Look for the signs!

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the Christmas season of 2022! Please join us in a unique nationwide celebration of this momentous occasion.

For more than seven decades, the Program has changed and grown immensely, bringing hope and the enchantment of Christmas to over 281 million underprivileged children. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, now in its 75th year, also provides year-round support to families suffering obstacles and unusual circumstances, so helping to realize the aspirations and dreams of millions of families and children in need across our great Nation.

This centennial year will give opportunity to spotlight the Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Program on a national level by sharing our rich history, tradition, and the great community support we get each year. We are honored to have famed American Pop Artist Charles Fazzino commemorate this event. The net revenues from the sale of his official anniversary poster, which can be seen here, will go straight to our purpose.

Events and activities around the country will energise the American people and direct their attention to:

Highlight our outstanding Reserve Marines, both past and current.
Highlight the impact that the Toys for Tots Program has on communities around the country.
Community leaders, corporate sponsors, organizations, and volunteers are highlighted and thanked.
Most essentially, assist youngsters in need for every family seeking Christmas assistance.
Please join us in honoring and appreciating the incredible achievements of the Reserve Marines and many volunteers who have selflessly helped over 281 million children in need. We invite you, our devoted supporters, to join us as communities around the country band together to aid children in need via the Marine Toys for Tots Program. We've been around for 75 years!

The post This Holiday Season, Give Back: Marquette Apartment Complexes Are Toys for Tots Donation Centers appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

We know it’s not easy to pick a place to live with so many options in the Chicago area. Picking a Chicago suburb is daunting as you start downtown and move outwards in all directions. To make this choice a little easier, we put together a list of the top places with some of the best living conditions, along with apartment complexes within these areas.

Algonquin, IL

We will start with our very own town of Algonquin. 

This beautiful little suburb in which we are located has a population of 30,799. Algonquin is in McHenry County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Most residents own their homes here, creating a community feel and a safe and comfortable town in which to live. There is an abundance of parks and activities here, and young professionals tend to find it a great place to make their forever homes. Lush trees and Victorian homes line the streets. The public schools in Algonquin are highly rated, making this a desirable place to live for years to come!

Naperville, IL

One of our neighboring suburbs, Naperville is a safe and thriving neighborhood with much to offer. The public schooling system is ranked highly, and the suburb itself is constantly in the top 5 Chicago area suburbs in which to live. The low crime rate is a huge plus, with an upbeat and active neighborhood full of parks, shops, and wonderful restaurants. This community is quite welcoming, with an immense historic district, miles of riverside pathways, and lush, green landscapes.

Feel free to reach out to our sister property Brookdale on the Park for more information on this quaint town. 

Aurora, IL

Our third and final recommendation for places outside of Chicago is Aurora!

Aurora is known as the “City of Lights" because it was one of the first cities in the country to adopt an all-electric street lighting system in 1881. It has an affordable cost of living compared to the surrounding areas. The Fox River is a huge part of the community, with many cyclists, walkers, and runners enjoying the miles of shoreline in the community. Those who work in Chicago will love this – the Metra train features two stops in Aurora, making it a great place for Chicago commuters!

Feel free to reach out to our other sister apartment homes, Farmington Lakes for more information about this wonderful community.

With so many wonderful options, you can’t go wrong with any of these three communities. 

Have any questions? What is your favorite Chicago suburb? Let us know in the comments!

The post The 3 Best Suburbs to Live In Outside of Chicago appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

Here is our list of the best outdoor recreation in Algonquin, IL.

Hill Climb Park

Check this out if you're wondering about things to do in Algonquin. Hill Climb Park, a popular neighborhood hangout for outdoor enjoyment, provides not only breathtaking scenery but also a variety of calming activities. This 12.85-acre (5.2-hectare) park has vast grassy sections with a few trees here and there for shade, offering a soothing ambiance while you take a calming stroll along the park's numerous pathways.

Picnicking is also permitted at the picnic area near the gazebo and pavilion. Other amenities include two playgrounds with sandpits, jungle gyms, swings, and more for youngsters to enjoy while playing in the sun.

Hill Climb Park

Address: 801 Circle Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102, United States

Opening hours: 6 am – dusk (daily)

Prairie Trail

Prairie Path is a popular hiking and bike trail that goes from Algonquin to the Wisconsin state line and is nearly 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) long. The lengthy path also passes through Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Prairie Grove, McHenry, McCollum Lake, Ringwood, and Richmond in the county. As one might expect considering the natural grandeur that surrounds this wonderful path, it's popular not just for hiking and cycling but also for tourism.

Prairie Trail

Address: 314 Washington St | Algonquin, IL 60102

Indian Trail Beach

If you want to spend some quality time with people while visiting Algonquin, Illinois, Indian Trail Beach is the place to go. It's one of two beaches in the Lake in the Hills region, along with Butch Hagele Beach. Aside from the stunning scenery of the lake and adjacent forested regions, guests may enjoy a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and much more.

Overall, it's a lovely beach where you can spend time with the people you care about.

Indian Trail Beach

Address: 228 Indian Trail Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Exner Marsh Nature Preserve

Exner Marsh is a lovely, small glacial lake. It is home to a variety of fascinating bird and animal species. Hiking and paths go over 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).

In addition, cross-country skiing is available in the vicinity. After a day of trekking, you may relax and enjoy the scenery by having a picnic in one of the park's picnic shelters. If you wish to spend more time in that lovely setting, you may always remain and tent for the night. More information may be found on their website's camping page, which is linked below.

Exner Marsh Nature Preserve

Lakewood Entrance: 9000 Lakewood Road, 60156 Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Miller Road Entrance: 9105 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills

Towne Park

Towne Park is a modest, attractive, and serene oasis in the center of Algonquin. The 5-hectare (12-acre) park contains everything you might want for a pleasant day outside, including verdant grass, sports grounds, picnic tables, and shelters. The park is separated from the rest of the city by a wall of trees, and accessing the park requires crossing a small wooden bridge across the river, which provides the impression of entering another planet. Before you travel, keep in mind that the park may be closed due to river flooding.

Towne Park

Address: 100 Jefferson St, 60102 Algonquin, IL

Buffalo Park Forest Preserve

Unfortunately, there are no buffalo in the park. You'll still have to travel to Wyoming for that, but the park does have some unique features, such as a circular walk, access to fishing locations, multiple picnic tables, and a lot of trees. This is an excellent location for scenic photography and a relaxing picnic in the midst of nature. Unfortunately, you will not be able to spend the night at the park due to the removal of a campground following many floods. Also nearby is the Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park.

Buffalo Park Forest Preserve

Address: 1 Alan Dr., Algonquin, IL

The post The Best Outdoor Recreation in Algonquin, IL appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

1. Tackle the grossest first:

 This may seem like common sense, but it's important to start with the grossest cleaning tasks first. That way, you can get them out of the way and move on to the less-gross tasks. Trust us, you'll be glad you did!

– Start with the bathroom: The bathroom is usually one of the dirtiest rooms in an apartment complex, so it's a good place to start your spring cleaning. Be sure to clean the toilet, sink, and shower/bathtub. Don't forget to scrub those tile floors too!

– Move on to the kitchen: The kitchen is another room that tends to be pretty dirty. Be sure to clean all of your appliances (inside and out), as well as

2. Remember your pets:

-Pet-friendly cleaning products.

– Laundry: Pet hair can easily end up in your laundry, so be sure to shake out all of your clothes before putting them in the washing machine. This will help prevent pet hair from clogging up your drains.

– Furniture: Pets love to lounge on furniture, so be sure to give your couches and chairs good vacuuming or shampooing.

– Carpets: Carpets are another breeding ground for pet hair. Be sure to vacuum them regularly and If you have pets, it's important to spring clean with them in mind. Be sure to sweep and vacuum regularly to remove pet hair from your floors. You may also want to consider investing in good brushes like the Furminator!

3. Get to those pesky corners :

– Use a vacuum attachment: Vacuum attachments are great for getting to those pesky corners and tight spaces. Be sure to attach the appropriate attachment for your vacuum cleaner and go to town!

– Use a broom: If you don't have a vacuum attachment, no worries! A broom can also do the trick. Just be sure to wipe baseboards where dirt collects.

4. Take care of your light fixtures

– If your home has light fixtures, it’s important to take care of them. While they may seem like a small detail, light fixtures can play a big role in the overall look of your home. Plus, if they’re not properly maintained, they can cause problems like flickering lights or uneven light distribution. Luckily, taking care of your light fixtures is relatively easy. 

– First, make sure to dust them regularly to prevent build-up. 

– Second, check the bulbs and replace them as needed. 

– Finally, if you have any broken parts, be sure to replace them as soon as possible. 

By following these simple steps, you can keep your light fixtures in good condition and help ensure that your home always looks its best.

5. Put things in order

One of the best ways to spring clean your home is to simply put things in order. This means taking a few minutes to declutter and organize your space. Not only will this make your home look neater, but it will also help you stay more organized in the future. Plus, it can even help you save time by making it easier to find things when you need them. So, next time you’re spring cleaning, be sure to take some time to put things in order. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

These are just a few spring cleaning tips for people who live in apartment complexes. By following these tips, you can help keep your home clean and tidy all spring long. So, what are you waiting for? Start spring cleaning today!

The post 5 Spring Cleaning Tips for People Who Live in Apartment Complexes appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

When it comes to choosing a place to live, many factors come into play. Location, cost, family and friends, pets, space, amenities, upkeep, and much more all have impacts on your decision. Your commute can be a factor, and if you work remotely, your home can become your office. Having a place where you feel comfortable and at peace is a big deal. Our jobs can be stressful, and we don’t want that stress to transfer to where we live and rest. 

We understand that here at Woodlands of Crest Hill, which is why we take care of our residents by factoring your lives into the decisions we make about our apartments. We’ve put together a list of reasons why living in an apartment like the ones we offer can be more advantageous for work.

Commute/Location

Many apartment homes are built close to bus routes, trains, highways, and other forms of transportation. For example, we are just minutes from I-80 and I-55, important highways for both the tech corridor and Chicago commuters.

Besides commuting, apartments are usually built near grocery stores and nightlife, so you don’t have to worry about these things outside of work.

Upkeep and Maintenance

If you live in a house, you will be doing most of the upkeep and maintenance yourself. It can cost hundreds of dollars and endless time and energy when you could be focusing on what is more important to you. When something goes wrong in an apartment, property managers like our team at Marquette Management are always here to help. It’s nice to know that someone has your back when things need repair or updating.

Amenities

To be able to have everything you want right where you live can be a huge stress relief. Whether you get home from work or you work from home, in an apartment home you will usually have amenities like a full gym, a pool, a business center with wifi, laundry, and more all at your disposal. This saves you time and money, which in turn makes work less stressful. Check out the full list of Woodlands of Crest Hill Amenities here.

Size

Apartments are often just the right size for your needs. One, two, or three bedrooms and a bath, a kitchen, and a living area. Easier to heat and cool, this saves you some of that hard-earned money and allows you to pay only for what you need.

Community

We are big on the community here at Woodlands of Crest Hill.  With 17 gorgeous acres, we know your environment is important when choosing a home. It can be hard to meet people outside of work, which is why a clubhouse, pool, grilling area, and other amenities can be a great way to destress and hang out in your free time. We even have a dog park, so you can feel like your canine friend is well-taken care of.

Let us know why you love living in an apartment home in the comments!

The post Why Living in an Apartment Can be More Advantageous for Work appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Whether you're celebrating with your significant other for the first time or the tenth, you've probably already given some thought to your Valentine's Day dinner ideas. You can show your love with a DIY gift, pink cocktails, or a V-Day fruit salad, or you can whip up a fancy-schmancy (and romantic) dinner. Here are our favorite ideas for a date night meal to remember.

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. 

Red Sauce Rigatoni Recipe

All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie.
 

Charcuterie Board

There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board any time of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate.

Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken

Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. 

Zucchini Noodles

If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, salad dressing, or tomato sauce. Cauliflower And Burrata 

This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all!

Cauliflower Rice Sushi

Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. 

Stuffed Avocado

Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. 

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum!

Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast

Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque.

The post Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas to Make at Home appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

Work-life balance means something different to every individual, but here health and career experts share tips to help you find the balance that’s right for you.

1. Let go of perfectionism

A lot of overachievers develop perfectionist tendencies at a young age when demands on their time are limited to school, hobbies and maybe an after-school job. It’s easier to maintain that perfectionist habit as a kid, but as you grow up, life gets more complicated. As you climb the ladder at work and as your family grows, your responsibilities mushroom. Perfectionism becomes out of reach, and if that habit is left unchecked, it can become destructive, says executive coach Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, who wrote The Office Survival Guide.

The key to avoid burning out is to let go of perfectionism, says Puder-York. “As life gets more expanded it’s very hard, both neurologically and psychologically, to keep that habit of perfection going,” she says, adding that the healthier option is to strive not for perfection, but for excellence.

2. Unplug

From telecommuting to programs that make work easier, technology has helped our lives in many ways. But it has also created expectations of constant accessibility. The work day never seems to end. “There are times when you should just shut your phone off and enjoy the moment,” says Robert Brooks, a professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and co-author of The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence and Personal Strength in Your Life. Brooks says that phone notifications interrupt your off time and inject an undercurrent of stress in your system. So don’t text at your kid’s soccer game and don’t send work emails while you’re hanging out with family, Brooks advises. Make quality time true quality time. By not reacting to the updates from work, you will developing a stronger habit of resilience. “Resilient people feel a greater sense of control over their lives,” says Brooks, while reactive people have less control and are more prone to stress.

3. Exercise and meditate

Even when we’re busy, we make time for the crucial things in life. We eat. We go to the bathroom. We sleep. And yet one of our most crucial needs – exercise – is often the first thing to go when our calendars fill up. Exercise is an effective stress reducer. It pumps feel-good endorphins through your body. It helps lift your mood and can even serve a one-two punch by also putting you in a meditative state, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Puder-York recommends dedicating a few chunks of time each week to self-care, whether it’s exercise, yoga or meditation. And if you’re really pressed for time, start small with deep breathing exercises during your commute, a quick five minute meditation session morning and night, or replacing drinking alcohol with a healthier form of stress reduction.

“When I talk about balance, not everything has to be the completion and achievement of a task, it also has to include self-care so that your body, mind and soul are being refreshed,” says Puder-York.

These exercises require minor effort but offer major payoffs. Psychotherapist Bryan Robinson, who is also professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and author of the book Chained to the Desk, explains that our autonomic nervous system includes two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (our body’s stress response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (our body’s rest and digest response). “The key is to find something that you can build into your life that will activate your parasympathetic nervous system,” says Robinson. Short, meditative exercises like deep breathing or grounding your senses in your present surroundings, are great places to start. The more you do these, the more you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which “calms everything down, (and) not just in the moment,” says Robinson. “Over time you start to notice that in your life, your parasympathetic nervous system will start to trump your sympathetic nervous system.”

4. Limit time-wasting activities and people

First, identify what’s most important in your life. This list will differ for everyone, so make sure it truly reflects your priorities, not someone else’s. Next, draw firm boundaries so you can devote quality time to these high-priority people and activities.

From there, it will be easier to determine what needs to be trimmed from the schedule. If email or internet surfing sends you into a time-wasting spiral, establish rules to keep you on task. That may mean turning off email notifications and replying in batches during limited times each day. If you’re mindlessly surfing Facebook or cat blogs when you should be getting work done, try using productivity software like Freedom, LeechBlock or RescueTime. And if you find your time being gobbled up by less constructive people, find ways to diplomatically limit these interactions. Cornered every morning by the office chatterbox? Politely excuse yourself. Drinks with the work gang the night before a busy, important day? Bow out and get a good night sleep. Focus on the people and activities that reward you the most.

To some, this may seem selfish. “But it isn’t selfish,” says Robinson. “It’s that whole airplane metaphor. If you have a child, you put the oxygen mask on yourself first, not on the child.” When it comes to being a good friend, spouse, parent or worker, “the better you are yourself, the better you are going to be in all those areas as well.”

5. Change the structure of your life

Sometimes we fall into a rut and assume our habits are set in stone. Take a birds-eye view of your life and ask yourself: What changes could make life easier? 

Puder-York remembers meeting with a senior executive woman who, for 20 years of her marriage, arranged dinner for her husband every night. But as the higher earner with the more demanding job, the trips to the grocery store and daily meal preparations were adding too much stress to her life. “My response to her was, "Maybe it's time to change the habit,'” recalls Puder-York. The executive worried her husband might be upset, but Puder-York insisted that, if she wanted to reduce stress, this structural change could accomplish just that.

So instead of trying to do it all, focus on activities you specialize in and value most. Delegate or outsource everything else. Delegating can be a win-win situation, says Stewart Freidman, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and author of Leading the Life You Want: Skills for Integrating Work and Life. Freidman recommends talking to the “key stakeholders” in different areas of your life, which could include employees or colleagues at work, a spouse or a partner in a community project. “Find out what you can do to let go in ways that benefit other people by giving them opportunities to grow,” he says. This will give them a chance to learn something new and free you up so you may devote attention to your higher priorities.

6. Start small. Build from there.

We’ve all been there: crash diets that fizzle out, New Year’s resolutions we forget by February. It’s the same with work-life balance when we take on too much too quickly, says Brooks. Many of his workaholic clients commit to drastic changes: cutting their hours from 80 hours a week to 40, bumping up their daily run from zero miles a day to five miles a day. It’s a recipe for failure, says Brooks. When one client, who was always absent from his family dinners, vowed to begin attending the meals nightly, Brooks urged him to start smaller. So he began with one evening a week. Eventually, he worked his way up to two to three dinners per week.

“If you’re trying to change a certain script in your life, start small and experience some success. Build from there,” says Brooks.

The post Achieving Work Life Balance at Home and in the Office appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.

Main Street of old Downtown Algonquin speaks to once what was and what could be once again. As Algonquin the community gathers, it leaves a pocket of opportunity for small business owners to come in and set up shop. Take a few minutes to explore what each downtown has to offer by viewing our directory below.

Downtown Algonquin brings meaning to leisure time while enjoying the local yarn shop and wandering through in amazement with the different fibers and vast array of colors. Signing up for a class is easy and fun and serves as a great getaway for a few hours to enjoy the company of fellow knitters.

Downtown Algonquin gives several options to find the right piece of art as it takes time and a diligent effort to get just the right piece. Shopping for art downtown is the best way to locate your next purchase.

Downtown Algonquin is the place to go when you want to freshen up or replace your nails. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, pick your colors and style and let the transformation begin. Some salons offer hair styling and coloring as well as lashes and eyebrow coloring.

Downtown Algonquin brings musicians together and finding your local musical instrument shop can be a great way to get to try new and used guitars. Be sure to start your search downtown if you are looking to upgrade, trade in, or add to your collection.

Why do you love downtown?

Restaurants in Algonquin, Illinois

Aroma Restaurant

3907 West Algonquin Road

Downtown Algonquin

Bellinos Steak & Martini Bar

8 South Main St

Downtown Algonquin

Downtown Algonquin Hotels

Finding the best hotel in Downtown Algonquin can make or break the experience of your entire trip. Take a few minutes to explore what each hotel has to offer by viewing our directory below. Here are some tips to consider:

Avoid booking poolside for kids playing during the day and gatherings at night. Sound bounces off of the water and voices carry so ask for a room away from the pool either on the opposite side of the hotel or in higher floors.

Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast bar or even a full cafe meal with your choice of a full menu. Keep in mind that some offer nothing at all so it is a good idea to pack a few packets of instant oatmeal for a quick and easy meal before you head out for the day.

Always announce during booking if the trip is for a special event, anniversary or reunion. Group rates can be pre-negotiated and you may qualify for a lower cost and better upgrades for your stay. If you are the one setting up the event, always work directly with the front desk manager to make sure the best service is offered to your party.

Victorian Rose Garden

314 Washington Street

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago-Algonqu

2595 Bunker Hill Dr

The post Things to Do and Shopping Near Algonquin, IL appeared first on Algonquin Square Apartment Homes Blog.