterns, colors and styles. The options are endless. You can learn more about it and get a tutorial for an infinity scarf, one of the most popular styles today, here.

Knitting is a pastime that many people enjoy. You can find the perfect spot to knit in one of our San Mateo apartments by stopping in for a tour today.

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5 Best Places to Get Hot Chocolate Near Your San Mateo Apartments

November 16th, 2016

As the weather turns cold and wet, there is nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. You can find the best hot chocolate at coffee shops, chocolate studios and related venues near your San Mateo apartments. Here are five excellent places to grab a cup of hot chocolate during the coldest months of the year.

Sharona’s Chocolate Shop

The chocolate artists at Sharona’s Chocolate Shop craft a perfect cup of hot chocolate every time. This wintertime beverage is made using rich milk and melted chocolate to create the most decadent drink imaginable. Pick up handcrafted chocolates or other treats to go before you leave this venue.

Philz Coffee Near Your Apartments In San Mateo

Although Philz Coffee near your apartments in San Mateo is known for its drip brew, the hot chocolate is a must-have during your visit. As with all their drinks, each cup of hot chocolate is made to order while you wait. The friendly atmosphere in this venue will encourage you to sit back and relax while you sip your refreshing chocolate beverage.

Heidi’s Pies Restaurant

The main reason visitors stop by Heidi’s Pies Restaurant is to enjoy an amazing slice of pie with an iconic cup of hot chocolate on the side. The rich, creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with any pie on the menu. You can embrace the season by ordering a slice of pumpkin or apple pie with your beverage.

Kaffeehaus

Although European-inspired coffee fills the menu at Kaffeehaus, the hot chocolate will definitely leave a lasting impression. If you are feeling particularly thirsty, you can order your beverage in the largest size to go. If you order it in house, you will receive a toasty mug full of rich, decadent chocolate melted and stirred into a creamy base.

3 Bees Coffee House

You may come to 3 Bees Coffee House for the hot chocolate, but you will surely stay for the warm, inviting atmosphere. Once you make your order, your server will construct the hot chocolate using fresh ingredients. Their signature foam happy face will adorn the top of the drink to put a smile on your lips before you taste the delicious beverage.

After warming up with hot chocolate, you may feel inspired to explore the region despite the crisp weather. Once you return home, give the team at 888 San Mateo Apartments a call at 855-805-6160 to learn more about our available floor plans.

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