Are you getting tired of doing the same old workout routine? We get it, and sometimes you just don’t have the creative energy to come up with something new. When you need to give your creativity a rest but still want to get a sweat on, we recommend the “Deck of Cards Workout”. What is the “Deck of Cards Workout” you ask? Simply follow the steps below!

Step one – grab a deck of cards.

Step two – denote a movement to each card suit (maybe write it down so that you remember).

For example:

hearts = jumping jacks

diamonds = push ups

spades = air squats

clubs = burpees

*remember these are just ideas, you can do any movement that works for you! Just make sure that one movement is complete for your whole body, for example, 1 lunge would equal 1 left lunge and 1 right lunge. Here are a few other ideas for movements: lunges, plank up downs, sit ups, line hops, toe touches, arm circles, etc.

Step three – count out 20 cards, 30 cards, or the whole deck (remember the more cards the longer the workout), now shuffle them up!

Step four – set your stack of cards in front of you and pull a card. The suit denotes the movement, the number (face cards/aces = 11) denotes the number of reps to perform. Going off our initial example, if you pull an 8 of hearts, do 8 jumping jacks, if your next card is a king of spades, do 11 air squats. Keep pulling cards until you get through your stack!

*Reminder: you should consult a physician before starting any physical exercise program.

The post Revamp Your Workout! appeared first on Keva Flats Blog.

1. Pick a theme! 

Now hear me out…don’t start rolling your eyes picturing an elaborate Gatsby-themed party with tuxedos and expensive shiny decorations everywhere (unless you are into that, then by all means, get to it!).  Use a theme as a way to keep things organized and simplified for your guests.  Let’s use two different example themes to get us through the rest of the list: “Breakfast for Dinner” and “Paris”.
 

2. Create the ultimate playlist!

Now that we have our themes, think about what music accompanies that aesthetic.  “Breakfast for Dinner” – think coffee shop stations on Spotify, or your favorite 50s songs you would hear at a diner.  “Paris” – maybe you only play music from French artists or soundtracks from your favorite movies that feature the French city!  
 

3. Make it potluck style!

Don’t let all the food fall on you just because you are hosting.  Stick with the theme and ask guests to contribute.  “Breakfast for Dinner”, you’ll need coffee, fresh fruit, and maybe some fun pancake fixings.  “Paris”, ask guests to bring baguettes, brie and French chocolate.  
 

4. Opt for a signature drink!

Let guests know that you will have this signature drink on hand, that way you aren’t spending a million dollars picking up everyone’s favorite beverage and they can bring their own if they want something different!  For “Breakfast for Dinner”, mix up some Irish coffee for everyone. For “Paris”, pick up a few bottles of your favorite champagne (add some fresh fruit in the glasses to spice things up!). 
 

5. Utilize your community’s amenity space! 

Apartment communities are equipped with the latest and greatest amenities, and Keva Flats is no exception.  Maybe you want to spread out for your “Paris” dinner party, head to the entertaining kitchen and enjoy the great open space.   Or after you enjoy your “Breakfast for Dinner” head out to the clubhouse to play pool and board games with your guests.  The possibilities are endless!

I hope these tips help you realize that you are more than capable of hosting a dinner party at your apartment.  Happy entertaining, and have fun! 

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“Well I guess it’s back to the grind.” “I am still just trying to catch up.” “My down time just flies by.” “I’m just so busy.” How many times have you heard people say these words in conversation? The answer is–too many. It’s no secret that we live in a fast-paced world filled with countless responsibilities, pulling us in a million different directions, but even though we live in that world, we do not need to let it consume us!

Today I challenge you to look at life through a different lens. Move away from only focusing on where you need to be, how little time you have and the never-ending list of things you MUST do. I know that these things are important to you, or they wouldn’t be causing you stress, but they can’t be your ONLY focus.

I want you to slow down, just a little bit. I want you to start looking for what makes you smile in the middle of the chaos. Is the sun shining, did you hear your favorite song, was your morning coffee just right? Now, once you start finding these moments, I want you to write them down, even if it’s just one. I am not talking about big things like “my children”. Pick something specific that happened that day. Like your son Jake told you a knock-knock joke and his laugh made your day. Start out just looking for one thing that makes you smile, and you will begin to see all these little moments that used to merely flash by. Writing them down each day will allow you to bring more attention and value to them. Cherish these moments, be grateful for them, and recognize them. You will still be running around catching up on everything, but you will be looking for those moments that make it all worth it, and time may start to feel like it isn’t flying by so fast!

The post How a small habit will change your perspective TODAY! appeared first on Keva Flats Blog.

It's the holiday season, and you know what that means, COOKIES!  Time to break out your family recipes and get baking!  We know you will make your traditional favorites, but they could use some new and exciting company on this year's cookie platter.  Check out this list of 42 new cookie recipes from Taste of Home!  We don't know about you, but we can't wait to make the "sweet and salty reindeer", the "waffle iron cookies" and the "peppermint stars".  Let us know your favorites in the comments!  Your friends at Keva Flats wish you a happy (and sweet) holiday season! 

The post Fresh Holiday Cookie Recipes for 2019! appeared first on Keva Flats Blog.

Although it’s true, some people love falling leaves, apple picking and all things pumpkin spice; it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (or in this case their cup of pumpkin spice latte). For many, Fall means colder temperatures, shorter hours of daylight and the impending stress of the holiday season. The combination of the change in seasons and the ruffling of routines often leads to a loss of motivation and an abandonment of healthy habits. I know I often catch myself indulging in sweet treats and missing a workout because “the holidays are right around the corner”. It turns into the perfect excuse and those “treat yo’self” moments become unhealthy habits that do more harm than good. Don’t get me wrong, we all deserve an indulgence occasionally, but when you find yourself stressed and energy depleted, the best medicine is keeping up those healthy habits. Take a look at the list below for inspiration and motivation!

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1.) Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
No arguing here, go to bed on time and you will wake up refreshed.  (Trust me, your Netflix shows will still be there tomorrow.)

2.) Get your body moving for 30 mins every day. 
Listen up. I am not telling you that you need to run a half marathon and hit a one rep max back squat every day, I am simply telling you to move your body.  Go for a walk.  Do a quick yoga routine (there are tons of awesome, FREE YouTube videos).  Have a dance party in your kitchen.  Attend your favorite exercise class.  Whatever exercise your body loves, do that. 

3.) Drink more water.
Just do it. Flush out the toxins and keep your body hydrated.  You will love the way you feel and the way you look (your skin will thank you). 

4.) Put your phone away.
Find some time every day to unplug.  Use this technology-free time to read a book, take a bubble bath or just sit and talk with a friend.  Your emails, texts and Instagram will be there when you get back, so remember to take a break every once in a while. 

There you have it folks, a few tips to help you fight the fall fizzle-out.  Let’s end this year motivated and healthy, rather than stressed and sloth-like. 
 

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What is your favorite part of the Halloween season? For some, it’s picking out the perfect costume, whether that is playing out a pun, imitating their favorite character or scaring everyone who sees them. Anyone with a sweet tooth looks forward to an abundance of candy everywhere they turn. The thrill seekers will pay people to frighten them as they wander through haunted houses and corn mazes. While others will enjoy a hayride (in daylight) to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve and put on display. There is one Halloween pastime that definitely can't be forgotten and has something for everyone's various Halloween personalities… HALLOWEEN MOVIES! Whether you want scary, silly, heartwarming, or classic, there is a Halloween movie for you. Check out this list of classic Halloween movies courtesy of Good House Keeping and get the popcorn ready! If you ask me, Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without Hocus Pocus or The Addams Family. What are your favorite Halloween movies? Be sure to comment below. Happy (almost) Halloween!!!

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I think I may have found your new home! This spacious corner apartment at Keva Flats is calling your name. Picture this, you open your front door to an airy hallway. Apartment living doesn’t have to mean that you walk right into your living space, the Bexley’s entryway feels more like a home! Your hallway leads to a beautiful, naturally lit living space. Your living room/dining room/kitchen space is a great open concept filled with windows. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your private balcony, right off your living room. Don’t forget about your two spread out bedrooms and bathrooms. Both bedrooms are equipped with spacious walk in closets!  When its time to clean up, take your pick of a walk-in shower or soaking tub; your apartment has both to choose from. It sounds perfect doesn’t it? Contact the leasing office today and schedule a tour of this one stop shop floorplan. You will love calling the Bexley home!

The post Meet the Bexley. appeared first on Keva Flats Blog.

It is finally beginning to feel like fall in Exton, Pa!  Now that the temperatures and leaves are falling, we can all start to get into the Halloween spirit. Chester County is the perfect backdrop for all things fall!  Check out this list of fun fall activities via Macaroni Kid West Chester.  What is your favorite part of the season…is it pumpkin spice lattes, hayrides or apple picking?  Let us know in the comments!

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You have been waiting for months.  The date is circled on your calendar.  You signed your lease.  You changed your address.  You’ve been packing for what feels like years…all that is left is the physical move.   It is all you can think about! Is your friend going to remember to come help you at 7 AM on Saturday?  Do you need a moving truck or does your second cousin’s best friend’s boyfriend still have a pickup truck that you could borrow?  Can you do it all in one day?  What is the weather going to be…oh no will it rain!  Yes, you feel like you’re losing your mind.  As someone who has watched people successfully move into apartments for years, I can tell you that you’ve got this!  Send out the reminder to your friends who are helping, pay for the moving truck (it is more reliable than the distant relative’s pickup truck), you can get it all done in one day, and hey if it rains, it rains! With all that’s going on, your brain may be on overdrive, but don’t fret…below is a short checklist to tie up all the loose ends and get you completely ready to go!

1.) Check what time you can get keys! Call your leasing office.  They are there to help you and would much rather help you come up with a plan than see you outside the office door frowning because you forgot the office doesn't open until 10 AM on Saturday. 

2.) Purchase renter's insurance! Most apartment communities require proof of renter's insurance before they can give you keys.  Don't let this slow you down on move in day!  Get it set up and print it out before you pack up your computer and printer! 

3.) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You will be asking for a dehydrated headache around 1 PM if you don't remember to pack your water bottle with your cup of coffee on move in day! 

4.) Toilet paper, paper towels, and soap! Trust me, these are the things that will slip your mind and you will be searching through boxes to no avail.  Stick them in your car right now or move somewhere like Keva Flats! The Keva team will stock you up with the basics when you move in. 

5.) Get a good night's sleep the night before! Moving is exhausting; physically, mentally and emotionally.  Start your day off well rested and ready for everything the day may throw at you. 

6.) Remember that your new home is a work in progress! Everything will not look like Joanna Gaines styled your apartment the day that you move in.  Be gracious with yourself.  Your apartment will feel like home and have your style before you know it, don't force it on the first day! 

I will leave you with this, take a deep breath, remember that you've got this, and take a peek at my checklist before you head out on move in day.  Welcome home! 

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