Here at Woodlands Village, we’re proud to be part of the Flagstaff community. Part of that pride means taking the opportunity to give back when and where we can! Our Woodlands crew is excited for our upcoming food drive to give back to the Flagstaff Family Food Center!

The Flagstaff Family Food Center provides amazing support to Flagstaff families. In fact, through their efforts, approximately 247,000 nutritious meals are served every year to families in need in our community! The Center also serves up an awesome literacy program through its reading room, which serves approximately 2,200 children a year! It’s no wonder their mission is “serving hope to Flagstaff families!”

The Food Center overs a variety of opportunities to volunteer and give back to the Flagstaff community! Volunteers have the opportunity to prepare and serve daily hot meals, prepare and pass out sack lunches, help children and youth with homework and reading, distribute emergency food boxes, and more. We have been proud to serve the Family Food Center at the holidays, and look forward to bringing an opportunity to serve to you in May! From May 1 to May 14, we’ll be collecting non-perishable items to donate to the food bank and make a big difference here in Flagstaff!

Besides joining in our food drive, you can learn about even more opportunities to help the Flagstaff Family Food Center by visiting their Volunteer Page! Let’s join together to show Flagstaff that the Woodlands Village life is all about spreading some Woodlands Village LOVE!

The post Woodlands Village Gives Back: Flagstaff Family Food Center appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

1. I Will Step Out On Limbs

Remember that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Indy has to take a leap of faith? It’s not easy—in fact, it can be downright terrifying—to take risks when you can’t see the path ahead, but it is usually worthwhile. It sounds contradictory, but don’t be afraid to try something that terrifies you this year, whether it’s a new food, a new hair color, or a new job opportunity!

2. I Will Forgive Myself

We all make mistakes. But as Shakespeare said, to err is human; to forgive—even yourself—is divine. Even when you fumble at the ten yard line, you can still recover; maybe not that play, but the next one. And you’ll be wiser for it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and smarter. So stop ticking off mistakes as points lost and start tallying them as lessons learned and experiences gained.

3. I Will Eat Something AMAZING

No, seriously. Get out there and try a new dish. If life is all about the living, then a good meal should be about more than just filling your stomach. Maybe, just maybe, it should be about pampering your taste buds. And yes, that means you, too, weight-loss-resolvers: just because you’re dieting or on a new healthy eating plan does not mean you should completely cut off your sweet tooth.

4. I Will COOK Something Amazing

Yes, you. Whip out the skillet and go at it. Raid your pantry for unexpected dishes. See what happens when you just toss some things in the same pot, even things you think might not usually go together. Check out sites like Yummly for quick and easy recipes. And once you’ve mastered a few dishes, take one night—just ONE, out of 365, is not asking too much—and cook yourself a three course (minimum) meal, including dessert.

5. I Will Dance

Hello, Pandora mix! Hello, speakers! Hello, open floor space! Hello, closed blinds! Do a little dance, make a little noise, and get down tonight. Dance alone, or dance with friends. Learn a line dance from YouTube (we recommend The Wobble, but that’s just us!). Take a night and learn the Thriller dance in its entirety. Buy a copy of Just Dance for your gaming system (or find some tutorials on YouTube). Just do it. Get up and move. You’ll feel better.

6. I Will See Something I’ve Never Seen Before

Go on a road trip. Watch a documentary. Sit and observe a crowd of people. Get yourself out there to see something beautiful and new, even if it’s just your first time actually watching the sunrise.

7. I Will Let Myself Get the Feels

It’s okay to cry. Your laugh is amazing. Verbal road rage is (relatively) okay … as long as the windows are up and your passenger seats are empty. Stop bottling up your feels. Just let ‘er rip. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling, even if you have to put a cap on it. A good five minute cry works wonders. A nice, long laugh after a lousy day is bliss.

8. I Will Face a Fear

Real talk. The person who wrote this is deathly afraid of clowns, and yet has resolved to either go to a circus or watch a movie with a (non-homicidal) clown before June. Why? Because fear can be crippling, and it really bugs us that some THING can hobble our ability to live. It’s not easy, but facing a fear is a big deal. Even if it’s just allowing yourself to really take a look at that spider in the corner before you scream. Even if it’s just peeking out the window from a great height before you scream. Even if it’s just sitting through one clown juggle before you scream. The scream is okay; it’s a release of pent up fear energy. It’s keeping it in that’s keeping you back.

9. I Will Remember How Awesome It Was To Be a Kid

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Maybe it was swinging as high as you can on the swing set, or playing with your food, or splashing in mud puddles, or playing in the rain. Guess what? Growing up doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing those things. Pick a favorite childhood thing—finger painting, video games, adventures in the land of make believe—and relive it as an adult. Grab your cardboard sword and slay an imaginary dragon. Invest in a Play-Do set and reinvent the universe. Watch an episode of Sesame Street. Be a kid again, if only for a day.

10. I Will Let It Be

When you find yourself in times of trouble … let it be. When the world is crashing in, let it be. When you feel like an outsider, let yourself be. Be yourself, and let your life be lived. Embrace your world for what it is, changing what you can and accepting that while some things can’t be changed it doesn’t mean they have to ruin the wonderful world you live in. Let 365 days of living, of loving life, of being you, of making change, of being change, of feats and failures, trials and triumphs … be. Go boldly, not gentle, into that bright day, that good night, that wild world. And when the broken hearted people living in that world agree, there will be an answer: Let it be.

Welcome, 2016 … We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our doors!

The post 10 New Year’s Resolutions We Can All Live With appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Please join us for our Canned Food Drive. We will be gathering donations through Thursday, December 10th. All your donations will be taken to the Flagstaff Family Food Center!

Stop by our office for details or if you have any questions, and thank you in advance for your donations!

 

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This week, we’re giving thanks for the gift of “furever” friends! Did you know that this weekend is National Animal Adoption Weekend? It’s actually called National Pet Adoption Weekend, but we all know that the animals we bring into our homes are more than just “pets”: they’re family, part of our support systems, and sometimes our very best friends. All across the country people are showing love for their furry companions, so we thought we’d take a look at what makes having an animal in your home so great!

1. Have a Heart

Did you know that having an animal is good for your heart? Having an animal has been shown to reduce the chances of a heart attack, lower blood pressure, and other heart-healthy advantages! It must be the way they warm our hearts just by being around!

2. You’ve Got a Friend in Me

The animals we bring into our homes are like family … and studies show they’re almost as close to us, with about 91% of animal caretakers saying they feel very close to their animals. And not only are we close to them … they also help us to get closer to others! Whether it’s hanging out at a dog park or chatting up fellow cat lovers, there’s something about animals that, let’s face it, makes it hard not to talk about them! Don’t believe us? Check out the hashtag #catsofinstagram and see how many people across the country are loving each other’s cat pics alone!

3. Bark = Meow = Love

As the saying goes, “To err is human, to forgive, canine.” Okay, maybe not, but nobody shows unconditional love like a dog. Nobody makes you feel more special with just a little bit of attention than a cat. Even a goldfish can make you feel loved. Studies have shown that animal owners have higher self-esteem and lower bouts of loneliness. Why? Because as much as we love our animals, they give ten times the love back.

4. Get Res-paw-nsible

Remember when you were younger and your parents told you having an animal was a big responsibility? Whether that was their reason for getting or denying you an animal, it’s still true today. Having an animal is a BIG responsibility, whether it’s a Betta in a bowl or a Lab on a leash! But they are literally the best “chores” in the house! Instead of thinking of taking care of an animal as a “chore,” think of it as a chance to learn how to care for others more than yourself. Think especially hard about this when it comes to emptying out the litter box.

5. Get Fit!

Animals help us stay more active! Whether you’re taking your dog or cat for a walk (cats on leashes? We love it!) or just playing in the house, animals get us up and active more than we would be without them. And we’ve all seen the YouTube videos of dogs jogging along with their owners on treadmills, or cats joining in a yoga routine. Who knows … you and your furry friend may go viral one of these days just by working out together!

So celebrate the furry friends in your life! Shower them with special treats this weekend. Celebrate the Adoption Weekend with a donation to your favorite animal shelter or local humane association. And if you don’t have an animal, but are thinking about adding one to your household, just keep these five things in mind:

1. Think about the cost. Make sure you have enough in your budget for monthly food and care needs, including regular visits to the vet, possible grooming, toys, etc.
2. Think about your time. Do you have time for an animal? We’re talking time to walk and feed her, take him to the doctor, play time, and so forth. How will an animal impact your work, family time, etc.?

3. Think about your space. What kind of animal would work best in your home? A smaller space might mean a cat or fish. A larger space might accommodate a dog or cat. And keep in mind … things change. You might wind up upgrading or downgrading your space, adding a roommate, etc.

4. Think about your lease. What does your lease say about adding an animal to your home? When in doubt, just stop by the Welcome Center … we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about bringing your furry friend home!

5. Think about the law. As much as we love all animals, some simply aren’t allowed. Whether it’s your lease or state law that restricts what kind of animal you can have, don’t commit to an animal before you’re sure it’s legal for you to have it in the first place!

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One way to make yourself feel at home at Woodlands Village? Get to know the streets where you live! If there’s any place that we’d call a five-senses city, it’s Flagstaff. There’s so much to see, do, and experience it can be hard to know where to begin. Thankfully, we’re here to help you get to know Flagstaff with all five senses! Check out our suggestions below!

See Flagstaff

One thing Flagstaff natives and visitors enjoy in almost equal measure is the beauty of our four-seasoned landscape! See if for yourself and take in all of Flagstaff’s natural landscape by getting out and about around town. Don’t miss a hike through Walnut Canyon, or the short drives to Wupatki National Monument, Coconino National Forest, or the Grand Canyon. See the stars that make Flagstaff a top-rated dark sky city from the stellar view at Lowell Observatory. Or head down to Heritage Square where there’s always something worth seeing!

Hear Flagstaff

For a night of fantastic music, you can’t skip over the Museum Club, one of Flagstaff’s highest rated stops in Flagstaff. Check out the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra or Flagstaff Playhouse for live theater and musical entertainment. And don’t miss karaoke nights at Granny’s Closet, the Monte V, the Green Room, and other local venues!

Touch Flagstaff

Don’t leave Flagstaff fun up to chance … head to Twin Arrows Casino where your gamble could really pay off! Get some shopping done at the Old Town Shops, or some of Downtown Flagstaff’s favorite shopping outlets: the Flagstaff Soap Company, Crystal Magic, and more are all within easy distance of your home, and well worth the short trip. Head into the green and blue with a boat tour or rafting adventure with Hatch River Expeditions, a Grand Canyon Whitewater tour, or Arizona Raft Adventures. After a long day out, you might need the soothing touch of a calming massage. Flagstaff has you covered with spas like Massage Envy and Diamond Point Spa!

Taste Flagstaff

Want to know one of our favorite things about Flagstaff? So. Much. Food! Head downtown for sushi at Karma, or check out Hiro’s Sushi right across from Safeway and within easy walking, biking, or driving distance of your home! Go Greek at Taverna, or Thai at Dara Thai on San Fran. Looking for some classic favorites? Head to Smashburger or Five Guys for a great burger, Lumberyard for to-die-for mac and cheese, or Brews and Cues for a classic pot pie with a side of sweet potato fries! Get your night cap at Vino Loco or any of a ton of downtown hot spots!

Smell Flagstaff

We’re going back to nature for this one! One of our favorite day trips is up into the Ponderosa pines; people say it makes Flagstaff smell like a vanilla-scented paradise, and we’re not going to disagree. One way to really breathe it all in is with a scenic chairlift ride! This serene, 25-minute ride takes you to the tip-top of Arizona to view all our state has to offer from the heart of Flagstaff! We’re already up pretty high … imagine breathing in the air at over 11,000 feet! It’s a great chance to tempt all your senses, with fresh crisp air, magnificent views, the sweet sounds of nature, and more!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy and get to know Flagstaff?
 

The post Welcome Home: 5 Great Ways to Get to Know Flagstaff appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Did you know September is Maintenance Appreciation Month? We’re so lucky to have an awesome Maintenance Crew! This week, we’re putting the focus on our team, to give you a little introduction to the folks who do so much to make your time here at Woodlands the best it can be!

Logan

Logan is our Lead Maintenance Technician. He has been with our team for two years. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, basketball, spending time with his family, and a good BBQ! He enjoys all kinds of music. His favorite movies are The Departed and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. We asked Logan what he liked most about working with us at Woodlands, and he shared that he likes staying busy and working with his teammates!

Fernando

Fernando has been with us for 17 years! Outside of work, he loves spending time outside, riding horses, camping, fishing, and so forth. He loves Ranchero and Country music. Fernando likes being busy and being productive … and with 17 years under his belt, we know he’s done so much to make Woodlands Village great!

Edith

Edith, our Housekeeper, has been with us for two years. Outside of work, she likes to shop. Edith enjoys all kinds of music. When asked what she liked most about working with us at Woodlands, she said, “The people I work with!”

We’re so lucky to have such an awesome Maintenance and Housekeeping team as part of the Woodlands Village family! If you see any of our team members out and about on property, be sure to stop them and say thanks for all they do to make our community great! Or just say “Hi” … we guarantee you it will make your day a little better!

The post Woodlands Village Celebrates Maintenance Appreciation Month! appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Just like Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home! We’re happy you decided to call Woodlands Village your home in Flagstaff, and know there must be a ton of reasons you chose us over your other options. We thought we’d share some of our top reasons we love it here, too!

7. “Put Our Service to the Test”

We’re keeping it real like Lumiere when we invite you to “be our guest” … because our customer service is above the rest! We’re glad to have the opportunity to serve our residents, and we know it stands out how much we care!

6. Party Over Here!

One of the ways we love to serve our residents is through our resident events. Did you miss our end of summer block party? Well that’s just a sample of how we keep things fun here at Woodlands! Residents love our CARES Events and resident events like our special movie nights at Harkins Theater. So as you settle into your new home, keep your eyes peeled and ears alert for the next event we’ll bring your way!

5. Speedy Delivery!

Our Maintenance Crew is the BEST! Go ahead and clock our response time to your service needs … we promise you won’t be disappointed. And with a careful eye for detail, you’ll always be happy when our team takes care of your maintenance concerns!

4. Home is Where the Heart Is

If home is where the heart is, there’s no place like Woodlands Village. We love the sense of community that we see here! The folks who live here are more than just “people sharing space” … They’re neighbors, friends, and family. We love when you stop by the office to share a story with us, or when we see groups hanging out at the pool, playing games in the clubhouse, or sharing a BBQ with their neighbors!

3. The Club(house) is Jumpin’, Jumpin’

Okay, so it’s not exactly the kind of club Beyonce was talking about, but don’t kid yourself … in our Clubhouse the party ain’t gonna stop. For a lot of people a clubhouse is a clubhouse, but at Woodlands ours is stylish and fun! We love seeing residents take advantage of the space for everything from game nights to wedding receptions; it’s one of the things that reminds us what a great community we have!

2. Yoda Says …

We love to see you laugh, so we do what we can to keep things light. One of the things our residents love are our dorky package notices. If you’ve been by the office recently for a package, it’s probably because Yoda reminded you that “a package you have”!

1. No Community Without “U”

What’s the number one thing that makes us love it here at Woodland Village? YOU! We love our jobs, our company, and our residents. We truly care about what we do, and hopefully that’s reflected through our commitment to service. Because we wouldn’t be here without you … and we’re thankful every day that you made Woodland Village your home!

Those are just a few of the reasons we love our Woodlands Village community … but we all know there are SO many other things to love! What do you love about Woodlands?!

The post Why We ♥ Woodlands Village! appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

It’s Move In Month! August is a huge move-in month here in Flagstaff, and we’re seeing it here in our community, too! We’re so happy to have you all joining our community, and look forward to serving our new residents and continuing to serve our current residents. This month, we’re focusing on ways to make your new community feel more like home.

There’s nothing scarier than moving to a new place. Whether you’re just moving out of your parents for the first time, moving across the country from all your friends, or simply relocating to a new apartment community, the big move is daunting more for the personal change than the change in location. But did you know there are a lot of easy ways to meet new people in your neighborhood? It just takes a little courage and a willingness to put yourself out there! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Classmates and Coworkers

Whether you’re in Flagstaff for school or a new job, there’s no doubt some of the first people you’ll meet after your move are your new classmates and coworkers. So why not reach out to them? Suggest a study group. Invite your coworkers to hang out at a local restaurant or happy hour. As you get to know these people, pinpoint shared interests and begin forming connections based on those!

2. Welcome Mat

No doubt as you move into your new place you’ll run into at least a few of your neighbors. Say “hello” to anyone you pass in the community, whether it’s your next door neighbor, a neighbor on a nearby building, someone you pass at the mailboxes, or that other late night laundry washer. Don’t be afraid to be the first to make introductions, and create a sense of openness and welcome that will in turn encourage your new neighbors to reach out to you.

3. Surf the Web

Not too long ago we shared tips on using social media sites to meet new people. While it can feel a little awkward, there are plenty of helpful sites that will get you out into your new neighborhood meeting people in no time. Check out Meetup.com, where you can find a ton of great groups based on shared interests that meet weekly or more right where you live!

4. Get Furry

We know this kind of falls into the same circle as “using your little brother/sister to pick up a date” but … come on, everybody loves a new furry neighbor. Take your dog to the dog park or walk him around property. Hang out with your cat and let her meet your neighbors. Ask someone in the neighborhood to share their best tips on keeping all that animal fur off the carpet and your furniture. Who knows … maybe your puppies new best friend will lead you to your new best friend.

5. Be “That Guy/Girl”

We all know “That Guy” who we always run into at the bookstore, or “That Girl” who always sits at the end of our favorite bar. Become that person by finding your favorite restaurant or shop and joining the crowd of regulars! Don’t be afraid to accept that invite into a conversation. Ask the other person you always see there how long they’ve been coming to this new favorite spot of yours, and what else they love about your new town. And remember, you can become “That Guy/Girl” right here … once you start running into the same people at the laundry room or fitness center, spark conversation! Grab your morning coffee and hang out in a common area, and be “That Guy/Girl” who makes anybody else who joins you feel welcome!

Remember: A night in with Netflix may seem like an ideal way to spend your evenings, but you’ll never meet new people that way! Accept invitations to hang out. Ask to borrow a cup of sugar, and be willing to lend out your toolbox. And don’t forget, we’ve already made it a little easier for you to meet your neighbors! Our awesome CARES Team provides a number of fun and free events every month that you can easily join in, and that present a perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors and make friends right where you live!
 

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Did you know there are tons of places around Flagstaff that would love your unused end tables and unwanted futon? Whether you’re moving out of your apartment or just trying to reduce the amount of stuff you have laying around, we’re here to help you turn your “trash” into charitable “treasure”! Here are five great places you can donate anything from clothes to furniture and support those in need in your community!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff

Clothes for Kids’ Sake is a donation-based fundraising program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. And it’s not just for clothes donations! BBBS collects clothes, furniture, and housewares from all around the local community for this drive. Items are then delivered to Savers, where they’ll help support BBBS’s youth mentoring programs! You can find donation bins all around town, including at some of our sister communities! If you can’t find a local bin, just call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (928) 774-0649 to schedule an at-home pickup for your donation.
 

Goodwill

Goodwill lets donors know upfront: their donations help “[change] lives in our community!” One hundred percent of donations to your local Goodwill stays in the community—that means you’re directly helping to fund employment, job training, and more to fellow Flagstaff residents in need! You can drop off donations in local bins, or just visit their convenient drive-thru donation center right off of Route 66 and Milton!

Full Circle Trade & Thrift

Full Circle works with a ton of local businesses partnering with local nonprofits to help keep Flagstaff’s economy going strong! Their work helps to build the local economy, create new jobs, and ensure local wages. Full Circle accepts donations of gently used but no longer needed belongings at the store or drop off locations. And if giving up some items leaves you longing to fill some space in your apartment, don’t forget to check out the shop!

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of furniture, appliances, and more. The ReStore program sells affordable goods to fun Habitat operations. The items you donate helps keep landfills empty and encourages a cycle of recycled use for the items that helped make your apartment a home. Purchases from ReStore are used to fund local building projects … So not only are you clearing out your loved items to be loved by someone else, but you’re also using items that made you feel at home help build homes for others! Recycling has never looked so good!

Sharon’s Attic Thrift Store

Sharon’s Attic helps provide case management, transitional housing, life skills training, children and youth programs, and more to many in Flagstaff who need it most! Your donations to Sharon’s provides much needed aid to homeless victims of domestic violence. They provide a wish list of items the organization currently needs, so check your home for items that might meet those immediate needs. Otherwise, help by donating your gently used furniture, bedding, and more!

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Did you know March is Optimism Month? To celebrate, we’re focusing on a ton of tips for bringing extra touches of bliss into your life and home!

Did you know March 20^th is the International Day of Happiness?! Even if you didn’t particularly celebrate this awesome holiday, it’s never too late to celebrate … especially a day all about making yourself and those around you a little happier!

The International Day of Happiness is all about reconnecting, and establishing connections, with those around us. If there’s one thing that stands in the way of our happiness, it’s a feeling of loneliness … Which is why making connections is so important!

We’re so happy to be able to bring our residents the awesome connection of our CARES Teams! We’re proud of the work they help us do to keep you and everyone who lives in our community engaged with each other. So for this Day of Happiness, we not only thank our CARES Teams but also you … Thank you for being part of what makes each of us connected to our small corner of the Flagstaff community! You’re part of our Happy Movement!

Want to help make the world a happier place? Here are some ideas you can put into action right now!

1. Do Happy

Being kind not only makes others happy … it also helps to increase our own happiness! And kindness is contagious, so when you take time to do something nice for someone, they are more likely to pay it forward. So go out and do something to make someone happy—a friend, a family member, or even a stranger! You never know how far your kindness can go!

2. Speak Happy

Have you met your neighbors?! Make sure you introduce yourself—getting to know the people who live near you helps create a sense of belonging for both you and them! If you’re not the most outgoing person, try stopping by one of our CARES events and introducing yourself to someone new!

3. Think Happy

We all know how easy it is to criticize. Be different and try to think positive! Look for the good in the people around you and remember: everyone has value! And thinking good thoughts about those around you helps keep your mood from falling anytime other people are around. There are billions of them … and all of them would probably rather think happy thoughts than ones that bring them down!

4. Share Happy

Besides being kind to others in our everyday lives, you can also help make the world a happier place by sharing your happy with the world. And thanks to the crazy connectivity we enjoy with social media, it’s easier than ever to share your happy! Share a funny picture. Share a song that makes you want to dance. Share a quote that inspires you. Share happy, and you’ll grow happy!

5. Party Happy!

Looking for a more unique way to go social with your happy? Check out the Global Happy Party happening online right now!

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